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 Bernards High School of Bernardsville, New Jersey, and their production of Arsenic and Old Lace. During a visit to his elderly aunts, critic Mortimer Brewster makes a ghastly discovery, a corpse inside a window seat. Mortimer rushes to tell his aunts about his shocking discovery only to learn that Abby and Martha placed the corpse there themselves! And after poisoning his wine, no less. This classic black comedy had raucous runs on Broadway and in the West End, proving the only thing more deadly than poison is family.
Bernards High School PAC Parents President Jennifer McLaughlin shared with Playbill how her high school performing arts program is teaming up with its athletics department, and which cast member designed their Playbill's cover.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Jennifer McLaughlin: I am the current president of the BHS PAC Parents organization, a 501(c)(3) that supports the performing arts programs at Bernards High School. Both my children have been a part of the performing arts programs in Somerset Hills School District (NJ) since elementary school. My daughter is now a sophomore in college and is still singing in a chorus. My son is a junior in Bernards High School and plans to pursue a BFA in Musical Theater.
Can you share a little bit about the value you see in having a performing arts program in schools?
The performing arts are invaluable to schools. It is a channel unlike any other for students to express individuality, gain confidence, and become part of a group of like-minded peers!
How does your school’s performing arts programs impact your community?
At Bernards High School, we leverage the arts to connect our community with programs including but not limited to: integrating athletics with the arts programs through joint events (where a ticket to a performance also serves as a ticket to football game); specialized receptions at our Saturday matinee for community members 65-plus in partnership with the Mayors Wellness Campaign; conducting joint fundraisers with local businesses; and awarding scholarships to students pursuing the performing arts beyond high school.
Tell us a bit about the production. What made you pick the show?
Arsenic and Old Lace fit Bernards High School's program well. It is fast-moving and funny and is relatable across multiple generations. It also has a nice number of roles for students so we can highlight multiple kids' talents.
How did the students participate in the design or production of this Playbill?
The Playbill cover and show posters are always designed by students at Bernards High School. We first open up the opportunity to cast and crew to design a poster for consideration and then broaden to the fine arts and full student body if others are interested. This year's cover was designed by Nate DeNicola, a junior who is playing the role of Mortimer.
How has PLAYBILLDER impacted your performing arts program as a resource?
PLAYBILLDER is an excellent tool that makes it easy to produce an impressive Playbill for high school! As a result, we are able to solicit business sponsors for our programs and keep the audiences entertained with a keepsake even after the show!
