Alta High School's Theatre Department: Our 2026-2027 Season!

 

Our Annual Night of Shakespeare will show off our hard work as we prepare to attend the National Shakespeare Competition in Cedar City, Utah from October 1st-3rd, 2026! 

We will have four amazing duo/trio scenes and five monologues to share, as well as our incredible 10-minute Ensemble Scene from Macbeth; directed by Linze Struiksma and Lyndsey McKinnon. 

AUDITIONS for Ensemble Scene: August 20th, 2026

*You will need a one-minute Shakespearian Monologue for auditions. 

There is a MANDATORY parent/guardian meeting on August 19th at 6pm for anyone auditioning for Shakespeare (or going on the trip) OR auditioning for Musical.

If you want to audition, a parent or guardian needs to be present at that meeting!

This coming year's musical will be Irving Berlin's White Christmas! This delightful story will include some incredible focus on choreography and even include some jump-roping tap dance. There will be some summer tap classes offered (completely optional) and more will be posted about these in a few weeks.

This show will be directed by Lindsey Cline (Assistant Director to be chosen at auditions).

AUDITIONS: August 26th and 27th, 2026 

*You will need a 30-60 second cutting to sing from a Musical Theatre song (from a musical) and will then complete a dance call that same evening. 

Alta Theatre's Annual Fundraiser Night will continue on with our Murder Mystery Dinner.  Two times for dinner will be offered (5:00pm and 7:30pm) and you will not want to miss this show!  The theme will be announced on November 24th with casting announcements, but trust me... it's gonna be amazing.

Directed and Created by Addilyn Covington (Assistant to be announced at auditions)

AUDITIONS: November 24th, 2026

*You will sign up for an audition time and come play 5-10 minutes of Improv Games to analyze those skills. Watch for Improv Club dates to be trained ahead of time! 

Antigone is the quintessential and epic story from Sophocles about the power of using one's voice for the things they believe in. We will be performing a brand new adaption of the play and using shadow work along with other powerful ways of story-telling! A condensed version of this piece will ALSO be used as the Region/State One-Act to compete on March 18th and then April 15th or 16th,

This show will be directed by Linze Struiksma (Assistant Director to be chosen at auditions).

AUDITIONS: December 15th, 2026

*You will need a one-minute modern Monologue for auditions. 

REGION AND STATE IE AUDITIONS: These will also be on December 15th, 2026 and more information will be posted about these the beginning of November 2026. You MAY use the same monologue for R&S auditions as for Antigone auditions. These are six categories you will be considered for with Region/State Competition: Pantomime, Contemporary Scenes, Classical Scenes, Humorous Monologues, Dramatic Monologues, and Musical Theatre.

*If you want to be considered for the Musical Theatre Category you will need 30-60 seconds of a musical theatre piece and the on-minute monologue. 

Competition Dates are March 18th, 2027 for Region and April 17th, 2027 for State.

One of our favorite Alta Theatre traditions is our yearly Student Directed One-Acts, also called SDOAs. These are ten-minute mini-shows chosen in March by those who are directing. Our student directors are from our Theatre IV class and are chosen through an application process and announced the beginning of Spring Break. 

AUDITIONS: April 19th, 2027

*You will need a one-minute modern Monologue for auditions. 

COME ENJOY OUR INCREDIBLE SEASON NEXT YEAR!

**Other ways to be involved are Drama Club and Improv Club (both monthly) and dates will be released on here and our Social Media (Instagram) the beginning of August. 

High School Musical Theatre Awards Tickets - May 9, 2026!

Hey all!

The Utah High School Musical Theatre Awards is fast approaching and we have been nominated in all the categories listed in the picture below:

That's so exciting!  We have a handful attending that evening to accept the awards should we win and Taylor will be performing in some group medley's for Best Actor in the STATE! Thankfully Alta has a block of free tickets available to students who were involved in Hadestown - either acting or tech! 

The awards show is formal - so a great excuse to get dressed up! - and is held at the Eccles Theatre in downtown Salt Lake.  This awards show will be on May 9th at 7 pm.  If you want to attend, you'll need to coordinate your own ride because we will not be taking a bus.

I'd love for as many people to attend as possible - obviously to support Taylor and our other finalists, and also to see some awesome performances at an incredible theatre!

If you are going to attend (and I hope you do!) please sign up on the Google Sheet linked HERE.  We have a total of 28 tickets available, so they are reserved on a first come, first serve basis.  If you are going to attend with one of our free tickets, you MUST sign up on this sheet by 3pm on Monday, 5/4.

Acceptors - you are already signed up! Please just be aware you may want to coordinate as you have a meeting in the Eccles from 4-4:30pm so you need to meet me there by 3:45pm in the Eccles Theatre. We will meet you after the meeting to grab dinner before the show. 

For those that do sign up, keep an eye out the week before for more information about coordinating plans to meet beforehand, eat, and pick up tickets. :)

Thanks!

-Cline

Pioneer Field Trip - Come From Away (May 6th)

Hey Team - 

We have the next of the pioneer field trips coming up on May 6th to see the musical Come From Away. This is my FAVORITE musical!  There is a content warning for strong language and mature themes. Please look up a synopsis to be sure you would like to attend. We will leave at 1pm sharp and return between 5:30-6pm pending traffic. 

Those who have already purchased group package tickets from last year get first dibs. We need to be on top of permission forms, so they will be due by Monday 27th by 2:45pm. If you have the package and are not planning to go, please let me know ASAP - by April 24th would be helpful. The sooner the better for me to know! CHECK AP TESTING SCHEDULE - I have these two tests listed at the same time, so if that's you you'll have to miss this one: Comparative Government and Politics Physics 1: Algebra-Based.

If you ARE going, please get this permission slip signed and returned by the 27th. You can print the one link below and sign it OR come get a hard copy from me next week. I will have hard copies available on the 20th (after state). If you are someone who did NOT pre-purchase a package last year, extra tickets will go on sale in the office after the 27th.  You must email me THEN and claim a spot! Please do not email me until April 27th.  You will need to pay $10 in the office and turn in the receipt WITH the permission form to finalize your spot. 

Thanks! 

 - Struiks 

P.S. If parents are interested in attending as a chaperone they need to EMAIL me asap- I will only have a couple spots for this one as some chaperones are already filled.

Permission Form Link

Musical Theatre Showcase Announcements and Reminders!

Hey all!

A reminder that this coming week is the big performance week!  We will have the Musical Theatre Showcase at 6pm on Tuesday night in the PAC.  This is a great opportunity to support your peers and get some extra credit in theatre classes for attending the showcase. It is free and again, starts at 6pm sharp! 

Those in the class and my techs on the event, a few reminders:

Please take time the next two days to just review your dances and music so we are ready for Monday.  You will need to bring ALL under-clothing and costumes needs on Monday, including your sneakers and jeans. We will meet in the PAC auditorium at 2:30pm, right after school on Monday the 5th.  Please also BRING FOOD AND WATER - bring some dinner and snacks to have as we will be there until 7pm.  We will be done by then, so please have parents and guardians plan that time for pick-up. Remember, this rehearsal DOES count toward your grade and you must be there for that full time for full points.  Techs, same for you! 

 On Tuesday, our call time is 4:30pm sharp.  We will warm-up, test mics, and get our energy up for a show start time of 6pm. Please remind families and friends to be on time to come support!  I am so excited to show them all we have been working on! :)  

- Struiks

Utah High School Musical Theatre Awards Nominations: Hadestown!

A huge congratulations to the people below for their UHSMTA nominations for their roles in Hadestown:

Best Actor = Taylor Fairbourn

Best Actress = Leah Memmott 

Best Supporting Actor = Niv Raz

Best Supporting Actress = Alyssa Read

Best Featured Performer = Kaylee Cannon 

Other nominations for all categories and final round nominations will be released in the Spring. 

I'm so proud of you all and again, congratulations to Taylor, Leah, Niv, Alyssa, and Kaylee! 

A reminder to put in your order for DVDs sometime in the next two weeks - thanks! 

Hadestown DVD Sales!

Hey Team, 

Here is the link for the Hadestown DVD sales event:

https://forms.gle/CbsTLds3VSVH3puh6

Please know I am taking orders through December 15th, so order BEFORE this time. I will email you when your DVD is ready for pickup and you MUST have your receipt to pick up your DVD from me. Thanks! 

HADESTOWN pictures and final announcements!

 Hey Team!

We're here at closing night and my heart is so full - please break all the legs and hearts tomorrow and have a great last run!  Before that, a few housekeeping reminders:

First - actors AND crew; you may not have ANYONE outside of the cast backstage.  This includes the stage, loft, dressing rooms AND makeup room.  There have been some complaints and issues and I apologize I did not recognize sooner this was happening.  Friends and family can wait for you after the show in the lobby. 

Second - tomorrow night, we will meet at 5pm for senior sentiments and then get ready for the evening. Please meet at 5pm in the Green Room.  The PAC will not be open until 4:40pm, so plan accordingly. PLEASE be on time as we WILL begin at 5:05pm sharp to ensure every senior gets a chance to speak and we still have time to get ready. Seniors, you will have ONE MINUTE, so plan accordingly. We will have lift call at 6:05pm and mic checks at 6:10pm - final warmup dance-a-thon will be at 6:25pm! 

Next - After the run tomorrow night please take home ALL personal makeup, hair things, clothing, etc.  It will make strike ten times easier.  Please me in the PAC by 2:35pm on Tuesday for strike and be prepared to be there until 5:30pm.  We will begin with getting our boxes from the makeup room and all costume items checked back in.  Have them there with you to turn in so you do not receive a fine for missing items. If we end earlier it's a delightful surprise, but plan to be there till 5:30pm if needed. 

Lastly - This has been an INCREDIBLE run with delightful feedback from the judges!  I am beyond proud and happy.  Let's come energized and ready to perform for a huge crowd tomorrow - you deserve to give the best performance yet for our last night!

Also, here are pictures from the run of show - a link for DVD purchase should be released here later this week!  Thank you to Daria and Estrella for pictures and Drew McKay for the videos! 

https://dariaragonesephotogaphy.shootproof.com/gallery/Hadestown/ 

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TDqlkZMS6FPh0anA2tx4MvHWDb5Tkx3r?usp=sharing 

Understudies: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RE4mN3tfs9rILbt6Kvsnu1HdWrBYNm4u  

Hadestown Music Reviews

Hey Team, 

I realize that I misspoke on the last entry - I do not see you again till Friday, but there are a few music reviews with some groups on Wednesday and Thursday. 

WEDNESDAY: Featured Singers from 2:45-3:45pm in the choir room

THURSDAY: Full Cast Music Review from 2:45-3:45 in the choir room

That's it!  Then I will see you on Friday at 1:30pm in the PAC.  Remember we have a costume contest so come dressed in costume at 1:30pm if you want to participate.  I am excited to go through the rest of the show and clean a few things, plus give you some treats!  

**Reminder - come to the Senior Devised Showcase at 6pm on Wed or Thurs! 

Hadestown - Tickets and Saturday Rehearsals/Headshots!

Hey Team!

First, THANK YOU to all the parents who have been helping behind the scenes with dinners, concessions, picking up materials, costumes, headshots, break-a-legs, tickets, etc.  Your efforts are not unseen and greatly appreciated.  Also THANK YOU to the cast and crew starting out - you guys are making this show work and you're working hard - I see that and I appreciate you. Know that I am so excited with all of the choices you're making on stage and the kindness you are showing one another - I really love working with you and am excited about tech weeks coming up. 

Next a HUGE THANK YOU today for your hard work on the Chant number... Today was a lot of repetitive movement and waiting around, but it looked super cool.  Also, it was NOT a five minute song... with the intro and extro is it A SEVEN MINUTE SONG we did today... high five to us! 

A reminder that we have rehearsal THIS SATURDAY (the 18th)! We are starting on Saturday at 8:30am with Headshots first. Please come in a single colored shirt and with your hair and makeup ready and be there AT 8:30am as that is when parents are available to help with Headshots.  We will start rehearsal right after that so bring movement clothing you may need and I encourage you to bring water, snacks, downtime work, and know we WILL be done at 12:30pm. 

If you are missing on Saturday and want a headshot in the program, please send me one against a simple background by October 24th. 

Now, TICKETS INFO!

Musical Tickets go on sale October 27th for the Opening Night Gala and then on November 3rd for all other shows and other seats on opening night. 

Here is the link for those tickets: 

https://sites.google.com/csddocs.org/alta-hadestown-tickets/hadestown

If you are unfamiliar with the Alta tradition, we do an Opening Night Gala in the West Lobby of the PAC at 6pm our opening night of show.  That means November 19th this year at 6pm.  With the price of your ticket it includes some fun Hors d'oeuvres and drinks before the show, a preview performance from some of the cast, introductions of all of the characters and mingling with actors pre-show IN character, and your entry ticket.  Plus, you get to choose your seats ahead of the other patrons if purchased before November 3rd.  It's a great way to have fun on opening night, celebrate the cast and crew, and give back to Alta Theatre, so think about grabbing a Gala ticket for $17 (fees included).   There are only 150 spots for the Gala!

CAST - remember to get your shoes this weekend for next week's rehearsals and look at the last blog entry for info and dates on hair and makeup needs!

Last, a reminder that we have a big build and cleaning dance day on Saturday the 1st of November and if there are any great builder parents out there who want to come screw in walls and get finished some set, please let me know. No pressure on this one, but it may help to have a few solid hands with the one big wall to get set. It shouldn't take long and I will send out another message the week before with specifics on time, but we will likely begin at 8am.

Thank you guys and excited to open this show in just FIVE WEEKS! 

 - Struiks

Makeup/Costume Needs and Hadestown Google Drive reminder!

Hey Team!

A few announcements for Hadestown -  please read through the ENTIRE email! 

First, here is the link to the drive with dances and harmonies recorded - please BOOKMARK THIS SITE: 

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1tSLTygwng1PTEWYdFX7qKP5UDALtvY9j?usp=drive_link 

Things you need to have at rehearsal with you by October 20th:

Ladies: a modesty under-garment - can be a leotard or separate tank and shorts for under your costume. I would get two as you are wearing these EVERY night and during tech, and may not have time to wash each night. Links are below for options if needed. 

Link to modesty leotard (my fave one): https://bit.ly/4g7gvnW 

Link to other leotard: https://bit.ly/42nmoKn 

Gentlemen: modesty undergarments -  this is typically active wear shorts and a tank top. I would get two as you are wearing these EVERY night and during tech, and may not have time to wash each night.

Links to Shorts: https://bit.ly/4jq05tK

Link to tops: https://tinyurl.com/msdw73tu 

EVERYONE: You will ALL need black boots by the 20th.  Hit up Savers if needed! If you buy a pair you do NOT want to keep, you will NEED the receipt to be reimbursed. If you are keeping the boots you may NOT be reimbursed - just if you are giving us the boots after the show. You will need them by the 20th to keep at school as you need to start practicing in them!

You ALL need basic stage makeup - cover up foundation, powder, light blush, and eyeliner. Ladies please wear mascara; gentlemen it's your choice on that. We will ALL wear some basic makeup to enhance faces under the lights. 

Here are some links to videos for basic stage makeup:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csosHts7IU8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QA04MbwawUg 

FATES - I would love for you to each do something speciality with makeup.  I want black, greys, dark purple, and silver as the vibe.... maybe some blues too. Please know what you are doing by November 1st and have practiced ahead!  If you need inspiration photos, let me know by October 22nd. 

Hair - ALL genders, choose a style for the upper world that keeps your hair OUT of your face completely - practice before November 1st as you will come to rehearsal that day with it done. For the underground, everyone with hair that isn't super short (buzzed, bowl, etc) will slick back to a bun for the underground, so practice that too.

Reminder - DANCE D-DAY is November 1st as well; practice and know your blocking and dance steps.

I know we are in for a few long weeks, but I am LOVING working with you all and the glimmers i am already seeing in this show - let's buckle down and kill it, y'all!

PARENTS - I am looking for someone to do Headshots for us on the 17th or 18th next week; if you are available to help please email me ASAP!

- Struiks

Super Saturday Musical Schedule - FULL CAST called 9/20!

Hello Cast!

We are so excited to see you all this Saturday! Please come ready to sing - bring a water bottle, your notebooks/scripts, comfy clothes, and your brain. We will meet in the Choir Room at 8am sharp - be on time, or better a few minutes early, to avoid burpees or sorry notes.  

Here is the schedule (try to be here by 7:50am!):

THE NORTH DOOR by the Bus Lane will be unlocked - enter there!

 

8:00 AM- Full Cast

• Warm-up
• Way Down to Hadestown (reprise)
• We Raise Our Cups

 

9:00 AM- break

 

9:10 AM- Full Cast

• Road to Hell (reprise)
• Wait For Me (reprise)

 

10:00 AM- break

10:10 AM- Full Cast

• Review:
• Livin’ It Up on Top
• Epic III
• Chant

 

10:30 AM- Featured Singers

• Finish If It’s True
• Review anything needed

The rest of the cast will be with Miss Struiksma in the Little Theatre beginning at 10:30am until 11am! 

11:00 AM- Please have your rides here by this time for pickup! 

 

Fates: Notice we’ll have some time together, look through those songs before Saturday, and use the practice tracks. I don’t want to spend too much time having to learn notes and instead spend time harmonizing and correcting anything. 

 

Thank you!!

Also, please sit down and review the calendar. A reminder that if FULL CAST is written it's everyone.  If Team Songbird or Team Underworld are called, it's only the people on those lists from the earlier calendaring post on this blog. If Ensemble is listed it's all Ensemble members and not the others needed - Ensemble includes everyone not in a featured role. Hope this clarifies things.  I (Struiks) spent 6+ hours putting together the calendar around your schedules - it is your responsibility to read through thoroughly and know when you are called. 

Mrs. G and Miss Struiksma 

Hadestown Dance Video Drive and OCTOBER rehearsal change - ALL REVIEW!

Hey all! 

Here is the link for the Hadestown Video Drive: 

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1tSLTygwng1PTEWYdFX7qKP5UDALtvY9j?usp=sharing  

Please bookmark this link so you can stay on top of each dance we upload and review dances! 

Also, I was informed today that the Sadie Hawkins Dance was moved and I DID calendar around the original date... that said, I am going to be awesome and move rehearsal on the 11th of October to the 18th of October.  Thus, there will be NO rehearsal on October 11th.  There will be a rehearsal on October 18th from 9am-12:30pm. PLEASE make the change to your calendar now and I need an email by Wednesday this week (9/17) if there are ANY new issues. 

Thank you for being so awesome and already working so hard. Listening to everyone sing today was so exciting for me and y'all are sounding GLORIOUS!  I appreciate y'all a ton! 

Hadestown - Performance Tracks, Contact Sheet Link, and Final Calendar

 Hey all!

Here is some crucial information about Hadestown reeharsals - please read through the entire message!

First, I have been given a link to the music tracks we are using for the show and have a way for you to access them.  When you access them, please only do so through ONE home or school device. The code can only be used a certain number of times and I don't want anyone locked out because someone logged in on three devices. Here is the code to log in and instructions on how to do so:

Organization: (CSD UT) Alta High School - UT

Viewer Code (Authorization): SCARY-VERSED-HAKE-CAKES-BLENDS-PERT

1. Download Show|Ready to your computer or mobile device. We always recommend downloading the most recent version. You can download the Show|Ready app on their computer or mobile device. The app is available on iOS or Android.
2. Activate your Show|Ready license using the viewer code.
3. Dive into the Show|Ready User Manual IF there are any questions. 

Second, here is the link to the contact sheet again in case you have not yet filled this out.  I need it completed by September 5th! 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1LL_2QqNwNk71WM9hs3BAWae-EgebXUL9JiHc0cFC064/edit?usp=sharing

Below is the final calendar link.  Where it is marked TBD it means that we do NOT currently know times and will know as the dates draw closer.  I will work to communicate as soon as possible when we are around those times and have students send home texts as needed in plenty of time to communicate. Otherwise, I will work very hard to stick to these dates and times - please double check and triple check the calendar so no unexcused absences happen. Remember if you miss a day you have ONE WEEK to learn what you missed if you want to stay in that number - be ready to check it off! 

Also, Ensemble Teams are listed below - please double check for your name! 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kWcIqa1aT6Prjeq-1nh6FEGaTniILEjZOfYurrNDkZA/edit?usp=sharing 

Ensemble – Team Underworld

Ario Baghai

Evan Blair

Newell Francom

Henry Cutler

Reagan Buchmiller

Millie Rawson

RJ Godwin

Avi Macey

Emiline Johnson

Audrey Grace Grigg

Maizy Murphy

Jett Smith

Josie Heward

Stacie Huish

Megan Peirce

Lizzie Watts

Cara Barnes 

Ensemble – Team Songbird

Logan Clarke

Ayden Comer

Grady Weichers

Addi Covington

Kali Kafusi

Ally Johnson

Amelia Otros

Remy Parker

Clara Neal

Marquesa Millikins

Heidi Christensen

Ainsley Gorringe

Katelyn Larsen

Cami Waddell

Emery Perucca

Sofia Eyzaguirre

Hadestown Final Cast List!

Hadestown Cast List 

A huge thank you to everyone who came out to audition for Hadestown!  You all did an incredible job with auditions and callbacks.  If you are on the final casting list for Hadestown, please meet in the Little Theatre on Tuesday, September 2nd at 2:45pm for our first meeting.  Thank you again to all who auditioned!  

** If you would like some feedback on your audition, please reach out after Tuesday of next week. Thank you!

 

Assistant Director

Chloe Hinman

Ensemble

Ario Baghai

Evan Blair

Reagan Buchmiller

Heidi Christensen

Logan Clarke

Ayden Comer

Addi Covington

Newell Francom

Audrey Grace Grigg

Josie Heward

Stacie Huish

Ally Johnson

Emiline Johnson

Kali Kafusi

Katelyn Larsen

Avi Macey

Marquesa Millikins

Maizy Murphy

Clara Neal

Amelia Otros

Remy Parker

Megan Peirce

Emery Perucca

Millie Rawson

Jett Smith

Cami Waddell

Lizzie Watts

Grady Weichers

Featured Dancers

Tianne Baird - Dance Captain

Bryce Campbell

Becca Catmull

Sabrina Ferguson

Lilly Harrison

Layna Johnson

Madison Jones - Dance Captain

Calvin Kremser

Grayson Mortensen 

Kailyn Mortensen

Meili Sohm 

Jacob Wilson 

Featured Singers

Grady Bell

Jaz Brimhall 

Scott Clark 

Mya Didericksen (and Fates Understudy)

Bella Hansen

Leon Lobato 

Rosie Luxem  

Abigail Meservy 

Erin Petty

Molly Smart

Brighton Smith

Ruby Swallow

Brynlee Trout 

Izzy Walbeck

Hallee Wasden

Ben Wilson 

The Fates

Shelby Betenson

Emmy Chipman

Ever Hiramoto

Lillian Nani

Izzy Ragonese

Maisy Stevens

Hades Understudy (and Featured Singer)

Henry Cutler

Hades

Niv Raz

Persephone Understudy (and ensemble)

Sofia Eyzaguirre

Persephone

Kaylee Cannon

Eurydice Understudy (and ensemble)

Cara Barnes

Eurydice

Alyssa Read

Orpheus Understudy (and Featured Dancer)

Calvin Kremser

Orpheus

Taylor Fairbourn

Hermes Understudy (and Featured Singer)

Braden Mark

Hermes

Leah Memmott