Junipero Serra High School - El Padre Yearbook (Gardena, CA)

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The school year, 1977-78, for the Thespian Troup 2676 was as successful as it was exciting. The Serra Thespians were entertainers indeed. Perfor- mances proved superlative in many competitions that they entered. A Midsummer Nights Dream, the Sha- kesperian story of six bumbling actors, took the Thespians to such competi- tions as Dominguez Hills, Long Beach, and Harbor Colleges. The profession- alism of the performances was con- veyed so well to the audience, many of whom were drama coaches and judges and experts in the field, that A Midsummer Nights Dream was chosen for the National Thespian Convention in Oakland. Competition was only one aspect of the Thespian Society. Serra had become prominent in play production too. The Serra Thespians performed play after play with outstanding success, expected of fine actors. Such plays were Murder on the Orient Express, Charlie ' s Aunt, Night of January 16, and The Importance of Being Earnest. 1. An elegant ship traveling along the Nile sets the scene for murder and deceit in Agatha Christie ' s Murder on the Nile. Miss ffiliot- Fowlkes (Wynell) is greeted by the steward (Clark), while avoiding beadseller (Williams). 2. On stage during Enter Laughing , Roger (Mike Ruddy) gives his suit to David (Baratti) so he can perform. 3. Student director Laurence Williams and di- rector John Francis look on at a rehersal of Enter Laughing. 4. Marie Ryan and Karen Ruddy anxiously await their turn to read a part at a Char- lie s Aunt audition. 5. The steward (Clark) announces departure to Miss ffiliot-Fowlkes (Wynell) and Christina (Marie) in a scene from Murder on the Nile. 6. In J. Stein ' s Enter Laughing, David (Baratti) phones friends, Marvin and Wanda, and his parents to tell them of his ac- ceptance in his first play. 7. Cast and crew of Enter Laughing : Stand- ing: Marie Ryan, Lisa Esteves, Wynell Do- minguez, Mark Allen, Yvonne Van Oud- heusden, Chris Davis, Ronald Wiggins, Mike Ruddy, Laurence Williams, Tim McKindley. Not standing: Roy Ramirez, Paul Baratti, Milton Simpson, Karen Ruddy, Henry Bell, John Fejes, Paul Clark. Bottom row: John Francis (director) and Steve Jackson. 29

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Thespians Reach For Stardom

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The Serra men and the female associates proved to be professionals in the truest sense of the word, in their portrayals of the many different characters from each play. Acting, student directing, stage crews and directing all made Serra ' s Theatre Arts Department unusually good for high school drama. 30