Donna Clark assists students during an Art and Drama class at Garrett Memorial Christian School.
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I came to Donna Clark’s afternoon Art and Drama class at Garrett Memorial Christian School as the students sat at tables, the seniors working on their ceiling tile projects, which would be placed in the section of the ceiling of the school’s main building along with those of past GMCS seniors.
As I sat beside her desk to start my interview, Clark told me the students were coming into this 2 p.m. class after lunch and athletic activities.
Clark had helped the school as a volunteer for many years and has been on the school’s staff for six. When the school needed someone with an artistic bent, she helped to design and build sets, assisted with creating parade floats, setting up homecoming staging and helping with the school’s other stage productions, including dinner theater performances, among them “The Wizard of Oz,” “Annie” and, in a performance that took place March 4 and can be seen on the school’s Facebook page, “The Little Mermaid”
The artistic element of the production is on full display, with vivid backdrops and numerous well-rendered platforms including the bow of the ship carrying Prince Eric. The play involves the portrayal of several locations, including King Triton’s court beneath the sea, the interior of Prince Eric’s castle and Chef Louis’ kitchen. Sixty students from kindergarten to seniors in high school took part, from working on costumes to building set to dancing, singing and acting on stage.
As members of the “Mermaid” crew and cast gathered for a photo, Clark revealed some news. Next year’s production, will be of “Aladdin,” which will grace the Hempstead Hall stage in March of 2023.
Clark provided me with a document she wrote describing her approach to teaching:
“All students are different in the way they learn. It is important to know your students and their abilities and to set consistent expectations for them.
“My goal as a Christian educator is to help students grow in godliness of character and action.
“Drama in school can help students to develop interpersonal and managerial skills that can be transferred to other areas in their lives.
“Self-confidence.
Communication skills.
Problem-solving.
Concentration.
Creativity.
Cooperation.
Appreciation for arts and culture.
Physical fitness.
Fun.
“Drama brings elements of play, humor and laughter to those taking part—improves motivation and relieves stress.”
