playbill vip

This is my 25th year directing shows at Shawnee, and in all, I have directed/produced 57 shows. It was February of 2000 when a couple of students came up to me and said, “Mr. Szekacs, we know you did drama in high school and a commercial in college. Would you be interested in directing a play for us?” I had just resigned from coaching softball and had some free time on my hands, so I decided, “What the heck.” From there, I never looked back. I became addicted to the stage and working with actors.

Over the years, I have worked with over a thousand different students as actors, stage crew, orchestra, and have gotten to know a lot of great and talented people. A number of them continued with the art, working as professional cameramen, Shakespearean actors, sound and lighting professionals, house managers in DC, Broadway dancers/singers, professional musicians, choir directors, acting directors, community theater actors, Miss USA, and the list goes on.

This year’s group ranks as one of the top groups with which I have had the pleasure to work. The seniors and juniors have been essential in rebuilding my program in the past three post-COVID years. I'm not going to lie; it has been like pulling teeth to get students involved with anything in the post-COVID years, but my core group has been not only faithful and excited to be part of the drama program, but they have also been one of the most talented groups of kids I have had the pleasure to work with. They are talented actors/singers/dancers, great leaders, and wonderful people. I also want to thank their parents who have been very supportive of the program as well.

While I am on the topic of thanking people, I want to thank my phenomenal wife for all of her help behind the scenes for the past 25 years. She has served as assistant director, a supportive wife, helpful parent, and the greatest “gofer” (hunny gofer this, gofer that, I forgot this, could you bring me…). Additionally, Mrs. Lang, Mr. Henderson, Ms. Smith, Mrs. Byrd, and Mrs. Davidge have all been essential to the production of this show. With my cancer treatments and ailments making my attendance difficult at times, I have had to rely heavily on them. I also want to thank my Drama Set Building classes. They have been outstanding in helping me get the set, lighting, and sound together. Finally, I want to thank the administration for investing in the program and allowing me to be me. They have been very supportive and are greatly appreciated.

For my final thoughts, let me talk about tonight’s musical. I have never watched the original movies of High School Musical, but I have directed the show. I chose this particular work for this senior class because I knew it would allow me to showcase the various talents of my students. I also chose this show because of its message. In my 33 years of teaching, I have worked hard to try to tear down the “social barriers” that exist in schools. I was the type of kid who was friendly with everyone no matter what “click” they belonged to, and I have tried to instill this value in my students. What made me fall in love with theater 25 years ago was how I saw students from different backgrounds and age groups become friends, or at least get on speaking terms with each other. For years, I have prided myself on working with students in my program who were Thespians, Jocks, Choir kids, Band kids, Alternatives, Brainiacs, Rich, Poor, you name it. This show is all about the message of not letting people or yourself put you in categories. It preaches that it’s okay to be a basketball star who sings or bakes. As I walk away from the stage and my career, this is something I want people to remember about me. Remember that I care about you, I believe in you, and I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new!

Bryan Szekacs