Daniel Jordan 
Inside the Simi Theater Where Students Are Raising the Bar
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — At Santa Susana High School, the TrouArts program has built something serious. Not flashy. Not exaggerated. Just disciplined, intentional, and well-executed. The kind of performance where you can see the hours of work behind it.
The Performing Arts Center on the SSHS campus sets the tone before a single line is spoken. The space feels modern and built for real work. The acoustics carry dialogue cleanly. The lighting design adds depth rather than distraction. Every seat has a clear view of the stage.
This is not a scaled-down version of live theatre. It’s the real deal. It feels like a theater that expects quality — and with every performance, the students rise to meet that expectation.
More than 20 productions take the stage each year. That steady schedule builds confidence and consistency. Audiences see performers who understand timing, projection, and presence. They see crews who manage lighting, sound, and set changes with control.
This year, there are several distinct opportunities for Simi Valley and Ventura County residents to experience the work firsthand.
This season’s production showcase includes:
- Romeo & Juliet – An emotionally charged production of William Shakespeare’s classic tragedy
- Pippin – A bold staging of Pippin that blends music, movement, and storytelling into a high-energy theatrical experience
- Cafe Troubadour – A year-end vocal concert featuring soloists and ensembles in an evening of live music
Tickets can be purchased through the SSHS online box office:
https://sshstrouarts.weebly.com/tickets.html#/productions-view
What ultimately makes these productions stand out is the structure behind them.
Santa Susana High School operates as a school of choice with defined pathways in the performing arts. Students enter the TrouArts program knowing they will move through a structured sequence of classes. Over four years, they build skills step by step. They take on increasing responsibility. They complete senior projects that require planning, execution, and leadership.
Faculty members bring industry experience into daily instruction. Artists-in-residence strengthen technique in specialized areas. Rehearsal spaces, studios, shops, and performance venues operate as working environments where expectations remain consistent.
The campus culture reflects that commitment. Students balance academics with rehearsal schedules. They manage time carefully. They learn collaboration and accountability through production cycles that repeat throughout the year.
The stage at the Santa Susana Performing Arts Center makes that work visible — and it gives Simi Valley a theater experience everyone should see.
