"I just wanted to thank you for having such a huge positive impact on my international ”exchange” year at IRCHS, and for letting me be a part of such a great theatre program. I´m going back to school for my senior year soon, and I´m happy that most of my classes involve theatre. The theatre program at IRCHS is really something special, and I wish you all the best for the upcoming productions this year." - Cathrine Breiby (International student 2015)
"In leaving the department, it is clear that the IRCHS Theatre Program not only molds students as performers, but as better people. The program has truly become my second family and prepared me for life after graduation. Through the theatre program, you're given relationships that will last a lifetime." - Kaitlin Ruby (Class of 2014)
"The IRCHS Theatre Program has been an amazing journey." - Alexi Dong (Class of 2018)
"IRCHS Theatre helped me grow and learn. It taught me to take risks and to never give up. All my life, I've wanted to take acting... When I moved here to Charter, I took it just to try it out and see if I COULD do it- and I don't regret the decision I've made. I will never give up, and I'll continue showing people my love for performing." - Mac Stevenson (Class of 2017)
"The IRCHS Theatre Program has shown me that I can be myself without worrying what people will think of it. I wish I would've done it sooner!" -Kevin Moss II (Class of 2015)
"IRCHS Theatre has helped me through my anxiety. Standing onstage gives me a sense of purpose and it's one of the few things that does not make me anxious (surprisingly)! I am so grateful to have the amazing opportunity to be a part of 2014-2015's Acting I Class!" -Maya Snead (Class of 2018)
"IRCHS Theatre helped me realize my self-worth. It showed me that I am a beautiful, happy person." -Rachel Montgomery (Class of 2018)
"IRCHS Theatre has made me more confident in who I am, as well as giving me a better understanding of myself! To be honest, I'm actually terrified of what people think of me... but now that insecurity has disappeared. I am forever thankful for this program and look forward to continuing next semester!" -Kaelene LoMonaco (Class of 2017)
"IRCHS Theatre has given me a new path for a possible future occupation."
-Lorenzo Giambanco (Class of 2015)
"The theatre program at IRCHs taught me to step out of my comfort zone. I learned that it is better to try something totally insane instead of not trying at all. I have learned to love working with others. I wasn't even able to speak well in front of people before this, but now I can almost do anything. The reactions from the audience are something I will never forget." -Gio Mompremier (Class of 2017)
"The IRCHS Theatre program taught me that you can always improve."
-Savanna Marini (Class of 2017)
"The IRCHS Theatre Program has pushed me to understand myself better and has given me an opportunity to evolve into a growing actor. It has allowed me to finally be the version of myself that I want to be." -Autumn Consalo (Class of 2017)
"The IRCHS theatre program made me break out of my shell and start to evolve into something that will be forever cherished: my true self." -Ryan See (Class of 2017)
"The IRCHS Theatre Program gave me the opportunity to do and improve on what I love. It allowed me to make friends with a large group of very talented people that I can now call family." -Jill Tuscher (Class of 2016)
"The IRCHS theatre program helped me realize that I need to take more risks in my life. You can't do anything in life if you don't take the risk." -Callie Houck (Class of 2018)
The theatre program at IRCHS exposed me to the many qualities that go into being a good actor. It helped me with my movement and voice onstage which is important in my own discipline of music performance. I was also given the opportunity to act in front of people for the first time and take on a whole new personality which was an amazing experience. I got to see how good it feels to make an audience laugh." -Robert Brown (Class of 2015)
"The IRCHS Theatre Program taught me that I can be much more than I am."
-Evan Lawson (Class of 2018)
"The Theatre Program at IRCHS taught me to believe in myself, to love myself, and to pursue acting. I also learned how to get out of my comfort zone thanks to Naff. I hope I can grow on this journey in the theatre program in the years to come." -Kamryn Bell (Class of 2018)
"The theatre program at IRCHS has made me a better person."
-Zachary Laviolette (Class of 2016)
"To this day, I still tell the story of the very first time I met Michael Naffziger and started the program. I walked into a dark room, lost, with one source four (type of theatrical light) pointed straight down with chairs lining the circle of light. I was a terrified freshman and had no clue what to expect. It was my first year as well as the first year of the new drama teacher from California. I had been a student performer and technician at Riverside Children's Theatre for a couple years but nothing could prepare me for what was to come. I soon realized that this was not just another group of theatre kids, and this was no ordinary drama teacher - It was so much more than that. "A good teacher, like a good entertainer first must hold his audience's attention, then he can teach his lesson." - John Clarke. As one of the greatest teachers and directors I've worked with, he held my attention, just like he holds the attention of every student he teaches, every day. In my four years as a student at Indian River Charter High, I grew so exponentially not just in experience but as a person. The theatre department became my home, my sanctuary, my pride and joy. The troupe became my family and nothing in my entire time there made me happier than to be with my family on our crazy adventures. Between competitions, musicals, plays, VAPA shows, festivals and many other productions, the little troupe at IRCHS turned into a force to be reckoned with statewide. Not many schools can say they have taken a Mainstage Production, not only the first time they ever submitted it, but for the next three years after as well! I wouldn't be where I am today without this program. I loved every second of my time there and I owe everything to IRCHS, its teachers, my peers, but most of all Troupe 6649 under the direction of Michael Naffziger." - Kali Pierce (Class of 2012)
