Rowland High drama students rehearse the play "You Can't Take It With You" in the Little Theater at the Rowland Heights campus. Seated from left are: Halie Slipp, Daniel Tieu and Joan Chang while standing from left are: Winrich Sy, Jonathan Blessum and Luis Ochoa. (Leo Jarzomb / Staff)
After a death in her family, drama teacher Patricia DeLeon has been called away from Rowland High School.
But following the best theater tradition, the fall show will go on with student directors filling in for their instructor.
"We miss her, but she taught us well and we're moving ahead with our play `You Can't Take It With You,"' said Steven Chang.
The 16-year-old watched closely as the actors rehearsed their lines. Other students packed the little theater working on their parts of the production.
Stage manager Brandon Min was one of the leaders coordinating the controlled chaos of live theater. He said 100 students are working on the technical crews, while another 20 will perform in the play.
Student directors from left: Steven Chang, Michelle Tang and Kishan Karunaratne are taking leadership roles in producing the play after the drama instructor had to take an unexpected bereavement leave. (Leo Jarzomb / Staff)
"We're going to build a stage extension tonight, that's what the lumber is all about," the 17-year-old explained. "Then we have to finish building and painting the set."
While planning a career in business, the senior said he has been working in the drama productions since his freshman year at Rowland.
"I think it's worthwhile, I have made so many friends in the drama department," Min said.
The many hours of rehearsal and technical work required for a production
 
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