I’ve been meaning to write about this for some time, but I’ve just not really had the time or actual drive to sit and do it. But the end of an era in my life has come.
I am no longer at the helm of the RCW One-Act Play.
It’s not like I got fired or quit myself; more of an amicable understanding between two parties. For one thing, I was at the top step of the pay scale for that position (and had been for at least two years) so the economics of it (especially with $3/gallon gasoline) were making less and less sense. They also are wanting to steer theatre in the district in a different direction than it has been for as many years as I’ve been involved with it (which is upward of 12 years now). Which is an understandable and sometimes necessary position in which to be.
It’s really quite a bittersweet thing for me. On one hand, I really, really loved being a part of the program and doing what I could for educational theatre. On the other hand, it required a lot of work and time to accomplish. So it was time to move on.
The big question remaining is whether or not they will find a replacement for the position. At this time, I’ve been informed (by one of my students) that someone is being encouraged (by the students, which is a Good Thing) to take over. One of my concerns in leaving the position was that they be able to find someone to take it over and not use it as an excuse for completely dropping the program, which I voiced to the administration.
I’m certainly not calling myself irreplaceable but for One-Act in particular, it can be difficult to find someone willing to take on the challenge. Which is, in a way, how I wound up with the position in the first place.
I am sad about the situation, but it’s getting better as time goes along. It is ultimately for the better, and that’s the real point. I was truly privileged to have been able to coach and mold some tremendously talented teenagers during my tenure. I would like to believe that I made a difference in their lives; I know that they made a difference in mine. And to each of them I’ve worked with in the last six years, my heartfelt thanks and appreciation goes out. It is they and not I that made for some incredible productions during that time.
So here’s to them all. Chip a tooth!
“Good teaching is one-fourth preparation and three-fourths theater.”
– Gail Godwin
–MZ