I have always been involved in the theatrical arts, and this year I was Pepper in my school’s production of Annie. It was my 11th musical. I was also student director for The Great Gatsby my Junior year. It’s always great to get involved in a production in a different way than you usually would. This year, South Windsor High School performed The Matchmaker,  and I decided to sit down with my dear friend, Matt Sivo and talk with him about his experience as the student director of this production. We were able to discuss our experiences as student directors and relate to one another. Matt, who usually joins me as a part of the cast, decided to take on a bigger leadership role in the theater department this year. “With being a student director you have a lot more insider information and you are involved in the decisions that the director would make about the production.” He tells me. “I was also exposed to leadership and was put in charge of the cast at rehearsals, where I could make some executive decisions.”

SWHS English teacher Mrs. White has been directing and producing the theater productions for years. She believes having a student director is not only beneficial to the cast, but to the student director as well. “Having a student director is a way to give that student exposure to leadership. They are responsible for taking control of a scene, blocking a scene, and making decisions.” Matt tells me that he learned a lot in this position.  “I think the most important thing that I learned was patience because working with such a large group of people and being tasked with so many decisions, patience is crucial.” A student director is key, as they are a way for the director to get a different take on things from the mind of a student. “I think that my contributions added a fresh perspective to the production.” Matt says. “From the standpoint of a student, I was able to make note of concerns that I was seeing.” After talking with Matt, I learned more about how a student director is not only another set of eyes, but a vital tool.