There are people who come into your life and you know in your soul there is a lot to learn from them. A big personality with wisdom to impart. One of these people is my high school drama teacher, Angela Howard.
She was so smart, observant, measured and wise. I could tell she wouldn't let anyone get away with a half-assed performance.
I will be the first to admit that I am an ok singer at best. In the world of musical theatre I was always a dancer first, actor second, singer third. I had big dreams of playing the lead role in the school musical... At least I knew good pitch & could keep a rhythm. Piano lessons & clarinet in the band had taught me that my ear was right. All of that still does not produce a fabulous singing voice. But I knew how to make an entrance!!
The coveted choir to be in at our school was R&R (Rhythm and Rhapsody). Way before Mr. Schue put football players & cheerleaders together in the glee club on GLEE Mrs. Howard knew what would attract funding for those show choir competitions -- cool kids. I was not one of them. I think I knew it but was reluctant to let anyone else know that I knew. Who am I kidding? I was always weird! (But in a good way?)
Mrs. Howard knew best how to cast a show - how to craft each set design, how to put together a rag tag group of characters to fill out the stage. I did not know at the time that what she was choosing made sense on a larger scale. Most of these kids were to move on with their life never to return to the entertainment industry and therefore needed a moment to shine. There was actually a Broadway star in our midst who lit up the stage during every show and we were lucky to have him there!
My one-liners, dance numbers and dance duets were what these shows needed. I did not need to be the lead. In fact, I am most often not the lead in my working life. I am happy to support the story in any capacity - whether it's strutting down a runway, saying a one liner, making an entrance or just giving a "look." That is where I have shined. I am happy being in the occasional spotlight, if only for a brief moment. There are many facets to the entertainment business and I've learned a lot along the way. But no matter what, I always think back to Mrs. Howard and how she gave me just the right amount of roles, the right amount of lines, the perfect moments to shine and let others shine too.
Thank you from your former student! You are loved and appreciated!
Please let your teachers know how much they mean to you!
