As the cold morning breeze begins to fade away, glistening drops of rain nourish the petals of budding flowers, signifying the end of April. For Liberty High School’s performing arts students, this signifies the rapid approach of the largest event of the year, the spring musical. This show is just one of the numerous ways that students learn to work on a team and build fundamental leadership skills through the drama program.

“The arts are a way for us to communicate, spread information, tell stories, and a way to be creative and a part of something magical,” says Mia Williamson, co-president of Liberty’s Thespian troupe, who will be embodying the role of Reno Sweeney in this year’s production of Anything Goes. “I think that supporting those programs really enriches any community.” Williamson is involved in many activities throughout the year, including being a part of a dance company, being an Issaquah School District representative, assistant directing a middle school production, maintaining a part-time job, playing a vital role in two of Liberty’s choirs, participating in almost every theatre event held at Liberty, taking a multitude of advanced classes, and running Thespian officer meetings. Organizing these priorities has helped her develop the remarkable time management skills she continues to use. Williamson reflects on the importance of theatrical programs, explaining that “[theater] can help us gain a lot of the critical thinking, leadership, and cooperation skills that a lot of our core classes try to teach, while allowing students to have the creative freedom to be doing something they love. A lot of what our classes try to teach us is how to be responsible human beings, and I think the arts do a great job of teaching that responsibility and accountability through being part of a team and a community.” Her prodigious speaking skills only serve as further proof of the value of performing arts.

These fundamental skills rely heavily on the educators that allow their learning to thrive. Liberty’s drama teacher and theater director, Dr. Michael Butterworth, explains the importance of boosting confidence in students. With an MFA in theater directing and a PHD in theater, Dr. Butterworth has allowed him to gain a broader perspective of what it truly means to be an educator. “Sometimes [the students] don’t really know that something they’re doing is actually really hard, and they just kind of jump at it and go for it, and the results can be amazing,” he says. He continues, explaining, “for a lot of students that don’t feel strong academically, they can excel in an area like performing arts. I see it all the time, and it gives them a sense of purpose and accomplishment that they may not be experiencing in other places in their lives.

It’s another place for students to find success.” He believes that whether it be a team sport, an art, or any sort of after-school commitment, being part of something larger allows students to build connections and skills that greatly prepare them for the future. Additionally, while some

students excel in areas like sports or academics, others find strength in other places, and a strong, healthy performing arts program should always be an option for students.

Later, Dr. Butterworth also expresses how the program could not be made possible without assistance behind the scenes. This support includes parents, community members, backstage crew, musical accompanists, and so much more. Every member of each theatrical project plays an important role in the program's success. Cristina Vovakes, one of Liberty’s most involved theater parents, understands the many tasks that community volunteers take on. “[Parent volunteers] can help with communications, fundraising, assisting on event days, sell tickets at plays, or even do stage makeup or building of sets.” A significant part of her contribution is centered around helping coordinate student dinners during tech week, the final and busiest week of all shows held at Liberty, where students may be at school for up to 14 hours in one day. Parents not only help with this sort of activity but also invest a considerable amount of time in ensuring their child can have a successful and nourishing performing arts educational journey. “As a parent in the drama program, I support my son in developing extra skills such as setting him up with additional vocal lessons, volunteering where needed, and helping provide snacks for the long rehearsal days,” says Mrs. Vovakes. Without parental support like hers, the drama program simply wouldn’t function. Every piece of every show is important, and high schoolers being able to place this much dedication and care into a given activity is truly impressive.

“We’re here to build these skills, to create this art, then to give it back to the public to enjoy.” Erick Price, the choir teacher and the music director and Maywood Middle School and Liberty High School, describes his intention behind wanting to help with the musical this year. He spent over ten years as a professional performer before acquiring a master’s degree in music education. The experiences he gained singing, dancing, and acting in many different theatrical environments, including national tours, regional theater, cruise line performances, and opera houses extensively prepared him for his current job in an educational setting. He currently runs three choirs at the high school level, the lower-level Liberty High School Concert Chorale, the higher-level Liberty Singers, and an after-school jazz choir, all of which many of the students in the musical also participate in. Mr. Price explains that being part of a performance program is something that is always fun to try, and while it may not be what everyone enjoys, it can help students open their brains up to thinking in different and creative ways. Therefore, just as Dr. Butterworth pointed out earlier, it is important to offer performance opportunities throughout various educational programs.

Overall, these wonderful contributors just provide a small glimpse into the ways that theater, choir, band orchestra, and other performing arts programs can truly enhance the general welfare of any educational environment. Mr. Price summarizes the true spirit of the stage by saying, “there’s a home for everyone in the performing arts, or really in arts in general. You can always find friends, a family, a community through the arts, and the relationships you form are what keep people connected to it. The intensity and difficulty of performing is so often overlooked, and supporting local programs can contribute heavily to the academic success of any given community. There is truly a home for everyone in the performing arts, but only the kindness and support of people within a community can create that sense of happiness. The best way you can show your support is by coming and seeing this year’s spring production of Anything Goes!!