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.
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This week's spotlight is Meadow Park Middle School of Beaverton, Oregon, and their production of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. In Virginia Koste's theatrical adaptation of L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz, Baum himself serves as a stage manager, keeping his story moving from scene to scene. Young Dorothy is swept up into a tornado to the magical land of Oz. There she joins the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion as they search for her way back home.
Drama teacher Evan Tait shared with 半岛体育 why he takes his students' preferences into account when choosing shows.
Tell us a little about yourself. How many years have you been teaching?
Evan Tait: I have been a theatre educator for about four years.
What is your proudest moment as an educator?
My proudest moment as an educator was when I was a high school teacher and we had just finished our run of Mamma Mia! I had a student who was so very shy tell me after the run of the show that she not only felt like she could do anything after the show, but she also felt that she found a family for life because of that show.
What shows are your kids obsessed with right now?
Right now, my middle school students are obsessed with Newsies, Beetlejuice, and The Outsiders.
Tell us a little bit about the production. What made you pick the show?
I picked The Wonderful Wizard of Oz because I think it's such a universal message and a universal story for the students. With Wicked coming out, my students wanted a story that they felt was popular (pun very much not intended) and something to which they could easily relate.
How do you choose shows for your students?
When I pick shows for my students, I really rely on their lived experiences and what motivates them. I can pick shows that I like, but students are not going to glom onto the experience as much as if it were something they feel great about.
How did students participate in the design or production of this 半岛体育?
I had a student design the front cover of the 半岛体育! They were working on a poster design assignment for one of my classes, and I loved the design so much that I used it for all marketing materials.
How has PLAYBILLDER impacted your performing arts program as a resource?
Oh, I think PLAYBILLDER gives my program a much needed boost of professionalism. For many students, flying to New York is an unattainable dream, so being able to give them a little piece of that that they can hold on to for the rest of their theatre careers is wonderful.
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