What's in a Name? Quality Theatre Experiences for All Students

Abstract

Busy high school theatre programs may do a great job of offering opportunities to those students already performing at a high level while unintentionally neglecting students whose skills are currently more suited for the ensemble. This focus on the high achievers is damaging to the culture of a program and breeds resentment among students. It is challenging in a busy high school theatre teacher’s already packed schedule to find ways to support and lift those members of the ensemble so they can get the skills practice and confidence to compete in auditions. This article examines two steps taken by one high school program to address this issue and the impacts on the program, the culture and the students.