An article I was asked to write promoting our upcoming school production
“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts”
As You Like It Act II: Scene VII
The entrances soon will be opening, once again, for Vauxhall Junior/Senior High School. The teenage drama, once only found in the hallways, are now finding a new home and focus within the creative confines of the stage. We are having a revival of sorts and some are unable to control their inner thespians, as they rush to the mirror to perfect their character impersonation of Meryl Streep, Kenneth Branagh, Dwayne Johnson? At the very least they are dusting off their old jazz hands. Theatre is back, and this drama teacher couldn’t be more excited. Yet, I am but one person and you need a whole community in order to succeed. Luckily the age old adage still exists; “If you build it, they will come”. A fresh coat of paint, the buttering up of certain shop teachers to help build basic set structures, and ladies and gentlemen you have yourself an acting space! At least on the outside that is what you’ll see. A utility space, set up in the traditional proscenium arch, with the purpose of rehearsing and performing theatrical pieces of work. The contents of plays can always be thought provoking; thematic pieces that delve into the human condition, or parodies of life for the sake of starting a humorous discussion, heck why not throw in a dancing pig for some straight up oddity theatre. But that is only focusing on the external and for anyone who has walked through the doors of a drama room, with an open mind and desire to explore creativity, they will tell you drama is so much more. When first approached to take on a drama option, my excitement was palpable. A chance to teach others a personal passion that is the reason most get into the teaching profession; holidays are the other right? Like any program, in order to inspire growth you need to start at the beginning, from day one. Limits cannot be tolerated, and obstacles are in place to be overcome. Enter the solution. If there is going to be a drama class, there needs to be a drama production; no question. A production that will group together the entire school community; Actors from all grades, involvement from multiple disciplines, inclusion of the community. Theatre is not meant to be isolated and secretive, but exposed and in your face. Why do you think we make the best Emcees, and are often, ever so slightly annoying? With all these pieces put together, you can finally see the heart of the matter. Drama class is needed. It does not take the place of any other need in a school, but compliments them. Every Student should have a place where they feel “at home”where they feel like themselves, even if they are acting like someone else. I know it is the place where I felt most comfortable when I was in High School; where I found my passion and my people. At VHS we have the opportunity to give a home to 17 budding thespians, and experience to many others who view theatre as a desire, but not a desire to perform. Our school production of I Hate Shakespeare by Steph Deferie, will give these actors a literal stage to show off their talents; to their family, friends, peers, even to themselves. And as a school creating that opportunity for each and every student is of an importance that cannot be measured. “The stage is not merely a meeting place for all the arts, but is also the return of art to life” - Oscar Wilde
“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts”
As You Like It Act II: Scene VII
The entrances soon will be opening, once again, for Vauxhall Junior/Senior High School. The teenage drama, once only found in the hallways, are now finding a new home and focus within the creative confines of the stage. We are having a revival of sorts and some are unable to control their inner thespians, as they rush to the mirror to perfect their character impersonation of Meryl Streep, Kenneth Branagh, Dwayne Johnson? At the very least they are dusting off their old jazz hands. Theatre is back, and this drama teacher couldn’t be more excited. Yet, I am but one person and you need a whole community in order to succeed. Luckily the age old adage still exists; “If you build it, they will come”. A fresh coat of paint, the buttering up of certain shop teachers to help build basic set structures, and ladies and gentlemen you have yourself an acting space! At least on the outside that is what you’ll see. A utility space, set up in the traditional proscenium arch, with the purpose of rehearsing and performing theatrical pieces of work. The contents of plays can always be thought provoking; thematic pieces that delve into the human condition, or parodies of life for the sake of starting a humorous discussion, heck why not throw in a dancing pig for some straight up oddity theatre. But that is only focusing on the external and for anyone who has walked through the doors of a drama room, with an open mind and desire to explore creativity, they will tell you drama is so much more. When first approached to take on a drama option, my excitement was palpable. A chance to teach others a personal passion that is the reason most get into the teaching profession; holidays are the other right? Like any program, in order to inspire growth you need to start at the beginning, from day one. Limits cannot be tolerated, and obstacles are in place to be overcome. Enter the solution. If there is going to be a drama class, there needs to be a drama production; no question. A production that will group together the entire school community; Actors from all grades, involvement from multiple disciplines, inclusion of the community. Theatre is not meant to be isolated and secretive, but exposed and in your face. Why do you think we make the best Emcees, and are often, ever so slightly annoying? With all these pieces put together, you can finally see the heart of the matter. Drama class is needed. It does not take the place of any other need in a school, but compliments them. Every Student should have a place where they feel “at home”where they feel like themselves, even if they are acting like someone else. I know it is the place where I felt most comfortable when I was in High School; where I found my passion and my people. At VHS we have the opportunity to give a home to 17 budding thespians, and experience to many others who view theatre as a desire, but not a desire to perform. Our school production of I Hate Shakespeare by Steph Deferie, will give these actors a literal stage to show off their talents; to their family, friends, peers, even to themselves. And as a school creating that opportunity for each and every student is of an importance that cannot be measured. “The stage is not merely a meeting place for all the arts, but is also the return of art to life” - Oscar Wilde