Once a Student, Now a Teacher

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Celena DelPizzo-Howell recently wrapped up directing the LBHS fall theater production.

By Charlie Warner, Special to the Independent

In preparation for the high school’s fall theater production, “The Man Who Came to Dinner,” director Celena DelPizzo-Howell reviewed her own performance in a 2006 production and came away surprised.

“I was able to see such a different perspective,” she said. “I saw things I liked and things I didn’t.”

Ryane Zipstein, a senior, was cast as the character Maggie Cutler, the part DelPizzo-Howell played as a student in the comedy directed by retired theater instructor Mark Dressler. “I so enjoy working with Ryane. She is far more dry than I am and brought out a fresh angle on the character.”

“The Man Who Came to Dinner,” which closed this week, is DelPizzo-Howell’s first production in her second year directing with Laguna Beach High School theater instructor Alexis Karol, who succeeded Dressler. The year previously, she co-directed “Stage Door,” “Once Upon a Mattress” and “Almost Maine.”

“From sixth grade to senior year, I was involved with the all the plays, all directed by Mark Dressler. I auditioned for every one,” DelPizzo-Howell said.

She attended Orange Coast College and Saddleback College.

“After I graduated, Mark asked for some help with the middle school kids.

Student actor Celena DelPizzo-Howell in the 2009 production of “Fiddler on the Roof.”
Student actor Celena DelPizzo-Howell in the 2009 production of “Fiddler on the Roof.”

Eventually that led to me coming in and guest teaching at the high school.” DelPizzo-Howell, who is not a credentialed teacher but a classified employee, taught an improvisation class to the LBHS students.

“I’ve known her since I was in middle school,” said Ryane, of the show’s director, “and have gotten closer to her over this process and have had some long conversations with her about both my character and the play overall. She’s so passionate and you can really see that. It’s kind of infectious,” said Ryane.

DelPizzo-Howell recognizes her experience gives her a special empathy for the young thespians. “I feel like I have a unique relationship with the kids because I know where they are sitting. I know how hard it is to balance school work and rehearsal. I think I have a closer relationship because of my age. And I really respect my students; they teach me all the time!

“I always am encouraging my students to be bold and try something different or new, and they always seem to surprise me.”

When she’s not teaching or directing, DelPizzo-Howell is singing. As a vocalist in Moonshine, which includes her brother, her band contributes to the Laguna Beach music scene, playing at The Cliff, The Marine Room and other local venues. The band is working on an album.

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