Following 10 years of developing curriculum for the English department and directing for MVHS drama, former English and drama teacher Hannah Gould resigned from her position in July. Former Cupertino High School English and drama teacher Arcadia Conrad was hired to lead the drama department and to teach one ELD class at MVHS.
Gould explains that they grew up in the theater communities, actively participating in different types of performances throughout high school. However, after receiving their English teaching credentials, Gould began teaching primarily English at MVHS in 2016. During their time at MVHS, they instructed World Core, Contemporary Literature, Honors American Literature and Freshman Literature and Writing.
Gould began leading drama in addition to her English classes three years into her teaching career. Gould explains that she learned the ropes of the drama department through her teaching experience, including managing stagecraft tech logistics. In 2024, Gould also spearheaded MVHS’s first drama tech-theater course, Stagecraft Tech.
“I was always missing theater and wanting to go back to it,” Gould said. “So I jumped at the opportunity to take the role of theater teacher. My background in literature has definitely made me a specific type of theater teacher. I did a lot of devised theater and playwriting with the students and really encouraged them to write their own works. I really believe in text-based interpretations, taking account of the details of the character and understanding their emotional framework.”
After almost 10 years of teaching, Gould decided to leave teaching to pursue a professional career in acting and playwriting, investing in their own creative practice. Gould is moving to New York this September, where they plan to attend Maggie Flanigan Acting Conservatory while continuing to improve their vocals. Throughout their time teaching at MVHS, Gould explains that they have been developing their own work, including a self-produced musical that they have performed in multiple locations. While they still enjoy teaching, Gould says that their decision has allowed them to invest more in their own aspirations.
“I’ve been gradually building my own creative practice,” Gould said. “And recently, that’s leveled up in a pretty big way. That side of my life is really expanding and blossoming right now, and it’s so much work to run a theater department. I knew I was going to have to shortchange one or the other. I love working at MVHS, and I’m not leaving to get away from anything. I’m leaving to move towards something new.”
Gould’s sudden resignation left MVHS drama students shocked and unsure about the department’s future, especially regarding lasting MVHS drama traditions such as MV SNL. Sophomore and advanced drama student Sydney Weker says that though at first she was upset about the news, she ultimately felt happy to see Gould pursue her own personal goals. Despite her initial uncertainty, Weker looks forward to experiencing a new teaching style.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how different teachers run drama class,” Weker said. “I feel like a good drama teacher is someone who’s willing to collaborate and is not overly controlling, and also someone who’s super accepting and makes the class actually fun.”
Following Gould’s departure, the role as drama department lead was filled by Arcadia Conrad, the former theater program director at Cupertino High School. Conrad led the CHS theater program for 23 years, during which she oversaw productions and helped students expand it by staging new shows and developing their interests in the theater and the entertainment industries. For Conrad, being able to cultivate her students’ curiosity and watch them gain the confidence to express themselves freely are some of the most fulfilling parts of her teaching career.
“Sometimes, students won’t approach a rigorous or complicated text because they’re scared they won’t have all the information and they haven’t had a teacher who’s told them ‘you don’t need to know everything,’” Conrad said. “I really enjoy throwing text at students when they’re trying to really find themselves as performers, where they have to make these decisions on the fly and come out of themselves, instead of worrying too much about what’s in their head and what they think the right answer is.”
For Cupertino High School senior and four-year drama student Om Mohile, Conrad’s passion for teaching and guidance opened his eyes to various aspects of theater. Having been involved in drama throughout his life, Mohile knew he always wanted to enter the theater industry, but he credits Conrad’s support and experience with the technical side of theater with helping him realize his goals.
“One of the best things about Ms. Conrad is that she’s a very supportive person,” Mohile said. “Sometimes she can be kind of tough on you, but that’s because she always has your best interest, and she’s always trying to make sure we know exactly who we are and are able to reach our fullest potential. She makes sure she’s able to help you with your goals and anything you need, and she’s provided a lot of very valuable input for me.”
Conrad explains that her decision to move to MVHS came from a shift in her priorities and finding an environment that best fits her teaching approach. Although she loved her time at CHS, she hopes to use this opportunity to contribute to a new school. Having known and worked alongside Gould previously, Conrad decided to apply for the position at MVHS because she felt she could provide a fresh perspective. As she transitions into her new position, Conrad hopes to execute new major productions both semesters as well as continuing the traditions of student playwrights and MV SNL.
“I want to honor MVHS’s legacy in terms of what students expect, and also work with students to find out the ways in which I can support them to build upon what they’ve actually been able to do,” Conrad said. “I felt like there was something unique I could bring to the table. Ultimately, teachers and students telling stories and expressing the artistic center of a school continues to be valuable for students on a socio-economic and socio-emotional basis. Sharing the story of who we are is really important, and theater is one of the greatest ways to do that.”
As MVHS drama adapts to leadership changes, Gould urges their students to take advantage of this as an opportunity for growth. Gould notes that while it’s difficult for them to step away, they hope their decision inspires future students to pursue their own passions.
“I love you all so much,” Gould said. “There’s a part of me that wishes I could be there forever, and I hope that making this choice and moving on can be a model for you all to prioritize your dreams, yourself, your art and your voice. Know that sometimes you have to make hard choices, and even hurt people and hurt yourself, in order to do something that you know you need to do.”