By Emily Petillon
Staff Writer
Mira Costa’s drama class carried out its annual tradition of drama initiation on June 1.
After completing the initiation, students are admitted to the International Thespian Society.
“We have a folder that keeps track of ‘thespian points,’” sophomore thespian Matt Sena said. “After a person racks up 20 points, or roughly 200 hours, that person is initiated into the International Thespian Society.”
The initiates were given a series of tasks by the graduating seniors, which included dancing in the quad, saying embarrassing things and singing.
Principal Dr. Ben Dale does not approve of initiations. He thinks they are a form of hazing.
“I don’t like initiations,” Dale said. “And I didn’t know about this one.”
Drama teacher Carol Mathews argues that drama initiation is a reward for students who have worked hard and deserve a day of fun and enjoyment.
“These kids are being introduced to an internationally recognized organization that has been around for 75 years,” Mathews said. “I also changed the initiation so it is not in any way hazing.”
Senior member Duncan Gregory believes that initiation is an important drama tradition.
“I think the initiation is an important way to accept new people into our drama family, and even though it’s embarrassing, it brings us together,” Gregory said.
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