For Immediate Release: March 10, 2026
Public Relations Office
Dawnie Slabaugh
Phone: (530) 938-5373
Email: slabaugh@siskiyous.edu
Weed / COS – While the Theater building at College of the Siskiyous awaits its upcoming transformation, the college's Theatre and Music Departments have found a vibrant new performance space in the Distance Learning Center (Building 3) on the Weed Campus. Demonstrating creativity and determination, students are bringing this year's spring production, the darkly comedic Canadian musical "Ride the Cyclone", to life in a fully student-driven production.
True to the spirit that "the show must go on," students have embraced the challenge of performing in a temporary venue by taking on leadership roles across the production. This unique staging is entirely student-centered, featuring student directors, vocal coaches, and designers who have guided the creative process from concept to performance.
The enthusiasm surrounding the production has been so strong that the show will feature two distinct casts, each delivering its own interpretation of the story. Both casts bring unique energy and perspective to the musical’s compelling narrative of six high school choir members who find themselves competing for a second chance at life.
Performances are scheduled as follows:
The move from the Ford Theatre has sparked an impressive wave of creativity and collaboration. During the final days of access to the Ford Theatre scene shop, students worked alongside Technical Director Neil Carpentier-Alting to build a modular set designed specifically for the intimate 60-seat temporary theatre space. The production also incorporates adaptive lighting and sound systems tailored to the venue.
From learning new technical tools to reimagining staging and performance in a smaller environment, the experience has created valuable hands-on learning opportunities for students.
"There's something incredibly poetic about performing a show like "Ride the Cyclone"—which explores the idea of making the most of a 'limbo' state—while our departments are also in a temporary space of transition," organizers noted.
The production highlights the resilience, creativity, and leadership of College of the Siskiyous students, demonstrating how challenges can inspire innovation and deeper artistic exploration.
"Ride the Cyclone" is a popular darkly comedic Canadian musical created by Brooke Maxwell and Jacob Richmond. The story follows six high school choir members who die in a roller coaster accident and awaken in limbo, where a mysterious mechanical fortune teller offers one of them the chance to return to life. To earn that opportunity, the students compete through songs and stories that reveal their dreams, fears, and unfinished hopes.
Known for its memorable music, quirky characters, and emotional depth, "Ride the Cyclone" blends humor with poignant reflections on life, death, and what it means to truly live.
For more information about the production and upcoming performances at College of the Siskiyous, please contact the Theatre and Music Departments or visit the college website.
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