By NICOLE HERRERA, RONNIE FUENTES, and GUADALUPE ENRIQUEZ

Dawn Coyan is Manteca High's dazzling theatre teacher. Coyan fell into teaching theatre. Originally, she was an English teacher, but it was later discovered that she could also teach drama. Theatre is a way to take a break from life and all of its hardships, and it’s a way to build confidence and have fun. Coyan utilizes theatre as a source of entertainment and self-expression, and many students enjoy her presence. Tower News sat down with Dawn Coyan to chat about theatre’s special niche in a campus community.

Towers News: What’s special about theatre that people don’t realize?

Dawn Coyan: One of the things I think is really special about theatre is that we draw people from all different groups around campus so people that you might not normally get to know, we become a family in here, we work together. … Another thing that’s really cool about theatre is acting gives you a chance to take a break from your normal life. Sometimes life is just too much, you need to step out of yourself, be somebody else for a little bit.

TN: What’s your central focus when it comes to teaching theatre?

DC: I really want the students to learn empathy, to see things from somebody else’s perspective and to be able to think from somebody else’s perspective, which just makes us so much better humans. I also want them to learn to think quickly on their feet. We do a lot of improvisation and that’s great for that, and then just working with others.

TN: What kind of impact has theatre had on the person you are today?

DC: Being on stage gives you confidence. Once you’ve realized you can do it, and you get comfortable there, I feel like I can stand up in front of (anybody) anywhere and say what I need to say and be heard. I like the fact that I get to play. I don’t ever want to be too old to play, and theatre brings a sense of fun and play into my life.

TN: How did theatre pique your interests?

DC: I have always liked being in front of people and making people laugh, and I started singing when I was a little kid, and my little sister and I always used to put on shows for my family. So, when any opportunities came up to sing or be in front of people, I always just snapped at it.

TN: How have you seen performing arts become a spotlight in modern culture?

DC: (Performing arts) can be a force for good or bad, but it reflects our culture … but it can also make people see things from other people’s perspectives and that I think is the real strength of it … we’re not all set in our own thoughts in the way we see things, but we can see things that we might not have seen before. And often it’s performing arts that leads us to that.

TN: Self-expression is essential in the theatre industry. What else do you feel is essential?

DC: Really good work ethic. Theatre is hard work, acting is even hard work. … Everything works together to create a show. The show will always go on. Everybody just has to make it happen no matter what obstacles come up, and those skills are so important in many, many areas in life.

TN: How have you used theatre in ways of giving back to communities in need?

DC: Well, we’ve tried to keep this kind of entertainment very low cost here at Manteca High so many people can come. We try to showcase social problems … so that we can bring attention to issues that people in need might be facing and help people be more compassionate to them.

TN: Do you have a message for those who want to pursue a career in performing arts?

DC: My message is just go for it. See where it takes you. You might get to where you think you want to go, you might not. But you will definitely enjoy the journey and learn a lot along the way. There are skills in performing arts that can be transferred to so many different industries. So, if performing arts is your passion, give it a shot.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Guadalupe Enriquez is a senior Journalism student at Manteca High School. Enriquez appreciates spending time with nature alongside with someone special. They also enjoy listening to music of any genre while completing tasks. Lastly, in their free time, Enriquez spends time with their friends like going out or hanging out at each other’s houses.

Rose (Ronnie) Fuentes is a senior Journalism student at Manteca High School. Fuentes enjoys spending time with her dogs and friends. If she could, she would save every abandoned pet in the world. Fuentes has the dream and passion of becoming a veterinarian and opening her own rescue to help all the homeless pets. Fuentes enjoys reading and listening to music to relax.

Nicole Herrera is a junior journalism student at Manteca High School. Herrera is passionate about filmmaking and helping others out. Her hobbies are sewing, reading, listening to music, and drawing.