Morse High School Theater Director Sarah Coleman. Photo contributed by Susan Ellis.

After two theater seasons stunted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Morse High School’s new theater director, Sarah Coleman hopes to drive student interest in an upcoming variety show and spring musical.

Coleman said she is “rebuilding” the program after the pandemic and encouraging students to get involved.

“My career is based on the belief that arts are essential for all people, and particularly for young people, so students can experience different ways to express themselves. I believe in storytelling through the whole body and also the entire visual sensory experience that is theater. It’s not just about the words,” said Coleman.  

Reinforcing her belief that “arts are essential for all,” Coleman spent years helping teachers include art in their daily curriculum, no matter the subject.

“I’ve spent the past 20 years working at the intersection of theater and education,” Coleman said. “In addition to teaching high school theater and English, I’ve taught at the university level, worked as a theater teaching artist, and led professional development for teachers around the U.S. and internationally.”

As the building blocks of the high school theater curriculum, Coleman said she will rely on her past experiences and the individual interests of her students.

Classes offered at Morse include intro to theater, advanced theater, musical theater, and a Shakespearean English class.

To organize and revive the annual variety show MoHiBa — the 93rd Morse High School Bazaar — and the spring musical, Coleman will join forces with new Band Director Andrew Chipman and Chorus Teacher Sandy Foreman.

“I enjoy working collaboratively. I’m looking forward to supporting the musical any way I can,” said Chipman.

Coleman said she believes art is essential to a child’s education.

“We engage in art so much in our daily lives; I think it’s so important we allow young people to engage in that during the school day as well. Arts and entertainment are such a huge part of the ecosystem across our world,” said Coleman.  

Principal Eric Varney praised Coleman’s extensive background in a press release.

“Ms. Coleman has a background not only in theater production but also working with students in theatre. I am excited to see what she will bring to the Montgomery Theater,” said Varney.