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 Maralie Medlin, the theatre teacher/troupe director and Director of Fine Arts at Gaston Christian School in Gastonia, North Carolina, home to Thespian Troupe 8372. Maralie chartered the ITS troupe at Gaston in 2016 and immediately began asking thoughtful questions and advising others in the Open Forum. Her sound guidance over the last two years has earned her a bronze level contributor ribbon.  

Why do you believe theatre is important?

I think theatre is important for my students for the same reason it was important to me as a student so many years ago. I signed up for a drama class in high school only because my friend told me to, and then I spent most of the semester trying to hide from the teacher so I wouldn't have to go on stage. Eventually, I couldn't avoid it, and I still remember the magical moment that theatre freed me from my shyness and self-doubt. Gaining confidence is certainly a long process, but through theatre, I was able to find my voice and the courage to use it. If teaching theatre does that for even one student a year, I think it's worth it!

What is your greatest challenge?

My greatest challenge right now is getting boys to take drama classes or finding interesting productions that feature mostly girls. 

 
What does a typical day look like for you?

I teach one section of honors drama, two sections of middle school drama, and a costuming course as well as two English literature courses. I'm also the Director of Fine Arts and have to cram those duties into my planning periods. If we're in production, rehearsals are right after school until 5 or 6, then I'm off to my daughter's extracurricular activities. I'd like to say I catch up on sleep during the summer months, but usually, I'm scouring the internet for ideas and plays in time to start over in August!

Do you have any tips for new theatre teachers?

Focus on quality from day one, even if that means you need to start with a smaller show and cast. The minute you put out a sloppy show or cast students who aren't really dedicated just so you can get your numbers up, you'll regret it. Find a manageable show that you're inspired by and add on each year. Ask other teachers to help you, don't ignore the invaluable resource of parents, and don't forget why you're doing it. When it stops being about the students, you're headed down the wrong path!

What is the best advice anyone has ever given to you?

My dad always tells me that if you don't ask, the answer is definitely no. I've learned that as long as I have a plan for how it could work, my administration is generally supportive--I just have to be brave enough to ask them!

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

Little Women will always be my favorite play but not because I think it's "the best play ever." This was the first play I ever did as a drama teacher with a group of students who basically built the drama program at our school from the ground up. In retrospect, I'm sure it was a flawed show, but in my mind, it's the best thing we've ever done because of how much we accomplished together!

Maralie’s first educational production, Little Women in 2008

What was the first role you ever played?

Mrs. Warren and Senator Clark in The Boys Next Door.

What inspired you to become a teacher?

I honestly think teaching is my gift and theatre is my passion. When I try to think of another career (you know, during tech week), I honestly can't think of anything! I'm really happy when I'm teaching and when I'm in the theatre. Why would I want to do anything else?

What is your proudest accomplishment?

My very first play, we didn't have a theatre or a budget (literally $0). My cast was mostly freshmen, and we rehearsed in a lunchroom while the performance space was a gym several miles away. I kept trying to tell my actors how everything "would be," but they had a hard time understanding what I meant (what the set would look like; what the technical elements would add to the play), and rehearsals could be frustrating sometimes. Some of the students had parents who didn't understand the time commitment, one actor dropped out of the show, we were told we couldn't build the set ahead of time... you name it, we were up against it. I just kept telling them to hold on; it would be worth it in the end. I remember at curtain call on opening night, all the actors standing to take their bows and how genuinely happy they were. They got it! It had all paid off, and they were hooked! That same group stayed with me until they graduated and really inspired me with how dedicated they became. 

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of theatre?

Who has time??

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

I've never auditioned for a show that required a headshot! I've always been self-conscious and hated the idea of having my picture taken, so I missed out on a lot of opportunities! 

What is your favorite part of the day?

Tucking my girls in at night. No matter what fights we've had or how horrible the day has been, we end every day with snuggles and kisses. It seems to make everything in the world right again.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon. Maybe that's cliché, but I've been twice and it's the cutest little town. You have the lovely river, great fish and chips, antique shops, Shakespeare's house, and the RSC all within walking distance!

What toy do you most remember from your childhood?

Puffy the Puffalump Elephant. I'm actually ashamed to admit that I still have him. My dad worked a lot, and I was one of six children, so any alone time you could get with him was super special. I remember this one time when he was tucking me in, he put on a show for me with my stuffed animals featuring Puffy. He put a sock in the back of his shirt to look like a cape and put this whole storyline together just to make me laugh. Maybe that's where I get my love for performance from! Puffy has lost his puff and his sunglasses over time, but I just can't seem to part with him. 

If you enjoyed Maralie’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.