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 latest Spotlight Member is Mark Phillips, a Director and Performance Instructor at Town Hall Theatre in Centerville, OH. Mark has more than 20 years of experience in the worlds of theatre and theatre education. As a new member of our community, he jumped right in with insightful blog posts (found here and here) and helpful advice.
Any tips for new theatre teachers?
Mark: The one piece of advice that I am most adamant about is the need to decide what you hope your students get from their experiences with you. If you want to send a group of future actors to Broadway, you will approach your script choices, scheduling, even marketing in a particular way. If your FIRST priority is to teach them life skills like working as a team, commitment, taking chances, etc., your approach to everything will be very different. If your first priority is to build a program, you are missing the point. If you want to be known as a great director, you are in the wrong profession.
Why do you believe theatre is important?
Mark: Theatre is a place where all of us geeks, freaks, and weirdos can fit in. Oftentimes, when a school counselor was helping a kid who couldn’t seem to find his/her niche, they would send them down the hall to me. They ALL found a home where their idiosyncrasies were accepted and found useful.
Weirdest stage food you’ve ever made or eaten?
Mark: As Joseph, in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, I had to eat a hamburger while in prison. No biggie, until I discovered the prop crew had bought six burgers before final dress and just took one out for each show. Try eating an old, cold McDonald’s burger and then be expected to sing!
Favorite line used by a theatre teacher to direct an actor?
Mark: Sung to me (as a high school sophomore) by the GREATEST teacher ever, Mary Rashid, during rehearsal for Guys and Dolls: “When a lazy slob gets a lead in the play…”
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of theatre?
Mark: I am a novelist and freelance writer. Since my homeschooled kids are off to high school, I have much more time on my hand to dedicate to this passion.
What is something we would be surprised to learn about you?
Mark: I am writing a book called A Twelve Step Program for Directing School Plays.
Smart phones – love or hate? Why?
Mark: Yes. I hate how dependent I have become on it, but I love it for all the instant information and connectivity it offers, even though I was just fine without that instant information and connectivity before they were invented. As far as kids using them during rehearsals etc., I don’t mind them. I have found most don’t let them be distracting.
How many places have you lived?
Mark: I have lived in fourteen homes in three states and two countries.
If you enjoyed Mark’s interview as much as I 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 rwren@schooltheatre.org. Want to read more Community Spotlights? You can find them here.