PLAYBILLDER Spotlight: Students Learn Artistic Ownership by Directing One Acts

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 East Coweta High School of Sharpsburg, Georgia, and their evening of Student-Directed One Acts: Crafting a Killer by Brent Holland and Orange is the New Glass by Tyler Dwiggins. In the former, an intelligence organization engineers a way to move a person's consciousness from one body to another. The top candidates for the job are forced to compete both for the mission and their survival. In the latter, Cinderella leaves her prince and winds up in jail. While there, she befriends a group of girls and starts a revolution.

Drama Teacher Scott Ondovchik shared with Playbill why his proudest moment as an educator is not tied to receiving an award and how theatre helps students slow down in a digital world. 

Tell us a little about yourself. How many years have you been teaching?
Scott Ondovchik: I am currently in my 19th year of teaching at East Coweta High School. Teaching at East Coweta makes my work especially meaningful because I have the opportunity to serve the same community that shaped me as a student. 

What is your proudest moment as an educator?
My proudest moments as an educator are not tied to a single production or award. It's watching students grow in confidence and discover their voice, whether that happens on stage or in their everyday lives. 

Could you share a little bit about the value you see in having a performing arts program in schools?
I strongly believe performing arts programs are essential in schools because they provide students with a sense of belonging while teaching collaboration, empathy, communication, and resilience. 

What are the most challenging and most rewarding aspects of teaching the performing arts to today’s students?
One of the most challenging aspects of teaching today’s students is helping them slow down and be present in a fast-paced, digital world. That challenge becomes rewarding when students fully engage in the creative process and support one another as a company. 

What shows are your kids obsessed with right now?
Right now, students are especially excited about contemporary musical theatre. Shows like Hadestown, SIX, and Next to Normal, though they also enjoy opportunities to explore classic works through new perspectives. 

How does your school’s performing arts programs impact your community?
Our performing arts program strongly impacts our community by bringing families, alumni, and local supporters together through shared experiences that build pride and connection to the school. 

What are your dreams for how your drama department can grow?
Looking ahead, my dream is to continue growing the drama department by expanding opportunities for all students, strengthening community partnerships, and developing student leaders. I want to ensure the program remains a place where every student feels seen, valued, and inspired.

Tell us a little bit about the production. What made you pick the show?
Student-directed one acts are chosen with student growth and ownership at the center of the process. This year, our student directors selected Crafting a Killer by Brent Holland and Orange is the New Glass by Tyler Dwiggins. I encourage student directors to choose shows they feel personally connected to, while also considering stories that provide meaningful ensemble opportunities and creative challenges that are achievable and engaging for both performers and audiences. 

What are the kids loving about the show?
Students are loving the freedom that comes with these productions. The process allows them to make artistic decisions, collaborate closely, and take creative risks in ways that feel uniquely their own. 

What message do you have for your students as they take the stage?
As they take the stage, my message to them is to trust the work they have done, support one another, and remember that theatre is about connection rather than perfection. 

How did the students participate in the design or production of this Playbill?
Students played an active role in the creation of this Playbill by contributing production information, cast and crew details, and creative input that reflects the personality of each show.  

What reactions do you expect to see in students when they see their name printed in this Playbill for the first time?
For many students, seeing their name printed in the Playbill for the first time is a powerful and affirming moment, one that recognizes their hard work and helps them realize they are truly part of an artistic community. 

How has PLAYBILLDER impacted your performing arts program as a resource?
PLAYBILLDER has been an incredibly valuable resource for our performing arts program because it combines ease of use with a professional final product that elevates the entire production experience. The platform saves a significant amount of time by streamlining the process of organizing cast lists, production information, advertisements, and acknowledgments into a polished format, allowing us to focus more energy on the creative work happening on stage. 

At the same time, it provides students with the opportunity to see their work presented in a program that closely resembles the professional Playbills seen on Broadway, which adds a sense of pride and authenticity to their performance experience. By simplifying design and production while maintaining a high level of professionalism, PLAYBILLDER helps our program operate more efficiently while showcasing our students and productions in a way that feels both credible and celebratory.

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.