I feel as though I must post this. I am sad to say that I forgot about Kara T when I wrote about my experiences in High School Theatre (Parts 1-9 available in the Archives: March & April 2003). I knew immediately who she was when I read her name in my comments recently. I’ve posted her comment below because I think it an amazing piece of closure concerning my time in High School Theatre. I hope that someday may others will also find my site and let me know their whereabouts. Though Kara says, probably rightly, that we were not really friends. I do remember that she was brilliant, witty, always nice to me, and extremely fun to be around. I respected her a lot… she was very talented.
“I stumbled across your site while doing a search for some names from the past. A search for Lynn brought me to your series on Tri-Ep. I enjoyed this walk down memory lane, though it?s something I rarely do. I even laughed out loud when I read about my best friend, Ben. (Who has natural blond hair, by the way…)
Let me say that you have a very nice looking site with some good features and content. It?s also great to see that you are happy and successful in your chosen field.
I attended the University of Indianapolis for my undergrad degree in Theatre. Lynn was a junior when I arrived in ?95 and Lenny arrived in ?97. We had a great time and mounted some amazing productions. Due to a lot of factors (most of which, I?m sure you?d rather remain ignorant) Lynn dropped out around ?98. Lenny dropped out at some point after I was gone. Of the trio, I was the only one who managed to graduate and go on to a career in the field. Ben, as you might have expected, spiraled downhill into a pretty pathetic existence. I?m sad to say that I don?t have any contact with these guys.
I went on to be a stage manger and later I produced ?corporate? theatre/media events. (a discipline very similar to what you might see in one of your large churches) My work as a social justice activist, lead me away from the corporate world and in to public media support with an inner-city school system. I have transitioned from a single urbanite, to a suburban wife (of Chris) and mother (of Jasper). Don?t worry, I haven?t lost my edge…
It was, as always, enlightening to see a shared experience through another person?s perspective. That journey is particularly meaningful when another?s experience differs 180 degrees from my own.
I hope you will allow me to share two thoughts:
#1-Ms. Agin was a hack. I can tell you that on sound professional credentials. Though my experience with her was different from yours, I wouldn?t dare to deny the importance your experience. Mistreatment of a student, by a teacher, is a breach of professionalism. But causing pain to a young person while they pursue the arts is an unforgivable offense in my book. Should any director change the words or content set down by a playwright? I agree with Maria here. 100% ABSOLUTELY NO! However, (and again I speak with professional authority here) it was (and is) her responsibility to choose material that will provides appropriate opportunities for students to learn and grow in the arts. It is my personal opinion that educators should challenge students, but it is imperative that they address a student?s individual needs and affirm their worth and dignity as fellow artist.
#2- What the heck, Kevin? I know we were not friends, but looking at your posts, it breaks my heart to think that someone around me was in so much pain, and I was (we were) blissfully ignorant. If anything, I (and perhaps we) saw you struggling, but chocked most of it up to ?jovial? Kevin laughing along with us, despite the horrible taste of tobacco. Maybe you need this, and maybe you don?t ,but for what it?s worth- I?m sorry you had to hurt so bad. If given the chance, I?d transport back and give you a big hug. For now, I?ll just say, it was a pleasure to work with you. Break a leg.
Kara T-C”
Don’t be a stranger Kara. It was good to hear from you and hear of your success. Jasper is lucky to have such a wonderful mother! Thanks for your insight and for bringing a bit of closure to me. We just never know what people are dealing with… and if I were able to go back and relive those days, I would get to know everyone a lot more (especially those I might have disagreed with). I even have some closure from Ms. A whom read those posts sometime back and got in contact with me.
All in all, concerning HS Theatre, I regret that I did not love more, accept others no matter their state, and give all of myself to those around me. I will admit, though, that I am a better man today because of the good and bad of high school theatre. I would do it all again. I just would be less selfish (and pious) this time around. I hope, for better or worse, that I at least left some good behind with those that met me. I just wish I would have done more.
God Bless You!