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 Josh Ruben, a high school
Thespian troupe director and the Fine Arts Head at Northwest Whitfield High
School, Troupe 7290, in Tunnel Hill, Georgia. Josh has earned his Bronze Most
Valuable Member ribbon for regularly contributing his thoughtful and
intelligent advice to our Community.
Ginny: Why do you believe theatre is important?
Josh: Theatre is the best, most comprehensive educational
tool we have. Besides teaching across the curriculum (History, Literature, PE,
Science, etc.), Theatre addresses every learning style. Above all, theatre
teaches essential life skills like teamwork, self-reliance, and creative
problem solving through practical, hands-on applications.
Ginny: What is your greatest challenge?
Josh: My program is about 85% female. Getting boys
involved is challenging due to ignorance, and time requirements with other
extracurriculars like Athletics. Every year, a handful of seniors participate
for the first time in our Spring Musical - their first Drama activity ever -
and they always say the same thing when it’s over: “This was
so great, I should have joined theatre sooner!”
Ginny: What does a typical day look like for you?
Josh: I have about a 45 min. commute and I hit the ground
running with faculty meetings, early rehearsals, or general planning around
7:30am.
I teach 6 classes (Drama I through IV) with approximately 30
students in each.
Planning time involves: grading, lesson planning, emails,
producing/designing shows, budgeting, logistics for working with other classes
and our area feeder schools, and oh yeah, lunch.
Following a full day of teaching, we rehearse whatever show we’re working on, or have Improv
Comedy workshops from 3:45-6pm.
During tech weeks, my wife refers to me as “Hey you.”
Ginny: What is the resource you most recommend to others in
your profession?
Josh: EdTA does a great job of helping us share resources
and information. I also use PBS, the American Theatre Wing website, and of
course YouTube.
Ginny: Do you have any tips for new theatre teachers?
Josh: BE POSITIVE AND FRIENDLY WITH ALL
TEACHERS/ADMINISTRATORS. Too often, we are our own worst enemies. When we
are unable or unwilling to share resources, time, or even a good word for each
other, we make things tougher on ourselves. I hear horror stories from other
drama teachers about how they fight with band directors, coaches, and other
faculty over students and facilities. I go out of my way to find solutions. I
am fortunate to have other educators willing to put the students first so that
the work is positive, fun, and successful. This approach also builds support
for your program, increases your audience, and encourages donors.
Ginny: What is the weirdest stage food you’ve ever made or eaten?
Josh: Cold mashed potatoes on a waffle cone looks just
like vanilla ice cream. You want them cool so that the theatre isn’t filled with the smell of mashed
potatoes and distract the audience. However, during one performance, the
potatoes were served too hot. The familiar scent of warm mashed potatoes
hit the audience and many started giggling.
Ginny: What is your favorite musical (or play)? What makes it
so special?
Josh: Ragtime
- Besides being one of my favorite books, I was fortunate enough to see the
original Broadway cast with my future wife and step-son while vacationing in
New York. A great show became part of a cherished family experience.
Ginny: What was the first play you ever saw?
Josh: My parents took us to see George M at a
dinner theatre in Chicago. I was six. I drove my teachers crazy by singing
“Over There” and “Yankee Doodle”
during nap time.
Ginny: What was the first role you ever played?
Josh: Telephone Man - Barefoot in the Park.
Ginny: What inspired you to become a teacher?
Josh: A fellow actor taught after school classes. She
needed me to cover for her when she had a big audition. I did. Had a ball. Got
hooked on the idea that I could write, read and create theatre every day.
Ginny: Tell us about the moment that made you decide to get
involved in theatre.
Josh: Sophomore year in high school. I followed a senior
girl into the Drama room during registration day. She was gorgeous, funny, and
so very kind. And so were all of the other girls that were signing up for
Theatre classes in that room. Dozens of them. And the guys were also nice. And
funny! I was done for.
Ginny: What is unique about your program?
Josh: I run an inclusive, comprehensive, Non-Cut Program.
Every student, regardless of experience or skill-level, is welcome. In
addition, because many of our neighboring schools have limited (or
non-existent) theatre programs, we allow kids from those schools to come and be
part of our program. We also have home-schoolers, special needs students, and English
Language Learners in our shows. It takes more time and planning to make all
this happen, but the results are worth the effort.
Ginny: What was the most difficult element of a production you’ve ever had to manage?
Josh: We lost three weeks of rehearsal due to a
combination of snow days, flu, and (yes) bomb threats. I shifted lesson plans
around and used classes as rehearsal sessions. By using class-time to rehearse
and adding Sunday rehearsals (which is not easy in our community), we were able
to make a successful show and didn’t
alter our performance schedule.
Ginny: Everyone has at least one good theatre story (a costume
mishap, smoke alarms during performances, malfunctioning set pieces, etc). Tell
us yours!
Josh: During a summer showcase, I was hired to provide
“filler” during intermission by interacting with the audience. As I walked
through the crowd with a mic and a spotlight on me, I eventually made my way to
the last row and dragged my then-girlfriend up on stage to do an improv bit. As
the crowd of 500+ strangers cheered her on, I handed her a prize - a diamond
ring. I had planned on proposing for weeks but needed the right opportunity to
surprise and delight her. This was perfect. As she gave a tearful “yes,” the
crowd went crazy. By sheer coincidence, my agent was there. She told me later
that while the rest of the show was okay, it was the greatest intermission she
ever saw. My wife and I will soon celebrate our 15th anniversary.
Ginny: Name something on your bucket list.
Josh: Solo flight in a real airplane.
Ginny: If you could have a different career, what would you
choose?
Josh:
Photojournalist.
Ginny: How do you relax after a busy day?
Josh: Jeopardy, Crime Dramas, great food, and when
possible, an NHL game.
Ginny: What will you miss the most after retiring?
Josh: Not planning on retiring. When I leave secondary
school teaching, I will teach at the college level. Then I will write, direct
and perform from the wheelchair with custom painted flames.
Ginny: What is your proudest accomplishment?
Josh: Consistently producing larger and more profitable
shows so that our Theatre Arts program is largely self-sufficient. While we
still need financial help for infrastructure, our general operating costs are
paid for through our ticket and advertising sales. Also, at least once a year,
an adult (be it a parent, fellow teacher, or community member) says something
akin to: “This is the first play/musical I’ve ever seen that I really enjoyed!” While it is a sad statement on one hand, I’m proud that I’ve been able to build a small town high
school theatre program into an important community building resource.
Ginny: Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of
theatre?
Josh: Landscaping, cooking, photography.
Ginny: What is something we would be surprised to learn about
you?
Josh: I modeled.
Ginny: What is your favorite part of the day?
Josh: Early morning. Drinking great coffee as I drive to
work while the sun rises. Planning out all the possibilities.
Ginny: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would
you go and why?
Josh: While I’ve
grown to love the life I have in Chattanooga, TN and working in North Georgia,
I often dream about returning to New York. The art, the culture, the variety… I do miss it.
Ginny: What toy do you most remember from your childhood?
Josh: Red Tonka Fire Truck with working extension ladder.
By welcoming everyone into his theatre program and building
interest in the local community, Josh has created such a special environment
for the students at Northwest Whitfield High School. His knowledge, optimism
and practical advice will undoubtedly help shape them into successful adults.
If you enjoyed Josh’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.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons