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.
How to Broadway-size Your Next Party or Event with PLAYBILLDER
This week's Spotlight is McLean Middle School of Fort Worth, Texas, and their production of Everyone Gets Abducted by Aliens. This out-of-this-world comedy by Marshall Pailet presents alien-infested scenarios to avoid, including blindly walking towards the light and voting for a political candidate from outer space.
Theatre teacher Rachael Blizzard shared with Playbill how the performing arts creates a culture of community support, from performers cheering each other on to young professionals mentoring current students in the technical arts.
Tell us about yourself. How many years have you been teaching?
Rachael Blizzard: I have been teaching for 12 years.
What is your proudest moment as an educator?
One of my proudest moments came when a very shy theatre student spoke his first line from a script in front of the class. The entire class erupted in cheers, and he broke down in tears of joy. It was the one of the most powerful demonstrations of community and support I have ever witnessed in a classroom. It truly felt like a scene out of a movie.
What are your dreams for how your drama department can grow?
My vision for the theatre department is to continue building a culture of mentorship, particularly in technical theatre. Since 2021, I have developed a technical theatre mentorship program where students help teach and guide their peers. This not only strengths their own understanding of the craft but also inspires younger students to grow. Through this program, I have been able to connect my current students with former students and professionals in the field.
For example, one student is receiving mentorship in stage management and lighting from a former touring stage manager for Hamilton. Another is being guided in costuming by the wardrobe supervisor from the tour of Life of Pi. These mentorships allow students to bring back real-world knowledge and share it within our program, creating a stronger, more collaborative theatre community than I could build alone.
Tell us a little bit about the production. What made you pick the show?
I love choosing a fun, lighthearted fall show where every student has the chance to shine. This play is perfect because each scene features a maximum of four students, and most students appear in two or three different scenes. That balance allows me to showcase a wide range of abilities without placing the bulk of the world on just one or two actors. The play is silly, over the top, and full of energy, which makes it a great fit for a middle school performance.
How do you choose shows for your students?
When selecting shows, my main goal is to highlight every student's strengths and give them a meaningful part to play. I look for scripts that balance stage time, create opportunities for different skill levels, and allow students to express their personalities. I also like productions that bring joy to the process, and stories that are fun to rehearse, fun to perform, and fun to watch.
What are the kids loving about the show?
The students are having a blast leaning into the humor and absurdity of the script. They especially enjoy the playful way the show pokes fun at the millennial generation, something they get to tease us about since we are now parents. The comedy also gives them freedom to be creative, to add their own jokes, and to take risks on stage, which has been so exciting to see.
What message do you have for your students as they take the stage?
My advice for my students is to love the moment you're in. Take lots of pictures with your friends. Remember the sound of the audience laughing. These are the memories you'll carry with you when you're older, moments filled with joy, friendship, and accomplishment. Cherish them, because there is about more than just performing; it's about creating experiences you'll treasure for a lifetime.
How has PLAYBILLDER impacted your performing arts program as a resource? PLAYBILLDER has elevated our program by giving students professional-quality Playbills that showcase their hard work. It's easy to use, helps us highlight cast and crew, and creates keepsakes that families treasure. It makes our productions feel more polished and memorable without adding extra stress.
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.
