It's not what you think. This isn't about teachers as mentors, authority figures, or pillars of the community. It's an entirely different role teachers are taking that's grabbed BoardBuzz's attention today. This article that came to us via the Kansas City Star talks about some teachers' involvement in their local theater community.
It seems that the local theater company puts on theater in the park each year. This year's selection, The King and I, is particularly fitting for the teachers who're working on the production. The role of Anna will be played by music teacher Sarah Brinkley. She says, "In many of the scenes, I see her as myself."
In addition to Brinkley, the play stars other teachers and will be directed by a teacher too!
Director Jill Jones said that throughout rehearsals the cast members, including about 45 area children, have become like a family.
“They all get along so well and they are supportive of each other,” she said.
It’s Jones’ first year to direct the Theatre in the Park. She performed in one of the productions last year with her daughter and loved the atmosphere.
“It was exciting to get involved last year and I had a blast doing Cinderella,” she said. “It’s just really fun.”
She’s enjoyed the chance to step into the director’s shoes this summer — something she already has plenty of experience with as a theater teacher at North Kansas City High School.
But unlike the high school productions she usually directs during the school year, Gladstone’s Theatre in the Park gives her the opportunity to work with a wide range of ages.
“I like working with the adults and the younger kids as well,” she said.
The Theatre in the Park is a collaboration between the city of Gladstone, Ibsen Dance Theatre and the Northstar Community Band and has been a tradition in the community for more than two decades.
Sounds like great fun to us! Do you know of teachers who are finding interesting ways to spend the summer? Leave a comment and tell us about it.