Blog

Theatre at The Lyric!

Conversation with Center Stage Staff

As a followup to attending the play Oh Happy Day! at Baltimore Center Stage, staff from this vital Baltimore institution came to the school for a dynamic Conversation. Joining members of the Education Department – Hope Hynson, Kate Macdonald, and Erin Margaret Pettigrew, was the Assistant Director of the play, Antwan “Greeyo” Hawkins, and the play’s Dramaturg, Avon Haughton.

The lively and far-reaching conversation covered perspectives on the play and its impact on both the students and those involved in the performance, sharing about education and careers, workplace culture and so much more. Our guests were as interested in the students and the school as the students were of them and their work. After the Conversation, several students conducted a tour of our facility that multiplied the connection and allowed for additional interaction and discussion.

We deeply value Center Stage and appreciate their efforts to include young people and value their engagement with theatre and the arts. Our appreciation to Stevie Walker-Webb on his inaugural season as Artistic Director at Center Stage. We thoroughly enjoyed the visit and look forward to an ever deepening relationship between our communities.

Students Attend Oh Happy Day! at Center Stage

Through the kindness of the folks at Baltimore Center Stage, we had an amazing time experiencing Jordan Cooper’s play Oh Happy Day! This creatively told story carried us along, at moments laughing and others near tears as we went through the journey of the main character Keyshawn, also played by Mr. Cooper, as he reconciled with the pain of his past and found redemption. The acting was brilliant, the songs and singing were moving and the set design, particularly at the end of the play, contributed to an emotional roller coaster.

The play will continue to run through October 20th and we recommend everyone to catch it while you can.

Thank you Stevie Walker-Webb and Baltimore Center Stage for your commitment to expose young people to meaningful theatre that connects to their lives!

Writing Seminar: “It’s Not Easy…”

A cornerstone of The Community School’s education program is the writing seminar conducted every week by mentor and teacher Don Riesett. The students dive deep exploring topics and developing new ways of expressing their views and creativity. Some topics are whimsical and others provoke deep personal reflection. Last week’s seminar was just such a moment. We have featured some of the students’ works on our website with their permission. They are all worth a good read.

“The students were reminded by none other than Kermit the Frog that ‘It’s not easy being green.’ They were then asked to consider what about their lives is ‘not easy.’The students’ essays on this topic were excellent.” Don Riesett

“It’s not easy being an African American Muslim. The many obligations, traditions, values, and holidays I have to go by. The way people take a glance and judge me.” Mohamed
Read more: https://tcshighschool.org/its-not-easy-by-mohamed-cisse/

“It’s not easy being the oldest brother in a household where the parents only speak Spanish.” Hector
Read more: https://tcshighschool.org/its-not-easy-by-hector-rivas/

“It’s not easy being diagnosed with depression and anxiety at just 13 years old.” Jordan
Read more: https://tcshighschool.org/its-not-easy-by-jordan-smith/

“Starting a new community isn’t easy. Being a freshman, I’m going through many challenges.” Khori
Read more: https://tcshighschool.org/its-not-easy-by-khori-mitchell/

“Now I could list probably 10 reasons why it’s not easy to be me. For now I’ll just give you one of the major reasons. I am the first in my family who is planning to go to college and get a degree.” Madison
Read more: https://tcshighschool.org/its-not-easy-by-madison-hansel/

“It’s hard being the middle child and also the oldest girl. Not only does your family view you as grown at the age of 13 but so do other people around you. Especially men.” Karla
Read more: https://tcshighschool.org/its-not-easy-being-me-by-karla…/