Ep 22 - Annie Talks w/ Carson High School Director Marcia Barryte, Drs. Windy Warren and Rory Pullen

I recently visited my alma mater, Carson High School, where the Drama department presented Disney's "Beauty and the Beast." It was a great closing performance and I met some of the cast, members of the production team, and other wonderful people. I spoke with Director Marcia Barryte, and it is evident, through her dedication and passionate efforts, she helped put Carson High School back on the map with a much-needed Performing and Media Academy program. With the help and support of the parent volunteers, Principal, Dr. Windy Warren, and Los Angeles Unified School District Senior Executive Director of Arts in Education, Dr. Rory Pullens, the program continues to flourish and produce quality shows. More importantly, it has sparked the interests of many students, many who have never performed before, but who have discovered a newfound love for theater arts. Choreographer Ray Garcia (original Tony Award-winning Broadway musical "Rent") and Vocal Director Jolly Rodriguez talked about watching the students grow from Day 1, reflecting on how much they have improved and flourished, and more importantly, how much the program has boosted confidence levels. Theater Arts also promotes the importance of academics. As with any curricular activity, students must maintain a certain GPA in order to participate, therefore education is clearly the number one priority at Carson High School. I am proud of Carson High School! It was here I began my musical theater career starring as Kim McAfee in "Bye Bye Birdie" and Daisy Mae in "Li'l Abner." I was also involved in Vocal Jazz, a small vocal group that performed in several programs and participated in competitions. I am especially proud to have been a part of a reputable sisterhood called the "Bannergirls," a 12-member auxiliary squad who carried the shiny "CARSON" sign proudly at parades and performed at all football games during pre- and halftime shows. Together with the entire Carson High School Blue Thunder Marching Band and Auxiliary Units, we competed and won championships in regional and statewide competitions. Returning to the campus to watch the closing performance of "Beauty and the Beast" brought back wonderful memories of my time at Carson High School. They were some of the best years of my life. Without the arts and music programs, I wouldn't have made lifelong friends. I likely would not have pursued my passion and love for musical theater in college and thereafter. It goes without saying how truly important the Performing Arts and Media Academy at Carson High School is necessary and valuable in helping to transform lives! Please support the arts! To learn more about the Performing Arts and Media Academy at Carson High School, visit https://carsonhs-lausd-ca.schoolloop.com/perfarts. ***** MUSIC: Annie Talks theme song by Music by Keahi http://www.keahimusic.com/ #CarsonHighSchool #CarsonHighSchoolDrama #CarsonColts #Disney #BeautyandtheBeast #PerformingArtsandMediaAcademy #LosAngelesUnifiedSchoolDistrict #LAUSD #MarciaBarryte #DrWindyWarren #PrincipalWindyWarren #Superintendent #DrRoryPullens #RayGaria #RayGarciaRent #RayGarciaChoreographer #Rent #JollyRodriguez #JollyRodriguezVocalDirector #JeffreyAndersen #JeffreyAndersenMusicDirector