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 River Ridge High School of New Port Richey, Florida and their production of All's Well: A Steampunk Musical. Adapted from the play by William Shakespeare, this version of All's Well is set at the turn of the 20th century. With music and lyrics by Lee Ahlin and a book by Paul Mullins, the story follows Helena, a woman given to a man to be married. Due to Helena's low rank, the man refuses her, but she takes up the challenge to win his acceptance.

Theatre teacher and District 14 Chair of the Florida State Thespians, David O'Hara, shared with Playbill why his proudest moment as an educator occurred during COVID, how having an artistic outlet helps a student, and what's kept him using PLAYBILLDER for over a decade. 

Tell us a little about yourself. How many years have you been teaching?
David O'Hara: I've been teaching theatre for 22 years.

What is your proudest moment as an educator?
My proudest moment was providing students the opportunity to perform during the time of COVID. It helped provide purpose and a needed a distraction during a difficult time.

Can you share a little bit about the value you see in having a performing arts program in schools?
I believe that theatre instills a sense of purpose and belonging for virtually every student I have. I  work hard to make the theatre space a safe place for all of my students. I believe an artistic outlet in a student's day helps them do better in their other classes.

What are the most challenging and most rewarding aspects of teaching the performing arts to today’s students?
The most challenging part of my job is dealing with our school district regarding contracts with theatrical licensing and with theatrical professionals to work on my musicals. The most rewarding is when students realize their artistic potential to a degree they didn't think possible.

What shows are your kids obsessed with right now?
My students are obsessed with most things new on Broadway. Hadestown is a big favorite right now.

How does your school’s performing arts programs impact your community?
Our community is very supportive of our theatre program. The most endearing thing is when I get emails and phone calls asking what our next show is and when it performs.

What are your dreams for how your drama department can grow?
My dream for our theatre department is to have the financial resources to provide my students with the most professional experience possible.

Tell us a little bit about the production. What made you pick the show? How do you choose shows for your students?
The show we are doing right now was originally done at a local professional theatre company, American Stage, that used to do a musical version of plays by William Shakespeare every April and May. The last time the show was done was in 1996. It inspired me to want to bring a work by William Shakespeare to my students and my community. The score was written by a local composer and I believe it is the best of all the ones he wrote.

What are the kids loving about the show?
It seems like the students are really into being part of a production that has only been done once before. They also feel fortunate for the opportunity to work with the composer on the music, an opportunity they have not had before.

How did the students participate in the design or production of this Playbill?
One of my students designed the cover. I put all the contents in myself because if a mistake is made, I don't want the blame placed on a peer.

What reactions do you expect to see in students when they see their name printed in this Playbill for the first time?
I believe I've been using PLAYBILLDER for over a decade now. Based on my past students' reaction, I know they have a real sense of pride when they see their name in the Playbill.

How has PLAYBILLDER impacted your performing arts program as a resource?I believe that PLAYBILLDER brings a professional look to our productions and provides a valued souvenir for those involved in the show and for those who attend. Besides a printed copy, we always make the digital online program available. Our theatre department receives compliments constantly about the professional quality of our productions and I believe our Playbill helps establish that expectation even before the show begins.

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.