RPA principal honored for school’s theatre program
The Educational Theatre Association recognizes outstanding individuals who have gone above and beyond in their role as a school administrator, demonstrating exemplary support for educational theatre. This year’s Administrator’s Awards go to: Jon Bullock, executive director, Redmond Proficiency Academy in Redmond, Oregon; Paul Griep, principal, Har-Ber High School in Springdale, Arkansas; and Wade Norton, principal, Smith-Cotton High School in Sedalia, Missouri.
Executive Director Jon Bullock at Redmond Proficiency Academy, home to Thespian Troupe 7715, has fostered the growth of the school’s theatre department. After the program lost its previous location, Dr. Bullock secured and renovated a space for performance. He provides recognition, boasts about school theatre, and maintains contact with current Thespians. Dr. Bullock demonstrates support by attending every show with a regular seat in the school’s tech booth and has written two one-act plays for the school’s student-directed, staff-written class. Dr. Bullock also serves on the local city council and has assisted in grass-roots advocacy connections.
Principal Paul Griep at Har-Ber High School, home to Thespian Troupe 7262, works hard to support theatre education going beyond the walls of the school. Even in his first year as principal, Dr. Griep went above and beyond to display a commitment to students and the stories they might share. In conversation with superintendents, Griep gives a voice to the program’s students and staff. He has brainstormed with the department for fundraising efforts and opportunities in the community, and has reached out to feeder schools–to build other programs and help those schools grow. Dr. Griep has also allowed Har-Ber to host a statewide One-Act Festival and Junior Festival.
Principal Wade Norton at Smith-Cotton High School, home to Thespian Troupe 4261, is dedicated to the needs of his students. He has maintained a strong relationship with the theatre program since becoming principal in 2013. His support for theatre education is evident in his words and actions as he attends both performances and rehearsals. Principal Norton has also worked to improve the financial support of productions, enabling the tremendous growth from one production every other year to seven productions in the 2018-19 school year. He sees the value of theatre, both on stage and off, and continually works to support any path that his students may take after graduation.
