Welcome to Spotlight, where 半岛体育 highlights shows from educational institutions or regional theatres and special events around the country (who have used 半岛体育's ). By welcoming these PLAYBILLDERs center stage, we hope to give our readers a more in-depth look at theatre programs that are fostering the love of the performing arts in the next generation and the way theatre lovers are bringing 半岛体育 along for life's big moments.
How to Broadway-size Your Next Party or Event with PLAYBILLDER
This week's Spotlight is the Academy for Science and Design of Nashua, New Hampshire, and their performance of Big Fish. Based on Daniel Wallace's novel and Tim Burton's film, Big Fish, tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman whose fantastical stories have long-delighted his family. As Edward's son Will nears fatherhood, he becomes determined to find the truth behind his father's epic tales.
Humanities teacher Stuart Harmon shared with 半岛体育 why he thinks the performing arts give his students a distinct advantage.
Tell us a little about yourself. How many years have you been teaching?
Stuart Harmon: I've been teaching for 15 years. I was originally hired as a high school English teacher, and directing the annual musical was part of the deal. I'm still teaching high school English as well as film studies, public speaking, and theatre.
Can you share a little bit about the value you see in having a performing arts program in schools?
We are primarily a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) school, and many of our performers do not have a lot of stage experience. However, science has proven that STEM students involved in theatre academically outperform those not involved. This continues through college. I have been asked twice to give presentations at the National Consortium of Secondary Stem Schools on using theatre in STEM education.
What is the most rewarding aspects of teaching the performing arts to today鈥檚 students?
Giving our students an opportunity to participate in a quality theatrical experience is immensely gratifying. I can't express how it feels when one of our theatre kids tells us that their life has been changed forever. I've watched incredible transformations as students evolve from under-confident youth into mature and respected community leaders.
Tell us a little bit about the production. What made you pick the show?
I wish we could say that we picked Big Fish for grand theatrical reasons, but the truth is we picked it based on the vocal skills within the community. We did not pre-cast the show at all, but we had enough knowledge of our potential cast members to see that the show would be a great fit.
What message do you have for your students as they take the stage?
I always tell the students that they may never even know whose life they are going to touch with each performance, but that I can guarantee that it will happen. They believed me this time. The entire cast was surprised at how much overt emotional effect they had on each audience. Tears were prevalent at every show.
To design Broadway-quality programs for your next show, head to . Who knows, you might just be featured in our next PLAYBILLDER Spotlight! And if you are looking for a beautiful way to display your 半岛体育s, click here to purchase .
