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 Heather Cribbs, the theatre teacher and director at New Smyrna Beach High School in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, home to Thespian Troupe 1903. As a newer teacher, Heather jumped right in to the Community with great questions and insightful advice. Recently, she launched an awesome discussion about troupe traditions that makes for a fun and interesting read – check it out here!
Why do you believe theatre is important?
Heather: Theatre is a reflection of life. We live with such a limited view of the world. We’re constricted by time, location, and experience. Theatre allows the common man to experience things they wouldn’t otherwise get to see. If it weren’t for theatre, I’d never get to experience the French Revolution; I’d never get to visit a Parisian Opera House in the 1800s; I’d never get to meet the founding fathers.
What is the resource you most recommend to others in your profession?
Heather: I’m a huge fan of the Drama Teacher Academy (DTA) from TheatreFolk. I learned about it at the Florida State Thespian Competition during my first year and I can safely say it’s saved me on more than one occasion. I love all of their lesson plans. I’m able to find something that fits what I’m working on, tweak it to fit my classes and print it, no fuss. It’s got a ton of materials that are available to educators. And they have professional development! So I can watch a 30 minute lecture on set design and get credit for it. I seriously cannot say how much I love DTA. I’ve turned a few other theatre directors in my district onto it as well.
Favorite musical or play?
Heather: This is like asking me to pick a favorite student. It really depends on the day. For one of my favorites, I’d have to go with Les Miserables. Along with my love of theatre, I also have a deep appreciation for history. Les Mis marries the two of these so beautifully. But I also love Shrek the Musical. I’m a millennial and I grew up with the franchise. When I heard they made a musical, I was skeptical. But holy cow! It’s fantastic. And, of course, I jumped on the Hamilton bandwagon before they even released the soundtrack. Again, it’s a great blend of two of my favorite things. Plus, I’m all about ‘ground-breaking’ work. My recent obsessions include Newsies, Bonnie & Clyde, and Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812.
If you could have a different career, what would you choose?
Heather: I’d love to work in an old historic theatre or historic recreation. I graduated from Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL, which is the oldest city in the country. I was constantly surrounded by reenactments and always wanted to get involved but never did. I think it would be fun to be able to work in the past but live in the present. Best of both worlds!
What are you most looking forward to after retiring?
Heather: Being able to be involved in community theatre. I’d love to direct and act at several theatres. It’s basically the same job, just less grading!
What is your favorite part of the day?
Heather: I love when I get to come home at the end of a long day. When you’ve been ‘people-ing’ all day, it’s nice to come home to things that don’t need you to work miracles. My wife and I are happy to just sit on the couch in our PJs and watch TV or play video games. Our menagerie of animals just kind of seal the deal. You get to just let go of the face you’ve been wearing all day and just kind of exist, if that makes sense.
If you enjoyed Heather’s interview as much as I 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 rwren@schooltheatre.org. Want to read more Community Spotlights? You can find them here.