Redwood High School’s Theatre director Stacy Galvan is celebrating 20 years of mentoring local acting students.
The milestone cements the fact that “Anastasia: The Musical” is a royal celebration. Experience the magical story of a lost princess on LJ Williams’ stage Feb. 5, 6 and 7.
“Anastasia is a wonderful story, and I always love watching good stories come to life,” Galvan said. “I am super excited about our technical team that is working on the show and can’t wait to see what they come up with as it all comes together. Watching the new students who haven’t performed before is always a highlight.”
A royal celebration
Galvan joined Redwood High School’s staff in 1998 as an English and AVID teacher. Her directorial debut was in 2006 with the show “Hello Dolly!” Two years later she became the school’s drama teacher.
Each year, Galvan and her team look at what shows’ rights are available and consider the group of students that will be involved in the show to determine if it is a good fit. Picking a musical that will provide a new experience for the students is also part of the equation, according to Galvan.
“We pride ourselves on giving students the best educational experience possible,” Galvan said. “Watching students fall in love with musical theater is so fun. Plus, I love production. Technical theater is my passion and I love seeing the art we can create with sound, lighting, costumes. Students learning their lines, choreography and blocking is just a fraction of what it takes to create a good show.”
As the hardworking cast get ready to perform an unforgettable show about resilience, friendship and discovering where you belong, audiences can be a part of the magic and celebrate Galvan’s 20 years of dedication to the theater program at Redwood.
The ‘heartbeat’ of Redwood Drama Department
Galvan shares the spotlight with many talented students and a team of dedicated and inspiring educators to create magic behind the scenes and on the stage.
“Adrienne Terry served as our choreographer for most of my tenure; her assistant, Jill Hackbarth has stepped into that role and has been an amazing partner. Jolene Ringhofer has taken the lead most years as our costume designer and has a passion for helping students that is unmatched,” she said. “Mel Carrillo has been by my side for 15 of my 20 years, and when he wasn’t available, Charlotte Garcia DaRosa filled in. Mr. Bettencourt, before he retired, conducted the musical orchestra at Redwood for 20 years. Now Jordan Ray organizes and rehearses the orchestra.”
In 2008, Galvan took a chance on Terry — a young dancer. That experience was life-changing, according to Terry.
“For 15 years, she has been far more than a coworker or director; she has been a leader, a mentor, and the heartbeat of the Redwood Drama Department,” Terry said. “She created a space where art could be built boldly on stage, where ideas were welcomed, and where community thrived. Stacy is a teacher who opens the doors wide—not just to the talented, not just to the privileged—but to every human, of every shape, size, and color.”
Terry said that Galvan allows people to be exactly who they are, or “who they need to become.”
“Year after year, I’ve watched her pour her entire heart into this program, regardless of what life asked of her personally,” Terry said. “She stays curious, continues learning, and holds herself to the highest standard as an educator and mentor.”
“Some of the very best years of my life have been spent alongside Stacy Galvan and the incredible Redwood Drama Department,” Terry added.
How to watch
Redwood Rangers, past and present, and all community members are invited to celebrate Galvan’s 20th year as theatre director and enjoy “Anastasia: The Musical.”
This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Redwood’s drama teacher celebrates 20 years with ‘Anastasia: The Musical’
Reporting by Meade Trueworthy, Special to Visalia Times-Delta / Visalia Times-Delta
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
