Leadership transition sets stage for dramatic paradigm shift within thespian realm
As the winds of change bring new principals, teachers, and policies, so too does the breeze carry a new drama director. Previous director Scott Thurwatcher has passed the torch to first year teacher Alexis Novak.
Making the performances more complex is important to Novak.
“I worked in theater tech for six years, in high school and middle school, so I hope to experiment more with sets, lighting, and sound effects,” she said.
Besides being the new director, she also teaches English 1 and 3.
“I went to school at the University of Wisconsin in Whitewater to minor in English Education,” she said.
In comparison, Thurwatcher had been with the plays of West since 2016. Before Novak, he was the director for both the fall and spring plays, as well as the head forensics coach.
“Although I stepped away from the after school aspects, I still teach classes like creative drama for life skills, English 4, and sports production,” he said.
Thurwatcher is happy to focus on teaching. With newfound time after school, he won’t have to worry about juggling both drama and English all year long.
“I'm excited to focus on teaching and announcing sports this year,” he said. “I’m going to be announcing my first soccer game and do the chains for the football team.”
Both teachers have plans for this upcoming year. Novak has plenty of changes designed for the theater program, and has laid out extensive goals.
“I want us to try and do some more open events, and things that allow people to see what theater is and the fact that it’s open to everybody,” she said.
Already working towards this plan, she hosted an after school drama meeting soon after school began. The aforementioned One Act is also a part of Novak’s list. She has been moving swiftly with this year’s play, with the first read through being September 23 as she excitedly began prepping ‘Dressing Room’.
“I am also excited about doing some shows this year, like the one coming up, which is called ‘Dress Rehearsal Disaster’,” Novak said.
As a new teacher, Novak has taken on a considerable workload. With this much on her plate comes a few worries. Tediously planning everything out for this upcoming play with little time and giving actors feedback has proved to be a daunting task for her.
“Honestly, just generally messing up worries me. I want to make sure that everybody is having a great time, so I don't want to put any of the actors down,” she said.
Although she holds a few concerns, she finds the transition running smoothly because of the West community. In her experience, the students have largely been accepting, and Thurwatcher is more than willing to help her with sorting things out.
“I’m excited to work with everybody, everyone is so nice. And everyone is so helpful too, especially Mr. T,” she said. “Even now Mr. Thurwatcher is still helping me.”
Thurwatcher’s door is always open just down the hall if any aspiring students have any questions for him.
“I’ll still be here, just not as much responsibility directing,” he said.
Thurwatcher decided to stay available to the students because he valued the relationships he built with them. That’s what he found he would miss the most, growing connections with young and eager actors.
“Relationships are very important to me. That’s what I’ll miss the most. The students. You know, the relationships you build over the years, that doesn’t just go away,” he said.
Thurwatcher left Novak with a theater program filled with dedicated students who are excited to act, and Novak hopes her enthusiasm and excitement will leave a lasting impression on the club as well.
by Sam Raybern
Published October 7 2024
Oshkosh West Index Volume 121 Issue I