By Kathryn Reed

Nearly 300 people were treated to a sneak preview to what the theater at South Tahoe High School is all about.

Almost everyone on stage commented on the lights – how many more there are and the brightness making it impossible to see the crowd – some of whom had to stand.

The TADA building is at the entrance of STHS. Photos/Kathryn Reed

Acoustics are more powerful – as evidenced by students Joe Letosky, Dillon Daggs, Chloe Davis, Ashley Wallick, Rachael Altman and Shelby Osborn sing “Electricity” from the Broadway play “Billy Elliot”. Their voices penetrated the warm air Friday night.

Sophomore Rose Campion has won awards for her music talents.

Rose Campion on piano (without the aid of sheet music) dazzled the audience as her hands flew across the ivory keys.

Courtney Reece performed a solo from “The Sound Music” – last year’s play.

It was Anna Ripoli and Jack Percival doing a scene from a play.

The first full production will be “42nd Street” in December.

Friday night was an opportunity for the public to tour the $9 million Theater Arts & Design Academy as well as experience the theater and see how technology works in the screening room, recording studio, TV studio and other venues.

A few hundred people attend TADA's grand opening Aug. 26.

Principal Ivone Larson called South Tahoe High a triple-A school because of its focus on academics, arts and athletics.

Money for the makeover at the school comes from voter-approved Measure G funds ($64.5 million) and more than $30 million in matching dollars from state grants. While those dollars are dispersed throughout the district, the bulk are being spent at the high school.

A few people from the state Department of Education were in the audience Aug. 26 to witness what is going on at South Tahoe High.