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SCHOOLS

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Arts in Schools
Meet the movers and shakers in theater

BY MELISSA WILFONG

PHOTOS BY MELISSA WILFONG

CARVER MIDDLE SCHOOL DRAMA TEACHER DUSTIN ALLARD GIVES A ELIZABETH DAVIS MIDDLE SCHOOL DRAMA TEACHER MARTHA STANLEY
FIST BUMP TO ONE OF HIS STUDENTS. WORKS WITH A STUDENT ON HER LINES FOR THE STUDENT’S NEXT PLAY.
Families search areas for the “best” Allard said. students are rushing to leave and start of merry students. “My favorite part of
schools. One sign is a thriving arts program. He is proud of how his students their weekend, where is Stanley? She’s teaching is lighting the fire of theater that
Students who are well-rounded in arts, are taking to theater. “I’ve taught so in her studio room giving students lasts a lifetime,” Stanley shared.
sports, and good academics make for great many students and have the extreme coaching and extra practice before She summed up her many years of
schools. pleasure of seeing them realize just how tryouts begin shortly. experience and why it’s so important.
Two drama and theater teachers in the wonderful theater is as an art form,” Stanley, with a Fine Arts degree from “Theater plays a vital role in organically
Chester area make parents happy every Allard said. “They learn how theater has VCU, has honed her craft of teaching teaching life skills while still having fun,”
year as they move and shake their students changed the world by influencing minds, theater and feels that “life skills are Stanley explained. “I am so grateful that
at two area middle schools. Meet Dustin and they see just how powerful a tool it taught right here.” the Chester community and Elizabeth
Allard from Carver Middle School and is and just eat it up.” Potential thespians dance about Davis Middle administration understand
Martha Stanley from Davis Middle School. Allard is proud to be a part of the Stanley’s studio practicing their lines and and support this concept!”
theater department. “It’s a wonderful songs from the next production Shrek the After long, dedicated hours with
George W. Carver Middle feeling knowing that I had a small part Musical Jr. One of the potential Shrek theatre in her blood, Stanley gave a few
of cultivating that drive,” shared Allard.
cast members bellows, “You haven’t slain final pieces of advice to her aspiring
School – Dustin Allard Carver Middle School will feature the the dragon” and one answers, “It’s on my artists. “Do not break yourselves; make
Annie Jr. play this year. “We’re excited,” to-do list.” In the background, Stanley sure you breathe!”
Dustin Allard is in his seventh year of Allard said. works from her podium playing songs
teaching the theater and drama program Allard feels this has been an amazing from the play.
at Carver Middle School. “I have a BFA opportunity that he gets to work in the Stanley, while not a large woman, leads
in Theatre Education from VCU,” Allard arts in school. Carver Middle School is with a steel wand, directing her small cast
shared. “I have my MFA in Creative currently working on fundraising to get
Writing from Converse College.” some new LED lighting, and Allard’s
He said that much of his experience next goal is to enhance the theater
is still the good old-fashioned way: hard students’ technical skills.
work. “Most of my training is still from
raw experience on the job,” he said. Elizabeth Davis Middle
“I’ve acted professionally both on stage
and film.” He also currently works as a School – Martha Stanley
lighting and sound technician for a local
theater in the Richmond area. Her walls are lined with skirts, jackets,
There are many rewards for middle- boots, and every kind of costume. It’s
school teachers, seeing children form like a huge warehouse of every possible
their true personalities and their costume one could need to put on a play.
character. Allard sees middle school as Martha Stanley is small but mighty –
a time of discovery for drama and arts. she is a drama and theater powerhouse
Allard said passion takes hold in middle with 22 years’ experience, all in
school and he loves to see that happen. Chesterfield County. On one Friday
“Hands down, seeing the passion take afternoon when most teachers and
root in middle school is a great reward,”

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