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Legally Blonde the Musical
.: Past Productions
Hairspray
Obtaining the rights to the newly-released "Hairspray" for our 2011 spring musical was a big coup and El Camino Drama rose to the demands of this show with high-octane energy. Cast members garnered over 5 National Youth Theatre Nominations and Senior David Eseroma broke the mold with his portrayal of "Edna" receiving an "Outstanding Best Actor in a Musical" National Youth Theatre Award. Other nominees included: Outstanding Best Supporting Actress in a Musical: McKensie Kruse, Helena Marie-Woods, Diane Dumpit; Outstanding Best Supporting Male in a Musical - Colt Apodoca, and Outstanding Ensemble in a Musical - El Camino Cast of Hairspray. More pictures: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
The Wiz
El Camino High School's musical extravaganza, "The Wiz" won top honors in five categories at the National Youth Theatre Awards June 2009 for Best Direction-Sharon Strong, Best Actress in a Musical - Kim Moore, Best Supporting Actor in a Musical - Preston Butler, Best Ensemble - The Wiz cast, Best Costume Design - Renetta Lloyd and Janie Newsom. Choreographer Jake Tidwell was also nominated for Best Choreography. Over 1300 productions from across the United States were reviewed with award ceremonies held in
California, Arizona, and New York. More pictures: 1, 2, 3
Urinetown
The musical Urinetown 2008 was an El Camino all-time favorite. The show garnered 4 National Youth Theatre Awards for Best Actress; Makenzie Daris, Best Supporting Actor; Kevin Cleary, Best Supporting Actress; Laurel Burns; and Best Ensemble; Urinetown Cast. More pictures: 1, 2, 3
All Shook Up
In the Spring of 2010, El Camino put on, All Shook Up and this show still has the cast and crew singing and dancing as they prepare for the Edinburgh Scotland Theatre Festival Summer of 2011. Helena Marie Woods won Best Actress and the cast won Best Ensemble at the National Youth Theatre Awards. Additional NYT nominations included: Best Actor - Wayne Higgs, Best Supporting Actresses - Kim Moore and Shelby Caughron, Best Choreography - Kim Moore and Demi Boyd. More pictures: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
.:Creative Team for Spring Musical
Sharon celebrates 27 years in the Oceanside Unified School District and is excited to be at El Camino where she first began her teaching career under the tutelage of Speech and Drama legends Cliff Roach and Marvin Read. Prior to her return to El Camino, Sharon served for 16 years as the Speech and Drama Chairperson at Oceanside High School where she coached over 200 students to State and National finals garnering over 10 state championships in various events. Sharon was honored with the Double Diamond Award from the National Forensic League for her dedication to extra-curricular work. Sharon holds a MA in Curriculum Design from UCSD using drama, speech and video activities across the content area. In her limited spare time, Sharon also serves as a community producer for KOCT. Her true inspiration however, is her family who has always supported her throughout every project she endeavors. Sharon and her husband, Ken has two sons Chris, 22 and Nathan, 21. They enjoy their life in Bonsall on a someday vineyard.
Laurel is so pleased to return to the Truax Theatre, where all of her high
school memories were created, and honored to be collaborating with her life-long
teacher, Sharon Strong, and her inspiring friend and colleague, Bryce Nicastro.
Since leaving El Camino she has studied extensively in New York and around San
Diego County, most recently performing at Mira Costa College in Venus and
Adonis and The House of Blue Leaves. Laurel began spreading her passion for
Shakespeare and acting last year when she became a teaching artist in North San
Diego County, leading students in weekly acting, text analysis, and ensemble
building classes, and directing her first show: Shakespeare To Go! She also
assisted her students in a production of Into the Woods, which performed at the
Truax over the summer. Currently, Laurel resides in Oceanside and studies the
Meisner technique under Lisa Berger at New Village Arts in Carlsbad.
Bryce is excited to be back with El Camino in the Truax, and this time
directing! Bryce is an accomplished alumni from the El Camino drama department
who has progressed further in his art to such schools as Manhattan School of
Music and UCLA. His training spans from Music Education to playing, reading, and
writing music to even extensive training in the Alexander Technique. He was last
seen musically directing Into the Woods in the Truax last summer and helping out
the EC Drama Club with their musical score for their summer Scotland trip. He is
extremely honored to be working along side his High School Drama teacher, Sharon
Strong, and his trusted and talented colleague, Laurel Burns.
Debbie Nicastro is so happy to work with the talented students of El Camino High School. Debbie is a local professional actress with many regional credits including How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Evita, and Hello Dolly at Moonlight Amphitheater. She has also been a part of Sweeney Todd, Hot Mikado, Nine, Ragtime, and Anne at Starlight. Her students recently applauded Debbie in Forbidden Broadway at the Off Broadway Theatre. She is the proud mother of two ECHS Drama alumni; Bryce and Brittany Nicastro. Debbie is also a local voice teacher and cantor at Mission San Luis Rey in her spare time.
Students in need of vocal coaching can contact Debbie at: luvs_2sing@cox.net