“Theatre is the greatest empathy training.” - I heard an actor say this once at a talk back and it has resonated with me ever since. One of the aspects that our students sometimes lack in this age of technology is empathy and understanding for others. One of the greatest gifts I can give my students is to help them be able to see the world through the eyes of another. Theatre is the ideal vehicle for this goal. Theatre also provides students with opportunities to learn and practice a variety of skills that they would not otherwise have access to. They work as a team to create costumes, props, and sets; they are taught responsibility by having to meet real life deadlines with real world consequences, if they do not; they have to physically and emotionally engage with others, learning about body language and mindfulness; and they grow their confidence by completing these and other tasks successfully.

Our main mission in the Theatre Department is to provide Banks students with unique opportunities to grow and develop as good citizens through hands on and interactive practice both on and off the stage. Students are responsible for all aspects of production, enabling them to have a variety of new experiences and build new skills that can translate into college and the workforce. I treat students like professionals and they more often than not rise to this standard to achieve great things. Our goal is also to provide a safe space and engaging after school activity for students who have not necessarily found their place in other activities. Ultimately, theatre is for all who want to participate!