The Drama department at Hillsdale High School allowed me to open up and truly express myself in a comfortable environment with some of my best friends and allowed me to share my talents on a major stage. Ms. Gamlen has inspired me so much and is my favorite teacher of all time. I've not only connected with her on a teacher/student level, but on a personal level as well. She has changed this department, along with the Drama Boosters to be one of the best in the Bay Area. I'm so grateful and fortunate to work with her and I look forward to being in her class every single day. - Hillsdale Drama Student

Being a transfer student from another country was always a challenge for me. Most of the time I was afraid of talking to people, afraid to speak up or worried if people would understand me. Drama classes with Ms. Gamlen encouraged me to articulate more, to practice my diction and to speak in public. Those skills made things that were hard for me, like: presentations, raising up my hand in class and talking to my classmates in a group discussion way easier. Ms. Gamlen cares a lot about her students and always helps them grow as actors and as people. Her class is a safe environment where you can meet new people and have fun playing acting games. If it wasn't for Ms. Gamlen and the whole drama department, I would probably still be the shy/quiet boy that I used to be. So I'll forever be thankful for this wonderful department that changed my life. - Hillsdale Drama Student

I'm on my second year of drama class at Hillsdale. I love being in drama because it's a time to be crazy and have fun. I always look forward to class. The games are fun and working with my friends on plays. I think drama class has helped me have confidence and good leadership skills. - Hillsdale Drama Student

HHS drama is an extremely welcoming community. I have made so many friends from being in drama. I've also learned quite a bit about how show biz works, including how to audition, how to make a resume, how to take headshots, and much more. This class is useful whether your dream is to be on Broadway, or if you just need the credits. This class also teaches useful life skills including public speaking, communication, cooperation, along with others. - Hillsdale Drama Student

I really appreciate how Ms. Gamlen, the head of the drama. department, and all the other parents or volunteers really strive to support the students. I don't think I've ever seen them give up on a student who needed help. They push for every student to be successful with flying colors and their flexibility and kindness and understanding is unparalleled. I could not feel safer in a community. - Hillsdale Drama Student

I've taken drama for two years now and i've loved every second of it. It's a fun class to take and a good way to make new friends. I didn't really think that i would be interested in acting but over time i've grown to love it. Drama class is a fun place to be yourself, be crazy, and use your imagination without being judged. I hope to take Drama again senior year. Ms. Gamlen is the best teacher ever. I feel like she's a mom to our class. She makes everything fun as ever. - Hillsdale Drama Student

With a bond only theater can provide, Hillsdale Drama has helped me to meet some of my closest friends. - Hillsdale Drama Student

I love Hillsdale Drama so much. Being a part of it I have made some of my closest friends, learned so much about acting and performing, and continuously felt a strong sense of community that has helped me through High School. - Hillsdale Drama Student

This program has helped me meet a lot of great people. I have made some of my closest friends through drama. Without this class I wouldn't have been able to make it through high school. Although challenging the class is very rewarding and fun to be a part of. - Hillsdale Drama Student

Hillsdale Drama is an amazing way to connect with new people. It is a way to improve your confidence and public speaking skills. - Hillsdale Drama Student

Hillsdale Drama is super fun and it is what I looked forward to during my school days. - Hillsdale Drama Student

I love being a part of the shows at Hillsdale High school. They are so much fun to be a part of. - Hillsdale Drama Student

Hillsdale Drama has allowed me to be myself. Whether it be through drama class or the fall musical, I have opened up and felt much more comfortable with myself and others because of the program. Even though I’ve only been part of it for a year, everyone has made me feel at home. I’ve made many great friends with other students in the program, and it has given me many great opportunities in my life. I love Hillsdale Drama. - Hillsdale Drama Student

The beginning drama class at Hillsdale is super fun and interactive. Plus, it's different from all of the other basic classes.
Drama is the best thing that's ever happened to me, it's upped my self confidence greatly, and all in all it's given me all of my greatest friends and my newest interest: Doing Musicals and Plays. - Hillsdale Drama Student

The class of drama is a welcoming class that makes everyone be accepted and true to themselves. - Hillsdale Drama Student

The drama program is so accepting of everyone. The leaders in the department do everything in their power to allow every single student succeed. It's that unrelentless support of the students that make Hillsdale drama so special. - Hillsdale Drama Student

I've been in a total of one musical at Hillsdale, but I've known how great they are since elementary school when Ms. Gamlen ran the talent show. I'm very excited to continue working with everyone in the program and I'm ecstatic I get to be a part of it. - Hillsdale Drama Student

The hillsdale drama program is such an amazing group of students and staff. I was very nervous when I first joined drama as a freshman because I had never taken drama before. However as soon as I walked through the door on the first day of school I was greeted by a bunch of smiling faces! Ready to give all the assurance and guidance needed. The hillsdale drama program was such an incredible experience. - Hillsdale Drama Student

I love working in the shows. they are so much fun to be a part of. - Hillsdale Drama Student

The community of friends you build in the drama department are ones that will last forever. - Hillsdale Drama Student

Hillsdale Drama gave me the confidence to shine! - Hillsdale Drama Student

The Hillsdale Drama program has surprised me with just how well they are able to create very polished shows. - Hillsdale Drama Student

I’ve had so much fun being in class and in shows. I’ve met my closest friends in them and there’s never a dull moment. There’s a huge sense of community within the program whether you’re interested in crew, acting, or just there to have fun everyone is accepted and we all have a fun time.​ ​- Hillsdale Drama Student