Ed Smith interviewed Kathy Dyer, a music teacher and advisor for the theatre program at Greece Athena High School and Sophia Butera, a senior at Greece Athena High School who is playing the role of Ariel in the show.
-Kathy talked about how she has been involved with the musical productions in the district for many years.
-She said the continued success of the program is the result of collaboration between the school district and community, she talked about the incredible support from teachers, administration and family members and how that is critical to the success of the program at Greece Athena.
-Kathy said that students learn critical life skills while being a part of a production and she feels that it is important to give them the opportunity to be on stage to build up confidence.
-Kathy said she has some students go into theatre professionally after being a part of the program at Greece Athena. She had a former student that is a part of the traveling “Frozen” show that Disney is doing come back to meet with current students. She was able to talk with students about a career in theatre.
-Kathy said that the students gave very positive feedback last year after they performed Grease. Students like that the characters in the show were close to them in age and it was relatable. They wanted to give students a similar experience of being connected to the show this year which is why they decided to perform “Footloose.”
-Kathy and the students also felt that the story of forgiveness in “Footloose” is important for everyone to see.
-She talked about the physical demands of being in the show and how students have been excited for the challenge.
-Sophia said she got involved with the theatre department when she was in 2nd grade and has been active ever since.
-Sophia talked about her passion for the theatre and how she wants to continue to be involved after she graduates.
-Kathy encouraged people to come support them by attending one of the performances.
-She said the students will be selecting a local teen charity and will make a donation with proceeds from this year’s production.