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 Savannah Country Day School of Savannah, Georgia, and their production of The Secret in the Wings. Mary Zimmerman's play adapts lesser-known fairy tales, presenting dark, enchanted stories with ample opportunity for powerful performances. An eerie babysitter reads to a child in a basement that becomes an enchanted forest, where fairytale stories interrupt each other—a testament to the magic of storytelling. 

Director of Fine and Performing Arts, James Venhaus, shared with Playbill why creating characters gives students lifelong confidence and his two messages for his young performers as they step onstage. 

Tell us a little about yourself. How many years have you been teaching?
James Venhaus: This is my 27th year in the classroom. 

What is your proudest moment as an educator?
My proudest moments are always when I am able to see a love of theatre develop inside one of my students. When they learn to love theatre, and the process of creating a character and a play, then I know they are one their way to building confidence in themselves that will last a lifetime. 

Could you share a little bit about the value you see in having a performing arts program in schools?
The performing arts are vital to every school. They develop students who develop kindness and empathy. Empathy is a skill that can develop with training and guidance. Theaters are gymnasiums for empathy; a place where students can walk a mile in someone else's shoes and truly learn how it feels to be someone who is different than they are. With those skills, students become better performers, better students, and better people.

Tell us a little bit about the production. What made you pick the show?
I try to choose shows that allow multiple opportunities for the students in my program. And The Secret in the Wings is no exception. As a "no cut" program, I feel like choosing shows that allow all interested students a chance to shine is a top priority. 

What message do you have for your students as they take the stage?
This show represents a departure from the types of shows we usually do. So, if there is one thing I'd like to say to my students, it would be that I believe in them. And, as I frequently remind them, I love them like they are my very own children. (I guess that was two things.)

How has PLAYBILLDER impacted your performing arts program as a resource? PLAYBILLDER software is intuitive and makes creating a professional looking playbill quick and easy. It means that I can spend more time in rehearsal and less time in front of my computer.

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.