Something either magical or catastrophic happens when nervous newcomers share the stage with theatre experts.
Whether it’s a senior stepping up to take a nervous freshman under their wing, or a freshman branching out and finding their own path, at Van Nuys, the clash and collaboration between ninth graders coming straight out of middle school, and seniors, the seasoned pros of high school theatre, can be an overwhelming dynamic.
The theatre production class combines all four grades mixed together during rehearsals and performances. Oftentimes, theatre can spark new friendships that wouldn’t have flourished if not for the community built here by students, for students.
Students aren’t limited to being under the spotlight. They’re able to operate it too, as part of the backstage crew.
More than an elective, theater is a program challenging students to grow with each role, rehearsal and performance, eventually shaping them into confident performers and leaders. At a time when many teens struggle with depression and anxiety, theater programs offer a rare space where vulnerability, strength and mistakes become learning moments.
Senior Connor Ruckman, who’s been in the program for four years, started as a nervous freshman and is now preparing for his final show after being in every single mainstage production here at Van Nuys.
“I’ve grown so much,” Ruckman said. “The stuff I’ve learned in this school has not only taught me for the next four years, but taught me for life.”
A senior’s journey through theater is like a math equation, with the solution being the graduating student finding their voice.
This sense of self isn’t found overnight. Rather, it’s built slowly from the nerves of freshman year to the moments where seniors help guide others through those same first steps.
Ruckman highlights the role self-belief plays in performing arts.
“Stop caring what other people say,” Ruckman said. “You are your own self and you’re going to improve. Other people’s opinions do not matter, because you are awesome.”
It’s seniors like Connor, once nervous freshmen stepping into the spotlight for the first time, who help incoming freshmen find their footing.
The faces might change every year, but the support and the stories stay the same.
“That’s what makes this program feel so rewarding,” Ruckman said.
While seniors like Connor have finally found their voice through years of practice and growth, freshmen enter the program with a mix of excitement and uncertainty.
For freshman Trystan Tabador, the biggest fear was coming on too strong. However, her fears quickly melted away.
“It was the complete opposite,” Tabador said. “I made friends instantly with people above me, people in the same grade and it was just such a wonderful experience to walk into.”
She initially thought theatre would be a highly competitive environment where all the people surrounding her wouldn’t be very inclusive.
“Going in and seeing such a welcoming environment and feeling all the love and care that these people have for each other was so nice,” Tabador said.
Compared to her middle school experience, Tabador was thrilled by the opportunity to perform challenging shows like “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and the upcoming production of “Chicago.”
“It really leads my passion and makes me so ecstatic and excited for the year,” Tabador said.
For Tabador, the shift from being nervous to determined is what makes van Nuys theater so special. Beyond the friendships, the shared passion for theatre has created a community where Tabador and other freshmen can feel understood and inspired.
A community where new members find security in knowing they’re surrounded by people with similar interests — a space which empowers its members to continue diving into their passion alongside like-minded peers.
At our school, theatre is a space where students grow together. Seniors like Ruckman show how years of experience build confidence and leadership, while freshmen like Tabador bring fresh energy and excitement to the mix.
The curtain rises on another show, and somewhere in the wings a nervous freshman watches a confident senior take the stage. In a few years, that freshman will be the one stepping into the spotlight, ready to guide the next generation through those same first-night jitters. The cycle of fear becoming confidence and uncertainty becoming mentorship is what keeps theater alive.
This article originally appeared in the Fall 2025 print edition.
