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 Coppell High School of Coppell, Texas and their production of Our Town. Thorton Wilder's Pulitzer Prize-winning play follows the residents of fictional Grover's Corners, New Hampshire, between 1901 and 1913. Neighbors George and Emily center the story as their relationship blossoms from childhood friendship, young romance, and marriage. The play is currently being presented on Broadway in a star-studded revival, and it also remains popular in educational and community theatre.
Theatre teacher Glenn Price shared with Playbill and why Our Town was the "perfect choice" for his students, how he made the audience part of the production, and why he wants his students to become "well-rounded citizens."
Tell us a little about yourself. How many years have you been teaching?
Glenn Price: I’ve been teaching for 15 years, but this is my first year at Coppell High School.
How does your school’s performing arts program impact your community?
The performing arts hold a special place in the Coppell community. Across the district, we have award-winning programs in dance, choir, and band. Theatre is in the process of being reestablished, but its success has long been part of Coppell ISD's culture of fine arts.
What are your dreams for how your drama department can grow?
My dreams for this department extend far beyond the stage. As a director, I aim to inspire not only future artists but also well-rounded citizens who appreciate theatre and recognize the critical role that artists play in shaping our identity. Whether it's a reflection of who we are today or a reminder of where we've come from, I want our students to understand how art connects us as people.
Tell us a bit about the show. What made you pick the show? How do you choose shows for your students?
Taking over a program is challenging, especially when you're not sure what you're stepping into. When selecting a show, I wanted to focus on the students' acting abilities. Our Town was the perfect choice because it's designed to be performed with minimal set, allowing the acting to be front and center. This gave the actors an opportunity to showcase their skills, take risks, and be vulnerable without relying on a large set to hide behind. It was an ideal way to truly evaluate their potential.
What are the kids loving about the show?
Our Town turned out to be an incredible experience for the students. Initially, they weren’t sure what to make of it—they were looking for spectacle and magic. We helped create that magic by incorporating projections and other elements that tied the play back to our own town of Coppell. But the real magic came from the students discovering how powerful honest, raw acting can be. That realization made Our Town a special experience for them.
What message do you have for your students as they take the stage?
Our production of Our Town was unique. We made it very interactive, with actors mingling with the audience, handing out obituaries as people returned, and even hosting a wedding reception with a cake cutting after Act Two. I told my students to cherish the experience of telling a story that reflects a lifetime. By the end of the run, there were tears of happiness and countless hugs—a true testament to the impact of the experience.
How has PLAYBILLDER impacted your performing arts program as a resource?
PLAYBILLDER has made creating our play programs much easier and far less stressful. It allows us to quickly add headshots, bios, sponsor pages, and show photos with ease. The flexibility and convenience of the platform have been invaluable, giving us the ability to make updates on the fly and ensure a professional, polished program for every production.
To design Broadway-quality programs for your next show, 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.
