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 Franklin Center High School of Indianapolis, Indiana, and their production of The Little Mermaid. Adapted from the classic Disney animated film, and based on the Hans Christian Anderson fairytale, Alan Menken and Douglas Wright's musical is about what we sacrifice in the search for love and acceptance. A young mermaid, Ariel, decides to leave her home, kingdom, and fins behind in pursuit of a life on land. She defies her father, King Triton, and makes a deal with an evil sea witch, Ursula, hoping to convince Prince Eric that she's the girl who has captured him by voice alone.
Theatre teachers Daniel Lyng and Haley Stroup shared with Playbill how their students are bringing their community together and why putting on this production marks their proudest moment in education.
Tell us a little about yourself. How many years have you been teaching?
Daniel Lyng and Haley Stroup: We've both been teaching at our current school for the past three years!
What is your proudest moment as educators?
Our proudest moment is without a doubt our production of The Little Mermaid. It's the flashiest show we've done, and the audience, cast, and crew alike fell in love with this great show!
How does your school’s performing arts programs impact your community?
Seeing theatre make an impact on the community has also been incredibly rewarding. Seeing kids, adults, and grandparents come together to support the many talents of the students is truly the best.
Tell us a little bit about the production. What made you pick the show?
We decided to pick The Little Mermaid because it's a story for everyone. We all grew up watching the movie, and found ourselves in at least one of the characters. Ariel, The Mersisters, King Triton, Sebastian, Flounder all have something special that the audience, directors, crew, and cast can relate to.
What message do you have for your students as they take the stage?
We hope our students can walk away feeling like they not only gave their everything, but helped bring our community together.
How has PLAYBILLDER impacted your performing arts program as a resource? PLAYBILLDER has added a level of professionalism to our arts program! The Playbills are one of the mementos that the audience, cast, and crew love to keep as a memory of such a great show!
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.
