Welcome to PLAYBILLDER Spotlight, where Playbill highlights shows from educational institutions or regional theatres and special events around the country (who have used Playbill's program-building service). By welcoming these PLAYBILLDERs center stage, we hope to give our readers a more in-depth look at theatre programs that are fostering the love of the performing arts in the next generation and the way theatre lovers are bringing Playbill along for life's big moments.
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This week's Spotlight is Pembroke Hill School of Kansas City, Missouri, and their production of Something Rotten. Grammy Award-winning songwriter Wayne Kirkpatrick and screenwriters Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell teamed up to write this farce about the creation of the very first musical. Set in 1590, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom get a glimpse into the future, where theatre involves singing, dancing, and acting all at the same time. The Bottom brothers must figure out how to get their production to opening night while to their own selves being true.
Theatre Director Tracy Terstriep-Herber shared with Playbill why she's encouraging her students to make an investment in each other.
Tell us a little about yourself. How many years have you been teaching?
Tracy Terstriep-Herber: I have taught for nearly 20 years, spread across high school, college, and MFA programs.
What is your proudest moment as an educator?
In this particular show, I was most proud of the way our cast and crew overcame a significant obstacle. The second evening's performance needed to be cancelled due to an unexpected event. Students left the theater Saturday night in tears. They woke up the next day to learn of a plan forward, involving multiple understudies to cover a lead role. They all came in extra early on Sunday. The support between cast and crew was phenomenal. The audience roared over the unexpected (but successful) turns at every corner. The students learned one of the greatest lessons that live theatre can provide, that you have each other and the trust you've built along the way. We did stay true to the script. . . but blocking and dancing improv can be glorious!
Can you share a little bit about the value you see in having a performing arts program in schools?
The value in the performing arts, we know, is hard to put in a sentence or two. The amount of collaboration, teamwork, playing to each students' strengths, focus on presence and play is challenged more and more each year with social media, AI and escalated testing for college success. I believe our students become their fullest selves in the practice of theatre, be it cast or crew.
What shows are your kids obsessed with right now?
Many of my students are still so inspired by Hadestown! They took a poll recently and that show was mentioned most.
What are your dreams for how your drama department can grow?
We are a small, independent school, where the academic challenges are front and center. My dreams are that our program continues to be a safe and creative haven, welcoming to newbies, alongside challenging opportunities for the aspiring artist in training. We have bridged wonderful opportunities for our students outside of Pembroke Hill. It is my goal to make their dreams beyond high school, feel supported, achievable and inspired by an investment in each other.
Tell us a little bit about the production. What made you pick the show?
The year prior brought rewards beyond our dreams with Les Misérables. It felt right to do a 180 and focus on the meta theatrical skills (and thrills!) necessary for Something Rotten. Most of our students had never tap danced. So we started tap sessions a month prior to rehearsals. More than anything, the casting fit like a glove.
What are the kids loving about the show?
The kids felt the pay-off of working hard on the big production numbers. The cast felt electricity, giving and receiving energy with our Shakespeare in "Willpower." The troupe's harmonies and ad-libs in the theatre scenes became the backbone of the show. Our Nostradamus had the audience in the palm of his hand. The cast loved performing "A Musical." Nick, Nigel, and Bea gained emotional depth and appreciation for their roles, beyond what they had imagined.
What message do you have for your students as they take the stage?
A circle every night, after mic checks, gives us a moment to focus our energy, see each other, and be reminded that the night ahead will never happen again. Take care of each other and relish it!
How did the students participate in the design or production of this Playbill?
Our stage manager created the Playbill cover design. Students contributed their bios, and proof read. This was the first year senior parents contributed senior ads and tributes.
How has PLAYBILLDER impacted your performing arts program as a resource?
This was the first time we used PLAYBILLDER. The template and formatting was super helpful.
To design Broadway-quality programs for your next show, head to PLAYBILLDER.com. Who knows, you might just be featured in our next PLAYBILLDER Spotlight! And if you are looking for a beautiful way to display your Playbills, click here to purchase Playbill frames.
