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 MOVE Productions, a youth theatre in Barrington, Illinois, and their production of Disney's Alice in Wonderland, Jr. This 60-minute stage adaptation of the classic Disney animated film and the Lewis Carroll stories is a journey of self-discovery. When young Alice finds herself in a strange world where everything seems upside down, she must find her way home…and find herself along the way.
Producer Mary Miller shared with Playbill why she has a "proudest moment" each and every show, what she's thinking the theatre's next fall show might be, and how the performing arts are a melting pot for creativity.
Tell us a little about yourself. How many years have you been teaching?
Mary Miller: I have been teaching theatre for 9 years.
What is your proudest moment as an educator?
I feel like I have a "proudest moment" almost every show. Once my cast begins their performance, that they have worked so hard to perfect, I can't help but tear up. It's even better when the cast has become true friends through out the process.
Can you share a little bit about the value you see in having a performing arts program in schools?
Not only are performing arts programs a ton of fun, but they help students improve public speaking skills, team working skills, and boost self esteem. It's also such a great environment for all kids of students—you don't need to be good at just one thing, you can learn all sorts of skills from all different people that join a theatre program. It's a melting pot of creativity. You work so hard together to create an awesome show and, lots of times, come out friends for life.
What shows are your kids obsessed with right now?
My kids are obsessed with Beetlejuice (maybe that's our next fall show? 🤔).
Tell us a little bit about the production. What made you pick the show?
It's a fun and colorful show with lots of characters! So there are lots of opportunities for students.
What are the kids loving about the show?
I think the kids were loving their costumes and diving into who their character really is—going off of the main message of the show, "Who are you?"
What message do you have for your students as they take the stage?
Our main message is to have fun! And to really listen to each other. Be bold in the choices you make on stage.
How has PLAYBILLDER impacted your performing arts program as a resource?
PLAYBILLDER has made our performances more beautiful and much more professional! It's also made my job of creating and printing Playbills much less stressful.
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.
