I echo what has been said already. We serve the students first, so the stories that excite them are the stories we should be bringing to life. Miller, Wilder, and so on are still relevant but the students really connect with this script. Sorry, retirees, you need to listen to the stories the kids want to tell. My principal defended the choice of the show to an older attendee (retiree). This person just didn't get it and he responded by saying that these kids live this every day in school. They don't really live the plantation life of Tennessee Williams. Imagine these retirees in the classroom trying to make sense of Schoology, Google Classroom, or even the SmartBoard: New students, new tools, new stories. Imagine the football coach running a wishbone offense because that's what the retired fans want. Everything changes.
Yes, this script is challenging: tech, costume, props, and movement are all essential. Tiamat, the Beholder, all of the creatures took a lot of time to put together for us. If you don't have the means to do the fights
safely, then you should pass on this show. However, all of the students and audience members really got into the show. And our retiree that complained about the show still enjoyed, they just didn't get some of it--most notably the gay vs. playing a guy character confusion that appears.
I'm very much a proponent of programming for the students first. We can get the classics in but I want the kids to be passionate about their stories they present on stage.
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Roger Winn
Theatre Director
Golden CO
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-13-2018 12:36
From: Jordanne Bradley
Subject: Pros and Cons of She Kills Monsters?
I'm thinking about doing She Kills Monsters and I'm just curious what the pros and cons are of this show? I know costumes and props can be a huge undertaking (when are they not?) But my main concern is that my district is in a tiny mountain town full of older retired people and I'm worried we won't get as many people to show up to a show about Dungeons and Dragons. They love the old shows like Our Town, Arsenic and Old Lace, ect. But I would love to do to something more modern with my group. Will take any tips or suggestions! Thanks
Jordanne