Open Forum

I'm new...new to the school I am at, new to teaching theatre. I was an independent theatre director and producer for many years and have made the leap to teaching. I never had to consider other people as much as I have this year when choosing a play. In the past I chose what I love taking budget constraints and theatre venues into account. So this summer I agonized over choosing a play with 20 characters (my school traditionally only does one play and everyone who auditions usually get some sort of part - but we don't do musicals)

So I finally chose a play after months of agonizing only to have a mini revolt - senior students who have been in all the plays who would like a voice in the decision making process, or at least to have their ideas heard when it comes to my decision. This is not how it has been done in the past.

So I asked them to find suitable scripts and said I would consider them. And they have.

Now I feel as though I am back at square one...

Please tell me if what I am thinking of doing next is lunacy:

I was thinking of choosing 3 plays (the one I chose and two they suggested) and having a round table discussion with anyone who has a vested interest in the play - teachers and students. I would tell everyone to bring their pros and cons lists for each play and we will choose together or I will hear them out and then make a decision.

What do you think?

This year, for the first time, I decided the students needed more ownership of what we do. I put together a stack of plays I wanted to produce or were right for our school and then took volunteers to be on the Playreading Committee. I gave them copies of the plays (returned to me and destroyed) and set a date for consideration. I was amazed at the enthusiasm the students brought to the project. I had to ask them (repeatedly) to put the scripts away so we could do our normal class work! They were dedicated! We met and decided on two plays for the year, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (Playscripts), and 1984(Dramatic Publishing). A senior directs our state festival entry but after we had started rehearsal we found we are not allowed to go to state competition but that's another story.

Next year I want to do The Taming of the Shrew so I'm putting that up as my choice and letting them choose the second play. I do have to take an educational stand on the Shakespeare and the First Folio will be in town and I want to take advantage of the opportunity.

I found the experience to be good, the students took ownership, had intelligent comments, didn't choose the plays I thought they would choose, and had fun reading the different plays. I had put Triassic Parq (Playscripts) in the mix and they all loved it but we just can't do it, even at our progressive school, but it was fun to read.

------------------------------
John Perry
Drama Instructor
Atherton High School
Louisville KY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-23-2015 07:46
From: Sarah Mahoney
Subject: Choosing A Play... Democracy Or Hierarchy? High School

I'm new...new to the school I am at, new to teaching theatre. I was an independent theatre director and producer for many years and have made the leap to teaching. I never had to consider other people as much as I have this year when choosing a play. In the past I chose what I love taking budget constraints and theatre venues into account. So this summer I agonized over choosing a play with 20 characters (my school traditionally only does one play and everyone who auditions usually get some sort of part - but we don't do musicals)

So I finally chose a play after months of agonizing only to have a mini revolt - senior students who have been in all the plays who would like a voice in the decision making process, or at least to have their ideas heard when it comes to my decision. This is not how it has been done in the past.

So I asked them to find suitable scripts and said I would consider them. And they have.

Now I feel as though I am back at square one...

Please tell me if what I am thinking of doing next is lunacy:

I was thinking of choosing 3 plays (the one I chose and two they suggested) and having a round table discussion with anyone who has a vested interest in the play - teachers and students. I would tell everyone to bring their pros and cons lists for each play and we will choose together or I will hear them out and then make a decision.

What do you think?

Adding more to my previous message:

I always gave the committee plays I wanted to do and let them choose. If they had suggestions, the committee was open to it but they generally liked the idea of having a predetermined group to select from. It gave them freedom with limits. 

------------------------------
John Perry
Drama Instructor
Atherton High School
Louisville KY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-23-2015 08:11
From: John Perry
Subject: Choosing A Play... Democracy Or Hierarchy? High School

This year, for the first time, I decided the students needed more ownership of what we do. I put together a stack of plays I wanted to produce or were right for our school and then took volunteers to be on the Playreading Committee. I gave them copies of the plays (returned to me and destroyed) and set a date for consideration. I was amazed at the enthusiasm the students brought to the project. I had to ask them (repeatedly) to put the scripts away so we could do our normal class work! They were dedicated! We met and decided on two plays for the year, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (Playscripts), and 1984(Dramatic Publishing). A senior directs our state festival entry but after we had started rehearsal we found we are not allowed to go to state competition but that's another story.

Next year I want to do The Taming of the Shrew so I'm putting that up as my choice and letting them choose the second play. I do have to take an educational stand on the Shakespeare and the First Folio will be in town and I want to take advantage of the opportunity.

I found the experience to be good, the students took ownership, had intelligent comments, didn't choose the plays I thought they would choose, and had fun reading the different plays. I had put Triassic Parq (Playscripts) in the mix and they all loved it but we just can't do it, even at our progressive school, but it was fun to read.

------------------------------
John Perry
Drama Instructor
Atherton High School
Louisville KY
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 09-23-2015 07:46
From: Sarah Mahoney
Subject: Choosing A Play... Democracy Or Hierarchy? High School

I'm new...new to the school I am at, new to teaching theatre. I was an independent theatre director and producer for many years and have made the leap to teaching. I never had to consider other people as much as I have this year when choosing a play. In the past I chose what I love taking budget constraints and theatre venues into account. So this summer I agonized over choosing a play with 20 characters (my school traditionally only does one play and everyone who auditions usually get some sort of part - but we don't do musicals)

So I finally chose a play after months of agonizing only to have a mini revolt - senior students who have been in all the plays who would like a voice in the decision making process, or at least to have their ideas heard when it comes to my decision. This is not how it has been done in the past.

So I asked them to find suitable scripts and said I would consider them. And they have.

Now I feel as though I am back at square one...

Please tell me if what I am thinking of doing next is lunacy:

I was thinking of choosing 3 plays (the one I chose and two they suggested) and having a round table discussion with anyone who has a vested interest in the play - teachers and students. I would tell everyone to bring their pros and cons lists for each play and we will choose together or I will hear them out and then make a decision.

What do you think?

Sarah,

Directing a play is never a democracy. Too many cooks...

Your mini revolt probably has just as much to do with being new to the school and the students as anything else. You will need to suffer through the students who say "so and so" always did it this way and wait for them to graduate. If you need to select a new play because your seniors are not interested, I suggest doing that rather than bowing to their wishes. That doesn't mean you shouldn't take their talent into account but you are the one who is in charge.

I think you are setting yourself up for years of stress if you implement your round table idea.

Just my two cents...

------------------------------
Brian Lovejoy
Plantation FL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-23-2015 07:46
From: Sarah Mahoney
Subject: Choosing A Play... Democracy Or Hierarchy? High School

I'm new...new to the school I am at, new to teaching theatre. I was an independent theatre director and producer for many years and have made the leap to teaching. I never had to consider other people as much as I have this year when choosing a play. In the past I chose what I love taking budget constraints and theatre venues into account. So this summer I agonized over choosing a play with 20 characters (my school traditionally only does one play and everyone who auditions usually get some sort of part - but we don't do musicals)

So I finally chose a play after months of agonizing only to have a mini revolt - senior students who have been in all the plays who would like a voice in the decision making process, or at least to have their ideas heard when it comes to my decision. This is not how it has been done in the past.

So I asked them to find suitable scripts and said I would consider them. And they have.

Now I feel as though I am back at square one...

Please tell me if what I am thinking of doing next is lunacy:

I was thinking of choosing 3 plays (the one I chose and two they suggested) and having a round table discussion with anyone who has a vested interest in the play - teachers and students. I would tell everyone to bring their pros and cons lists for each play and we will choose together or I will hear them out and then make a decision.

What do you think?

First off, you will experience some resistance from established students in your program.  That's a given when you take over.  Also, it seems that you now recognize that running a school theater is fundamentally different than running an independent theater.  That's important, too.  Totally different objectives on the process end.

As far as whether the school theater is a democracy or a hierarchy, my answer has traditionally been, it's a little bit of both.  I tell my students regularly that our theater program is a benevolent dictatorship...when I'm feeling benevolent.  But, joking aside, I strive to allow my students some say in our season, but I always have the final decision.  This year, they chose our children's musical and our winter play, and I chose our spring musical.  For the children's show, I typically present them with 3-4 options.  As preparation for the winter play, my acting students do a legitimate theater dramaturgy project during the 3rd quarter.  They read and study 3-4 shows and choose scenes to present.  Typically the next year's winter show comes from this project.  For the spring musical, I typically present them with a classical option, a modern option, and something that has a particular niche. 

Obviously, this is a long-term plan.  In the position you are in now, I would think that you need to decide your objective--are you trying to establish your leadership style as one point of power, or as a strong member of a collaborative team?  Your decision has to work for you.

Best of luck!

------------------------------
Kristen Statt
Liberty Twp OH
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-23-2015 07:46
From: Sarah Mahoney
Subject: Choosing A Play... Democracy Or Hierarchy? High School

I'm new...new to the school I am at, new to teaching theatre. I was an independent theatre director and producer for many years and have made the leap to teaching. I never had to consider other people as much as I have this year when choosing a play. In the past I chose what I love taking budget constraints and theatre venues into account. So this summer I agonized over choosing a play with 20 characters (my school traditionally only does one play and everyone who auditions usually get some sort of part - but we don't do musicals)

So I finally chose a play after months of agonizing only to have a mini revolt - senior students who have been in all the plays who would like a voice in the decision making process, or at least to have their ideas heard when it comes to my decision. This is not how it has been done in the past.

So I asked them to find suitable scripts and said I would consider them. And they have.

Now I feel as though I am back at square one...

Please tell me if what I am thinking of doing next is lunacy:

I was thinking of choosing 3 plays (the one I chose and two they suggested) and having a round table discussion with anyone who has a vested interest in the play - teachers and students. I would tell everyone to bring their pros and cons lists for each play and we will choose together or I will hear them out and then make a decision.

What do you think?

Last year was my first year in a new building after 8 years teaching elsewhere. The seniors challenges EVERYTHING I did. I heard "we've always done..." So many times I could die. 

Fact is, you get to decide how plays are chosen. Next year these seniors will be gone and you will still be there. You have to live with the result long term. Not them. 

In most schools, the teacher picks the mainstream shows. Period. I always listen to suggestions. But it is my call. Truthfully, just by experience, you know many ,any more titles than they do. Their options are limited by their experience. You are coming in with knowledge they lack and they are lucky to have,someone with professional experience. Your younger kids will come to learn that. Those seniors likely never will. 

------------------------------
Scott Hasbrouck
George Washington HS

Denver, CO
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-23-2015 07:46
From: Sarah Mahoney
Subject: Choosing A Play... Democracy Or Hierarchy? High School

I'm new...new to the school I am at, new to teaching theatre. I was an independent theatre director and producer for many years and have made the leap to teaching. I never had to consider other people as much as I have this year when choosing a play. In the past I chose what I love taking budget constraints and theatre venues into account. So this summer I agonized over choosing a play with 20 characters (my school traditionally only does one play and everyone who auditions usually get some sort of part - but we don't do musicals)

So I finally chose a play after months of agonizing only to have a mini revolt - senior students who have been in all the plays who would like a voice in the decision making process, or at least to have their ideas heard when it comes to my decision. This is not how it has been done in the past.

So I asked them to find suitable scripts and said I would consider them. And they have.

Now I feel as though I am back at square one...

Please tell me if what I am thinking of doing next is lunacy:

I was thinking of choosing 3 plays (the one I chose and two they suggested) and having a round table discussion with anyone who has a vested interest in the play - teachers and students. I would tell everyone to bring their pros and cons lists for each play and we will choose together or I will hear them out and then make a decision.

What do you think?

I agree with what others have said: when you take over any program, you will experience a mini revolt from the seniors.  It's never easy to have things change your senior year. But ultimately you are there for the long run, so you need to decide on the show the way you plan to decide on the shows from now on.  If you want a panel discussion each year and allow the kids to give you their opinions on all possible shows, then do that.  If you want to make the decisions for your group and then allow them to decide whether or not they want to audition for the show you selected, do that.  I think in the end it is whatever you are comfortable with for the long run.  You don't seem particularly thrilled with the idea of the round table discussion.  If that's the case, don't do it.  Explain to those seniors that while you appreciate their input and their passion for the program, you feel like the play you originally selected would be the best fit for this year and you would love to have them be a part of it.  Taking over a program is hard, but as several others have said, at the end of the year, the seniors move on and you are left- so do what you think is right for the program. Best of luck!

PS- Personally, I always choose my entire season around April/May/June without my kids input for the simple fact that I feel I know best what we can handle when it comes to budget, facilities, casting and what the community would attend (that wouldn't cause me to lose my job).  I've found, when I ask the kids for suggestions they come up with things that simply don't work for us like Hairspray (we have predominately Hispanic students with a very small percentage of African American students- the most I've had in all my classes combined was 5)  or Avenue Q (while it's a good show, my administration and the community would have me out of my position so fast my head would spin). Plus, I'm a control freak and I like to start the year with my rehearsal schedules already lined out, my poster designs and t-shirt designs done and all my rights and royalties sent off.  It stresses me out to go into a year not knowing what shows we'll do, but everyone is different. 

------------------------------
Summer Rickman
Hobbs Municipal Schools
Hobbs NM
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-23-2015 07:46
From: Sarah Mahoney
Subject: Choosing A Play... Democracy Or Hierarchy? High School

I'm new...new to the school I am at, new to teaching theatre. I was an independent theatre director and producer for many years and have made the leap to teaching. I never had to consider other people as much as I have this year when choosing a play. In the past I chose what I love taking budget constraints and theatre venues into account. So this summer I agonized over choosing a play with 20 characters (my school traditionally only does one play and everyone who auditions usually get some sort of part - but we don't do musicals)

So I finally chose a play after months of agonizing only to have a mini revolt - senior students who have been in all the plays who would like a voice in the decision making process, or at least to have their ideas heard when it comes to my decision. This is not how it has been done in the past.

So I asked them to find suitable scripts and said I would consider them. And they have.

Now I feel as though I am back at square one...

Please tell me if what I am thinking of doing next is lunacy:

I was thinking of choosing 3 plays (the one I chose and two they suggested) and having a round table discussion with anyone who has a vested interest in the play - teachers and students. I would tell everyone to bring their pros and cons lists for each play and we will choose together or I will hear them out and then make a decision.

What do you think?

For your first year, I think you need to stick with your choice of play. If you give in to students completely right off the bat, you will lose power in the long run.  However, it seems like your school might be up for more than one production!  With so many talented and invested kids, maybe the idea of a one act festival or a black box show would appeal to them.  

At the end of the school year, take suggestions from kids but you've got to be the one who's heart is in the show...you can inspire kids to love it, too!!  And, there is SO much to consider when working with a high school program: budget and facility, enrollment in the program ability of the students- that only you are privy to.  

The fact that you would even ask them and consider changing your mind shows how dedicated you are to doing great work.  

This sounds like a great way to build your program :)  Best of luck.

------------------------------
Lisa Dyer
Henrico VA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-23-2015 07:46
From: Sarah Mahoney
Subject: Choosing A Play... Democracy Or Hierarchy? High School

I'm new...new to the school I am at, new to teaching theatre. I was an independent theatre director and producer for many years and have made the leap to teaching. I never had to consider other people as much as I have this year when choosing a play. In the past I chose what I love taking budget constraints and theatre venues into account. So this summer I agonized over choosing a play with 20 characters (my school traditionally only does one play and everyone who auditions usually get some sort of part - but we don't do musicals)

So I finally chose a play after months of agonizing only to have a mini revolt - senior students who have been in all the plays who would like a voice in the decision making process, or at least to have their ideas heard when it comes to my decision. This is not how it has been done in the past.

So I asked them to find suitable scripts and said I would consider them. And they have.

Now I feel as though I am back at square one...

Please tell me if what I am thinking of doing next is lunacy:

I was thinking of choosing 3 plays (the one I chose and two they suggested) and having a round table discussion with anyone who has a vested interest in the play - teachers and students. I would tell everyone to bring their pros and cons lists for each play and we will choose together or I will hear them out and then make a decision.

What do you think?

I also agree that you should stick to the play you want to do. When I first came to my current school they had never done a dramatic piece. It had always been comedies and musicals, so they were shocked when I announced the season included The Diary of Anne Frank. I definitely lost some kids because of this choice, but my program has been stronger as a result.  If you try to give the kids (and I hate to phrase it this way, but...) "power" you will be fighting with them for the entire year.

I do have an different option though. My advanced kids are given 2 nights (1/semester) for a Night of Student Directed Shorts. It allows them the experience, and headaches, of directing a piece (from casting forward) and keeps the main stage productions in my control without any struggle. I do also, occasionally, allow a student to direct a main stage production. They have to work for the privilege (and I choose the play and the cast so they can be upset with me instead of a peer) and are only given the opportunity in the spring of their senior year. I am in my 8th year at my school and have only had 3 senior do this. Knowing that the opportunity is there does also relieve the pressure of the seniors "never getting a chance". 

------------------------------
Shira Schwartz
Chandler Unified School District
Chandler AZ
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-24-2015 12:38
From: Lisa Dyer
Subject: Choosing A Play... Democracy Or Hierarchy? High School

For your first year, I think you need to stick with your choice of play. If you give in to students completely right off the bat, you will lose power in the long run.  However, it seems like your school might be up for more than one production!  With so many talented and invested kids, maybe the idea of a one act festival or a black box show would appeal to them.  

At the end of the school year, take suggestions from kids but you've got to be the one who's heart is in the show...you can inspire kids to love it, too!!  And, there is SO much to consider when working with a high school program: budget and facility, enrollment in the program ability of the students- that only you are privy to.  

The fact that you would even ask them and consider changing your mind shows how dedicated you are to doing great work.  

This sounds like a great way to build your program :)  Best of luck.

------------------------------
Lisa Dyer
Henrico VA
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 09-23-2015 07:46
From: Sarah Mahoney
Subject: Choosing A Play... Democracy Or Hierarchy? High School

I'm new...new to the school I am at, new to teaching theatre. I was an independent theatre director and producer for many years and have made the leap to teaching. I never had to consider other people as much as I have this year when choosing a play. In the past I chose what I love taking budget constraints and theatre venues into account. So this summer I agonized over choosing a play with 20 characters (my school traditionally only does one play and everyone who auditions usually get some sort of part - but we don't do musicals)

So I finally chose a play after months of agonizing only to have a mini revolt - senior students who have been in all the plays who would like a voice in the decision making process, or at least to have their ideas heard when it comes to my decision. This is not how it has been done in the past.

So I asked them to find suitable scripts and said I would consider them. And they have.

Now I feel as though I am back at square one...

Please tell me if what I am thinking of doing next is lunacy:

I was thinking of choosing 3 plays (the one I chose and two they suggested) and having a round table discussion with anyone who has a vested interest in the play - teachers and students. I would tell everyone to bring their pros and cons lists for each play and we will choose together or I will hear them out and then make a decision.

What do you think?

Many people have given such great advice.  Here's what I do.  Maybe it will help, maybe not, but here it is anyway!

I pick the shows.  I am in a program where I direct our contest piece, and other directors run the musical, straight play, and student directed pieces.  I used to direct more of our season, but things changed. 

At any rate, I try to rotate my contest pieces so that in four years I do a variety of shows.  For instance, two years ago I did DRUM TAPS (Whitman poetry set in readers' theatre format by Lindsay Price), last year AS YOU LIKE IT (abbreviated but in the Shakespearean language), and this year I'm doing EVERY SEVENTEEN MINUTES THE CROWD GOES CRAZY (a social issue piece about parental abandonment).  Next year will probably be more of a comedy, but who knows? 

As you can see, if someone does four years of contest shows, they experience a plethora of literature.  Combine that with an assortment of musicals and nonmusicals, and they get tremendous exposure.  So doing something different each year should be something students get.

As for student ownership, I guide my designers to create sets, lights, sound, costumes, etc., based on their own creativity.  Even the actors get leeway with blocking (I give very general points of movement).  And when it comes to designing our contest shirt, we work on it together.  After all, this is educational theatre, and the students need to learn about the entire process.

What the previous director did may have worked, but what you do may work too!  And students need to learn how to adapt to various styles of leading because they will get that in the real world!  Imagine that...theatre teaching real-world lessons! 

Best of luck!  Taking over a program can be challenging, but you can do it and survive!

------------------------------
Raymond Palasz
Schererville IN
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-24-2015 17:58
From: Shira Schwartz
Subject: Choosing A Play... Democracy Or Hierarchy? High School

I also agree that you should stick to the play you want to do. When I first came to my current school they had never done a dramatic piece. It had always been comedies and musicals, so they were shocked when I announced the season included The Diary of Anne Frank. I definitely lost some kids because of this choice, but my program has been stronger as a result.  If you try to give the kids (and I hate to phrase it this way, but...) "power" you will be fighting with them for the entire year.

I do have an different option though. My advanced kids are given 2 nights (1/semester) for a Night of Student Directed Shorts. It allows them the experience, and headaches, of directing a piece (from casting forward) and keeps the main stage productions in my control without any struggle. I do also, occasionally, allow a student to direct a main stage production. They have to work for the privilege (and I choose the play and the cast so they can be upset with me instead of a peer) and are only given the opportunity in the spring of their senior year. I am in my 8th year at my school and have only had 3 senior do this. Knowing that the opportunity is there does also relieve the pressure of the seniors "never getting a chance". 

------------------------------
Shira Schwartz
Chandler Unified School District
Chandler AZ
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 09-24-2015 12:38
From: Lisa Dyer
Subject: Choosing A Play... Democracy Or Hierarchy? High School

For your first year, I think you need to stick with your choice of play. If you give in to students completely right off the bat, you will lose power in the long run.  However, it seems like your school might be up for more than one production!  With so many talented and invested kids, maybe the idea of a one act festival or a black box show would appeal to them.  

At the end of the school year, take suggestions from kids but you've got to be the one who's heart is in the show...you can inspire kids to love it, too!!  And, there is SO much to consider when working with a high school program: budget and facility, enrollment in the program ability of the students- that only you are privy to.  

The fact that you would even ask them and consider changing your mind shows how dedicated you are to doing great work.  

This sounds like a great way to build your program :)  Best of luck.

------------------------------
Lisa Dyer
Henrico VA
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 09-23-2015 07:46
From: Sarah Mahoney
Subject: Choosing A Play... Democracy Or Hierarchy? High School

I'm new...new to the school I am at, new to teaching theatre. I was an independent theatre director and producer for many years and have made the leap to teaching. I never had to consider other people as much as I have this year when choosing a play. In the past I chose what I love taking budget constraints and theatre venues into account. So this summer I agonized over choosing a play with 20 characters (my school traditionally only does one play and everyone who auditions usually get some sort of part - but we don't do musicals)

So I finally chose a play after months of agonizing only to have a mini revolt - senior students who have been in all the plays who would like a voice in the decision making process, or at least to have their ideas heard when it comes to my decision. This is not how it has been done in the past.

So I asked them to find suitable scripts and said I would consider them. And they have.

Now I feel as though I am back at square one...

Please tell me if what I am thinking of doing next is lunacy:

I was thinking of choosing 3 plays (the one I chose and two they suggested) and having a round table discussion with anyone who has a vested interest in the play - teachers and students. I would tell everyone to bring their pros and cons lists for each play and we will choose together or I will hear them out and then make a decision.

What do you think?

Thank you, everyone, for your advice it has been really helpful. Being able to have this community as a resource is a real lifesaver. 

------------------------------
Sarah Mahoney
Theatre Teacher
Lower Canada College
Montreal QC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-23-2015 07:46
From: Sarah Mahoney
Subject: Choosing A Play... Democracy Or Hierarchy? High School

I'm new...new to the school I am at, new to teaching theatre. I was an independent theatre director and producer for many years and have made the leap to teaching. I never had to consider other people as much as I have this year when choosing a play. In the past I chose what I love taking budget constraints and theatre venues into account. So this summer I agonized over choosing a play with 20 characters (my school traditionally only does one play and everyone who auditions usually get some sort of part - but we don't do musicals)

So I finally chose a play after months of agonizing only to have a mini revolt - senior students who have been in all the plays who would like a voice in the decision making process, or at least to have their ideas heard when it comes to my decision. This is not how it has been done in the past.

So I asked them to find suitable scripts and said I would consider them. And they have.

Now I feel as though I am back at square one...

Please tell me if what I am thinking of doing next is lunacy:

I was thinking of choosing 3 plays (the one I chose and two they suggested) and having a round table discussion with anyone who has a vested interest in the play - teachers and students. I would tell everyone to bring their pros and cons lists for each play and we will choose together or I will hear them out and then make a decision.

What do you think?

I have had ups and downs in show choices over the years. 

What I have done is I put together a list of shows. On my own for our Fall plays, and compiled with our choreographer for the spring musical. I then send out a survey to my students each Spring asking them to rate (not rank) those shows. At first I only invited the seniors to the survey, but now grades 10-12 are invited. All but once I have chosen something that was in their top 3 on the list which usually has 8-10 options on it.

They know the list is one that could inform the next 3-4 years so that helps them to not get their hearts set on one thing in particular. It's been pretty successful. Sure, some are disappointed in the outcome, but they have a sense in ownership of show choice but their choices are options that I have provided and pre-approved. Sometimes my #1 matches with their #1 and all feels right in the world. 

------------------------------
Seth Cohen
Redondo Beach CA
------------------------------

To add one more voice in the mix, what comes across from most responses but not explicitly stated, more implied from practice, is that show selection is a long-term process. The first year will be a little rough. Doesn't matter who you are, you're not the previous teacher, whatever their flaws or positives were, no matter what experience you bring, though I agree your students are very lucky to have someone with your experience! In time, it will be respected.

In my first year, I conceded the first choice to what I was reliably told was what the drama kids had been asking for for a couple of years: The Wizard of Oz. Not caring much for the show myself, and harking to the voice of Scott Hasbrouck about not directing your favorite show for the first year, I thought 'why not?'. In retrospect, there were pro's and con's to this: the students thought that they could control me from then on and we had many passive aggressive back-and-forths when they realized they couldn't, and it took a little longer to establish complete authority. I went on to choose 'Black Comedy' and 'Antigone' for the other two shows for the first year, shows I had done/witnessed/directed/acted in previously, so were comfortable, with no student input. That went better as students and I adjusted to one another. 

Seniors left, made life much easier. 

What I'm finding is working well is that I start talking about my choices many, many months in advance; we're doing Shrek this year (2016), but we started talking about it in 2014. Likewise with most of the other shows, I discuss what I'm planning and why and why it's a good show and what the educational and entertainment benefits of doing such a show would mean. Just enough to whet the appetite. I have found that my students, on their own, have been going out, reading and researching the selections I'm thinking of, and independently and collectively sharing their reading/research with me, and thus the buy-in is immense. I'm feeling it right now, as we made the snap decision (well, 7 months in advance, that's pretty snap for us) to do Evita this November, which is a harder sell, but students have responded well by reading around the topic and discovering that Sir Andrew might not have been entirely historically accurate...

So. Time. Planning. Sprinkling your intentions over your students. Waiting out the remnants. That's the summary. :)

Thanks for everybody's contributions! Great stuff, as always!

------------------------------
Phillip Goodchild
Theatre Arts Instructor/Assistant Department Head of English
Hillsborough County Schools
Ruskin FL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-25-2015 08:42
From: Sarah Mahoney
Subject: Choosing A Play... Democracy Or Hierarchy? High School

Thank you, everyone, for your advice it has been really helpful. Being able to have this community as a resource is a real lifesaver. 

------------------------------
Sarah Mahoney
Theatre Teacher
Lower Canada College
Montreal QC
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 09-23-2015 07:46
From: Sarah Mahoney
Subject: Choosing A Play... Democracy Or Hierarchy? High School

I'm new...new to the school I am at, new to teaching theatre. I was an independent theatre director and producer for many years and have made the leap to teaching. I never had to consider other people as much as I have this year when choosing a play. In the past I chose what I love taking budget constraints and theatre venues into account. So this summer I agonized over choosing a play with 20 characters (my school traditionally only does one play and everyone who auditions usually get some sort of part - but we don't do musicals)

So I finally chose a play after months of agonizing only to have a mini revolt - senior students who have been in all the plays who would like a voice in the decision making process, or at least to have their ideas heard when it comes to my decision. This is not how it has been done in the past.

So I asked them to find suitable scripts and said I would consider them. And they have.

Now I feel as though I am back at square one...

Please tell me if what I am thinking of doing next is lunacy:

I was thinking of choosing 3 plays (the one I chose and two they suggested) and having a round table discussion with anyone who has a vested interest in the play - teachers and students. I would tell everyone to bring their pros and cons lists for each play and we will choose together or I will hear them out and then make a decision.

What do you think?

I am adding my developed take on the wonderful suggestions given. Over the years of teaching and directing, I discovered that selecting a season is a directed collaborative with my setting up a win-win situation. The final months of each school year were devoted to the presentations of "show pitches." Each senior Thespian joined with an underclassperson to select a play from the list of shows which I wanted to direct and knew that I had the acting and design talent. The genres included several titles of comedies, dramas, musicals. theatre for youth plays, and message plays. At the Thespian meetings in March-May, the duos made presentations with power points, slides, graphic designs, staged scenes. You get the idea. 

A ballot was given to each Thespian to indicate which plays each Thespian would either volunteer to audition for and/or work tech. The seniors voted for ones which they thought we could successfully present. 

A season was selected based on their voted input and my preference and announced at the final Thespian meeting; Thespian officers created a theme for the season, based on the selections.
A season brochure was designed before the end of each school year and ready for mailing to each family with students enrolled in our school. 
------------------------------
Gai Jones
gai.jones@sbcglobal.net

www.gaijones.com
RAISING THE CURTAIN www.perfectionlearning.com
BREAK A LEG, A LOVE LETTER TO THEATRE EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS www.gaijones.com
THE STUDENT ACTOR PREPARES: ACTING FOR LIFE www.intellectbooks.com e-Book on Amazon
CURTAIN GOIN' UP...TRUISMS AND TIPS FOR COMMUNITY THEATER ACTORS, DIRECTORS, TECHNICIANS AND OTHER VOLUNTEERS www.gaijones.com https://www.facebook.com/GaiJonesTheatreEducator
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-23-2015 07:46
From: Sarah Mahoney
Subject: Choosing A Play... Democracy Or Hierarchy? High School

I'm new...new to the school I am at, new to teaching theatre. I was an independent theatre director and producer for many years and have made the leap to teaching. I never had to consider other people as much as I have this year when choosing a play. In the past I chose what I love taking budget constraints and theatre venues into account. So this summer I agonized over choosing a play with 20 characters (my school traditionally only does one play and everyone who auditions usually get some sort of part - but we don't do musicals)

So I finally chose a play after months of agonizing only to have a mini revolt - senior students who have been in all the plays who would like a voice in the decision making process, or at least to have their ideas heard when it comes to my decision. This is not how it has been done in the past.

So I asked them to find suitable scripts and said I would consider them. And they have.

Now I feel as though I am back at square one...

Please tell me if what I am thinking of doing next is lunacy:

I was thinking of choosing 3 plays (the one I chose and two they suggested) and having a round table discussion with anyone who has a vested interest in the play - teachers and students. I would tell everyone to bring their pros and cons lists for each play and we will choose together or I will hear them out and then make a decision.

What do you think?

Hi! If you don't have a student elected governing board I'd create one. I have certain standards for those allowed to run for it: GPA requirement, must be a Thespian, must be enrolled in at least one theatre class, must be a JR/ SR, must get a recommendation from a teacher other than me. I interview them (now I do this with my current governing board) and then they must make a 2 minute speech to the thespian troupe. Only Thespians get a vote. This creates a dichotomy in which student concerns go to them and then they address them in a monthly meeting with you. Ergo, only five students can make demands instead of thirty. 

When I first started I picked our first show since there was no governing board. Once I had one I groomed them to help select the rest of our season. I taught them the process for selecting plays and how to think of everyone instead of just themselves. We meet in the summer before school begins and I bring two to three shows to the table and my vision for the school year. They are invited to bring shows to the table but seldom do nowadays because they trust me to make wise choices. This takes time. But out of the couple we read together they choose. We hash out the pros and cons. 

Having a governing board help you do this creates more ownership and also means if everyone hates it not only you havee the ability to validate the choice. It's very helpful. I've never had to change show since. 

------------------------------
Victoria Kesling Councill
Chapter Director - VA EdTA/ Virginia Thespians
Theatre Director- Fine & Performing Arts Department NKHS
Artistic Director - NKHS Trojan Theatre
Artistic Director - Kent England Exchange Production
Virginia Commonwealth University BFA Theatre Education, BFA Art Education '08
University of Houston - MA in Theatre Candidate '16

"Love the art in yourself and not yourself in the art." - Konstantin Stanislavski
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-27-2015 10:52
From: Gai Jones
Subject: Choosing A Play... Democracy Or Hierarchy? High School

I am adding my developed take on the wonderful suggestions given. Over the years of teaching and directing, I discovered that selecting a season is a directed collaborative with my setting up a win-win situation. The final months of each school year were devoted to the presentations of "show pitches." Each senior Thespian joined with an underclassperson to select a play from the list of shows which I wanted to direct and knew that I had the acting and design talent. The genres included several titles of comedies, dramas, musicals. theatre for youth plays, and message plays. At the Thespian meetings in March-May, the duos made presentations with power points, slides, graphic designs, staged scenes. You get the idea. 

A ballot was given to each Thespian to indicate which plays each Thespian would either volunteer to audition for and/or work tech. The seniors voted for ones which they thought we could successfully present. 

A season was selected based on their voted input and my preference and announced at the final Thespian meeting; Thespian officers created a theme for the season, based on the selections.
A season brochure was designed before the end of each school year and ready for mailing to each family with students enrolled in our school. 
------------------------------
Gai Jones
gai.jones@...

www.gaijones.com
RAISING THE CURTAIN www.perfectionlearning.com
BREAK A LEG, A LOVE LETTER TO THEATRE EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS www.gaijones.com
THE STUDENT ACTOR PREPARES: ACTING FOR LIFE www.intellectbooks.com e-Book on Amazon
CURTAIN GOIN' UP...TRUISMS AND TIPS FOR COMMUNITY THEATER ACTORS, DIRECTORS, TECHNICIANS AND OTHER VOLUNTEERS www.gaijones.com https://www.facebook.com/GaiJonesTheatreEducator
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 09-23-2015 07:46
From: Sarah Mahoney
Subject: Choosing A Play... Democracy Or Hierarchy? High School

I'm new...new to the school I am at, new to teaching theatre. I was an independent theatre director and producer for many years and have made the leap to teaching. I never had to consider other people as much as I have this year when choosing a play. In the past I chose what I love taking budget constraints and theatre venues into account. So this summer I agonized over choosing a play with 20 characters (my school traditionally only does one play and everyone who auditions usually get some sort of part - but we don't do musicals)

So I finally chose a play after months of agonizing only to have a mini revolt - senior students who have been in all the plays who would like a voice in the decision making process, or at least to have their ideas heard when it comes to my decision. This is not how it has been done in the past.

So I asked them to find suitable scripts and said I would consider them. And they have.

Now I feel as though I am back at square one...

Please tell me if what I am thinking of doing next is lunacy:

I was thinking of choosing 3 plays (the one I chose and two they suggested) and having a round table discussion with anyone who has a vested interest in the play - teachers and students. I would tell everyone to bring their pros and cons lists for each play and we will choose together or I will hear them out and then make a decision.

What do you think?

I have been teaching Theatre Arts for more than 10 years.  I changed schools about 20 months ago and this is the first year in my career that I have encountered a situation like this. 

I have co-curricular productions within the Theatre Arts courses and extra-curricular productions with the Young Thespians Troupe. 

I really wanted to do an adaptation of The Nutcracker for the Christmas play, but even as we were doing the research and the cold readings, I heard comments like "this is stupid" and "that's dumb".  These are middle and upper school students and I'm not their first drama teacher. 

After having a conversation with them instructing them on what is and isn't appropriate to say to a theatre director, I carried on with my play thinking that in the end, they were the ones who needed to learn to do every type of play that was placed in front of them.

I do still believe that, however, in the end, I decided to change the play, just because I don't feel like having to spend the extra energy motivating the troupe during blocking and rehearsals.  I have enough work already to have to add that to my daily responsibilities. 

Now we're doing a dramatized reading of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas.  They are loving it and I am way more relaxed.

------------------------------
Karla Marcano
Theatre Arts Teacher
Robinson School
San Juan
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-23-2015 07:46
From: Sarah Mahoney
Subject: Choosing A Play... Democracy Or Hierarchy? High School

I'm new...new to the school I am at, new to teaching theatre. I was an independent theatre director and producer for many years and have made the leap to teaching. I never had to consider other people as much as I have this year when choosing a play. In the past I chose what I love taking budget constraints and theatre venues into account. So this summer I agonized over choosing a play with 20 characters (my school traditionally only does one play and everyone who auditions usually get some sort of part - but we don't do musicals)

So I finally chose a play after months of agonizing only to have a mini revolt - senior students who have been in all the plays who would like a voice in the decision making process, or at least to have their ideas heard when it comes to my decision. This is not how it has been done in the past.

So I asked them to find suitable scripts and said I would consider them. And they have.

Now I feel as though I am back at square one...

Please tell me if what I am thinking of doing next is lunacy:

I was thinking of choosing 3 plays (the one I chose and two they suggested) and having a round table discussion with anyone who has a vested interest in the play - teachers and students. I would tell everyone to bring their pros and cons lists for each play and we will choose together or I will hear them out and then make a decision.

What do you think?

It sounds like you have the one problem I've always avoided: coming in on someone else's shoes. I have started programs in every school I've ever taught in. I talk to my students about what they like and get to know the ones who claim to want to audition. Then I choose something I feel they'll enjoy watching and being in, as well as within our means of performance. I don't ask opinions. If they give them, fine. Thanks for sharing. This is the play we'll be doing. I announce the play with enthusiasm and talk it up over time to get everyone excited and on board. I have close to 100 students audition for every play. I do not cast everyone and it's well known that you have to prove yourself in class and smaller roles before you play leads. I tend to look for plays that I know I have experienced actors who play the major roles. Every drama teacher has to establish his/her own way of doing things. Don't let a bunch of teenagers dictate how you choose to run the program they'll be leaving at the end of the year. 

------------------------------
Chelsea Petty
Columbus MS
------------------------------

Original Message:It sounds like 
Sent: 09-23-2015 07:46
From: Sarah Mahoney
Subject: Choosing A Play... Democracy Or Hierarchy? High School

I'm new...new to the school I am at, new to teaching theatre. I was an independent theatre director and producer for many years and have made the leap to teaching. I never had to consider other people as much as I have this year when choosing a play. In the past I chose what I love taking budget constraints and theatre venues into account. So this summer I agonized over choosing a play with 20 characters (my school traditionally only does one play and everyone who auditions usually get some sort of part - but we don't do musicals)

So I finally chose a play after months of agonizing only to have a mini revolt - senior students who have been in all the plays who would like a voice in the decision making process, or at least to have their ideas heard when it comes to my decision. This is not how it has been done in the past.

So I asked them to find suitable scripts and said I would consider them. And they have.

Now I feel as though I am back at square one...

Please tell me if what I am thinking of doing next is lunacy:

I was thinking of choosing 3 plays (the one I chose and two they suggested) and having a round table discussion with anyone who has a vested interest in the play - teachers and students. I would tell everyone to bring their pros and cons lists for each play and we will choose together or I will hear them out and then make a decision.

What do you think?