For dreamers, builders, performers and creators.

About SMHS Drama

We are a member of the International Thespian Society.

San Mateo High School is the home of one of the Bay Area’s finest and most comprehensive high school drama programs. In the classroom, students are exposed to the dramatic arts in multiple forms and formats. Afterschool, our program produces three high-quality shows each year, performing in the newly renovated state-of-the-art on-campus performing arts center. Boasting multiple awards from both San Jose Stage Company’s Top Honors and American Musical Theatre of San Jose’s Honors, San Mateo High School has a reputation for excellence in drama education and performance.

San Mateo Drama Program Information

Classes

Offering courses in Drama, Musical Theatre, Advanced Drama, and Cinema and Society, students are exposed to the dramatic arts in multiple forms and formats. Coursework provides students with hands-on academic opportunities in acting, directing, design, and choreography (often in conjunction with San Mateo High’s highly acclaimed dance and music departments)

 

Productions

San Mateo High School is committed to producing professional productions that challenge our students to develop their skills, with an emphasis placed on the process as well as the product. Theatre is a team sport and our productions blend the crafts of acting, singing, dancing, music, design, and technical theatre to provide our students, and our audiences, with a well-rounded and enjoyable experience.

 

Backstage

San Mateo High School is proud of our robust Tech Crew Club, which meets every other week and works backstage for all three of our mainstage productions. In addition to the typical student crew responsibilities, our students are also trained in lighting design, costume design, sound design, set design, prop design, stage management, set construction and painting.

SMHS drama has helped me find so many friends and work on a wide variety of materials, and I would definitely recommend joining this amazing community!

— Megan, Class of 2025