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 Redmond Proficiency Academy of Redmond, Oregon, and their production of The Servant of Two Masters, co-adapted by Oded Gross and Tracy Young. This play within a play is about a theatre company going through economic strife as it attempts to mount Goldoni’s famous Commedia. The absurdly complicated circumstances try to keep two pairs of lovers apart, while the servant Truffaldino works to bring everything to a happy conclusion.
Theatre Director Kate Torcom shared with Playbill how theatre saves lives and how receiving Playbills is like Christmas Day to her students.
Tell us a little about yourself. How many years have you been teaching?
Kate Torcom: I have been at Redmond Proficiency Academy for 10 years.
Can you share a little bit about the value you see in having a performing arts program in schools?
Theatre not only changes lives, it saves them. To watch a student hit a new level theatrically is to watch them discovery something in themselves—it is the greatest gift.
How does your school’s performing arts programs impact your community?
RPA Theatre has become a hub and safe space for theatre students in Central Oregon. Students come from all over the area to work with the department because of it's high standards and welcoming environment.
What shows are your kids obsessed with right now?
My students are obsessed with Hadestown.
Tell us a little bit about the production. What made you pick the show?
The adaptation of The Servant of Two Masters we are doing was written in 2008 by Oded Gross for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. It was written to honor how hard it is to do theatre amidst budget cuts. Unfortunately, so many educational theatre programs are suffering from this issue right now and so this story—one where students have to use all old props and costumes to perform the piece—not only pokes fun at these issues, but actively celebrates the resilience of theatre itself!
What are the kids loving about the show?
Kids love that this show is insanely silly and yet still full of challenges and substance.
How did the students participate in the design or production of this Playbill?
Students completely did the cover work for this Playbill from the photography, to the modeling, to the concept, to the graphic design. It is 100 percent student-made!
What reactions do you expect to see in students when they see their name printed in this Playbill for the first time?
When Playbills arrive, students call it Christmas. They run to the boxes and scream with joy as they flip through them. It is beyond wholesome.
How has PLAYBILLDER impacted your performing arts program as a resource?
We started using PLAYBILLDER on our second production and never looked back! You all took us to the next level and truly add a professional touch to our work.
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.
