Welcome to PLAYBILLDER Spotlight, where Playbill highlights shows from educational institutions or regional theatres and special events around the country (who have used Playbill's program-building service). By welcoming these PLAYBILLDERs center stage, we hope to give our readers a more in-depth look at theatre programs that are fostering the love of the performing arts in the next generation and the way theatre lovers are bringing Playbill along for life's big moments.
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This week's spotlight is Olathe South High School of Olathe, Kansas, and their production of The Neverland Project. The play, written for the school by Stephen Gregg, tells the "real story" of Peter Pan from Wendy Moira Angela Darling's perspective. Revealing what really happened to Peter's shadow, just how mean Tinker Bell could be, and which character didn't make the cut in J. M. Barrie's original story. The play-within-a-play is a celebration of imagination and how to keep it alive.
Director David Tate Hastings shared with Playbill how his students helped create this new show, and how they give back to the community.
Tell us a little about yourself. How many years have you been teaching?
David Tate Hastings: This is my 26th year as a theatre educator. I taught for 3 years in Lawrence, Kansas, before spending the last 23 years at Olathe South.
What is your proudest moment as an educator?
I'm proud of the success of our students at Olathe South. Whether it was the shows we have taken to state or nationals, the students who have competed at nationals in the English Speaking Union Shakespeare Competition, our Blue Star Awards through Starlight Theatre that lead to the Jimmy Awards, or our alumni who have gone on to teach theatre or work in professional theatre—we have been blessed with more than our fair share of success.
But most of all, I am proud of seeing how our former students are contributing to society in lots of different ways today. Not just in theatre, but in all areas. Theatre has helped these students find their own path to success in life.
Can you share a little bit about the value you see in having a performing arts program in schools?
I think theatre arts is the best way to combine all areas of performing arts and the core subjects. It is the best example of project-based learning. Students get to work together to find success in creating something bigger than themselves.
How does your school’s performing arts programs impact your community?
We try to give back in lots of ways. Recently, we helped the Historically Black College and University raise money to take students to Arkansas Pine Bluff in the spring. Last year, we raised money for Happy Bottoms that provides diapers to families who don't have the resources. This was in connection with our performances of Urinetown.
Next up, we will raise money for Birthday Connections in connection with The Pirates of Penzance. [Our grantee] Frederick is only "five and a little bit over" because he was born on leap year. Our slogan will be, "Every birthday matter, matter, matters."
Tell us a little bit about the production. What made you pick the show?
I have worked with [playwright] Stephen Gregg on several shows that we have taken to the International Thespian Festival. We started working on this show together about two years ago. It is an original play. Stephen is an amazing playwright who creates shows that challenge students to think, entertain our audiences, and that have great dialogue and surprise twists.
What are the kids loving about the show?
We loved creating this completely imaginary world as a team. Every student in the cast and crew drew a picture of the set on their first day. This has been a completely collaborative experience.
What message do you have for your students as they take the stage?
I always tell the students that we are learning to work together to accomplish something bigger than ourselves when we work on a show. I want the students to be proud of their work and be able to tell their story honestly and passionately. Our goal is to be as honest as possible while trying to tell the story faithfully.
How did the students participate in the design or production of this Playbill?
We have a student crew who put together the program with my wife. They edit the student bios and do all the work of assembling the program before my wife will do a final edit. We then send it out to the students and their families to proof before we send it to the printer.
What reactions do you expect to see in students when they see their name printed in this Playbill for the first time?
Our students love the Playbill. We provide one copy to every student in the show, sell hard copies at concessions, and offer the digital versions to people who don't want the hard copies. We want to be good stewards of the environment by not having a lot of wasted programs after the show. It also saves us money.
How has PLAYBILLDER impacted your performing arts program as a resource?
Your programs look incredible. They make our program look more professional. Having seen many shows on Broadway, Off-Broadway, on tour, and seen your programs many times, PLAYBILLDER raises the expectation and professionalism of the look of our shows. You are offering an amazing service.
To design Broadway-quality programs for your next show, head to PLAYBILLDER.com. Who knows, you might just be featured in our next PLAYBILLDER Spotlight! And if you are looking for a beautiful way to display your Playbills, click here to purchase Playbill frames.
