Open Forum

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 next spotlight is Kelly M. Thomas, the drama teacher and troupe director at Poteet High School in Mesquite, Texas, home to Thespian Troupe 4817. Kelly has over two decades of classroom experience and has had the good fortune of studying with legends like Stella Adler, Uta Hagen and Sanford Miesner. She is a bronze level contributor and always has the perfect answer for her colleagues’ requests.

Why do you believe theatre is important?

It is an old and majestic art form and theatre has always been a monitor for society. It has defined us and shaped us the world over. So I feel responsible to foster theatre into the next generations.

What is your greatest challenge?

As a theatre teacher, I find the greatest challenge is getting the administration totally on board with the theatre program. When they do get the importance of it, it is life changing for them and their view on education in theatre.

What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day is full of surprises. In the classroom, you never really know what might happen. When the kids get it and that light bulb goes off- it’s still thrilling, even after 21 years. Then at rehearsal after school, it’s the difference maker. These are the kids who want to do theatre, who are passionate about it, and I can’t wait to see every day. Talent is awe inspiring.

Tell us about the best day of your career.

I organized a middle school theatre festival where all the teachers from each campus did a play by one playwright. I went a step further and contacted that playwright who agreed to come and be our special guest judge. I engaged the district communication department who came out to do a film on the event. They came and interviewed and saw the contest. It was great, but the most memorable part of the day for me was when the producer of the film told me that, in his surprise, I was the real story. He said what I did for those kids was amazing and important and life changing. And that he came to do a story on a “cute” event and winded up having his own life changed because of it. I knew then what I do matters and I can walk away from a life in the arts, knowing that I made a difference.

What is the resource you most recommend to others in your profession?

Patience, understanding, and more patience.

Any tips for new theatre teachers?

I think Bette Davis might have summed it up best in the Three Faces of Eve when she said, “Hold on, it’s going to be a bumpy night.”  Preserver! The first three years are your testing ground. It will take you that long to get things under your belt. Don’t rush to change the world. Great things happen over time, like soft rain on hard cement. Just ask the Grand Canyon about that theory.

What is the weirdest stage food you’ve ever made or eaten?

Watercress sandwiches. You’ve probably not done an English drawing room show and not had those.

What is your favorite musical (or play)? What makes it so special?

As an actor: The Boyfriend because it was my first big lead in high school. As a school director: The Orphan Trains because everything just came into focus for me with directing kids in plays. As a professional director: Matt and Ben because it was a creative romp.

What was the first play you ever saw?

The Sound of Music.

What was the first role you ever played?

Chicken Little.

What inspired you to become a teacher?

My amazing teachers.

What playwright would you love to have lunch with? Tell us a question you’d ask them.

Tennessee Williams, but I don’t know if I could even ask him a question because I would be so speechless to be in his presence. I would like to know, “how do you know what to write about that is so compelling to the human nature?”

Tell us about the moment that made you decide to get involved in theatre.

I have always been extremely shy. My grandfather hoped I would not let people run over me so much, so I got up the courage to try out for my first high school play, and from then on, I was hooked.

What is unique about your program?

We run our program primarily as though we are a family. I believe we need to have people in our lives that matter. We are on this planet for such a short time and what we do and how we treat others is the most important lesson we can learn.  And that uniqueness is felt by my kids as their priority in the theatre department and the show comes second.

What was the most difficult element of a production you’ve ever had to manage?

We did Barnum and created an entire carnival before the play. So we really were juggling more balls with that one.

Everyone has at least one good theatre story. Tell us yours!

I’ve been doing this for 21 years, how long have you got? Biggest mishap was with Barnum. Not only was the show difficult, we also came up against the worst weather that closed our school for part of the run and we played against the same weekend that the Super Bowl was in town.

Name something on your bucket list.

To visit all seven continents, I only have Antarctica to go!

If you could have a different career, what would you choose?

Full time actor- not even a second thought.

How do you relax after a busy day?

My cats are the calming interest of my day. They love me no matter if I know my lines or not.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

I know that I am blessed and I live my life with such joy that is my greatest accomplishment.

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of theatre?

I paint, draw, sculpt, swim, travel, garden, love and laugh with my family.

What is something we would be surprised to learn about you?

That I started college as a pre-med major.

What is your favorite part of the day?

Going to bed at night, knowing that what I did that day was worth getting out of bed in the morning.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I have been all over the world. I have seen so many countries and so many cities that I am running out of places that I haven’t been. So, if I could, I do it all over again because I probably missed a few things here and there.

What toy do you most remember from your childhood?

A stuffed animal named Kitty. My grandmother gave him to me when I was very small. I still have Kitty. He is part of my family. He has been there for all the good times and the bad ones, too. He’s been the best audience I’ve ever had.

If you enjoyed Kelly’s interview as much as we 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.