Go to any local concert, musical theatre performance, play, or church service and you’re likely to see an Abilene ISD staff member – in particular, those associated with fine arts disciplines – playing a role.
And in some cases, major roles
In August, Abilene High School’s Director of Theatre Arts, Kyle Martin, played the lead role in the Big Country Performing Arts Company’s presentation of “Shrek” at the Paramount Theatre. Earlier in the summer, Mann Middle School Theatre Director Nicole Sutphen played the part of Irene Molloy in the Paramount Theatre’s well-received production of “Hello Dolly!”
In addition, Paige Sproles, office manager for the Abilene Education Foundation, played the lead role of Dolly Gallagher Levi in the performance of “Hello Dolly!”
Other fine arts educators throughout the district have participated as part of the orchestra for performances at various venues through the years. Many others have roles on the stage as part of the cast, and others perform in other venues throughout the city and the area. Those performances not only hone their skills but also help put them in the shoes of their students.
“(Performing) helps to practice the art form you are trying to teach for a lot of reasons, if for none other than to remind you of why you love it so much,” Martin said. “It also helps with a collaborative art form like theatre to be an active part of the Abilene theatre community that involves the universities, the Paramount Theatre, Abilene Community Theatre, and other active theatre organizations.
“It also helps the Abilene High Theatre program to know people, to get support from these other groups, as well as sharing ideas and resources,” he said. “I have recently signed on to the board for Big Country Performing Arts – the organization that produced “Shrek” – to try and build a stronger theatre presence in the Abilene community at large.”
Sproles, who received quite a bit of acclaim for her “Hello Dolly!” performance, was the musical director earlier in the summer for “Shrek,” a stark contrast from her role on the stage, but one she says she enjoyed.
“I love being a music director; it is much harder than acting,” Sproles said. “With community theatre, you never know what level of experience you will get. Some people come in with tons of experience and for others, it’s their first show. So, the challenge is to make it enjoyable for everyone. There’s something so satisfying about watching an actor take what you give them and watch them run with it and flourish. I believe that everyone should sing. It’s not about being the best but enjoying the craft. And for them to be proud of themselves at the end of the show, that’s the best feeling in the world.”
Rob Taylor, the new Director of Theatre Arts at Cooper, spent most of his summer moving across town after spending the last few years as the assistant at AHS. But he still made time to perform in both “Chicago” at McMurry University and “Hello Dolly!” Taylor also has been a part of “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Into the Woods,” and “The Robber Bridegroom” with the Paramount, and “Other Desert Cities,” “Clue,” and “Almost Maine” with the Abilene Community Theatre.
All that work is part of a love of theatre that began back in middle school.
“The funny thing about all of this is that, when I was in middle school, a kid dared me to audition for the school play,” Taylor said. “I showed up and auditioned and I got cast and fell in love with it. I knew in high school that I wanted to work in a theatre for a living, and in college that I wanted to teach it.”
Jay Lester, Executive Director of Fine Arts, encourages his teachers and those in the school district to be part of community performances, not only to refine their skills but to use those skills to bring joy to an audience. Lester plays the trumpet in both the San Angelo and Big Spring symphonies and lends his skill to various other groups and performances in Abilene.
“It’s my opinion that a practicing musician, actor, or artist should be involved in activities that keep their skills sharp and relevant to our educational community,” Lester said. “I perform on trumpet or conduct ensembles because I enjoy music. We all go to school to learn a craft … and whenever possible, I encourage our teachers to get involved in something related to their craft, whether it be music, theatre, or art. Many of our teachers participate in church choirs and orchestras, community bands and choirs, theatre, regional orchestras, and art showings and contests.”
In a city of more than 125,000, Abilene is fortunate to have so many options for both performers and those who enjoy the arts.
“Abilene is a unique place for the arts,” Lester said. “I’ve worked in three other parts of the state and realized that Abilene showcases and keeps talented people better than anywhere else. The level of choral singing, instrumental performance, theatre education, and art training exceeds that of many other communities around the state. We’re so fortunate to have three traditional universities in town because, with those three universities and their staff and students, resources abound.”
