SEP
24

The Tradition of Team

Building a Legacy of Working Together 

By Lorraine Thompson 

Lorraine Thompson currently is the head of the Drama Department at Athens Academy in Athens, Georgia.  Her bachelor’s degree in Education is from Auburn University of Montgomery and her Masters in Fine Arts in Theatre is from the University of Georgia.  She enjoys spending her summer months working as an actress. 

One afternoon, a visiting high school theatre director was in our light booth with my colleague, Katie.  It was not quite time for rehearsal, but the company was already warming up on the stage.  “What is going on down there?” our visitor asked.  Katie explained warm-ups.  “But their director is not here yet!” the visitor exclaimed.

“She doesn’t have to be.  The company is responsible for warm-ups,” Katie replied.

The visiting director was stunned.  “My kids could NEVER do that!”

To this Katie responded, “Of course they could.  If our kids can do it, so can yours.”

Granted, our small college prep school in Athens, Georgia, is a unique place with a clearly identified set of values.  Ensemble, leadership, integrity and pride are more than just ideals; they live and breathe.  I certainly have no incantation, formula, or checklist guaranteeing others the creation of a successful ensemble.  All I can do is share with you my observations and my practice, but I know it has more to do with the values you teach and instill in your students than anything else.

Talk the talk AND walk the walk

If an open, accepting, ensemble based program is desired, it starts with the teacher/director.  The adult leader is the ultimate example for behavior, respect, work ethic, expectation and attitude.  The leader sets the tone by his/her words AND actions.  You cannot ask from others what you are unwilling or unable to give yourself.  The teacher/director should strive to be organized, respectful, punctual and efficient with time.  Do not underestimate the power of example.

Everyone is on the “team”

In our department, everyone in the production is an equal member of the team.  Value is NOT determined by the number of lines a company member has.  Some team members are on the crew and some are in the cast...  ALL are in the company.  There is no room for favoritism or special treatment.  If the director values each member’s presence, dedication, voice and effort, each member will work to preserve and protect the ensemble.  One of my students put it this way, “The drama department is a family.  We win together and we lose together, and this makes us stronger.”

The students involved in our department run the spectrum.  All grades and social groups are represented.  We have class officers, class clowns, athletes, misfits, homecoming queens, top academics and the uniquely unique.  And proudly, we have just as many males as females.  Despite this mix, my drama students consistently refer to themselves as a “family.”  I asked one student exactly what that meant.  Her reply was, “You know how in life you have no control over who is in your family?  Well, it is kinda like that in the drama department.  You never know who is going to join us.  But once they join, they get unconditional support.  We will nurture and support them because they want to be here.”

A successful theatre program is a place of solid, common ground.  Not an easy thing to find in high school...  but one of immense value.

Trust and delegation

A successful program begins with trust.  Yes, it is important for students to trust one another and their leader.  But it is more important for the teacher/director to trust his/her students.  Responsibility is not taken unless it is truly given.  If the director/teacher consistently doles out jobs only to take them back and do them his/herself, nothing has been gained.  In fact, much has been lost.  Don’t underestimate your students, bank on them!  One of my students explained it this way, “After blocking the show, our director “passes the baton” to the students, and we take ownership of the show.”

In many regards, we are a student-led department.  For example, there are no adults backstage or in the booth during any performance.  The director of the show, for middle or upper school, is in the audience.  Whether it is props, costumes, hair/makeup, sound, lights, house managing, stage managing, choreography or performing, the show’s success rests with the students.  Job descriptions and expectations are clear, proper resources such as money, workspace and materials are provided.  Adult help is readily available when needed.  Students understand the quality of the production is a direct reflection of the quality of their work.  The departmental standard is high, and the students consistently live up to it.  One student explained, “In the drama department you are not judged on the level of your talent, but on the level of your commitment.  Everyone on campus knows about the drama department.  They know how close we are and they want to be a part it.  But they also know that if they join us, they are going to have to step it up.”

Today’s leaders create the leaders of tomorrow

I feel that the keystone of our department’s success is our tradition of student leadership.  The role of being a senior leader in the Athens Academy drama department is considered an honor and is taken quite seriously.  They are responsible for welcoming and mentoring the underclassmen (especially the freshmen), preparing and leading daily warm-ups (sun salutations, improv games, vocal exercises, etc.), and organizing social outings such as the traditional weekly company dinners.

Seniors also have the responsibility of working closely with me, the director, to ensure the company’s success.  The seniors are responsible for calling and leading any necessary company meetings to address concerns, challenges and expectations.  The seniors are the planners, the organizers and the core of the company.  They are, in turn, revered among the members of the ensemble.  One student commented, “When I first started as a freshman, the upperclassmen did not look down on me.  The seniors and juniors supported and nourished me in my growth.”  Here are a former senior’s thoughts, “As seniors, my fellow classmates and I in the department felt an obligation to be leaders.  We knew that Ms. T thought so too, but setting a good example for the underclassmen was not something we did for just her.  It’s for the future of the department, and everyone recognizes that.”  And thus, the legacy of student leadership is born.

The Drama Department at Athens Academy is, no doubt, a wonderful place to be.  As one of my students put it, “The Drama Department is like the cherry on top of high school.”  Our department is so much more than the plays, showcases and competitions.  The wonder of my theatre home lies in the collaborative magic that takes place within its walls.  We are an ensemble, a company, a family.  And just in case you are thinking, “My kids could NEVER do that!”  My response to you is this...  of course they could!  You are their leader.  They can do whatever you teach them to do.