by Julie Gouin, MYP/DP Drama Teacher, Director of the Crucible -

Directing this year’s High School production of The Crucible was one of the most rewarding experiences of my teaching career. There are times when I miss working in professional theatre because I love being surrounded by skilled artists, and with this production, I was.

Because the play is based on the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, the actors needed to experience (or portray) a range of extreme emotions. All of the characters were quite literally in life or death situations. This play had always struck me as a great acting vehicle for high school students, given the large number of well-written roles for young girls. Still, I was blown away by how well our actors (who were playing older characters) grasped the circumstances and complexity of their roles. The students were invested in the story, and in their characters, from the very first rehearsal. This investment and their dedication continued throughout the rehearsal process, with many of them asking me for tips on how they could enrich their performances during “tech week” (the week the show opens). Seeing a display of their desire for continuous self improvement is one of my favourite things about being a teacher and a director.

In addition to being surrounded by a talented and dedicated cast and crew, I was lucky enough to work with many theatre professionals on the set, and with regards to costumes and lighting. From the six-metre-tall birch forest bathed in its eerie blue light, to the beautiful and intricate costumes, this production did not feel like your average school play. It really was a professional production that showcased the qualities and skills of our team.

It was also highly rewarding to see different stakeholders reach. From the way the audience responded to the production elements, to the excitement of the students when they saw their costumes, or the smoke machine, for the first time.

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