Mitski’s Hollywood High exhibits join the school’s long art history
For students, it’s a chance to see a favorite artist in “our amazing school.” For the school, it is a continuation of the “world famous” artistic heritage.
This week, indie singer Mitski plays a series of sold-out shows at an unlikely LA venue: Hollywood High School Auditorium.
For students, it’s a chance to see a favorite artist in “our amazing school.” For the school, it is a continuation of the “world famous” artistic legacy.
“It makes me look at school with great pride,” said Lotus Rosby, a junior. I’m like, ‘Wow, they have a great singer coming to our school.’
‘sweet cry’ music
Mitski has built a devoted following since releasing his debut album in 2012.
Senior Angel Cueto discovered music in middle school during the “favorite part of my teenage life.”
“There are many times where I have washed my eyes out in the shower with his music, and he is always like the singer I go to when I just want a good cry,” he said.
For sophomore London James, hearing 2014’s “I Don’t Smoke” was a canon event in his life.
“Mitski talks to me,” said James. “I understand him, as I am and he is.
James looked for tickets as soon as he saw an advertisement for the Hollywood High games.
“I didn’t have time to look at the prices because every day was already sold out,” he said.
James, who is in the school’s theater program, wondered if there would be an opportunity for students to volunteer to work backstage.
James said: “But deep down I knew that wasn’t going to happen.
A 1920s view of the Hollywood High School campus looking northwest from Highland Ave.
Collection of the Los Angeles Public Library
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Then the school announced a competition. If students attended school during each class period, every day for two weeks, they would be entered into a raffle to win tickets provided by Mitski’s team.
Attendance is subject to school and student funding success in educationboth of which are important to the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Michael Reagan, an adviser to the students participating in the competition, said that the 168 students who entered the competition had a pass rate of 96% compared to 89% of those who did not.
“It’s definitely my attendance challenge that I’ve done all year… maybe in my three years in the district,” Reagan said.
The Hollywood High School auditorium, pictured here in 1939, and the library were the only two buildings that survived the 1933 Long Beach Earthquake.
Collection of the Los Angeles Public Library
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Students James, Cueto and Rosby were among the 46 students who won tickets.
“I think I’ve said I’m happy 25 million times and I don’t think that’s enough,” James said.
For Cueto, who is a senior, it’s another opportunity to think about art as a viable form of work — not just as an artist, but all the elements needed to put a program together.
“We’re not the only ones watching our favorite artist,” Cueto said. “But we might as well get a glimpse of our future.”
Why Is Hollywood High?
Hollywood High School is one of two US stops on Mitski’s tour in support of his new album, Nothing Will Happen to Me.
“I wanted it to feel special,” Mitski told the World Cafe show earlier this year. “I wanted it to feel like an experience, I wanted to replicate the feeling that I would show, going to DIY shows, punk shows.”
Artist also donates $2 of every ticket sale to a non-profit LA after-school music program By Group.
Mitski is not the first artist to play the hall. Former Smiths boss Morrissey played at the school in 2013 and Hollywood High School’s relationship with the arts began decades ago.
Principal Samuel Dovlatian calls the school “world famous” because of its long list of undergraduate students working in the arts and entertainment.
They include:
- Carol Burnett, actress, comedian, singer and writer
- Brandy, singer, songwriter and actress
- Sarah Jessica Parker, actress and producer
- Laurence Fishburne, actor, producer and director
Their names are listed in the school corridors with red stars. Actress Judy Garland also attended the school, but according to Dovlatian, she skipped school to finish filming. The Wizard of Oz.
There is also a collection of memorabilia in a “museum” attached to the school library which includes:
- Hammer out The Shawshank Redemptiona film written by alum Frank Darabontwho went on to create “The Walking Dead.”
- An original Ken doll designed for alumni Ken Handler.
- A pair of rhinestone heels owned by Mage Championsinger and inspiration for Disney’s Snow White.
Sports are also an integral part of the school curriculum.
Dovlatian said even if students don’t enter the entertainment industry, they will take away important teamwork and communication skills.
“You have to go beyond the book,” Dovlatian said. “Get it [students] hands-on learning, make them struggle with the problem, the idea, the dance style, the equipment, the equipment, and let them see for themselves what success means.”
The history library, which includes the history of the entertainment industry, is one of the reasons why Dulce Duque chose to go to school. “I love our old Hollywood vibes,” Dueque said.
Hollywood High has turned a former auto-body shop into a student studio learn video and film production.
Mawuena Akorli uses the site as a junior ho New School of Media program. She said that as a Black girl, she doesn’t see herself in the media very often.
“I want to make stories and movies that people can understand and make them feel seen,” Akorli said.
How to apply for LAUSD magnet programs
Hollywood High’s art programs are just one of hundreds of special magnet programs available at LAUSD schools. Learn how to apply with LAist’s School Game Plan.
The same hall where Mitski will take up residence is also home to the school an art magnet, which includes theatre, dance and music.
James has an invitation for anyone in the audience to see Hollywood High’s Spring musical, which begins mid April.
“If you can go see Mitski, you will Into the Forest,” James said, “You will know where this auditorium is.”
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