STARTS NEXT WEEK—"Hi, Teach!" Dani Gilbert, portraying Silvia Bartlett, left, Auria Williams as Katherine and Tashea Campbell as Frances are in the cast of Colina Middle School's production of "Up the Down Staircase." The Colina Middle School Drama Department will perform Bel Kaufman's "Up the Down Staircase" at the school, 1500 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks.

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thurs. and Fri., April 2 and 3, and 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sat., April 4.

The play takes place in New York during the late 1970s and is about a new teacher overcoming the challenges of her first class and the rebellious students she must teach.

Tickets can be purchased at the door at $5 for students and $7 for adults.

For more information, go to www.colinadrama.com.