Our Program

Mrs. Portwood

Teacher and Director

Mrs. Portwood began directing the drama program at CMHS/MS in 2020. She previously worked in Santa Ana USD, Napa Valley USD, and Saddleback USD, directing and choreographing shows like The Little Mermaid Jr, The Lion King, The Music Man, and more! Mrs. Portwood also worked internationally, directing shows in Taiwan, Russia, and Spain. She worked as a living history actor and loves to be both on stage and behind the scenes for productions. She has her Master's in Education from Concordia University, Irvine and a BA in Dance/BS in Zoology from UC Santa Barbara. Mrs. Portwood loves to mix her passions of science and theater, encouraging her 7th grade students to write H2Oh!, a musical about the water cycle. She loves building connections between people and subjects in creative ways. Mrs. Portwood is so grateful to be a part of the CMMHS community and is excited to continue growing the theater program.

Our Drama Classes

Middle School Intro to Drama

Our 7th and 8th grade students can try drama for the first time,
learning about the Elements of Drama and the basics.

Middle School Advanced Drama (Audition only)

This class has a fall & spring showcase in the Black Box, including radio plays, melodramas, stagecraft, & more. We need students in cast & crew! Incoming 7th graders audition by April 1st to be in this class.

Middle School Musical (Audition in August, Fall Semester Only)

Incoming 7th graders or 8th graders can audition to be a part of this Musical Production Class. Auditions are in August and the class is Fall Semester Only.

High School Drama 1: Stagecraft (NEW)

Do you like working with your hands & creating things? We learn basic stagecraft skills! Students build sets, make props, design makeup & hair, sewing basics & learn sound/light coding & concepts.
*This class does not perform, but will be required to work crew at 1 performance outside of class

High School Drama 2 (Audition only)

High School Students can audition to be a part of this production class. This class has performances in the Black Box as part of their grade as well as a performance in the Gilboe Lindfors Performing Arts Center.

High School Musical (Audition in November, Spring Semester Only)

Students audition/interview to be a part of the musicals (crew for fall). Pay attention to announcements!
The class meets each semester, includes cast & crew, & performs on the mainstage.

Drama Club