Theater teachers who spend their days directing high schoolers are stepping into the spotlight themselves this week, staging Meghan Kennedy’s acclaimed play The Counter at the Lewisville Playhouse. The production, running from today until next Sunday, brings together fine arts educators from four North Texas school districts for their second annual summer show, trading lesson plans for the stage in a 100-seat historic venue in Old Town Lewisville.
The cast and crew represent Lewisville ISD, Frisco ISD, Richardson ISD and Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, according to The Dallas Morning News. Lewisville ISD coordinator of fine arts Michael Valentine directed the show and brought the group together, telling the paper that both years of the project focused on finding a show that fits Lewisville and the group’s goals. The play was produced by the theater educators during their summer break, giving them a rare chance to perform rather than instruct.
The Counter follows the relationship between café waitress Katie and café regular Paul, exploring connection, conversation, and finding common ground between strangers. The three-actor production, with a crew of eight technicians, runs about one hour and 15 minutes and even lets audience members order snacks and refreshments from an onstage counter during the show.
Familiar Faces Returning to the Boards
Jordan Barrett, the theater arts teacher and tech theater director at Lebanon Trail High School in Frisco ISD, plays Katie in the production. Barrett told the Dallas Morning News the experience invigorates teachers’ reasons for teaching, and said the play centers on the conversations people strike up with others. Barrett is returning to the stage after 10 years away from acting…