About The Studio Coalinga High School Theatre
If you walk backstage in our auditorium, you may begin to notice decades of student names etched onto the walls—written in Sharpie, pencil, paint, pen. Like petroglyphs, these images tell a story. They’re part of our legacy: notes to future performers, messages of hope, encouragement, and the handprints of students who stood right where you are now. Every one of them was part of something bigger than themselves. Every one of them contributed their voice, their effort, and their time to make magic onstage. Now, it’s your turn.
At Coalinga High School, our theatre program isn’t just a class. It’s a creative home, a team, and a place where students challenge themselves, discover and hone their strengths, and build lifelong memories. It’s about showing up even when it’s hard, trying your best even when you’re unsure, and growing through every performance, rehearsal, and moment backstage. It’s about the power of story—and the pride that comes with creating something together.
Whether on stage or behind the scenes, our program focuses on personal growth, collaborative spirit, and artistic excellence. We believe that every student, no matter their background or experience, has something to contribute. Theatre helps students grow in confidence, communication, focus, and responsibility—all while having fun and creating something meaningful together.
What does it mean to be “Totally Theatre Cool?"
This phrase has become our guiding mantra since 2003 when Tom Lucero took the helm of the theatre program at CHS. To be Totally Theatre Cool means committing to a set of values that shape not only our productions, but how we treat each other and how we grow as individuals:
Totally Theatre Cool is…
Trustworthy ~ Honest ~ Willing ~ Determined ~ Invested
Positive ~ Confident ~ Consistent ~ Detailed ~ Grateful
Helpful ~ Connected
We strive to live these values every day, both in rehearsals and beyond because, as our students once heard at a Disney performance workshop: "How you do anything is how you do everything."
If students can apply these values and experiences in theatre, then they will undoubtedly be better prepared for any role they might take on in the future.
