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 Kaila Schwartz, the theatre teacher and troupe director of Troupe 8201 at Milpitas High School in Milpitas, California. She began as an English teacher at Milpitas, but worked hard to grow her theatre program so that she could teach the subject full-time. Kaila is a regular at our annual Conference, and has been active in the Community for a while. She has lent advice on a variety of topics over the years and is always supportive of her fellow theatre educators.
What is your greatest challenge?
My first answer to this question was focused on the emphasis of STEM education and my struggle to convince people of the value of theatre education. I mean, we all know that the most collaborative classroom is a theatre classroom! But it occurred to me this evening that my real challenge right now has more to do with work-life balance. I put so very much of myself into what I do for my students that I don’t often have time or energy to nurture my own creativity. Or my own emotional well-being. Sound familiar, anyone?
After the final bow of Kaila’s Theatre Workshop’s performance of their devised piece, called My Own
Tell us about the best day of your career.
The best day of my career? There have been a few, actually. My students have been a constant source of award-winning awesomeness - and the best part about that is the lack of ego that often accompanies awards. But - and I know this is going to sound ironic after the previous response - the very best was the day, last spring, when I was named Secondary and District Teacher of the Year. I FINALLY felt validated and appreciated for all that I do and all I have accomplished with my program. And I found out over the summer that I was named as a candidate for state teacher of the year - one of three representing my county.
With principal, Francis Rojas, at the unveiling of a perpetual plaque for Teacher of the Year at the Milpitas public library
What is the best advice anyone has ever given to you?
One of my acting mentors when I was a teen taught me this mantra, which I have adapted for my own use with my students: Go for the roses. If you fail, FAIL GLORIOUSLY, but GO FOR THE ROSES.
What is the weirdest stage food you’ve ever made or eaten?
Well, my advanced class produces a haunted theatre every year, so just imagine! The grossest was entrails made from stage blood, cut up latex gloves, masking tape, and cotton balls. It looked yummy….. LOL!
Kaila’s students won the grand prize at this year’s 1440 Countdown, which allowed them to perform their original play, Open Up, at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s New Works Festival
Tell us about the moment that made you decide to get involved in theatre.
Gosh. I feel like I was born into theatre. My grandmother used to love telling people about the little mime acts I’d perform for her when I was three. I used to carry around an imaginary stage, which I would set up and perform on… and when nobody was paying attention, I’d fold it up and stomp away! I was always doing plays and musicals - whether I was performing for my dolls, or on an actual stage with other actual people. Children’s theatre, youth theatre, high school theatre….. Acting and Directing were my college majors. Theatre was my first career. I spent eleven years full time in the business before transitioning into education. I took over my school's theatre program at the end of my first year teaching - 18 years ago!
Spring 2018 production of Hairspray at Milpitas High School
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of theatre?
I’m a writer. I have two YA novels in the works, along with a couple of picture books, and I also write short stories, poetry, lots of prose, and lately… grant applications! No, but really, I’m in a writing group that meets every other week. I have often thought about writing full time, but for now, it remains a serious pursuit in the outside interest vein.
What toy do you most remember from your childhood?
My red, plastic typewriter. And not just because I almost hit my older brother over the head with it while sleepwalking.
If you enjoyed Kaila’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.