Behind every great stage production is a team of passionate and dedicated individuals, and at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS), that team is led by theater teacher Ben Rosen. With a goal of making the program more professional while continuing to build on its already strong foundation, Ben has been working tirelessly with students to bring their creative visions to life.

Ben’s journey began in second grade, spanning through elementary, middle and high school. Growing up in southern California, he found theater to be his “happy place.” Ben later moved to Greeley, Colorado, where he was inspired by a phenomenal theater program. Here in Colorado, he obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Colorado, and recently completed his master’s degree in theater education.

Before coming to RCHS, Ben taught in Aurora for three years, directing many productions. When his wife, Red, took on the role of theater teacher at Mountain Ridge Middle School in Highlands Ranch, Ben found his way to RCHS and was immediately impressed.

“I got here and realized how fantastic the program is and how passionate the students are,” reflected Ben. He also credits Geoff Whitesell, the drama teacher at Rocky Heights Middle School.

Under Ben’s leadership, the RCHS program has expanded to highlight all aspects of theater—both on stage and behind the scenes. “One of my goals was to bring more light to all areas of theater,” Ben explained. “It is the coolest experience working with such dedicated students. I have been able to ask a lot of them,” Ben shared.

One of the standout student leaders is Nick TeSelle, the technical director for this spring’s performance Seussical. Nick designed the entire set and built it with his fellow students. Every element—lighting, audio, costuming and props—is student-designed and executed, with hours of volunteer work poured in even with demanding class schedules. It is not uncommon for students to spend six days per week preparing for upcoming shows.

The Seussical cast features 45 students, along with a few elementary school performers, who rehearse almost daily to bring Dr. Seuss’s whimsical world to life. The set design presents a creative challenge, drawing inspiration from multiple Dr. Seuss books.

The process to create the costumes and props is just as vibrant as the show itself. Every piece is carefully designed with bold color choices to imaginative accessories. With a mix of handmade and sourced items, the team has scoured stores to find the perfect details—including a bubble machine and bear ears.

In addition to big productions, the RCHS theater curriculum includes performance and technical training. Students progress through levels that fully prepare them for the next big stage after high school.

In addition to Seussical, Ben and his various theater troupes are working on upcoming productions of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane and Melancholy Play. Later in the year, junior theater students will write and act in their own one-act plays as part of the small-stage production season.

Ben emphasized that live theater thrives with live audiences. Do not miss Seussical on Thursday and Friday, March 27 and 28, with two performances on Saturday, March 29. To purchase tickets online or learn more about the RCHS theater, visit RockCanyonTheatre.com.

 

By Nicole Stark; photos courtesy of Ben Rosen