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 James McCulloch, the English/Theatre teacher at Marine City High School in Marine City, Michigan, home to Thespian Troupe 8027. James has directed over 50 productions, allowing him to advise other Community members on a variety of topics. He strives to provide his students with opportunities to develop their craft while finding that perfect work/life balance, a goal shared by many a theatre teacher.
Why do you believe theatre is important?
Theatre communicates themes and ideas that remind us of what it means to be alive, be human. Whether a comedy or light musical, where we can laugh at ourselves or a romantic story that illustrates love or a heavy drama that shows us how huge our hearts and souls are or can be, theatre, alongside all of the Arts, has this power. I remember after our school presented the school edition of Les Miserables seeing both my brother and one of my friends, two grown men, weeping. On other productions, like It's a Wonderful Life or Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, parents and friends left with a smile on their faces, glowing from those heartfelt stories. Finally, when we presented the stage adaptation of Sharon Creek's Walk Two Moons, just about theater patron was leaving the performing arts center wiping his or her eyes. It is the power of story, coming to life, on the stage that I see as so very vital ALL theater. Applause and standing ovations are great, but when you hear how a production, a character, a moment impacted or connected with someone in the audience I feel the greatest satisfaction.
The other important element for HIGH SCHOOL theater is that it provides a place where ALL can belong. Students with varying levels of family income, different talents, some 4.0 students, some barely passing their classes, some athletically gifted, and some who feel like a total outcast can all find a place to co-exist. I have rule about not allowing our company to ever be cliquey, where EVERYONE matters. The lead of the musical is NO more important than the student on spots. EVERYONE matters. EVERYONE belongs. While it may seem a bit too idealistic, my hope and prayer each year is that students will leave this environment of "drama family" and try to replicate it in the "real world." Theatre's importance is that it is where ALL belong.
Marine City High School’s 2018 production of Cinderella
What is your greatest challenge?
Two challenges have popped up recently. One is maintaining a budget without raising ticket costs or having to turn to too many fundraisers. I'm sure that I'm not the only theatre director that faces this challenge. Funding...ugh. And I want our shows to LOOK good, but that takes money...the backdrops, the costumes, paying our hired staff.
The other challenge, lately, is wanting to do more... more theatre festivals, improv, continuing to "up" our game in our three mainstage productions and NOT getting burned out. I have five children and believe in LIVING a GREAT STORY, but balancing teaching, being a dad and husband, and then doing more with the drama company. Within that crazy life, finding time to adequately prep for shows can be challenging.
What does a typical day look like for you?
During tech weeks, my school day goes from 7:30 a.m. until 2:30 a.m. We typically start tech week rehearsals at our theatre at 3:00 p.m. Those set building, scene rehearsing evenings go until 8, 9 or even 10 p.m. at night. Tech weeks are low-sleep weeks.
Tell us about the best day of your career.
It would be tough to narrow it down to one, but honestly, seeing my son, Logan, take the role of Edmond Dantes in our Fall 2017 production of The Count of Monte Cristo and seeing my daughter, Scout, play one of the stepsisters in Cinderella have been pretty awesome "days." All five of my kids have been in many productions at the high school. Those are my best days.
MCHS’ 2017 production of The Count of Monte Cristo
What is the resource you most recommend to others in your profession?
Honestly, I LOVE the Educational Theatre Association’s Open Forum. I've really begun turning there to get great advice. So I suppose turning to other theatre directors and teachers would be MY greatest resource. Oh...and PRAYER. I pray A LOT when I get into those typical theatre pinches or stressful moments.
Any tips for new theatre teachers?
Don't try to be like the other school or compare yourself to other directors. There is such a temptation or challenge, even in my eighteenth season, to want to be like other successful high school theatre programs. Tell the stories YOU want to tell. Create an environment where any student in your building will feel welcome and part of that theatre family.
What is the weirdest stage food you’ve ever made or eaten?
We have served Spam (ham in a can) at least twice onstage. Also, one of my first theater students/actors invented something called "almond burfy." Don't ask. I think it looked like vomit sludge and worked its way into one of our skits.
What is your favorite musical (or play)? What makes it so special?
It changes. For the longest time, in high school especially, I was enthralled with Phantom of the Opera. I listened to that cassette tape again and again. As I've gotten older, I think Les Miserables has remained firmly there. I love Camelot, Man of La Mancha quite a bit as well. Shoot, you know what? Dear Evan Hansen is my current favorite for the past year.
What was the first role you ever played?
I was in several church productions playing angels and shepherds. My first high school role was playing the Wizard in a play adaptation of the Wizard of Oz.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
Connection with people, with students. Attempting to make a positive impact on THEIR stories.
What is unique about your program?
I don't know if this is "unique" just to us, but we strive to make the process more important than the production. It is that journey of working with others, developing a character, and maintaining a drama family that is MOST important. I always tell students that if we can maintain our relationships with each other and find joy in the process that our end product will naturally be wonderful.
What was the most difficult element of a production you’ve ever had to manage?
Whenever I post casting that does not include every student who auditioned is tough, very tough. Also, when I have to remove a student close to a production due to poor grades. We've also had students drop with less than two weeks to go before opening night, just because they were not enjoying the show as much as he or she thought they would. That, too, has been very stressful.
Name something on your bucket list.
Write a book. Go to Disneyland (We've been to Disney World a "few" times).
If you could have a different career, what would you choose?
I doubt I'd ever last, but I've thought about what it would be like to be a chef.
How do you relax after a busy day?
Typically, I may "attempt" to watch a television show or movie with my wife, only to fall asleep on our couch within ten minutes.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Without a doubt, marrying my wife, Amber, and our five children.
James and his beautiful family
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of theatre?
I like to cook and, sometimes, I find a spare second to write.
What is your favorite part of the day?
I love when I first enter my house after a long day and know that the people I love so very much are right there in that home with me.
What toy do you most remember from your childhood?
I got this Fisher-Price Magic set that I took to family parties and thought I was this amazing magician.
If you enjoyed James’ interview as much as we 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.