It is not uncommon for theatre educators to feel like the work of their school theatre programs often takes a backseat to sports programs or other high-profile extracurricular activities. The Premier Communities for Theatre Education distinction aims to change that, recognizing schools dedicated to providing impactful theatre education and robust experiences for students and teachers.
Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, is one such school, building a theatre program that’s not just surviving, but thriving, providing students with essential life skills and career opportunities extending far beyond the stage.
EdTA chatted with theatre educator and assistant PAC director Sara Danke Lukaszewicz to learn more about the program and what the Premier Communities recognition means for their community.
Building Skills & Curriculum Opportunities for Thespians
Since 2007, Danke has been at the helm of the theatre program at Lincoln High. In that time, she’s focused expanding opportunities for students while also adding curriculum, a key component of the Premier Communities designation. Today, Lincoln High School offers five dedicated theatre courses, including introduction to theatre, acting and production, and theatre technology. Additionally, their performance schedule features a fall play, winter show, and spring musical—all typically 90% student-led —with recent performances including The SpongeBob Musical.
For Danke, however, expanding the curriculum is also about preparing students for life beyond the stage. “You’re going to learn how to collaborate, how to voice your opinion, and how to work with people that you don’t agree with,” she said. “These are the things you’re going to take out into the real world.”
One added tool helping that transition is their theatre space, which is a working Performing Arts Center (PAC), where students can learn and work as technicians and managers, often assisting with load-in and load-out in the world of professional events. This experience has led students to take on performance roles with ComedySportz, work as technical directors in nearby performing venues, and pursue their passions all the way to New York to attend the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in the summer after competing at the International Thespian Festival.
A Vibrant Theatre Community
Beyond the high school halls, the Wisconsin Rapids community embraces theatre as a cultural cornerstone. “Who would think in Wisconsin Rapids, Central Wisconsin, would we have this abundance of theatre,” Danke said. “Theatre goes where it’s wanted… and in our community, it’s wanted.”
As part of the Premier Community application, programs are also asked to highlight student experiences beyond the classroom, including teacher-guided attendance at live theatre events and extracurriculars opportunities. One way Danke has accomplished this is with the help of community theatres, where students take on roles as designers, directors, and much more, often leveraging the skills that have become a critical component of curriculum.
Overcoming Challenges
Of course, while the program shines, it hasn’t been without challenges. According to the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, Wisconsin ranks 49th in arts education funding, spending only 18 cents per capita compared to neighboring states Minnesota at $9.67 and Illinois at $5.11. Additionally, economic strains have also impacted the town, with the closure of their paper mill leaving families with many questions about the future.
Danke, however, sees it as an opportunity. “When we have sold out things at our PAC, what are [audiences] doing? They’re going to our local gas stations, to our local restaurants, they’re seeing what Wisconsin Rapids has and they’re building our economy,” she said. “Our arts bring in people, and those people will spend in Wisconsin Rapids.”
Much of the work in growing the arts has stemmed from theatre classrooms and the experiences gained in the PAC. However, it has also required both educators and students to learn how to advocate for the value of those skills beyond the stage.
“We have to learn how to code switch. If you’re a stakeholder and you’re in [an industry] that’s totally not related to theatre, I need to learn how to speak your language as to how our theatre can help bring in what you need in our community,” she said. While it’s a common understanding among theatre educators that participation in drama fosters empathy and collaboration, that doesn’t mean much to working professionals outside the theatre industry. Finding commonalities across industries is key.
Advocating for the Power of Theatre Education
Advocating for the program and gaining recognition has been a key focus for Danke. “A lot of theatre programs are being cut… I didn’t want to be that statistic,” she said. “We’re doing really great things here, and I wanted to showcase that.”
With a Thespian Troupe charter dating back to 1942 and a strong record of helping students succeed post-graduation, the school’s Premiere Communities designation serves both as a testament of the work and a tool to advocate for increased support and funding.
“I know we’re a unicorn. And that’s why I wanted to [apply for this distinction] and say this is what other schools can do too,” she said. “Support the arts, give your theatre a chance, this is what we can do to create jobs for students.”
