I’ve Got a Barn – Let’s Put on a Show!
Referring to myself as a producer/director/principal makes it easy to imagine that most of the events we host at school are a production to say the least. Some might say it’s a throwback to my own performing days. However, I feel like if something is worth doing at all – you might as well make a show out of it. We already have a “barn” – the school – so why not go for it? I suppose this keeps the audience (students and teachers) guessing as to what crazy antics we’ll come up with next.
To pull off these amazing event/shows certainly takes a knowledge of the strengths of the cast of performers (teachers). As a producer/director – I’ve always thought it was my job to know what my teacher/performers are really good at and try my best to highlight that aspect of their lives. This could literally be anything – singing, classroom management, the fact that someone rides a motorcycle – anything. As an example – we currently host a Veterans day celebration at our school – which most schools do. In an attempt to put some spice into the event and highlight or engage one of our teacher/performers who rides in a motorcycle ministry – we decided we would host a motorcycle parade of Veterans and supporters prior to the event. Through this teacher and her passion – we’ve been able to highlight many Veterans and organizations through the years. As a matter of fact – I actually tried to get our parade sanctioned by Guinness World Records as the “World’s Shortest Veterans Day Parade” since we only parade through our school parking lot. I filled out the paperwork and everything. Guinness responded – telling us that they don’t have a category for Veterans parades — sooooo — since no person has come forward saying it isn’t – we now bill the parade as such. Point being – this major activity for our school community takes place because we recognized the unique gift of one teacher and use that gift to put on a “show”…
It certainly takes time to develop an understanding of what natural gifts your teacher/performers possess. As a “get to know you” activity with a new faculty and staff – find a way to figure out what outside passions are among your cast. Who runs? Who sells Essential Oils? Who played HS/college sports? Etc… The better your understanding of your cast – the better your ability to put on the show. As a not of caution when it comes to putting on a show – start your major events small and build them slowly through the years. The unfortunate byproduct of any show is that the audience leaves with a set of expectations. It can become increasingly difficult to meet those audience expectations for every event. You certainly don’t want to wear yourself or the cast members out. Trust me – I’ve been to the burn point and it’s not a good place to be.
Remember – life is short and education is difficult. Making it fun and exciting is the job of a producer/director. You already have a barn — now go put on a show!!
Producer/Director/Principal 