Directors' Note

  The smell of the paint, the last minute costume adjustments, the jitters of opening night, the applause from the house, the nostalgia of closing night---in short--- theatre; why teach it, why have young people participate in it?  Well, maybe, because theatre is a place where students come face to face with the human experience, a place where they gather personal insights into their own humanity, a place where their involvement nourishes and educates their whole person. Students get 'out of themselves' and from that perspective they learn to "see" what they are looking at. The intense introspection that drama requires allows young actors to get under the skin and into the shoes of characters they must make real and believable to live audiences. They learn to work together as a team. They learn commitment. They learn how to meet deadlines. They develop poise, confidence, and self-esteem. All of that contributes to their becoming productive citizens in the world they will build.                          

      Students who participate in theatre activities do well in their other studies. There is a strong tie between the arts and academics. In a time when schools are so intensely focused on achieving high academic standards, it is important to remember the benefit of having a strong program in the arts. In schools where students can engage in both, students excel.  

     The present Bancroft Musical Theatre program began in 1991. Its humble beginnings included a director and a pianist. There was a very old light board on the stage and some stage lights, but no sound system. There was, however, great enthusiasm and support from the community at large and from the school community in particular. Through the encouragement and generosity of two principals, Dennis Berger and Mary Beth Barloga, the fledgling program was floated monetarily until it was able to exist on its own merits. Once that happened, it soared, bolstered now by a team of volunteer parents who constructed sets, helped with costuming, and engineered sound and lighting. Today the program includes a co-director, conductor, choreographer and live orchestra.   The success of the program continues to be strongly supported by the volunteer efforts of many capable, generous parents and other friends. It is heartening to see that among the parent volunteers are parents who have been with the program since its inception and alumni students who return to play in the orchestra and help behind the scenes. The program is completely self-sufficient and is ran by an all volunteer creative team. Happily, the program continues to grow. The larger San Leandro Community embraces the program and productions are well-attended.  Students in elementary schools anticipate their years in middle school and their participation in musical theatre there.

     In the year 2000, due to the endeavors and energy of a group of involved parents from the Bancroft program, an award-winning musical theatre program was initiated at San Leandro High School. Students have been able to continue their work in theatre and other students have been introduced to the world of theatre.

   The creative team is extremely proud of the numerous students who have participated while attending middle and high school, and of the many students who have pursued further studies in theatre and performing arts upon graduation from high school. You can read some of their stories in  the Alumni News section of the website. More stories will be published as we receive them.