Ever Evolving

Throughout its fifty-year existence, HSPVA traditions have emerged as a reflection of the changing student body. Diversity Series are a collection of performances throughout the year that allow students of all backgrounds to celebrate their cultures and traditions, and they are a prime example of HSPVA’s continued evolution. The five Diversity Series performances are Carnaval (a celebration of Latinx culture), Alphabet Soup (celebrating the LGBTQ+ community), Koffee House (a celebration of Black culture), Venus (in celebration of women), and Night Market (celebrating the Asian community).

Though Diversity Series have come to feel like a permanent aspect of PVA culture, they’re a relatively new tradition. Here is a brief history:

Senior Olivia Rangel performs a traditional dance at the most recent Carnaval, held in the Studio Theater. (Photo: Lyle Ross)

Koffee House is the oldest of the five Diversity Series shows. It started in the early 2000s, run by the Black Student Union as a fundraiser for the needs of the Black History Month theater production. Next came Carnaval, established in 2017. Around this time, students began to voice their ideas that other minority groups should have shows dedicated to celebrating their culture and history too. Long-time assistant principal Mr. Tellez listened to them and thus Venus, Night Market, and Alphabet Soup were created!

In the half decade since they began, HSPVA has changed buildings and Diversity Series has known multiple stages. While in its Montrose building (from 1981-2019), performances took place in the Commons, a large open space with black and white checkered floors and a high ceiling. In the current downtown building, Diversity Series initially used the auditorium (called the Denney) as a performance space. For Carnaval, Koffee House and Night Market especially, the Denney offered the opportunity for a bigger audience and stage. Ultimately, conflict with All-School Musicals and overworking of those involved behind the scenes led to relocation.

Two dancers perform in the 2024 Night Market show. (Photo: Lyle Ross)

Diversity Series are currently performed in the Studio Theater, a smaller space that’s also utilized for creative writing and theater performances. Today, Diversity Series rely greatly on student leadership. Students lead the audition and rehearsal process, organize set design and tech details, and coordinate the selling of food and tickets. It’s a heavy undertaking for all involved, administrators included, and not nearly as effortless as it may look to an audience. However, the shows have become an opportunity to be part of a large school event and meet new people while showcasing talent and creativity.

Diversity Series represent so many values that HSPVA is rooted in: initiative, expression, and inclusion, to name a few. As the years pass, Diversity Series remain a celebration, a less intimidating performance opportunity for students across departments, and a reminder of the diverse community HSPVA has always been.