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 Hugh Fletcher, a Thespian Alum and Junior Troupe Director
for Troupe 89019 at IS 229 Dr. Roland Patterson Middle School in Bronx, New
York. In addition to teaching, Hugh is an experienced playwright, actor, singer
and director.
Photo via theartsshelf.com
Ginny: Tell us about the moment that made
you decide to get involved in theatre.
Hugh: When I was 12 years old, I came
to visit my family who lived in New York. My sister took me on a tour of
Manhattan, culminating in a Broadway show. It was supposed to be Jelly's
Last Jam, but that was sold out. We ended up seeing Miss Saigon
instead. I had never seen anything like that in my life. For me, everything was
perfect. I was a very musical-oriented child, but I really had no inclination
toward acting. When I saw how acting and singing could come together in this
one space in time, I was hooked. Plus, there was a helicopter onstage.
Ginny: What is unique about your program?
Hugh: My program is unique because it's
very traditional within a very non-traditional environment. The program almost
shouldn't work. Our school is in a high-crime, high poverty area. Many of my
students are English Language Learners, and some have learning disabilities.
Somehow, year after year, everything comes together through sheer determination
and hard work. Most of my students come in with very little theatre exposure or
stage experience, but within three years, they become well versed in multiple
facets of the theatre. The great thing about their inexperience is that there
are few preconceived notions about "Drama Club" or "Drama
Kids." There is no particular type. As a result, friendships are formed
between kids who otherwise might not have had anything do with each other. I
also think the demands and expectations I have of my students is unique at the
middle school level. We always do full length shows for our Main Stage
productions. Students are required to delve into the literature at a very high level.
In essence, we create Theatre in a Middle School, rather than Middle School
Theatre. Our musical director, who plays for other school productions around
the city, recently told me that he finds our program the most rewarding to work
with because of the fact that the students aren't spoon-fed or spoiled. They
take criticism because they don't have this notion that they already know
everything. As a result, they are far more resilient when they face challenges.
Ginny: Any tips for new theatre teachers?
Hugh: The most important thing every
new theatre teacher needs to know is who their students are. Once you really
get to know your students, it will inform all your work.
Ginny: If you could have a different
career, what would you choose?
Hugh: I've always wanted to be a judge.
Unfortunately, I have no desire to be an attorney. So, I figured, if I'm an
actor, I can play a judge without even having to go through law school.
Ginny: What is your proudest
accomplishment?
Hugh: I taught English for two years, although
I'm not a certified English Language Arts teacher. I was very uncomfortable
with the idea, so I worked harder than I ever had because the students had high
expectations of me as their teacher. Both years, the students from my class
scored highest in the school on the state standardized test, and the second
year, I had one student in particular achieve a perfect score. Unfortunately,
our school was cited for being out of compliance by having me teach out of
license.
Ginny: What is something we would be
surprised to learn about you?
Hugh: I don't have a driver's license
and I never learned to drive. I have absolutely no desire to do either. I had a
learner's permit until 2014. Now I just have a state ID.
With so much
experience in different areas of theatre and a unique group of students, it’s
no wonder that Hugh always seems to have an eloquent answer for even the most
challenging situations. I highly encourage you to read the fantastic blogs he has written
about middle school theatre. If you enjoyed Hugh’s interview as much as I did, 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. Want to read more Community Spotlights? You can find them here.