Last night I went to my old high school and saw a terrific production of, Legally Blonde. The school's state of the art theater was certainly not what I expected. Many years ago when I attended the school, participating in the play was a completely different experience. We performed in the gym and were responsible for building the set. It was almost like a rite of passage.
Watching the show last night there were a few things that really stood out in my mind.
1. Colorblind Casting: Nobody has a monopoly on the human condition. Stories connect us ALL. And it was wonderful to see the director recognize that everyone has a voice. Having a cast as diverse as the community itself was a beautiful representation of what theater is all about and how it has the capacity to bring people together.
2. The Audience: Everyone in attendance was so supportive of the young people on stage. I could feel the actors feed off the energy in the room, which built their confidence not only as storytellers, but more importantly, as young people trying to find their voice through creative expression.
3. Legacy: If you asked Mr. Kohles when he was young if he'd envisioned himself becoming a high school drama teacher he would have likely scoffed at the question. But not only was it clear he had embraced his role but that it had become something far greater than he could have anticipated. Someday he will leave behind a very important and sustainable platform for mentorship, collaboration, and community long after he's gone.
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