As the heart of summer beats on, the El Paso ISD is set to showcase its 40th annual summer musical, this time with the razzle-dazzle of "Chicago: Teen Edition". The performances, scheduled to hit the stage at Coronado High School Auditorium, start on July 16 through July 19, ensuring four nights where local student talent is the main attraction. These shows, starting at 7 p.m. each evening, are not just a display of youthful exuberance, but also a testament to the district's commitment to the arts.
This year's production of "Chicago: Teen Edition" is a unique opportunity for students to actively grow and translate their learning into the real world. Talented kids from across the district’s high schools have collaborated on not just acting but also the technical art of managing lights, sound, costumes, and set design. As noted by El Paso ISD, Philip Barraza, Executive Director of Fine Arts for El Paso ISD, has emphasized the significance of the summer musical in fostering real-world skills, "Our students are not only performing; they’re managing lights, sound, costumes, and set design. It’s an immersive, real-world arts experience that builds confidence and lifelong skills."
The summer musical program has been running for 40 years, making it one of the longest-running high school musical programs in the country. It serves as a platform for students from various campuses to come together and present performances that often leave audiences floored by the level of professionalism and talent on display. Free of charge, the shows are an open invitation to the public to support local students and indulge in the arts.
