by Zach Dulli, The Scene
Last weekend’s Theatre Educators Conference was electric, crackling with the shared energy of teachers from across the nation, each eager to absorb and exchange wisdom. But this year, amidst the whirlwind of workshops and impassioned networking, two figures stood out, sparking a fervor that seemed to herald a new dawn for high school theatre: Matt Nuernberger and Curtis Gillen of PigPen Theatre Co.
Their origin story reads like a modern fable. Seven freshmen, Matt Nuernberger, Curtis Gillen, Alex Falberg, Arya Shahi, Ben Ferguson, Dan Weschler, and Ryan Melia, sidelined during their school’s annual Playground Festival—a week dedicated to original student-created performances—decided to take matters into their own hands. Armed with cardboard, flashlights, and an abundance of creativity, they crafted a 15-minute folk tale about a hunter’s quest for the bear that killed his son. It was low-tech and rough around the edges, but it crackled with a raw energy that captivated their peers.
(from left) Ben Ferguson, Ryan Melia, Matt Nuernberger, Curtis Gillen, and Dan Weschler of PigPen Theatre Co.’s The Old Man and The Old Moon. The Old Globe. Photo by Jim Cox.
From these humble beginnings, PigPen carved a path through the theatre world with creations like ‘The Nightmare Story’ and ‘The Mountain Song,’ each a tapestry of folktales and shadow puppetry stitched together with live music. Their innovative storytelling nabbed them consecutive top honors at the New York International Fringe Festival, setting a record.
But the group’s ambitions didn’t peak on the fringe. They soared into the music scene with their debut album “Bremen,” praised by the Huffington Post as one of the year’s best, and followed up with the soulful “Whole Sun.” Their creative journey even took them onto the silver screen alongside Meryl Streep in the film “Ricki and the Flash.”
Their crowning achievement, however, came recently with their Broadway debut, a bold adaptation of Sara Gruen’s ‘Water for Elephants.’ Opening in March of 2024, this spectacle, set against the backdrop of a 1930s circus, snagged seven Tony nominations, including Best Musical. It’s a tale that spins the yarn of a young man who finds belonging and love amid the rough-and-tumble of circus life; narrated by his older self, the musical is a testament to the power of embracing life’s unpredictability.
The cast of PigPen Theatre Co.’s The Old Man and The Old Moon. The Old Globe. Photo by Jim Cox.
The buzz at the conference wasn’t just about their Broadway success but the doors their work has opened for schools across the country. In addition to ‘The Nightmare Story’ and ‘The Mountain Song,’ their 2012 musical ‘The Old Man and The Old Moon’ has become extremely popular with high school theatre programs nationwide. With Broadway Licensing Global announcing this week that they had secured the rights to license ‘Water for Elephants, ’ another PigPen Theatre Co. show is set to inspire countless student productions that marry minimalism with magic.
At their workshop during last week’s Theatre Education Conference, Matt and Curtis explained that PigPen’s philosophy is simple: great theatre doesn’t need lavish budgets. It thrives on creativity and collaboration, turning everyday materials into magic. This approach not only suits budget-tight theatre programs but also teaches students the art of innovation. In their hands, a piece of cardboard transforms into a soaring bird; a flashlight becomes a starlit night. This approach doesn’t just put on a show; it creates an ensemble. Their work encourages students to wear multiple hats—not just as actors but as musicians, designers, and storytellers. This holistic approach fosters a profound sense of connection and shared purpose, which is invaluable in educational settings.
Any Theatre educator will tell you that their mission extends beyond teaching students to act. It’s about empowering them to think critically, work collaboratively, and solve problems creatively. It was clear from hearing Matt and Curtis speak that PigPen’s work is a beacon in this journey, proving that you don’t need a Broadway budget to deliver a Broadway-caliber performance. As ‘Water for Elephants’ begins to wrap up its Broadway run, now is the ideal time to prepare yourself and your students for its amateur release by diving into the world of PigPen Theatre Co. Explore their productions, listen to their albums, and consider how their inventive spirit could revitalize your theatre program.
Ultimately, theatre is about the stories we tell and the connections we forge. PigPen Theatre Co. reminds us that we can create something truly extraordinary with a little ingenuity and a lot of heart. So, dust off those instruments, pull out the puppetry supplies and prepare to embark on an artistic adventure that could redefine theatre for your students. The stage is set, the curtain rises, and the story awaits—now it’s your turn to bring it to life.
