Carolyn Lewton, middle school theatre teacher and director in Parker, Colorado

TheatrePeople (#27) - Carolyn Lewton | Theatre Avenue

Welcome back to TheatrePeople! This week I'm so excited to introduce you to Carolyn Lewton, a middle school drama teacher and director who has poured her heart and passion into theatre—making her an extraordinary educator and advocate for the stage. Hope you enjoy Carolyn's theatrical musings and have a great weekend! 

Carolyn Lewton, theatre director and teacher in Parker, Colorado

What’s a show that inspires you? (explain away!)

I love the musical In the Heights. I still get chills whenever I listen to this music! This show inspires me because it reminds me that theatre can come from ordinary places, like how this show was inspired by his own upbringing. I think that is part of the magic of theatre, we get to travel to all of these places and meet all of these new characters, and we are still able to connect with something or someone in the story. I also think that this show inspires me because it emphasizes the importance of telling the story. When all of the pieces fit together (the acting and the tech) the end result is something beautiful and magical.

What’s one of your happiest moments in theatre?

It’s hard to choose a favorite show that I’ve directed, although I really enjoyed directing Mary Poppins Jr. last spring. However, my favorite moment of all is circle time before a show. Yes, the cast and crew may change, but our traditions keep us connected and I love watching the pride and excitement that students get before a show.

What’s the biggest ‘fail’ or goof you’ve seen on stage? (do tell the story)

During one of our performances of Sally Cotter and The Censored Stone there is a scene where the students are playing a game of Quzzicalish (a much more confusing game of Quidditch). There is a large stuffed animal fight. I don’t know how we acquired a giant teddy bear, but somehow this ginormous (I’m talking Costco size) bear gets thrown at our student playing Reubenon Ryebread. Though it didn’t knock him over, the bear was able to rip off his fake beard. In true middle school fashion, my actor looked up slightly stunned, then looked at the audience and said, “I shaved.” I couldn’t hold back my laughter after that.

Why do you love theatre?

It’s home. Theatre has always been my comfort and the place where I have felt that I could be myself 100%. It’s given me my best friends and memories on and off stage that I will have for a lifetime. It’s extremely hard work and it is very time consuming but the ultimate outcome of what you’re creating makes it all worth it.

Theatre is for...

Exploring!

Think of all the things you get to experience in the theatre that you might not get to do in real life?! Theatre allows us to walk another’s journey, to experience their feelings and their life but also travel to new, exciting places.

More about Carolyn

Carolyn is about to begin her 7th year as the theatre teacher and director at Cimarron Middle School in Parker, CO. When she isn't teaching or directing, Carolyn is probably watching Disney movies with her husband, daughter and two dogs. When she grows up she either wants to be Minnie Mouse or Mary Poppins.



Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Blog

2023 Acting for the Stage with Robyn Cohen - Sample Chapter
2023 Acting for the Stage with Robyn Cohen - Sample Chapter

Welcome to the electrifying world of stage acting! Today, we’re taking a deep dive into a sample chapter video from the online class "Acting for the Stage.”

Read More

Keeping On: Creating Projections for Les Misérables
Keeping On: Creating Projections for Les Misérables

Theatre Avenue's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of community. In a world where it's easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives.

Read More

"Acting for the Stage" Online Class with Robyn Cohen

We are excited to announce our new online class, "Acting for the Stage," led by the talented and experienced actress and teacher, Robyn Cohen.

Read More