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 Chuck Yarmey, troupe director at Wyoming Area Secondary Center in Wyoming, Pennsylvania. Chuck isn’t your “traditional” theatre teacher, but his unique skills, experiences, and training allow him to provide advice on crucial topics like lighting, sound, and set construction.
Why do you believe theatre is important?
There are so many reasons, I could go on forever. We all know of the statistics regarding theatre students having higher GPA’s and scoring higher on standardized tests. Aside from the obvious benefits when it comes to a school setting, I’ve seen how much theatre personally means to so many students.
I realized a few years ago that our club was growing because students were discovering that everyone has a home in the drama club. Students have made new friendships and formed bonds that never would have happened if they did not come out to work on a show.
In this age of electronic communication and a severe lack of face-to-face interaction, I believe theatre is essential in helping all these young individuals learn how to be more comfortable speaking to each other instead of a keypad.
One more important reason that I am personally close to is the fact that students who participate in theatre, whether in a club or a curriculum, can pursue further studies in a secondary setting and eventually do what they love for a living. I have had many students go on to study both performing and technical aspects of theatre upon graduation. And yes, a few are employed in the industry.
Do you have any special training or skills?
From a technical standpoint, I started learning carpentry at the age of 13 because of the family business, but I was always drawn to the entertainment business. At the age of 16, back when it was allowed, I began playing keyboards in clubs with a local band. Keyboard players are usually the “techies” of the band. In smaller venues, I would operate the soundboard and the lights, while playing and singing. So the training came from experience, both in carpentry and technical directing. This ultimately led to a chance meeting and an opportunity to work on a feature film. The director was aware of my background in both music and building/design. He asked me to join the art department as a “leadman,” responsible for getting the locations built or modified and dressed, before the crew and cast arrive to film. Eventually, I worked my way up to Production Designer of the film, and that made me realize I could merge everything I’ve learned in my life into something I really enjoy.
What is your greatest challenge?
My greatest challenge is one I’m sure I share with many others. Our school does not have anything theatre related as a curriculum. We are a club. The facility was built over 40 years ago and never upgraded. We are an unfunded program, aside from the stipend I receive. While departments battle for a piece of the pie, I have tried to make our program independent and self-sustaining. As we raise money, we purchase updated equipment to use. Our club continues to grow. Last year, more than 10% of the graduating class were in our spring musical. What we’re fighting for now is recognition by the school that we are a valid “extracurricular activity,” just like football or any other club or sport.
Tell us about the best day of your career.
The best “days” are the Sunday performances of our spring musical. After the show, we honor our seniors with photo books of their time in the club and acknowledge their years of participation. This is where it’s hard to not get emotional. After spending so many hours with these students and being around each other through the best and worst of times, it’s like watching your own children depart every year.
What is the best advice anyone has ever given to you?
When designing and planning a production, do what makes you happy. If you create something and go against your instincts about what you like just because you’re worried about everyone else liking it, you set yourself up for possible disappointment. If they aren’t happy with the result and neither are you, no one is happy. Do what you feel is right.
What is your favorite musical (or play)? What makes it so special?
Almost, Maine. It was the first show I was technical director on. My daughter played the role of Ginette. Aside from making an assortment of sets for each act, I wanted my daughter’s presence on stage to have an impact. I had two snow machines in the pipes and, in the end, when she and Pete hugged, snow began to fall. Add the music, and I must admit I got choked up by this scene every night. At that point, I knew, with my technical directing, that I could influence the look and mood of a show. It’s what kept me there.
What was the first play you ever saw?
Evita at the Broadway Theatre back in the 80’s.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
It was purely by accident. As the father of twins, I have spent years volunteering as a baseball and softball coach, CCD teacher, and chaperone, whenever needed. When my daughter was cast as Anne Frank in her sophomore year, my wife suggested I volunteer to help with the set building. I had just finished wrapping a film and she thought I might find it interesting. That led to me staying for additional shows and eventually being hired as the club advisor. One weekend, while working on a set, I received a text from a friend, asking if I’d ever considered teaching carpentry at a Career and Technical Education school. I hadn’t, but I was interested. I felt if I was already teaching my drama students technical theatre, I would enjoy doing it full time in a professional shop. Eventually, I became a carpentry teacher at a 9-12 CTE school. So, after teaching “building” to students all day, I transition to my drama students at night and on weekends. In addition to this, I take classes through Temple University to obtain my Vocational Certification to continue teaching at the CTE school.
What is unique about your program?
We don’t have a lot of the resources that other programs have, so we adapt and make up for it in other ways. We don’t have DMX lighting. We don’t have a fly system. We have no workshop. Because we do not have all the technical advantages of other theatres, I feel that we overcompensate in other ways to make up the deficit and still manage to produce top notch entertainment for our audiences.
Everyone has at least one good theatre story. Tell us yours!
During The Curious Savage, we had a slight issue during the Sunday performance. We had a sliding door leading into “the Cloisters.” The actors were having issues with it all weekend when they didn’t open and close it smoothly. Sunday, it came a head when someone managed to knock it off the track and the entire door fell in the opening. Without a hitch, they all continued the scene with every new character entering, questioning who broke the door. I always tell my students to relax and enjoy the Sunday performance. At this point, I think they were comfortable enough to continue with the story but adlib until the end of the scene when we had a chance to repair the door.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My wife and I raising two healthy and happy twins who are now adults and pursuing what they love. I learned early that being a parent is a responsibility. You’re responsible for educating, nurturing, and guiding your children until they are ready to go out on their own. I’m proud we managed to do just that.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of theatre?
When I find an extra few hours, I continue the family tradition of making cured meats. I have also been a homebrewer for 27 years. I formed a homebrewing club in 1995 in Northeast Pennsylvania and they are still promoting the art and craft of homebrewing, with many members moving on to professional brewing. And… sometimes I still manage to get into my woodshop and do some custom projects for clients.
What is something we would be surprised to learn about you?
In 1985, I got together with a group of musicians and formed a band named “Synch.” We recorded some songs and our first live performance ever was opening for Bon Jovi. We were later signed to Columbia records when I was 19 and our song “Where Are You Now” made it to #10 on Billboard’s Hot 100. After the band broke up, we all went our separate ways. Our singer went on to be one of the most influential music executives in Nashville. I stayed local. And now I share my experience and connections with any student desiring to take their pursuit of the arts further.
I also continue to work on films when the opportunity arises. Sometimes taking former students to work as Production Assistants if they are interested in such a career path.
If you enjoyed Chuck’s 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.