Welcome to Spotlight, where 半岛体育 highlights shows from educational institutions or regional theatres and special events around the country (who have used 半岛体育's ). By welcoming these PLAYBILLDERs center stage, we hope to give our readers a more in-depth look at theatre programs that are fostering the love of the performing arts in the next generation and the way theatre lovers are bringing 半岛体育 along for life's big moments.
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This week's Spotlight is the Howard W. Blake School of the Arts of Tampa, Florida, and their production of Urinetown. This hilarious satire of the American legal system takes place in a Gotham-like city 20 years into a terrible drought. The water shortage has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets, forcing citizens to use public amenities regulated by a single malevolent company. Tired of the exploitation of humanity's most basic need, a hero rises up with plans for revolution and freedom.
Theatre educator and director Sean Paris shared with 半岛体育 the many considerations he makes when choosing a show for his students and the challenges that budget cuts have brought to his department.
Tell us a little about yourself. How many years have you been teaching?
Sean Paris: I've been teaching for 18 years.
What is your proudest moment as an educator?
When one of my kids signs their first professional contract or is accepted to their "dream school." I just love knowing I had the honor of being a small part of their journey. My kids are consistently the top in their class. Theatre makes them better collaborators, out of the box thinkers, more empathetic, harder workers, and probably a hundred other superlatives.
What are the most challenging and most rewarding aspects of teaching the performing arts to today鈥檚 students?
Because we are a major performing arts school, my biggest challenge is helping these kids understand that, yes, rejection is part of this world, but high school is four years. You only audition for 12 shows while you are here鈥攖hose 12 shows feel like everything at the time, but they should not define you or your future. I also want them to know that theatre can always be a part of their life; it can be full time, part time, something they do as a hobby, or something they experience as an audience member. It might be all of those at one time or another. Start with a goal and be open to all the possibilities. I also want them to know that being a theatre kid is one of the most marketable backgrounds to have. One can fill a resume with all the skills learned in theater.
What shows are your kids obsessed with right now?
They are obsessed with Alice By Heart and Mean Girls (but we did that last year). They are hoping I pick Chicago for next year.
How does your school鈥檚 performing arts programs impact your community?
We are the only magnet high school for the arts in Tampa, Florida. We consistently rank tops in the state. There is a lot of pride associated with being part of the program, but that is beyond the performance, tech, or costume aspects. We are also the chair for the District 9 thespians. My kids put in hundreds of hours hosting "thespy" festivals or one act festivals, and attending state board meetings to benefit the more than 45 high schools in our area. It is a lot, but they always show up when asked. I have never had a kid tell me no when I needed them to do something. It is the most amazing part of working with these kids.
What are your dreams for how your drama department can grow?
We used to be a theatre department of five faculty members. Over the years, cuts were made and always to the theatre department, never to the other departments. We are now down to two faculty members but doing the same amount of work for our productions and events. With more support from the most amazing county supervisor I have ever had, and a new principal, we are adding back another faculty member to head our technical program. My dream is to continue to be one of the top programs in the state, but to lessen the load we need more personnel. My biggest dream is for my kids to be happy. If that is in theatre, I am even more blessed.
Tell us a little bit about the production. What made you pick the show? How do you choose shows for your students?
Shows are chosen based on their interest to me. I ask myself: What does the show have to say to the audience? What is the potential for casting among the students in the magnet program? Will the show be a challenge to the kids? Will they grow from it? Can we afford it? Can we do it as well as we are expected to? Will it create recruiting opportunities? Kids have to choose to audition for our program out of all the other choices they have.
What are the kids loving about the show?
The kids are finding this show more of a challenge than they thought musically. They love that. It is full of fun characters, hilarious jokes, and also has something to say about the times.
What message do you have for your students as they take the stage?
Once we are ready and fully rehearsed, I tell them to have fun, but don't screw it up.
How did the students participate in the design or production of this 半岛体育?
I have a student leadership board who is responsible for helping to gather the information and input it. I will proof it.
What reactions do you expect to see in students when they see their name printed in this 半岛体育 for the first time?
Almost all of our 半岛体育s end up on Instagram in one way or another. The students use them to advertise and invite friends. Most students keep a copy for their memories. Even I keep a 半岛体育 for some of our very special shows.
How has PLAYBILLDER impacted your performing arts program as a resource?
From the very start of PLAYBILLDER, it was important to me that 半岛体育 be a part of our program. PLAYBILLDER gives our shows and our program a professional feel. We approach everything we do from a "real world" perspective. Our audience definitely responds well to a program from 半岛体育.
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