As the lights dim, the velvety curtains are drawn back, and the crowd’s lively conversations turn to hushed whispers, the magic of the theater comes to life. With all the countless hours these performers put into their productions, it is essential to have an exceptional leader orchestrating their talents.
Thankfully, at OHS the theater program is able to continue its stardom due to the recent addition to their team. Although he has already been very involved in this program, Karson Cook’s recent re-entrance onto the stage makes this program’s future appear brighter than the spotlight he directs under.
“I actually came from [OHS]. I worked with the former theater teacher a lot; she was my theater teacher here. I graduated in 2014, and from then on I kept teaching and assistant directing with her for our summer camp theater programs,” said Karson Cook, theater director.
With the realization of his love for teaching, he strived to stay involved with the school in whatever way possible. His palpable appreciation for this program has made his recent job undertaking thoroughly enjoyable.
“It’s been amazing. Before coming in as the new teacher, I had already built relationships with the kids through student teaching and just being a part of the program even without technically teaching at the school,” Cook said.
Though his time as a student in OHS’ theater exposed him to many different aspects of this art, reminiscing on his experience made him wish he had more time to explore certain parts of the program.
“I did more performing, but what I loved was that in the program, you were very encouraged to paint the sets and do a lot of the technical stuff. I wish I would’ve worked in the booth more, doing more of the technical theater things,” Cook said.
While he may have become more accustomed to life on the stage, his experiences after high school successfully filled in any technical gaps he may have had.
“What was great was that because of my journey and kind of being on stage more rather than doing the technical stuff, that’s what led me to GCU’s program because it allowed me to be way more technical based in getting my teaching degree and studying theater…I could focus on the areas I wasn’t really aware of yet,” Cook said.
Mr. Cook’s inclination towards the behind the scenes work needed for a production also encapsulates his daily life. He loves exposure to any innovative features that can be incorporated.
“What’s cool for me is I’m a nerd for all those things, so to get to play with the lights, to get to play with the sound, to get to just create these worlds, is so exciting and thrilling,” Cook said.
This passion for creation is something that will be evident for all audiences, starting with the upcoming performance theater is putting on, Mamma Mia.
“In our theater, for example, we just got a light upgrade. So all of our lights are revamped, so we have even more technology that we get to pull from… So for Mamma Mia, we’re doing a lot of color and planning a lot of fun things like that,” Cook said.
Though he is teaching many different concepts at once, Mr.Cook is able to find relatedness among these dissimilarities.
“What’s exciting about my day-to-day is that every day I am working with all these different levels and groups, but all kids are learning the same thing, which is theater,” Cook said.
As a mentor for students, it is vital to outline the necessities for success in the classroom. This is something that has been at the forefront of his teaching style.
“The expectations are all the same. Number one essential is respect. Respect for yourself, respect for your classmates, respect for the classroom…the magic of theater is that you learn how to be a good quality human being,” Cook said.
Regardless of the fact that not every student wishes to continue on in their theater journey, the skills and lessons leave a lasting impression on their lives.
“Even if some of my seniors, for example, are not choosing to go into a theater program, they’ve at least learned public speaking skills, [and] all those skills necessary for job interviews…all those essential tools,” Cook said.
At OHS, the legacy of the theater program is one that will continue on forever. Thankfully, Mr. Cook recognizes this and has expansive visions for the future.
“The future of the program for me is us continuing the momentum that we have. Where not only do we do these amazing shows but that we, as a drama club, get outreach to the community…make the auditorium a beacon for our community,” Cook said.
Through theater, students are able to express themselves and make powerful connections with others. As an educator, Mr. Cook is able to foster such an environment of self-development and unity.
“My goal as the teacher, as the director, and as the drama club adviser, is to just give as much as I can to allow the students to come into themselves, embrace themselves, and also be able to embrace other people,” Cook said.
