Blast Back and Flash Forward

On the subject of devised theatre though (since it has proven to be a general topic of this blog)- today I went to visit my old high school (something I usually dread doing) and had a really nice time. I had a great talk with my old choir director, but mainly- I talked to my old senior studies teachers- the class that I have (as an entity) truly missed.

Let me explain- Senior Studies is a very special class offered at my high school. It's an alternative program that is taught during three 43-minute periods a day, and tries to focus more on teaching its students how one learns best and what is most appealing and relevant to the individual student.

It is a year long class offered to the high school's seniors. The first half of the year is spent studying Evanston/Chicago/Illinois. We read books about Chicago, take field trips, and write research papers all about problems/subjects of our own community. We study the history of Chicago, the school systems, and social problems/trends, all the while trying to focus on what the future of our city should be. For example, after visiting schools of all types in all kinds of neighborhoods around Chicago we were (in groups of three) required to design a school system (a very detailed one mind you) for Chicago- keeping in mind choosing a neighborhood, the typical student, and a budget. We then presented these projects to a board of educators and critics. That presentation was our Unit 3 Test. Another fascinating component is the community service aspect. Each student is required to do 50 hours of community service per semester.

Then there is second semester, what the class is really known for. At the end of first semester each student is required to design a project. This project must fit into one of the following categories: personal development, career exploration, academic growth, or community service. HERE'S WHERE THIS POST FINALLY BECOMES RELEVANT TO MY BLOG. I HAVE A PURPOSE, I SWEAR. For my project, I chose to devise and direct a play based on the idea that art is universal. This was my first big directing experience and my first time devising anything longer than 5 minutes (my play turned out to be 50 minutes long). In addition to creating the play I had to, after each performance, give a talk about the significance of the themes of the show which also explained my process. In addition, I had to document every step that I took with the play.

I read over my portfolio (the end result that I was actually graded on, including: a project proposal, time sheets outlining where I'd been every day, community service papers, each of my rehearsal plans, and the script of the show) and realized just how remarkable this class is. It allowed me to do above and beyond what most high schools offer their students. This class is the reason I found my passion for directing and, essentially, the reason that I am confident that I can pull off Mr. Marmalade next semester.

Going to visit the class was totally bizarre because the students are just in the process of getting their proposals approved (I talked to a few students, one person is attempting to make a working guitar! Crazy, huh?). The classroom seemed to be beaming with creativity and excitement as person after person got the "ok" to go into the real world and make their project a reality. However, the teachers expressed concern when I talked to them one-on-one (the class is co-taught by a history and an English teacher, both of whom, are amazing). Apparently this year had fewer students sign up for Senior Studies than ever before. From what they can tell, college counselors have been discouraging kids from taking the class.

This honestly broke my heart. No class or program (excluding cherubs) has had a bigger impact on mine and so many other's lives. The program has been in existence for 13 years and to see it fail now because some overbearing parents/counselors think that a full schedule of APs will look better to colleges is really, really sad.

So I've been thinking about what I can do. I'm going to go in on Friday and speak to Junior English/history classes about what a great opportunity this class is. (every year Senior Studies kids go and pitch the class to juniors as a way of promoting it, but the teachers thought an alum's perspective might be even more inspiring.) I'm also considering putting together a devised piece about senior studies. We'll see.

You just never really know how much one decision- like mine to take this one class- can affect your future.