By Zach Dulli, The Scene
As festive lights glow in our windows and the year’s end settles gently around us, I find myself reflecting on what truly matters. Like the cherished holiday films that fill us with warmth and hope, this season inspires gratitude for all who foster creativity, courage, and collaboration.
Foremost among these quiet heroes are the thousands of theatre educators who give their time, talent, and hearts to shape the next generation of artists. Day after day, they stand before students—coaching hesitant voices to ring clear, guiding trembling hands through a set change, and turning empty rehearsal rooms into places of excitement and potential. With patient instruction and encouraging smiles, these teachers remind us that every student’s story is worth telling, every talent worth refining, and every dream worth pursuing.
I’m grateful for their steady devotion, their resilience in the face of challenges, and their unwavering faith in the transformative power of the arts. They nurture not only technique but also empathy, confidence, and creative problem-solving—qualities that remain with their students long after the curtain falls. As these educators stand at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, they pass on time-honored theatrical practices while embracing new storytelling forms, ensuring that the theatre remains vibrant and relevant for years to come.
Theatres, from the grandest auditoriums to the humblest black-box spaces, are not just venues—they are classrooms of human emotion. Under the gentle guidance of their teachers, young actors learn to recognize the power of vulnerability, young playwrights discover that their words can shift perspectives, and aspiring technicians realize that artistry lies as much in lighting cues as in center stage monologues. These educators cultivate understanding and unity among students, instilling a sense of community that transcends productions and feeds the soul.
This holiday season, let us honor those who light the path for tomorrow’s visionaries. May their wisdom and generosity continue to brighten our nights with the glow of possibility. May their dedication, woven into the fabric of our theatrical tapestry, inspire countless new voices to step forward, share their truths, and remind us why the arts matter so deeply. Through their work, the future of theatre burns brighter, full of story, song, courage, and spirit.
From all of us at The Scene, thank you for making magic every day. May your holidays be filled with inspiration, appreciation, and the quiet knowledge that your work helps keep the theatre’s flame burning bright for seasons to come.
Happy Holidays!
