| Dear
Encore:
Anything that gets kids to talk about what they think/feel of course
is relevant--especially things that get kids to connect history
as being about individual human beings with feelings. Ideas that
we should respect all people--what a great thing to teach! But how
do we know our teaching is successful? You folks may be our best
indicator yet. Last year when homosexuality was mentioned--our kids
were cold to the words. This year, homosexuality was received with
applause.
One show. One person. An entire cast respecting all persons--whether
college educated, married, divorced, parent/grand/not, hetero or
homosexual--everyone supported everyone else!
Do you realize the impact the show has? I wish you could be here
to experience the excitement and learning your show brings. I feel
twice blessed to have seen it and to use it to teach by.
Oakridge High School Teacher.
Dear Encore Theatre Players,
Thank you so very much for coming to Thurston High School to give
four presentations for our students. I took my 7th period
Literature class of freshmen to see your production on Thursday,
April 15, and was delighted with your energized, high caliber show.
So were the students. They especially connected with not only what
you had to say, but also the emotions you portrayed. Each student
related to many ideas and situations presented. Discussion that
followed the next day was full of insight, reflection and optimism.
When I say that every student connected with you and the production,
I mean every student. One 15-year old male has sat in the classrooms
of Thurston for months and has not made any effort to do assignments
or participate in classes. His attitude has been surly, bitter,
and angry. The day following your presentation when I handed out
the evaluation forms is the first time I have seen this young person
actually pick up a pencil and write something. I was amazed, but
I should not have been, because the power of people relating to
one another with humor and understanding is transforming power.
He has opened up a bit since that magical day, April 15, and seems
more willing to connect with even me, his teacher. For students
to know that others have had home problems, have been extremely
angry and out of control, have the dreams which turned out differently
than expected are connecting threads of hope and courage. Each one
of the segments of your production spoke to how alone we sometimes
feel and how normal it is to feel out of the norm.
Again,
thank you for giving Thurston your time and talents, for throwing
a life line to a number of young people who needed to hear your
messages, and for providing us all with a wonderful 45 minutes of
heartwarming stories, music and dance.
Sincerely,
Language Arts Teacher
Thurston High School
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