One of the main
goals for our Theatre Education Community is to help theatre students and
professionals from all over connect and identify with each other in order to
build resources and support the theatre education field. We shine a
spotlight on a different member every other week by conducting a simple
interview.
Our latest
Spotlight Member is Jared Grigsby, troupe director of Troupe 1810 at Hebron
High School in Hebron, IN. Jared is a frequent contributor to the Community, always
quick to advise others or pose thoughtful questions. I asked Jared to answer a few questions for us
so we could learn a little more about him.
Photograph
via Travel + Leisure
Ginny: What is your
favorite musical (or play)?
Jared: There are
so many great shows out there that I love, as is evident from my Spotify
playlist. But, I listen to In The Heights
all the time. The power of family, growth, expectations, disappointments, etc.,
it makes the show so real. I still get a lump in my throat towards the end of
the finale. I've seen this show twice on Broadway - it never gets old, so
upbeat.
Ginny: What inspired
you to become a teacher?
Jared: I love
making connections with kids. They are our future. As a little kid, I thought I
wanted to be the person to "tell kids what to do and have them do
it." Hahaha ... yeah, how often does that work out? As I got older, I used
to think about classes I could teach better than my teachers, make them more
enjoyable, and that sold me. I knew I'd be a teacher in third grade, and I
never lost sight of that throughout my college career.
Ginny: Tell us about
the moment that made you decide to get involved in theatre.
Jared: I was a
freshman at Gibson Southern High School. I'd never been in theater. I
auditioned for the school's annual talent show, Vaudeville, that fall - I wanted to be an emcee for the night. I
didn't get the role. But, my director, Holly Hathaway, put me in a group skit, A Visit to the Doctor. I went out with a
case of a split personality - I didn't think it was that funny, but opening
night the audience howled with laughter. I learned then about waiting for
laughter to end before continuing on. I was addicted. From that opening night,
45-seconds on stage, I knew theatre was something that would remain an
important constant in my life. I'm now in the attending shows and directing
shows routine, but I'd like to get into community theatre at some point.
Ginny: If you could
have a different career, what would you choose?
Jared:
Pediatrician. I can't handle cutting people open, but as a pediatrician, I'd
still be able to help kids and not have to see too much blood. The pay would be
a lot better as a pediatrician, that's for sure.
Ginny: Do you have
any hobbies or interests outside of theatre?
Jared: Traveling.
I'd never experienced much of the United States or world until I left to study
in England my junior year of college. That was a turning point in my life. I've
traveled through Europe several times and am enjoying seeing the United States.
I've driven from Indiana to San Francisco and driven to New York City three
times. I love stopping along the way and seeing the United States.
Ginny: What is
something we would be surprised to learn about you?
Jared: I went to
an all-male college, Wabash College, and during my freshman year, I was named
the school's Homecoming Queen - my last time to ever dress in drag. I was one
UGLY woman! My parents were there that day. I think they were mortified.
With such a sense of humor,
passion for teaching, and an absence of fear when it comes to donning high
heels, it’s obvious that Jared’s students are lucky to have him. If you enjoyed
Jared’s interview, add him as a contact in the Community!
Do you know someone who deserves a moment in the Spotlight? Tell me
their name and why at gbutsch@schooltheatre.org.