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 Dianne
Rowe (pictured above with students at the 2015 Thespian Festival), troupe director of Junior Thespian Troupe 88177 at Berry Middle School in
Birmingham, Alabama. Dianne’s ambition and drive to further her own education
has resulted in her sharing a plethora of thoughtful questions and sage advice
within our Community.
Ginny: What
was the first role you ever played?
Dianne: I was a fairy queen of some sort
in an elementary school Christmas play, the title of which has been long
forgotten. I was probably in the second or third grade and the combination of
wearing a sparkly dress, sitting on a “throne” onstage and hearing that
applause at the conclusion of our performance put me over the edge. I was
hooked.
Ginny: What
was the first play you ever saw?
Dianne: I grew up in a small town in the
Midwest, and there just weren’t a lot of options. When I was in the 7th grade,
I went to our high school’s production of Hello,
Dolly, and was mesmerized. I loved everything about it, and I was totally star
struck. I went to our little local music store and ordered a songbook so I could
learn the music, and still harbor a secret desire to play Dolly Levi someday.
Ginny: What
inspired you to become a teacher?
Dianne: My theatre teacher had a huge
impact on me. I had the same theatre teacher from grades 7-12, and he was so
wonderful to us. He was fresh out of college and I know we had to be a handful,
but he gave us so many opportunities for growth, in so many aspects. He helped
us become better actors and techies, he pushed the limits of what we thought we
could do, he guided us to take on artistic challenges, taught us to be a team,
and held us to high standards. He expected a lot from us, and I hope we
delivered. Most importantly, he fostered a culture of acceptance. Everyone was
welcome in our drama department, and we all learned to work together. It was
where I found my first “chosen family.” Theatre kids are special, and they need
to know that they are not alone. I wanted to build that community for another
crop of kids. I wanted to give them the tools, support and gentle pushes they
needed to find their confidence, passion and joy, in a safe place.
Ginny: What
is your proudest accomplishment?
Dianne: I’m in my second year of
teaching, and last year chartered my school’s first Junior Thespian Troupe. We
inducted 9 students, and were honored to have our State Director attend and
issue our charter. This spring we will induct 19 new Junior Thespians. The
growth of our program in such a short time is thrilling.
Ginny: How
do you relax after a busy day?
Dianne: After a day of teaching, I love
going into a rehearsal. It totally takes me out of any negativity or stressful
situations during the school day, and lets me be creative with kids who are
primed for new things, and putting themselves out there. Middle school actors
are fearless, excited and eager to please, and it feeds my soul to watch them
discovering their talents. On non-rehearsal days, however... I am happy
to get home ahead of evening traffic, cook dinner, and spend time on my back
deck with my husband.
Ginny: What
is something we would be surprised to learn about you?
Dianne: I graduated college and taught
for one year in the early 90’s. I had to leave that job due to a family
emergency, and ended up not going back to teaching right away. About 12 years
ago, I started helping with the kids’ theatre program at my community theatre,
and got the itch to get back in the classroom. So I took some classes,
reinstated my certificate and went on the job-hunt. At the tender age of 49, I
re-started my teaching career and couldn’t be happier.
Ginny: Do
you have any hobbies or interests outside of theatre?
Dianne: I
love to cook healthy meals, I am trying to love running, I enjoy spending time
with friends, and I listen to historical fiction audiobooks in my car.
Dianne’s
passion for teaching and theatre is inspiring, her students are certainly in
capable hands. If you enjoyed Dianne’s interview as much as I did, add her
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.