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 Redmond Proficiency Academy of Redmond, Oregon, and their production of The Yellow Boat. Based on the true story of playwright David Saar and wife Sonja's son, Benjamin, the play celebrates a child who wants to be an artist, and who's also battling congenital hemophilia. Although Benjamin eventually passed away, his story is a testament to art's power to transform and to foster hope.
Theatre Director Kate Torcom shared with Playbill why she thinks the performing arts should be required for all students and what she and her students are doing to get art supplies to children with cancer.
Tell us a little about yourself. How many years have you been teaching?
Kate Torcom: I have been teaching theatre for 12 years.
Can you share a little bit about the value you see in having a performing arts program in schools?
From providing a safe haven for students to the fact that role-playing in education is one of the most proven ways to have students retain knowledge, theatre in schools is not only important, but it also should be required.
How does your school’s performing arts programs impact your community?
Redmond Proficiency Academy has a huge impact on our community and has become a school that many students attend from the area to pursue theatrical education. We also do a lot of work with our community, from fundraising to supporting special events.
Tell us a little bit about the production. How have the students participated in the design or production of this Playbill?
The Yellow Boat Playbill cover is completely student-designed! We hold a poster contest for our Playbill cover across the school. Whoever wins gets their art featured and they are credited as the artist.
Something special we are doing with The Yellow Boat is we are hosting an art supplies drive for the Ronald McDonald House of Bend, Oregon, in memory of Benjamin Saar.
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