Page 10 - VillageNews10-18-17

SCHOOLS

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Arts in the Schools
New theater teachers bring passion in

county schools

BY MELISSA WILFONG
Each year, theater and drama Since the drama club hasn’t what is important to them.”
teachers bring new experiences to formed yet, Butela and the group
their students and audiences alike, will make a decision about their play Matoaca Middle School –
sharing thrill and adventure through in the spring and do it together. “I
the arts. They showcase plays, want my students to have input on Eden DiMarco
develop love for the arts in students the first play we do here,” she said.
and many other life skills. “The students, I want them to have as Eden DiMarco was a godsend
Meet two Chesterfield County much say as possible in the creative for Matoaca Middle School when
teachers that bring their talents to two process, so we haven’t set our play in they were looking for a new drama
neighborhood middle schools with stone yet.” teacher for their arts program. An
their own flair and commitment to Butela smiles a lot as she administrator shared that they were
theater and drama. Each is in her first works with the students and shares delighted to have her there.
year as a drama teacher in the area. guidance on how to perform or make DiMarco has been teaching
a dramatic reading stronger. “My Theater Arts for six years now, and
Falling Creek Middle reward is watching the transformation this is her first year teaching drama
that students go through as they and theater at Matoaca Middle.
School – Shelley Butela learn to harness their creativity,” “I have a Fine Arts degree from
she explained. “Drama challenges Virginia Commonwealth University,”
Right now, Shelley Butela has her students to rethink their perceptions she shared. “I have participated
drama students working on dramatic of the world around them; it in community theaters throughout
writing. Some of the students made challenges them to look within and Richmond as an actor, director, and in
speeches on suicide and immigration; fosters tolerance and empathy for various design, technical, and support PHOTOS BY MELISSA WILFONG
certainly these are important topics others and for themselves personally.” roles for more than 12 years.”
in everyday life. She tells them to She feels they learn about more She and her students enjoy the
enunciate and project. Shelley Butela than just drama – they learn English magic of drama. They can be found
talks with her hands as she repeats, and history and about life. “They in big circles dramatically portraying MATOACA MIDDLE SCHOOL’S DRAMA
TEACHER EDEN DI MARCO.
“Speak loud, speak clear.” learn about history and the cultural scenes from a reading. The students
This is Butela’s first year working impact art can have on our world,” enjoy cutting up and laughing as they OPEN
at Falling Creek Middle School, and she shared. “Watching students as play out their scenes.
she’s pretty excited to be there. “We they explore their strengths and “I am so grateful to be in a MON. - SAT.
are currently working on starting a grow as creative individuals capable position where I can support and 8 AM - 5 PM
drama club here at the school,” she of expressing themselves is truly encourage young people to be their
said. Butela splits her time between magical.” best possible selves,” DiMarco said. DOUBLE & TRIPLE SHREDDED HARDWOOD MULCH
Falling Creek Middle School and Butela started acting at an early “I am so thankful for this position to DYED MULCH (Red, Brown, Black)
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Tomahawk Middle, so she keeps very age. She believes in theater’s power. be a positive influence on my students Georgia Pine Straw/ $ 5 98 per bale • Wheat Straw/$5 50 per bale
busy. “I believe in the magic and power as well as to learn and grow myself Double Shredded
Butela is not new to teaching; she of theater. It’s vitally important, and through interactions with them. HARDWOOD MULCH
previously taught fourth grade before research shows integrating drama and This year, Matoaca Middle will Only $ Delivered
becoming a drama and theater teacher. arts in public education is beneficial,” put on two plays. The first one, 160 $25 each add’l. yard
4 yard minimum/
She has a fine arts degree in theater from she said. “Drama provides an opening in December, called “Orange
San Francisco State and her Master’s opportunity for students to think is the New Glass” by Tyler Dwiggins. Dyed
with a teaching degree from Salem critically… and express themselves The second show will be a musical RED, BROWN, BLACK
College. using their voice to speak out about opening in the spring, “Aladdin.” Only $ 175 Delivered
4 yard minimum/
DiMarco is a bubbly, energetic, Includes Tax & Delivery
$31 each add’l. yard
and enthusiastic teacher who is happy
to be in her new role. “The thing I TOPSOIL/COMPOST BLEND
most treasure is watching someone 4 YARDS $170 • 8 YARDS $250
grow as a person,” she shared. “When 12 YARDS $330 • 18 YARDS $450
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you see a young person become more
assured and confident in their unique
self, it is a magical thing.”
She believes drama helps with
life experiences. “Knowing they
will carry the knowledge rooted For your fall re-seeding have
within themselves for the rest of organic compost blown in!
their lives,,” she emphasized. “that
they can reach down and take hold J. B. MULCH
of a strength that they have built for
themselves through creative self- 11395 Chester Rd.
expression, is magical.” 796-5065
WE ALSO CARRY
Mixed Load Rich
TOPSOIL & COMPOST &
FALLING CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL’S DRAMA TEACHER, SHELLEY BUTELA, WORKING ON MUSHROOM COMPOST
EXPRESSIONS WITH A STUDENT. www.jbmulch.net
10 OCTOBER 25, 2017 news@villagenewsonline.com