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 Lisa Dyer, a theatre teacher and troupe director at JR Tucker High School in Richmond, Virginia. Lisa is a Thespian Alum turned theatre teacher, giving her a unique insight into her students’ world. She is a positive presence in the Community, always quick to offer congratulations or provide advice and empathy to help others.
Why do you believe theatre is important?
Theatre is important because it’s one of the few disciplines that is all-encompassing. Students of theatre are readers, communicators, problem solvers, technicians, and writers. Theatre people aren’t afraid to take risks and try new things. That will serve them well no matter where they land as adults.
What is your greatest challenge?
It is always a challenge to assist colleagues and parents into recognizing the relevance and value of what we do in the theatre classroom.
John Proctor interrogating Mary Warren in Tucker High School’s 2018 production of The Crucible
What does a typical day look like for you?
On school days: I get up, get my kids fed and dressed for school, feed myself and get ready for work, teach 150 fabulous theatre students in levels I, II, III, and IV and then usually head home to feed my kids and work on homework, I’m then back at school for rehearsal until 9pm. Once I get home, I don’t have any trouble falling asleep!
Tell us about the best day of your career.
I think it was the day when I was so proud of my students I burst into tears. I had a number of students audition for college at the Virginia Theatre Association conference. Every single student got multiple callbacks and most students got called back to over 20 schools. To top it off, several were offered admission and scholarships on the spot. I remember thinking, “Wow! These kids are incredible. I’m so lucky to be a part of their journey.”
What was the first role you ever played?
The first role I played in high school was “Bonnie” in Anything Goes. Working on that show changed my life. I didn’t know musical theatre existed. It was the most fun I had had in my life up to that point. I just fell in love with the process of making theatre and knew I never wanted to be without that ever again.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
In college, I was adamant that I was a performer. I grudgingly did my production work, but didn’t really see an endgame until I took a directing class. I enjoyed the process; loved seeing all the pieces come together; and got so much out of coaching other actors. I thought about what I could do that would allow me to direct and “theatre teacher” is the option that stuck. My professors thought I was nuts; my mentors thought I was nuts; my friends thought I was nuts. Although they were all right (I am totally nuts!), I couldn’t be happier with the decision to teach theatre!
What is unique about your program?
The school where I teach is the most diverse place I’ve ever been. There are students from all over the world; over 40 languages are spoken on our campus. There are kids from affluent homes and students who have no home to speak of. There are also kids in three different specialty centers who all come together in theatre. They all have such different perspectives and reasons for being in my classroom, but we have pulled together to perform at the Fringe in Scotland TWICE and build the largest program in our county. These kids are underdogs and fighters. I LOVE teaching them.
The cast/creators of an original one act titled Generation Next, which won the Virginia High School League one act competition in 2017.
What was the most difficult element of a production you’ve ever had to manage?
It’s so funny, but the blocking in The Sound of Music was just the most ridiculous thing to deal with. We had a poorly designed set (my fault) with a lack of entrance points, narrow doorways, and no way to quickly get from one side of the stage to the other. Lesson learned! But, UGH! That was the most frustrating experience for sure!
What would you consider your biggest failure and what did you learn from it?
Definitely The Sound of Music. People really enjoyed the show, but the process was overwhelming and much more difficult than I anticipated. When our rented costumes arrived in about 7 boxes, I nearly had a stroke! We also had about 25 “nuns” process through the audience with fake candles. I will never buy polyester nun costumes again… the stench brought tears to my eyes! There was just so much of everything with that show!!!
Everyone has at least one good theatre story. Tell us yours!
My first year teaching, I was doing Bye Bye Birdie. We were working a dance number with the orchestra, and I was not happy with how the choreography was looking. I was very frustrated, as I had many students in the cast who had never been on stage before. I told the kids that I was going to have to change the choreography because I didn’t want the show to look “stupid.” This kid immediately responds that the only thing he thinks that looks stupid is “that guy waving his arms around.” And that I should make him stop. He was talking about the conductor of the orchestra!
Act III of The Crucible during the trial.
Name something on your bucket list.
To play Elphaba in Wicked!
If you could have a different career, what would you choose?
A Broadway actor.
How do you relax after a busy day?
Usually by watching some HGTV!
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Receiving the Freedom of Expression Award from Amnesty International at the 2015 Fringe Festival for a show titled My Mania, which a friend of mine wrote and allowed me to produce!
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of theatre?
I sing…
What is something we would be surprised to learn about you?
I have triplets.
What is your favorite part of the day?
When my kids go to bed and the house is quiet.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I love Barcelona… and Florence. I’d pretty much live anywhere in Southern Europe.
What toy do you most remember from your childhood?
A hairbrush and a mirror. I’d put on concerts singing into a hairbrush in front of my mirror.
If you enjoyed Lisa’s interview as much as we did, add her as a contact in the Community. If you’re in the Richmond, Virginia area, check out one of her school’s productions: Jane Eyre, The Musical on Nov. 29, 30 and Dec 1, 2 and Enter Laughing on Feb. 27, 28 and March 1, 2.
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.