In our “On Stage or Back Stage” article in our April 2014 issue, we interviewed a number of sources including Amy Smialek, director of theater programs at Magnificat High School (magnificaths.org) in Rocky River. While, due to space reasons, we couldn’t print all of Smialek’s responses, we wanted to share them with you here online.
Northeast Ohio Parent: What are the benefits of theater/performing arts in students of all ages (pre-K through high school)?
Amy Smialek: Doing theatrical projects with students benefits each student holistically. Because various ages and talent levels are involved, it creates a familial atmosphere where each cast member encourages and assists the others. The older ones gain a sense of parental responsibility and care as they take the younger ones under their wings. The younger ones add a fresh excitement and perspective to the rehearsal process overall. The little ones have fewer inhibitions as they don’t care what others think of them and are purely themselves, enjoying the opportunity to perform on stage. This then enlightens the older students to truly get into character and not restrict themselves either.
Also, from an audience’s perspective, the more variety of ages, heights, voices, etc., the more realistic the cast.
NEOP: Why is theater an important activity?
AS: Theater is essential in building self-esteem, creative thinking and becoming comfortable with your body. It helps with confidence in presenting in front of others, and acclimates people to work well with others and not only as an individual. It is a very healthy environment to learn, grow and create.
NEOP: What theater programs are offered at Magnificat H.S.?
AS: For the last six years, I have offered an intense educational theatrical program. This program includes three main stage productions each fiscal year. Beyond performing, students are able to join crew in all aspects. Some students will do build/run/tech crew, learning how to design, measure, cut, build, paint, etc. (for the set). Also, students are trained to run and focus lighting as well as sound. They learn how to sew and create costumes from a pattern, and to design, adapt or create props used for each show too.
Beyond our theatrical season of our three main stage productions, I also run a summer camp for grade-schoolers who put on a full-length play within a two-week camp. Additionally, I have created and directed an annual talent show that has been a huge event for the school the past nine years, and I have also organized and rehearsed students to compete in the ESU’s Shakespeare Competition for the last five years.
Magnificat also offers drama classes during the school day to earn Performing Arts academic credits. The last two years, the Performing Arts Department has organized a very fun Performing Arts Day for junior high students to experience all aspects of our Performing Arts all in one day!
NEOP: What kinds of kids do theater?
AS: Believe it or not, stereotypes and generalizations should be thrown out the window when it comes to theater. Shy kids learn how to open up and to have confidence. Outgoing students learn how to channel their energy into their characters. Those who don’t feel like they have a co-curricular to fit into can always find their niche within the walls of a theater as well. Whether it’s on the stage performing or around the stage working behind the scenes in some way, all students can find an area they’d enjoy and excel doing!
NEOP: How do you get more kids to participate?
AS: Luckily, having such a stable program the past six years has not hindered our involvement numbers. We always have too much interest versus not enough. Regardless, we still want more/new students to join in the fun! We advertise through Homeroom mail and P.A.s in the school, fax regional schools to gain gentlemen to audition/participate, and email through theater listservers to gain little ones, as they don’t have to be Magnificat oriented to audition.
NEOP: Is theater popular in Northeast Ohio?
AS: Extremely. If you’ve done one community theater show, you know half of the troupe in the area! It’s amazing how closely connected all theaters are in the area. Cleveland is so blessed to have such a wonderful theater district downtown, as well as countless community theaters among the neighboring counties.
NEOP: How did your theater program start? History, background of theater at Magnificat High School?
AS: Theater has been running for decades at Magnificat. I went through the program in the ’90s when I was a student here, and I was blessed to carry it on as director these past six years.
One commonality throughout the years is keeping the tradition of Senior Wills. On the final performance day of all main stage productions, the seniors involved (cast and crew) give their own testimonies of what that specific show, cast, crew and/or the program at Magnificat has meant to them. They tell very heartwarming stories, funny memories, and even give tokens of their memories to underclass students to carry on certain traditions they have established. It’s a beautiful event that is seen as sacred within our theatrical program.
