Well I haven't written anything lately because…well nothing is happening. All the people (and it's not many) who have decided on adoption are seeking two parent homes which means my profile has been shown…drumroll…..zero times. Extremely frustrating.
However I'd like to dedicate and discuss my other 'adopted' kids for just a second…that is my students.
As everyone knows I am a theatre teacher. I sometimes feel overwhelmed, overworked, and extremely under appreciated. There are times where I feel like a production will never come together and I will NEVER get through to my students. If you asked me to describe myself I probably wouldn't use words like creative or empowering or well great at anything.
But then I sit and watch those high school students on production nights and am amazed. Here are 70+ students who have created something together. And honestly there is that moment when I realize- 'hey I did helped created something special'.
As I watched the show this past weekend, I thought about all the fabulous things I get to experience because I am lucky enough to work with these 'theatre' kids.
-Two months ago these kids probably would never have been friends outside of this adventure and as I watched them in the greenroom prior to the show and throughout rehearsals- I got to see them become a family. They come from all paths (poor, well off, average students, smart, sports kids, debate kids, behavior problem kids- kids with no parents, kids with involved parents, popular, unpopular, shy, outgoing) and yet by the end of this process an outsider would have no idea most of them didn't even know each other a few months ago. Every day I am so amazed how accepting the theatre world can be. I get to see the genially caring side of students.
-Two months ago we started with a script and a cast and we ended with costumes, a set, lights, sound, and a cohesive production. And I can honestly say there was no one person who did the majority of the work on any of this. I got to see kids create and collaborate to build the set, choose costumes (and many show make), focus lights, and put together this show. If you want to see the epitome of collaboration, creativeness, and communication- visit a theatre. If you ever go through a phase in life where you feel like there is no hope for the younger generation- that they don't work hard, that they can't make decisions, that they can't create- visit a technical theatre classroom. These students aren't just simply handed a lecture or an assignment with all the steps…many times they have to figure out how to get to the end product. (A great example is the year I said "here are the stairs and the platform and some chicken wire- Make a tree and when they asked how- I told them to figure it out and the did)
-One week ago- I didn't think this show could pull together (pretty typical in any theatre). And then as I sat watching it I was almost emotional at what they had accomplished.
- Four years ago (some shorter, a few longer) my current Seniors entered the world of theatre as shy young freshman. Looking back each at how far they have come in leadership qualities, how outgoing they have become, and all the growing up they have done is special. And for a moment each show I am aware that much of that has evolved from being involved in theatre. People always criticize that I have large cast musicals- but imagine some of those kids who have come so far how it would have been different if they had been cut that first time they tried. Would they have still become the leaders and individuals they are now…maybe..but I believe theatre makes a difference. I believe theatre helps them to be comfortable with themselves and others. And I must say it helps them stay in school, stay out of trouble, and usually helps with grades (I check my kids' grades and at 9 weeks I checked 75 students grades and there was one F).
Basically what I am saying is I have the most amazing and wonderful job in the world. I can't imagine being in another job and can't even imagine teaching another subject. I often get 3-4 years with my students and truly get to know them. I am even lucky enough to stay in contact with many of them after they graduate. I get to see at times the worst side of teenagers, but I also get the blessing of seeing their best sides many times. I believe theatre and the arts are so important to education and it amazes me that more and more schools cut those areas. If you want to see a student truly find them selves and strive for the best they can be get them involved in the arts.
By the way I titled this post "see that building" because it's the last song in the musical Working that we just finished. It's about workers in every day jobs having something they can point to and be proud of. The shows I put on (even when there are problems with them -hey it's an education level not a professional level) and the growth that I am lucky enough to see in the students- that's my building- that's what I get to point to and say I was a part of that.
(WOW I actually got a really nice connection with part of the show. ha ha)
Moonunit this seriously made me tear up. What you do for us, your students, shapes our future in ways you could never imagine. Because of you I am more independent, out spoken, and strong. Growing up in the theatre program you created I, can honestly say, shaped me to be the adult that I am. You help students use their imagination and create something unique. Because of you, students are in a no judgement family were you can be silly and kooky all you want.
ReplyDelete10 years ago I stared theatre and at 23 years old I still use the techniques and practices theatre taught me.
Thank you Cassandra Conley for what you do, and have done, for us.
PS. Feel free to show this to those assholes who are threatening your job!
I love you Caila. Thanks for all the nice comments (and while I really enjoyed the PS part- maybe you should delete that part...ha ha). BTW every time I think about a smaller show and how it will affect kids who want to audition their freshman year- I always think about you and how much you held it against me that I cut you the first year for the musical. :-) Glad you tried again after the first time around.
DeleteAw, MiConley! You do so much for your students and deal with all of the difficulties that come along with that (let's face it, students don't always understand what you're doing for them and are sometimes a little underappreciative). But I remember those days, and I remember coming out in the end and being really thankful that we had you to help guide us and help us with such an awesome experience. You are creative, how else could you pull off the productions you do with kids that barely know eachother at the start? You may not throw out "empowering" phrases or get up on your soapbox with a speech, but you letting us figure out our own way of doing things and giving us the opportunity to be a little independent is a pretty empowering thing. You don't hold your students on tight reins and that gives us/them the power to be creative and come up with new ideas and grow into a family.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, don't cut yourself short and don't let anyone else for that matter. You give kids opportunities that a lot of other activities don't.
Thank you for all the opportunities you gave me in high school, for all that you taught us, for pushing us, and teaching us new things and giving us the chance to take what you taught us and run with it.
Keep doing what you do, MoonUnit!!
Thanks so much Aubrey. It wasn't really about discounting myself..just more of an awe of what can be accomplished. :-) I loved working with you and miss you and your entire class. I'm so glad that you got something out of it. :-)
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