Youth directors!

The next two people that I interviewed were Irving Gonzalez and Courtney Clarke. Irving is a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. While in New York, he was able to study under professors from Juilliard and The New York City Opera Company. Following graduation, he went on to perform in regional national tours. Upon his return to PA, Irving began directing and choreographing middle/high school musicals. This led him to take over the Ephrata Performing Arts Center’s Kids4Kids Youth Productions series, which he said encompassed The Center Stage Theatre Camp, EPAC’s Got Talent, Musical Junior Productions and the Young Artist Cabaret Series. I asked Irving what made him want to run the Kids4Kids program and he said About seven years ago, Edward R Fernandez, Artistic Director of EPAC, asked if he would direct a JR production of Beauty and the Beast. In that production they had over 65 kids. At that point, Irving said they knew they were on to something and recognized that  there should be more opportunities for young performers. This was the beginning of the Kids4Kids series. Irving currently oversee Ephrata High School’s Theater Program. Courtney also has a strong background, as she has worked with children in some form (school teacher, babysitter, nanny, coach, etc) for over 17 years. Courtney also runs a theater camp for kids and when I asked her what her camp did for the kids, she said it builds confidence and that right now they are running a musical theatre camp and a straight play camp where the kids learn blocking, character creation, working together, vocals and choreography. Courtney wanted to start the program because she says she has always believed in the power of theatre and has also always wanted to be her own boss and work with kids and share her passion. This led me into my next question where I asked what made her passionate about theater. She said the way it gives you a voice, how you can be anything you want on stage. Courtney said it is to her, almost a safe space to act out fears or passion or sadness. I also asked Irving what makes him passionate about theater and he said that What makes him passionate is the open dialogue it allows between the student and director. He encourages students to take ownership on how they navigate their process from start to finish and he says we are collaborators and partners as we explore all avenues through the rehearsal process. He added that, of course, to see the final

product is invigorating and melts his heart. Theater is not just a “thing” I do, but it’s a way of life I have engrained to my everyday being, Irving says.

I asked how she has seen kids grow through her program after getting involved with theater and she said she has seen them grow immensely. They use drama as an educational tool and their goal is not necessarily to turn children into actors or actresses, but to allow them a safe space to learn how to handle emotions, and work in a group and share their voice. One of her favorite stories is of a girl who came to them so shy, she wouldn’t even speak to the cafeteria workers to order her lunch, she would pass them a note. After several months of Drama Kids, she verbally ordered her lunch for the first time ever!! Courtney has seen shy kids come out of their shell and seen outgoing kids learn how to share attention. She said she has seen kids “find” themselves and it’ just magical. I asked Irving a similar question about seeing his students be helped by theater and he said he has a saying with his high school students ” We are forever bonded by this experience”. Irving said that that was evident when the environment created was that of authenticity and a safe place to nurture their own personal artistic journey. Irving has had several students who found theatre as a safe haven to be comfortable enough to share their most personal struggles. In fact, they have had several LGBTQ students use theater as a celebratory self identity.

Irving says he is always inspired by the energy, strength, and seeing personal growth from each student and he especially appreciates

those who have allowed themselves to slowly shift from the reserved, and shy performer to a confident and well-rounded performer.

I then asked both of them how they felt about budget cuts in schools and Courtney said that it is extremely detrimental and that it is a proven fact that kids who are exposed to the arts are more compassionate, better problem solvers, and more. Irving said that unfortunately, the arts in school are the first to be cut from the budget. Theater programs are overlooked and labeled as just an “extra” curriculum. Many failed to understand the positive impact the arts have on students not only in school but in their everyday lives. Irving said if we are able to shift the cultural acceptance of the arts in schools, perhaps we may see a shift in responses.

Irving added that in regards to mental health and the impact theater has, theater is a mere vessel of exploration and self discovery. He found that students who perhaps struggle with just to “fit in” found theater to be a sense of solace and inner peace. At EHS Theatre Program, there is no judgement nor a certain cookie shape mold you must fit in. Theater gives every student, even temporary, a remedy for healing and escape.

Thank you so much to Irving and Courtney for the support!