Faith and Trust
There are many different elements that go into producing an educational theatre production, but there is a common thread that runs through all of them:
Choosing a play to present is a leap of faith.
Casting that play is another leap of faith.
Trusting every actor to learn their lines by a deadline is a huge leap of faith.
Trusting that the first sketch of a set design will resemble the finished set is a leap of faith.
Putting together a rehearsal schedule requires multiple little leaps of faith.
Trusting a Stage Manager to show up on time and get every member of the cast and crew to do their assigned jobs at the assigned time is a gigantic leap of faith.
It's amazing that most high school plays happen disaster-free fairly regularly.
We really shouldn't be surprised when a sick student or an inter-cast squabble or an accidental fire alarm threaten to throw everything off track.
Fortunately, you know what to do.
You're a professional.
You've been here before.
Trust yourself.
Trust your experience.
Trust your education.
You're often the only adult in the room.
Stay open to the miracle. It always shows up.
Happy Theatre in Our Schools Month!
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Billy Houck
Theatre Teacher, Retired
Carmichael, CA
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