The temperatures are rising, cherry blossoms are in bloom, my urban herb garden is planted, and high school musicals are in full swing—it must be spring. A few weeks ago, I had the joy of attending Preston High School’s production of Mamma Mia! in the Bronx, where my cousin starred as Sophie.
She was clearly having the time of her life onstage, and I found myself just as delighted in the audience—surrounded by a lively cheering section of our aunts, uncles, cousins, and parents. It’s a rare treat to experience a show as part of a family celebration. She was excellent, and I felt immensely proud. I also found myself proud of the students I didn’t know.
Following the performance—the final one for several seniors—the director and choreographer presented each of them with flowers, heartfelt accolades, and reflections on their time in the school’s theatre program. In turn, the students took the mic to offer personal thanks to the instructors who had shaped their experience.
One student, who began in the theatre program too nervous to speak in front of classmates and went on to lead prayer before rehearsals and take on speaking roles onstage, shared this about the director, Mary Katherine Breen: “When I first met you two years ago, I had no idea how much of an impact it would have on me, not just as a performer, but as a person. You’ve taught me confidence, discipline, and how to believe in myself, even when I wasn’t sure I could…You created a space where I felt safe to grow, to make mistakes, and to improve.”
My own high school theatre days didn’t include this kind of recognition, and my college experience certainly didn’t either. Showcase felt more like a high-powered launch than a moment for reflection. (Below, we explore how other schools are finding meaningful ways to honor their seniors and celebrate the journeys that brought them to this stage.)
A great mentor and teacher can be essential to a meaningful theatre experience in high school and beyond. Read this tribute to the late Terry Schreiber, featuring reflections from former students.
As spring semesters wind down, so will I. On a personal note, I’ll be taking a break from theatregoing—high school and otherwise—and from this newsletter as I prepare to welcome a baby next month. Wishing all the best to teachers and students gearing up for final performances and graduations in the coming weeks!
✏️ Around the Web✏️
- Check out this profile of Alan Muraoka, the longtime Sesame Street cast member, which highlights his insights into directing theatre for young audiences.
- Love this piece on two productions of Young John Lewis, which bring the story of the late Civil Rights activist and U.S. Representative to young audiences through more than 40 partner organizations in D.C. and Atlanta.
- Theatre of Young Audiences/USA has announced the recipients of the 2026 National TYA/USA Awards.
- The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers has announced the 103rd class of National Medalists in the 2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, recognizing young artists and writers in grades 7-12.
- The Children’s Theatre Foundation of America (CTFA) has awarded its 2026 Orlin Corey Medallions to artists Janet Stanford and Deborah Wicks La Puma, and to Mosaic Youth Theatre.
- This installment of Playbill’s “How Did I Get Here?” series features lighting designer Jen Schriever, who discusses her current Broadway show, The Lost Boys, and her unconventional path after high school training.
- Interesting read on how educators in California advocated to get credentials for arts educators.
- Hollywood High School in Los Angeles is giving students hands-on experience in visual media through its New Media Academy.
- How great is this clip of Jonathan Groff excitedly cheering on a young student performing as King George III?
- Great feature on the Cherry Lane Playwrights Collective, Annie Baker’s developmental program for emerging playwrights.
- Love this art teacher’s gentle approach of process over perfection in the classroom. A lesson for all!
💫 On Social Media 💫
Theatre educators: How do you celebrate your graduating seniors? Any traditions, rituals, or creative send-offs you love?
AT Readers Respond:
| Samantha Ingram The cast signs a book of “Oh the Places You’ll Go!” Brittany Jo We started “opening night eve” this year, where the seniors come in the night before our first show opens. We give the theatre some extra love and cleaning, and then have a toast to the experiences they’ve had and the excitement of their senior season. Wendy Walden Oltmanns We do a senior showcase that I call the Farewell Feast. It’s not just about the seniors, but only seniors get to perform. We do dinner, awards, lettering, announce the shows for the next year, and have a final slideshow of the year. |
James L Irvin If someone did something stupid onstage during rehearsals, Dr. Carole Brandt used to throw her tennis shoe at them. The one with the most throws was awarded “the golden shoe award” upon graduation. Her actual shoe. I had that shoe—with all of my award badges attached—for years and years. Kelli Studdard McNeven A framed collage of pictures of them from shows with the Audra McDonald quote, “I found the theatre, and I found my home.” |
Add your response here.
📰From the Archives📰
Beyond Training: The Role of Theatre Educators
Check out this 2017 article about the hundreds of alumni of the University of Michigan’s musical theatre program who gathered at the August Wilson Theatre on Broadway to celebrate Brent Wagner, the department chair, on the occasion of his retirement.
