Here we go again!

Dear Jackrabbit Theatre Company Families,

Welcome to another exciting year of theatre at Mesa High School! Whether you are returning to our program or joining us for the very first time, I am so incredibly happy you are here.

For those I haven’t had the chance to meet yet, my name is Jere Van Patten — though most students simply call me “Mr. V.” I am honored to continue serving as the Theatre Director for the Jackrabbit Theatre Company and continue to lead this next chapter of creativity, growth, collaboration, and storytelling here at Mesa High.

After a year of learning, growing, building relationships, and laying foundations, I can honestly say I am thrilled to be back for “round two.” Last year brought tremendous challenges, victories, lessons, and unforgettable moments, and I feel more grounded, focused, and energized than ever as we step into this new season together. There is something incredibly special happening within this program, and I truly believe the best is still ahead of us.

One of the things I am most excited about this year is the incredible group of student leaders helping shape the culture and future of JTC. We have an outstanding leadership team in place, and in July, our officers will be heading to Leadership Camp where they will collaborate, learn, dream, and bring back fresh ideas and inspiration to help strengthen our program even further. Their passion, work ethic, and commitment to excellence already have me feeling incredibly optimistic about the year ahead.

We also have a packed season of opportunities planned for our students both onstage and off. In addition to our productions this year, students will participate in the annual Arizona Thespian Festival in November, compete at Regionals in January, and we are hopeful to once again participate in the ASU Gammage High School Musical Theatre Awards this season. We are also excited to submit a one-act production for competition at Thespian Festival this year — an incredible opportunity for our students to showcase their artistry and represent Mesa High on a larger stage.

I am especially thrilled to share that this year also brings a brand-new opportunity for collaboration with our feeder junior high and elementary schools through our fall production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. This project is designed to help strengthen our theatre community across grade levels and create meaningful opportunities for younger students to connect with Mesa High Theatre long before they officially become Jackrabbits. More information about auditions, involvement opportunities, and participation details will be shared soon, and I genuinely cannot wait to see this collaboration come to life.

At the heart of everything we do is our program motto: Discipline in the WORK; Excellence in the ART; Achievement in the PERFORMANCE. Those words are more than just a slogan on a shirt or banner — they represent the culture we are striving to build together. We want students to leave this program not only as stronger performers, technicians, and artists, but also as stronger people: confident, collaborative, resilient, empathetic, and proud of the work they create together.

Whether your student is stepping onto the stage for the very first time, joining a tech crew, designing costumes, building sets, or preparing for their final season before graduation, there is absolutely a place for them here.

Thank you for supporting arts education and for trusting us with your students. The level of talent, heart, dedication, and community within JTC continues to inspire me every single day, and I truly cannot wait to see what we create together this year.

There is so much exciting stuff ahead.

Be sure to follow along throughout the year here on our website for announcements, tickets, updates, and program information.

Here’s to another incredible season of storytelling, artistry, laughter, growth, and a little theatrical magic along the way.

With gratitude and excitement,
Mr. V.

as “Horton” in Seussical