Theater

🎭 About Us

South Dade Senior High houses one of the premier theatre programs in Miami-Dade County. As a long-standing member of the International Thespian Society, Troupe 3637 has maintained an active presence for decades, qualifying for the Florida State Thespian Festival (FSTF) for seventeen consecutive years. At this event—the largest theatre competition in the country—our troupe consistently earns Superior ratings and has been recognized with numerous Top Honors, the festival’s highest distinction. Beyond individual accolades, Troupe 3637 has earned a “Best One Act Play” in the state in the past and has proudly represented Florida at the International Thespian Festival three times over the last thirteen years. Over the years, our students have achieved national recognition through published plays, merit-based scholarships, and placements at prestigious universities. Notably, our alumni continue to impact the professional stage; for instance, Phanesia Pharel recently celebrated her Off-Broadway debut with her play, The Waterfall, which ran from January 31 to March 1, 2026.

🎭 Leadership & Vision

Juan P. Espinosa | Theatre Magnet Teacher & Technical Director

With 13 years at South Dade Senior High, Mr. Juan P. Espinosa is the longest-tenured faculty member of the Visual & Performing Arts team. A professional writer, actor, director, and improviser, Mr. E brings years of industry experience from across the city to our students.

His unique approach to theatre education includes:

  • Original Works: Every year, Mr. E writes an original play specifically to be workshopped by Magnet students.
  • Creative Mentorship: This culture of creation has inspired students to write and produce their own works.

Prodigious Output: Under his leadership, Troupe 3637 has produced over 50 plays in the last 13 years, averaging 4–8 productions annually—the majority of which are world premieres at South Dade.

🎭 The Program Experience

Our mission is to produce high-quality theatre that provokes thought and connects deeply with our community. Students in our program do not just act; they are the backbone of the school’s performing arts hub.

  • Comprehensive Training: Students provide both performance and technical services for all South Dade auditorium events, including dance recitals, choral shows, and graduation ceremonies.
  • Technical Specialization: We are actively seeking both performers and technicians (“techies”). If your passion lies backstage, we encourage you to specialize in technical theatre.

🎭 Membership & Audition Requirements

Troupe 3637 is a “theatre family” looking for passionate, eager creators. We accept students of varying skill levels, but we prioritize those who enhance our group dynamic.

Commitment Policy

To maintain our reputation as the premier high school program in Homestead, we require a high level of dedication:

  • Central Focus: Theatre must be your primary extracurricular priority.
  • Availability: Students must be prepared to prioritize theatre schedules over secondary after-school activities or sports.

🎭 Virtual Theatre Audition Guide

We want to make your audition process as seamless as possible. To provide flexibility, all auditions are submitted virtually via a YouTube link. However, if you prefer a face-to-face meeting, you may email Mr. Espinosa at JuanEspinosa@dadeschools.net to schedule an in-person audition.

Note for Technical Applicants: If you wish to specialize in technical theatre, please state this clearly in your video audition and describe your experience or passion for working backstage.

Part 1: Audition Structure (Max Time: 4 Minutes)

Please record your audition in one continuous take if possible, following this order:

  1. Introduction (15 Seconds): State your name, grade level, and a brief greeting.
  2. Monologue (1–2 Minutes): Perform a monologue from a play, movie, or TV show of your choice.
  3. Vocal Performance (30 Seconds – Optional): If you wish to showcase your singing voice, perform a brief excerpt from a song of your choice.
  4. Personal Profile (Max 1:15): Tell us about yourself! Describe your interests, hobbies, and your future goals within the arts and beyond.

Part 2: Uploading Your Video to YouTube

  1. Sign In: Log into your Google/YouTube account.
  2. Start Upload: Click the Create button (camera icon with a “+”) in the top-right corner and select Upload video.
  3. Select File: Drag and drop your video file into the YouTube Studio uploader.
  4. Set Visibility (Crucial): While filling in the title and description, navigate to the Visibility section and select “Unlisted.” This ensures only those with the link can view your audition.
  5. Publish: Wait for processing to complete and click Save.

Part 3: Final Submission

Once your video is live, copy the video link and email it to: 📩 JuanEspinosa@dadeschools.net

What to Expect Next:

  • Receipt Confirmation: You will receive an email the day after your link is received.
  • Results: A follow-up email will be sent once your audition has been fully reviewed by our team.