5 Tips for Teamwork: Collaborating with Your Musical Director & Choreographer

I have taught theatre for over 30 years to all ages – 5 year olds through adults. I have had many experiences with students and plays, but our experience with HOODIE was simply astounding. We had very little time to prepare, but the students were so into it, loved the play so much, they worked hard and made it happen. The peals of sustained laughter from teachers and students alike was a great tonic for the actors. The quiet final moment was, in a room with 350 youngsters, totally quiet. And then there was a spontaneous standing ovation from the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students! How cool is that? Following the performance I got emails from faculty with words like "incredible," "excellent," "very meaningful," "impressive," and "Bravo." I can't tell you how many times faculty members have stopped me in hallways to say what a wonderful play for their students to see. One even asked me if the playwright was a middle school teacher because no one else would be able to understand middle school angst so deeply.

My students are really enjoying this challenging play! They love the message & love that it's not hitting us over the head with it. I'd like to thank you for understanding that high school students can handle more challenging material. I get so tired of playwrights & publishers who think that we need to dumb down material for high school.

I have to tell you that my students loved performing Anne-Arky and Swimming With Sins last year. I'm really excited about the plays I've read from your service this year, too. My auditorium is going through a bit of a challenging time (space is tight). I'm going to go black boxes and minimal costumes this year, and there are so many quality one acts from your service to choose from. I can't wait to share them with the students.