On May 14th, the lights dimmed at Teatro Esperanza, and in the stillness of 4 A.M., Esperanza Cyber Charter School’s Teatro Club illuminated the stage—and our hearts. Leading up to the performance, excitement buzzed through the air. Throughout the day, students involved in the production stopped by for last-minute props: markers, tape, anything they could use to bring their characters to life. “Miss, you need to be there,” one said, their nervous energy radiating through every word. I promised I’d be there—and I’m so grateful I was.

When I walked into Teatro Esperanza, I was transported into a world shaped by teenagers’ imagination and vulnerability.

The stage was transformed into three bedrooms—dimly lit snapshots of solitude and introspection. A digital clock read 3:45 AM. Music played softly in the background—songs about monsters, hinting at the emotions and metaphors to come. At exactly 4:00, the lights went out.

And then: our students shined. Laughter and quiet tears rippled through the audience as they delivered scene after scene, monologue after monologue—each one a window into the minds and hearts of young people awake in the quiet hours of the night, wondering, Is anybody out there? ECCS’s debut production of “4 A.M.” by Jonathan Dorf, directed by Dray Cottingham, was not just a performance—it was a declaration.

A declaration that cyber students can and will come together to create something beautiful and brave. It was raw, tender, funny, and full of heart. I spoke with several of the student actors after the show. Their reflections showed just how meaningful this production was—not just for them as artists, but as young people seeking connection, confidence, and creative expression. “We turned something that was on paper into action,” said Aubreona Montanez, who played Monica. “As theater students, it was very adventurous. We explored concepts we hadn’t really touched before. For me, it was a chance to push myself—to grow, to express, to step outside of who I usually am.” Jeriel Gonzalez Rivera, who portrayed Simon and the Second Officer, shared, “I was crying because I wanted to get it right… There were people in the room who knew this, who felt this, and I didn’t want to let anyone down. Mr. C told me, ‘You got this, I believe in you,’ and that gave me the strength to keep going. In the end, I was proud—not just of myself, but of everyone. We made something powerful together.”

Sianilysse Correa, who played Anne and the First Officer, admitted, “At first, I was all giggles and excited. But once we started rehearsals in person, I was terrified. I didn’t want to show it, I was so nervous. But having people by my side helped me push through. It turned out to be so much fun. I personally loved it a lot.”

What stood out most from our conversation was how much this experience meant to them— not just as a school activity, but as something deeply affirming and healing. When asked about why theater matters— especially in a time where arts programs often face cuts— each student responded with clarity, passion, and heart. “Some people don’t know how to vocalize how they feel,” Correa said. “But through theater, you can express without shame. You can pretend to be someone else, but you’re still showing you through that character.”  

Montanez agreed: “Cutting programs like this takes away opportunities—especially from kids who don’t have many to begin with. Theater lets us express emotion, build confidence, and even send important messages into the world. It helps us grow, and it helps us heal.” “When I see someone perform,” Gonzalez Rivera added, “I can tell if they’re holding something inside—like they’re expressing a part of themselves through their character. That’s why it’s so important that these programs don’t get cut. This is what helps people feel seen.” The production was made possible thanks to the leadership and support of Dray Cottingham, Ronda Atwater, Reem Nammour, and Principal Molina.

A special thanks goes out to the Esperanza Arts Center and their incredible team for welcoming ECCS into Teatro Esperanza, and to Student Government and NHS for running a donation drive in support of St. Christopher’s Hospital.

As the final scene faded and the audience rose to a standing ovation, I looked around and thought: what a night. What a performance. What a powerful reminder of what happens when young people are given a space to shine. And yes—there is somebody out there. It’s our students. And they have something to say.