Welcome to PLAYBILLDER Spotlight, where Playbill highlights shows from educational institutions or regional theatres and special events around the country (who have used Playbill's program-building service). By welcoming these PLAYBILLDERs center stage, we hope to give our readers a more in-depth look at theatre programs that are fostering the love of the performing arts in the next generation and the way theatre lovers are bringing Playbill along for life's big moments.
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This week's Spotlight is JP Taravella High School of Coral Springs, Florida, and their production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart, this farcical, irreverent musical comedy follows Pseudolus, a crafty slave, as he struggle to win the hand of a beautiful, but slow-witted, courtesan named Philia for his young master, Hero, in exchange for freedom. With vaudevillian energy and even a showgirl or two, A Funny Thing has comedic moments for every performer to shine.
Theatre teacher Lori Sessions shared with Playbill the challenges of fundraising for the performing arts and the rewards of changing her students lives.
Tell us a little about yourself. How many years have you been teaching?
Lori Sessions: I have been teaching for 32 years.
Could you share a little bit about the value you see in having a performing arts program in schools?
Performing arts courses and programs change students lives! Students have the opportunity to learn well beyond the skills in the arts. They learn time management, focus and discipline, responsibility, confidence and, most importantly, collaboration. These are skills that will help them in any job or career. The performing arts also bring so many students joy and a reason to come to school.
What are the most challenging and most rewarding aspects of teaching the performing arts to today’s students?
One challenge is the expense of everything. Providing opportunities for the students comes with a high price tag. So, I'm constantly looking for ways to reduce those costs and fundraise to cover the costs. As we are a public school in Florida, our program is not budgeted so, the students and I have to fundraise or pay for everything we do.
The most rewarding aspect will always be the opportunity to change a life. Whether that change is to inspire someone to follow their passion and provide the tools to help them do so, or to help a student find confidence or to help students find friends—the impact on student lives will always be the most rewarding aspect.
Tell us a little bit about the production. What made you pick the show?
I try to pick a variety of shows. I want students to be exposed to a variety of genres, composers, authors, etc. I want them to be challenged but also feel successful.
What are the kids loving about the show?
The students loved exploring these zany characters and learning about farce.
How did the students participate in the design or production of this Playbill?
I had a student who designed the cover art and typeset most of the program. I uploaded the ads and checked a few things. Students love getting a copy of the Playbill with their name in it. It makes them feel like they are in a professional show.
To design Broadway-quality programs for your next show or special event, head to PLAYBILLDER.com. Who knows, you might just be featured in our next PLAYBILLDER Spotlight! And if you are looking for a beautiful way to display your Playbills, click here to purchase Playbill frames.
