As a Theatre Educator I believe in a theatre classroom that centers student artistry, leadership, and choice. Tonight's performance is the embodiment of that philosophy.
Our newly formed improvisational group, the Dewey Dragon Slayers, is the first step in creating a theatre department that puts student voices at the center of its philosophy. After these performances, the Dewey Dragon Slayers will be a completely student-driven performance ensemble, with the Varsity Members -- the nine actors you are watching tonight -- mentoring, training, and developing new members of the ensemble into the stalwarts of tomorrow.
We are so proud of these students -- most of whom are seniors -- who have taken it upon themselves to not only participate in their artistry, but to create new traditions and opportunities that will outlast their time at John Dewey and to share those traditions with their peers in school as well as being ambassadors for John Dewey as select memebers have traveled to and performed at middle schools around the area to share their joy and enthusiasm with the Dewey students of tomorrow.
In addition to all of this, the Dewey Dragon Slayers will also be participating in the Improv Olympics through Asylum NYC where our performers will be pitted against performers from other schools in New York City and Long Island for the mantle of best high school improv troupe. The two top schools from New York will then face off against the top schools from Boston in a classic interstate rivalry. Of course, with the hardwork and dedication of our students there is little competition.
The Dewey Theatre Department would also like to thank our Principal, Heather Adelle; the Assistant Principal of Arts and Stem, Nancy Woods; Joseph Antonucci; Jon Messinger; and all of the administrators, assistants, secretaries, deans, teachers, and staff who serve as our daily collaborators and make not just our department but the entire school function.
As we approach the end of the calendar year -- my first year at Dewey -- I look forward to all of the art and adventure that awaits us in the new year and beyond.
Any students interested in joining the Dewey Dragon Slayers are welcome to speak to a member of the cast after the performance.
Thank you so much for supporting our students, our program, and our art. We hope you enjoy the show!
Joshua Hill
Director of Theatre
