I miss it...
I have been fortunate to see some good theatre performances lately (it has been quite a while since I could say I had). Watching each of the shows that I did, I noticed an overwhelming feeling of longing - I want to be back on stage! I miss that experience so much... I have moved into a stage in my life that makes it very difficult for me to be on stage. I have been directing a lot, but the sensation and experience is not the same. I am seriously considering auditioning for the summer theatre in town again. (I have auditioned for them before to no avail, but I figure it is time to try again.) Even watching my students on stage in the show that they are running now gives me the pangs and longing to be back on stage for myself. Ah, my drug... too bad it has been to long since I have taken a hit...
I stand corrected
Earlier I posted a blog about the news reporting on things other than So You Think You Can Dance... I was wrong by saying that there must be something other than that that the news could report on. After last night's showing there is nothing more important than that show at this moment! I am totally addicted...
I am torn between whether I want Niel or Lauren to win...
(Yes, Annie, I am talking to you!)
I am torn between whether I want Niel or Lauren to win...
(Yes, Annie, I am talking to you!)
I don't understand...
I am in the process of choosing a new play and writing new curriculum for the upcoming school year and I do not understand one thing - why do people in the educational industry refuse to trust the teachers that make it up? Teachers are the front lines of the teaching profession. They are the ones that are responsible for the learning and achievement of the hundreds and thousands of students that they have in a classroom over any period of time. However, it seems to me that they are the least trusted entity in the entire process. Is it so difficult to trust a teacher that is with your student every day to make smart and informed decisions? that is in a classroom in the business of teaching every day who knows the pedagogical and practical processes that are common practice today?
NCLB particularly has made it very difficult for a teacher to feel like he/she is being allowed to help all the students that they need to reach. Each teacher in the school system (particularly in secondary schools) should have been hired to a specific position because they are qualified and knowledgeable in their content area, but in every instance that I have seen and in every content area I have observed I have seen doubt - doubt from administration, department heads (usually the older veteran teachers who are so set in their ways that change is seen as a challenge to usurp), and parents. Each of those parties should at the very least be willing to trust the decisions that have been made that put a teacher where they are.
I am very fortunate to have a supportive administration that are willing to work with me instead of against me. The fact that I am a relatively new teacher makes my job difficult at times, but as I learn and grow that will improve. I am glad that I can go to my administration with questions and concerns and not feel that it will adversely affect me in any way. I am glad for the opportunities that I have to grow a program with little interference from others (specific colleagues excluded).
The concept that is difficult for many of my colleagues and others to understand is - even though I am a relatively new teacher I DO KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT/DOING!! When I choose a show for my drama season, I have done the research and thought through the possible repercussions that may come from doing the show. I DO know what it takes to create a learning environment in the production process. I DO know what sounds good - while it might not be what you are used to (many of the people where I am have been tainted to believe that all music must sound the same...), but it is the right kind of sound and technique for the kind of show we are doing. Trust me! Just once!
NCLB particularly has made it very difficult for a teacher to feel like he/she is being allowed to help all the students that they need to reach. Each teacher in the school system (particularly in secondary schools) should have been hired to a specific position because they are qualified and knowledgeable in their content area, but in every instance that I have seen and in every content area I have observed I have seen doubt - doubt from administration, department heads (usually the older veteran teachers who are so set in their ways that change is seen as a challenge to usurp), and parents. Each of those parties should at the very least be willing to trust the decisions that have been made that put a teacher where they are.
I am very fortunate to have a supportive administration that are willing to work with me instead of against me. The fact that I am a relatively new teacher makes my job difficult at times, but as I learn and grow that will improve. I am glad that I can go to my administration with questions and concerns and not feel that it will adversely affect me in any way. I am glad for the opportunities that I have to grow a program with little interference from others (specific colleagues excluded).
The concept that is difficult for many of my colleagues and others to understand is - even though I am a relatively new teacher I DO KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT/DOING!! When I choose a show for my drama season, I have done the research and thought through the possible repercussions that may come from doing the show. I DO know what it takes to create a learning environment in the production process. I DO know what sounds good - while it might not be what you are used to (many of the people where I am have been tainted to believe that all music must sound the same...), but it is the right kind of sound and technique for the kind of show we are doing. Trust me! Just once!
The end of another chapter
Tonight I open another show. For the past 6 weeks I have been directing The King and I for Franklin County Arts Council (Preston, Idaho). We were forced to put the show up on a very truncated time table, but it has turned out quite well. It is a small community in a little theatre, but I think they have come up to a level they haven't seen for a long time. There were many times when I was ready to pull my hair out, but there must be stress to create growth.
Now, for the next few weeks I have to change my focus to getting school ready. I have been focussed on this show so much that I have not gotten ANY curriculum ready for the coming year. I have to teach 3 new classes that I don't have anything prepared for. It will be interresting to see how things pan out. I have some really good resources and a good network of excellent teachers that I can pull from, so not too worried.
Now, for the next few weeks I have to change my focus to getting school ready. I have been focussed on this show so much that I have not gotten ANY curriculum ready for the coming year. I have to teach 3 new classes that I don't have anything prepared for. It will be interresting to see how things pan out. I have some really good resources and a good network of excellent teachers that I can pull from, so not too worried.
How about something of consequence?!
I sit here watching the news and I cannot help but wonder - isn't there something of more consequence that you could be telling me instead of talking about who is on So You Think You Can Dance? I am sure, in fact, that there are other things that are more important that are happening in the world that I could be learning about. Is it not the job of the broadcast news to report the things that are of the most important to us?
Sorry - just a bunch of hypothetical questions, but what was on my mind.
Sorry - just a bunch of hypothetical questions, but what was on my mind.
Let me make one thing perfectly clear...
I will not compromise my best teaching practices in order to accommodate a student, teacher or parent that wants to be pampered or because they do not agree with the decisions that I am making on behalf of my students.
I am and will always be the first to say that I do not know all that there is to know about what I teach – there will always be something that I will need to learn. I also realize and understand that I am a young/new teacher that has to “prove” himself; however, I do know that I have a talent and ability to teach theatre and speech in the most current and accurate method that is available now.
I have a responsibility to teach my students the skills and trends that are current in the industry. If I do not teach them the most current practices and information I will be doing them a great disservice – especially if they have a desire to pursue further education in, or want to find a job in the industry. If they do not know the current practices in theatre there will be no way that they can succeed in a college or a professional setting.
I want to make it perfectly clear that I will sacrifice the happiness and acceptance of a few students in order to keep the integrity of my program – for I know that if I do not compromise on these principles that my program will only grow and become better than it has ever been. If you do not like the show that is being done - don’t audition. It is that simple. This is the way that it has been for a very long time. If the show does not fit you, or you don’t like the show, no matter what the venue or the situation, you choose whether you participate or not. The show will go on without you – don’t think that it won’t. There will always be someone to take your place – always! No matter where you go there are a ton of people that are better than you.
If there is one thing that I want to teach my students, and by so doing teach their parents, it is theatre etiquette. Where ever you go to in the theatre world if you do not abide by the rules, manners, and protocols that are in place you may offend someone or, at the extreme, not get a job.
“You are always auditioning!” – my motto posted in my classroom.
I am and will always be the first to say that I do not know all that there is to know about what I teach – there will always be something that I will need to learn. I also realize and understand that I am a young/new teacher that has to “prove” himself; however, I do know that I have a talent and ability to teach theatre and speech in the most current and accurate method that is available now.
I have a responsibility to teach my students the skills and trends that are current in the industry. If I do not teach them the most current practices and information I will be doing them a great disservice – especially if they have a desire to pursue further education in, or want to find a job in the industry. If they do not know the current practices in theatre there will be no way that they can succeed in a college or a professional setting.
I want to make it perfectly clear that I will sacrifice the happiness and acceptance of a few students in order to keep the integrity of my program – for I know that if I do not compromise on these principles that my program will only grow and become better than it has ever been. If you do not like the show that is being done - don’t audition. It is that simple. This is the way that it has been for a very long time. If the show does not fit you, or you don’t like the show, no matter what the venue or the situation, you choose whether you participate or not. The show will go on without you – don’t think that it won’t. There will always be someone to take your place – always! No matter where you go there are a ton of people that are better than you.
If there is one thing that I want to teach my students, and by so doing teach their parents, it is theatre etiquette. Where ever you go to in the theatre world if you do not abide by the rules, manners, and protocols that are in place you may offend someone or, at the extreme, not get a job.
“You are always auditioning!” – my motto posted in my classroom.
How things change in an instant...
Ok - so this is the way that things are starting:
1. I was supposed to be directing a show for the community theatre in the town where I work, but they didn't have the neccessary materials (scripts & music) ordered in time for me to start the production. I am a little worried now that I am still going to be expected to put the show up even though there really isn't the time to make it a decent show.
2. FUN - I get to stay home with my 3 month old daughter for the summer!! The perks of being a teacher - spending time with your new little one and watching her grow and change on a daily basis. She is so much fun - a handful at times, yes - but fun nonetheless.
3. I am planning on going on a 50 mile hike with dad and the brothers in July. Getting ready for this is going to be an adventure in and of itself. I have been on plenty of hikes before just not one of this magnitude. My sife seems to think I am jusmping the gun a little bit, but I am getting all my gear and stuff rounded up for the hike already. I don't know if it is me being excited or a little nervous/paranoid or both. I am sure, however, that this hike is going to kick my butt in the end. (Can't be any worse than the Grand Canyon, can it?)
Cheers!!
1. I was supposed to be directing a show for the community theatre in the town where I work, but they didn't have the neccessary materials (scripts & music) ordered in time for me to start the production. I am a little worried now that I am still going to be expected to put the show up even though there really isn't the time to make it a decent show.
2. FUN - I get to stay home with my 3 month old daughter for the summer!! The perks of being a teacher - spending time with your new little one and watching her grow and change on a daily basis. She is so much fun - a handful at times, yes - but fun nonetheless.
3. I am planning on going on a 50 mile hike with dad and the brothers in July. Getting ready for this is going to be an adventure in and of itself. I have been on plenty of hikes before just not one of this magnitude. My sife seems to think I am jusmping the gun a little bit, but I am getting all my gear and stuff rounded up for the hike already. I don't know if it is me being excited or a little nervous/paranoid or both. I am sure, however, that this hike is going to kick my butt in the end. (Can't be any worse than the Grand Canyon, can it?)
Cheers!!
A rant from earlier...
This is a blog I posted previously when I was having a rough time with my first attempt at a show:
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Damn the Right... Current mood: frustrated
Yesterday, I had to cancel my first show...I had 3 actors quit, one mother who was less than pleased (because she was stuck "betwen a rock and a hard place" due to her OWN moral dillema), and I had no one show up to the rehearsal that they had signed a contract to be at for the day! GRRR!! Now, I know that I am in UBER conservative Idaho town, but when I send the script for the play home with the kid along with the contract saying that it is OK for my kid to be in this show, I EXPECT THE PARENT TO READ THE SHOW BEFORE THEY SEND THE CONTRACT BACK!!! Is that too much to ask? I expect each of my students to be informed participants of the theatre - you would think that the parents would be too!
GRRRR!!
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Damn the Right... Current mood: frustrated
Yesterday, I had to cancel my first show...I had 3 actors quit, one mother who was less than pleased (because she was stuck "betwen a rock and a hard place" due to her OWN moral dillema), and I had no one show up to the rehearsal that they had signed a contract to be at for the day! GRRR!! Now, I know that I am in UBER conservative Idaho town, but when I send the script for the play home with the kid along with the contract saying that it is OK for my kid to be in this show, I EXPECT THE PARENT TO READ THE SHOW BEFORE THEY SEND THE CONTRACT BACK!!! Is that too much to ask? I expect each of my students to be informed participants of the theatre - you would think that the parents would be too!
GRRRR!!
Let the Summer Frivolities Begin...
Well, the school year has almost come to an end - and I have survived!! Now comes the fun of becoming a stay-at-home dad for the summer. Not only that, but I also just found out I will be directing another show for the summer. Preston Arts Council has asked me to direct The King and I for their summer show.
Everything for the show is having to come together very quickly. I have to do auditions by the end of the week and get rehearsals started the following week. The Wormcreek Opera House is a tiny venue. This show is a rather large one. It will be very interresting to see how things pan out.
I am excited to be at home with my cute daughter. I can tell that it is going to a lot of work, but I cannot wait to watch her grow more. She keeps getting bigger and she is doing new things every day it seems (giggling and smiling the most recent).
Everything for the show is having to come together very quickly. I have to do auditions by the end of the week and get rehearsals started the following week. The Wormcreek Opera House is a tiny venue. This show is a rather large one. It will be very interresting to see how things pan out.
I am excited to be at home with my cute daughter. I can tell that it is going to a lot of work, but I cannot wait to watch her grow more. She keeps getting bigger and she is doing new things every day it seems (giggling and smiling the most recent).