River City High School students performing a scene from “Witches!? In Salem?!”. Photo courtesy of RCHS Productions   

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – RCHS Productions, the student-driven theatre and filmmaking program at River City High School, is celebrating the conclusion of its 10th anniversary season with an ambitious new production of “Carousel,” the classic musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein. 

Over the past decade, RCHS Productions has grown into one of the most active student performing arts programs in the region, providing hundreds of River City students with hands-on experience in acting, stagecraft, design, directing, marketing, filmmaking and arts leadership. Built on a mission of student empowerment and collaborative learning, the program places young artists at the center of every production – often placing students in leadership roles that mirror professional theatre and film practices. 

Students participate not only as performers, but also as cinematographers, editors, designers, producers, technicians and marketers, creating an interdisciplinary arts program that blends live performance with digital storytelling. This approach gives students practical experience across multiple creative industries while building collaboration, problem-solving and leadership skills. 

The program’s 10th anniversary season has highlighted that mission through a wide range of performances and creative projects, including student-directed scenes, musical theatre showcases and original student works. The season has also generated significant student engagement: for the third year in a row, more than 12,000 hours of extracurricular student work are expected to be logged through RCHS Productions activities during this school year alone. 

To celebrate that achievement, the program will once again host its annual Thespian Awards, recognizing student contributions across performance, technical theatre, filmmaking, design, leadership and production work. 

RCHS Productions members wear “Thank you 10” shirts in honor of their 10th anniversary season. Photo courtesy of RCHS Productions  

The anniversary season culminates with “Carousel,”’ one of the most celebrated works of the American musical theatre canon. Known for its sweeping score and emotionally resonant storytelling, the production explores themes of redemption, community responsibility and the enduring impact individuals have on those around them. 

“Over the past ten years, RCHS Productions has become a place where students discover their voice, their confidence and their ability to collaborate in meaningful ways,” said program director Christopher Hanks. “This anniversary season has been a celebration of the creativity and dedication of our students, and “Carousel” offers a powerful way to bring that celebration to a close.” 

Following the run of “Carousel,” the program will continue its celebration of student creativity with a red-carpet Raider Studio Film Festival, featuring four student-directed short films premiering on the big screen along with additional student films released online. The festival will include awards recognizing student achievement in directing, editing, cinematography and storytelling. 

The cast and crew of River City High School’s student production of “Witches!? In Salem?!”. Photo courtesy of RCHS Productions  

Together, the stage production, awards celebration and film festival highlight the scope of student work produced through RCHS Productions and the program’s commitment to giving students authentic artistic and production experiences.

Performances and events will take place at River City High School in West Sacramento. Information about show dates, tickets, and upcoming events will be available through the RCHS Productions website: rchsproductions.org. 

Community members, families, and local arts supporters are encouraged to attend and celebrate a decade of student creativity, collaboration and storytelling. 

About RCHS Productions 

RCHS Productions is the theatre and filmmaking program at River City High School in West Sacramento, dedicated to providing students with meaningful artistic experiences both on stage and behind the scenes. Through productions, film projects, showcases and student-led creative work, the program fosters collaboration, leadership and creative expression while preparing students for future opportunities in the arts and beyond.