How can I, as a theatre teacher, ignore a phenomenon that speaks to nearly every aspect of what I do on a daily basis? The characters of Glee, the situations, the performance aspect, and event the assignments for class speak so closely to my students, my assignments in class, and what my students need that I would be foolish to ignore this pop & popular series. Initially, I watched the first couple of episodes of the first season and thought it was fun, but I figured it would be a passing fad. It was fun, had some good music, but I did not think that it held a broad enough appeal to hold on for more than one season. As a result, I did not watch very many other episodes (that and the fact that my wife did not like the show at all... she does not like the relationship that exists between Matthew Morrison's character and the students - she feels like it is too informal and condones that kind of a relationship between teacher/student. I can see where she is coming from, but at the same time since it IS such a popular experience, how can I ignore it?). I did get the chance to watch a more recent episode, however that changed my whole view of the show.
I think the episode that gave me this epiphany would have to have been the Lady GaGa/KISS episode. When Matthew Morrison gave the assignment to be bigger than life and to get into the persona of the situation I was absolutely caught up by the whole experience. Now, yes, I understand that the show as a whole may not be phenomenal (face it - if you are not a main, recurring character in the show you do not even have to be able to act, let alone sing...and even then, there are a few of the regulars that could use some objective/obstacle classes), but the fact that Glee is SO accessible to such a diverse demographic makes it a show that should not be ignored by any educator - theatre or otherwise. I was totally captivated by and thought I need to adapt and use some of the assignments that get used in the show.
I am going to have to go back and watch at least this most recent season and get back into the whole show. I have to pay attention to this relevant, usable show in order to enhance my curriculum and further reach my students.
