Meet the 2024/2025
Bruin Theatre Officers
Welcome to the Bruin Theatre, where creativity and dedication shine on and off the stage. Our Theatre Officers for the 2024/2025 school year have been carefully selected by their peers, a testament to their leadership and commitment to the art of theatre. To be considered for this esteemed role, students must complete a full year in the Talented Theatre program, demonstrating their passion and capability.
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Qualities of an Officer in Theatre
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Hardworking: Our officers exemplify tireless effort and dedication, setting a high standard for themselves and their peers.
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Positive: They maintain a positive attitude, fostering a supportive and uplifting environment for all theatre students.
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Follows Theatre Rules: Adherence to theatre rules is paramount, and our officers lead by example, ensuring a disciplined and respectful space for creativity.
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Does Not Put Their Position Above Others: Humility is key. Our officers understand that their role is to serve and support, not to seek personal glory.
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Handles Conflict Calmly: Conflict resolution is approached with calmness and maturity, maintaining harmony within the group.
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Attendance: Officers must not miss over five unexcused days per semester during their term. Consistent presence is crucial for effective leadership.
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Commitment to Rehearsals: Attendance at rehearsals is mandatory unless excused by a doctor's note or family emergency. This ensures that all productions run smoothly and everyone is prepared.
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We are proud of our Bruin Theatre Officers and look forward to another year of outstanding performances, creativity, and teamwork. Thank you for your continued support of the Bruin Theatre program.
Welcome to
Bruin Theatre!
Jefferson Parish Public School Gifted/Talented Theatre Program
at Bonnabel High School​
Join us and witness the power of compelling performances. As a Title I High School theatre program, we're dedicated to serving our community by delivering high-quality productions. With 16 years of experience in producing professional performances, we're confident you'll love what you see.
Our Journey
2009: We began our first production with little to no funding. Through hard work, we have become a professional theatre troupe in our community. Over the past 15 years, Mrs. Lanson has produced over 25 theatre productions and 6 student films.
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2019: We received our most significant grant to improve theatre technology and set design. This helped us become the most professional high school theater in the Jefferson Parish Public School System, the largest school district in Louisiana.
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2020: Due to COVID-19, we pivoted to film and received awards for two student documentaries.
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2021: Hurricane Ida completely destroyed our theatre. We found alternative performance spaces and produced two productions the same year with a bare budget and community support.
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2022: Inspection and architectural design steps began, making our theatre space unusable. Our theatre students transformed a large classroom across campus into a functioning theatre space in five months, with help from the J. Edgar Monroe Foundation.
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2023: We continue to work in our Found Theatre space. Our student enrollment climbed to 2,400 students due to local school closures. We strive for professional theatre, even in tough times.
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2024: Renovation of our theater space begins, aiming for a grand reopening for the 2024-2025 school year, allowing us to re-enter the space where it all began.
Our Mission
At Bruin Theatre, we are committed to excellence in the arts and to serving our community through engaging and high-quality performances. Thank you for your continued support of the Bruin Theatre program.
Meet the Director
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Performed 30+ plays
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Directed 28+ productions
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Designed 28+ productions (set, lighting, sound, costume, makeup & hair)
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Teacher of the Year (2014-15) Given by Jefferson Parish School System
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Most Dynamic Instruction (2018, 2019) Given by Bonnabel Administration
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Elective Department Chair (2017-19)
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2nd place Theatre Festival Best Student Scene BHS (2013)
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Student Best Documentary & Top 5 Finalists (2021) FilmPrize Jr. Festival
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Student Best Animation (2023) FilmPrize Jr. Festival
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Bruin Award (2016) BHS
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10 Year Pin (2019)
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Served as JP Talent Lead Teacher 2020-2024
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Served as SkillsUSA Advisor 2014-2018
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Served as NTHS Chapter Director 2014-2023
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Served as Dept Head CTE 2014-2017
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Compass Evaluator 2015
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Directed in Fringe Theatre Festivals
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Directed in Outworks Festivals
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Secured funding/grants +$200K
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2024-2025 School year = 16th year teaching
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Received JPSchools Teacher Tenure Status
Mrs. Lanson's Education
2004-2009
Bachelor's Degree
Theatre Performance
Louisiana State University
A Theatre Performance degree provides students with a comprehensive education in the art of acting, directing, and production. This program combines practical training with theoretical knowledge, enabling students to develop a wide range of skills essential for a successful career in theatre and related fields.
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Key Highlights
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Stanislavsky Studies:
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Focus: Emphasizes the importance of an actor's internal experience, encouraging deep emotional connection to the character.
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Skills Gained: Emotional memory, relaxation techniques, and methods to achieve truthful and realistic performances.
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Accomplishments: Students often perform in challenging roles that demand emotional depth and complexity, contributing to a well-rounded acting portfolio.
Meisner Studies:
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Focus: Concentrates on external stimuli and spontaneous reactions, promoting genuine and instinctual acting.
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Skills Gained: Repetition exercises, improvisation, active listening, and developing a strong presence on stage.
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Accomplishments: Mastery of Meisner techniques leads to dynamic and engaging performances, enhancing an actor's ability to respond authentically to their scene partners.
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Relevant Skills and Milestones
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Skills Gained:
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Acting Techniques: Mastery of various acting methods, including Stanislavsky's system and Meisner's techniques.
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Voice and Speech: Training in vocal projection, articulation, and dialects.
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Movement: Development of physical awareness, stage combat skills, and dance.
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Directing and Production: Understanding the fundamentals of directing, stage management, and production design.
Accomplishments Achieved:
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Performances: Participation in numerous stage productions, from classical plays to contemporary works.
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Workshops and Masterclasses: Opportunities to learn from industry professionals through specialized workshops and masterclasses.
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Collaborative Projects: Involvement in collaborative projects that foster teamwork, creativity, and innovation.
Milestones Reached:
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Capstone Projects: Completion of a major capstone project or final performance showcasing the culmination of training.
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Internships and Professional Experience: Gaining practical experience through internships with theatre companies, film productions, or other entertainment industry roles.
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Awards and Recognition: Receiving accolades for outstanding performances, contributing to a strong professional resume.
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A Theatre Performance degree equips students with the tools, techniques, and experiences necessary to pursue a dynamic and successful career in the performing arts.
2021-2023
Masters Degree
Educational Leadership
Louisiana State University
Shreveport
A Master's Degree in Educational Leadership prepares individuals for advanced roles in educational administration, policy, and leadership. This program focuses on developing the skills needed to effectively lead and manage educational institutions, promote educational equity, and drive student success.
Key Highlights
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240-Hour Internship:
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Focus: Provides hands-on experience in educational leadership, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.
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Skills Gained: Leadership and management skills, strategic planning, staff development, and organizational improvement.
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Accomplishments: Successful completion of the internship, demonstrating the ability to lead projects, manage teams, and implement school-wide initiatives.
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Graduate Study of Theatre's Impact on Social Emotional Learning (SEL):
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Focus: Explores how theatre education enhances students' social and emotional learning, including empathy, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills.
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Skills Gained: Research and analysis skills, understanding of SEL frameworks, and methods to integrate theatre into educational curricula.
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Accomplishments: Conducting and presenting research on the positive effects of theatre on student SEL, contributing to academic discussions and practical applications in education.
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Relevant Skills and Milestones
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Skills Gained:
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Leadership and Management: Developing effective leadership strategies, conflict resolution, and team-building skills.
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Educational Policy: Understanding educational policies, legal issues, and ethical considerations in school leadership.
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Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data to inform decisions, improve school performance, and enhance student outcomes.
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Curriculum and Instruction: Designing and implementing curricula that promote student engagement and achievement.
Accomplishments Achieved:
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Leadership Projects: Leading initiatives that improve school operations, student performance, and community engagement.
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Research Contributions: Contributing to the body of knowledge on educational leadership and the impact of theatre on SEL through research and publications.
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Professional Development: Participating in workshops, conferences, and seminars to stay updated on best practices and emerging trends in education.
Milestones Reached:
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Internship Completion: Successfully completing the 240-hour internship, demonstrating practical leadership experience.
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Thesis or Capstone Project: Completing a significant research project or thesis on theatre's impact on social emotional learning, showcasing the ability to conduct in-depth academic research.
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Graduation: Earning the master's degree, equipped with the knowledge and skills to take on leadership roles in education and make a positive impact on student learning and development.
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A Master's Degree in Educational Leadership, coupled with specialized study on theatre's impact on SEL, provides a robust foundation for educational leaders committed to fostering holistic student development and creating inclusive, supportive learning environments.