DTASC Students Slay Competition

The Samo Theatre program made history after students Dilay Akcora (’19) and Adya Mohanty (’18) took first and second place respectively in the Varsity Audition Monologue Category of the 98th annual Drama Teacher Association of Southern California (DTASC) Shakespeare Competition on Apr. 21, 2018. In addition, Caitlin Durkin (’21) made it to the finals for the Junior Varsity Audition Monologue category. The competition includes various performance categories, with over seven dozen schools being represented.  Auditions for the Theatre Shakespeare Team were held by teacher Kate Barraza with 30 students participating in early January. These students included regular participants in the fall or spring play and students enrolled in either acting one or two. After the auditions, students were chosen for either a group Shakespeare scene or to perform a monologue. These students then worked several hours a week, Monday through Friday for two months, with the help of head of the department Barraza and drama instructors Emily Arms and Gina Oster. “The students were incredibly motivated, extremely disciplined and so willing to dig deep emotionally to bring home stunning performances. It was an honor for me to work with each and every one of them,” Oster said. Students had to leave at 5 a.m. for the DTASC Competition, which included two rounds until the semifinals and then one round until the finals, with new judges at each round. After the finals, students, friends and families gathered to hear the awards being announced. “I was thrilled. The moment our whole group was looking at the signs that state which school codes make it on to semi-finals, and every single student made it was a very thrilling moment!  At that point, I didn't care about finals, I was just so happy that a large group of students made it that far. The competition from other schools is very strong, so it's amazing to see what students come up with. They are imaginative and committed to developing a strong understanding of the scenes,” Barraza said.  Students reflected on this experience as a whole with only positive feelings. “We’re so lucky to be able to pull something off like this as a theatre department. Most of these students at these schools cannot participate in their school shows because they are committed to this competition, but we get to experience it all,” Akcora said. “Honestly I felt this entire process was such a positive experience. I feel I've grown as an actress and I feel more ready to set out into the big bad acting world. The competition was so much fun! To anyone that wants to participate in DTASC next year I highly recommend it! I went into the competition prepared and excited because of the phenomenal coaching I received and I had an incredible experience,” Mohanty said.  The results of this competition made Santa Monica Arts Program stronger as a whole and reassured the talent this school has to offer.  “The Santa Monica arts program already has a strong name and reputation for its talent, innovation and overall achievement. When our school goes to an event and performs as they did, it is really hard for anyone to deny or ignore the intense talent that we have here at Samo. I would hope it adds to the students’ sense of pride about their program and inspires others to join,” Oster said.