100 is a huge number – All About Musical Theatre!
This is my 100th blog. Amazing, how time flies. And, amazing that there is still more to chat about in musical theatre. (Click HERE to see my other musical theatre stories.)
Today, we welcome more high schools to my blog: “All Things Musical Theatre.” I started this blog to share my thoughts on musicals as I was creating one – more later about that. For now, let’s get to Today’s topic: Why are theatre and drama departments so important in high school?
I was lucky enough to go to a “theatre specialty” high school in Milwaukee. At that time, “specialty” high schools were created to help de-segregation. (Alright, now you know how old I am.) I rode two to three buses each way to get to and from school. It took almost 1 ½ hours each way. But it was so worth it.
In this high school, I found kindred spirits – other “theatre folk” like me (some of whom are still my friends today). We shared the journey of theatre throughout our high school years: dance, acting, music theory class (ugh) and of course, performing in shows together. We laughed, cried, trained, rehearsed and performed together.
I felt not alone. I felt safe – and I know that is how theatre students –or thespians – feel today. We feel like we have a family outside of our blood relatives. We have a special connection with these people. They “get” us.
I also discovered the power within me. Actually, the truth is, my theatre teacher helped me discover it. Helped me hone it, unveil it and helped make the talent within me grow. That is the power of theatre teachers. They help students bloom. Not only as actors, singers and dancers – but as people, as young adults. And, I am very grateful for that experience. Very grateful for the theatre teachers in my high school life.
I am not saying that it was easy, it was not. Dance class, voice lessons, memorizing acting scenes all along side of math, science, English, chemistry and other academic classes. (Actually, I used my long bus rides home to study and do homework….I don’t know how, but I did it.) Not easy, but it worked.
So, today, I salute you, theatre teachers – welcoming you to my blog and thanking you for all of your hard work and dedication to the theatre students. Your work is appreciated, and I, for one am grateful.
Let the show go on!!
What are your theatre teacher stories? Love to hear them.
Larry Little
Producer
