Footloose: The Musical

Stuttgart High School is a new Department of Defense high school in Stuttgart, Germany that gives military “brats” the education they need to be successful back in the States. SHS opened my freshman year of high school, which meant that everything was new: the students, the classrooms, and the drama program.

By my senior year, the drama program had gained a loyal following, but we had yet to attempt a musical. With support from our faculty advisor, I took on the role of directing Footloose. Not only did directing permit me to more closely examine theatrical choices, but it was the first time I fully indulged in seeing a production from every angle: Tech, acting, scheduling, design, management. I began to truly study acting theories, even reading teaching licensure books to learn how to best convey concepts to the actors.

I also acted as the Stage Manager and co-choreographer, creating a schedule for the four month long project, calling the show, and teaching the cast (and myself) how to dance. Footloose opened my eyes to all the creative decisions I’d never seen as an actor, and once I saw how much potential lay offstage I’ve never looked back.

Footloose enjoyed a sold-out run and paved the way for Stuttgart High School to continue producing musicals. With the support of the small base community, the SHS drama program proved that they were ready to take on larger projects and I knew that directing was my calling.