Q & A with Theatre teacher Ms. White

By Maleah H.

I'm Maleah, and I'm interviewing Ms. White, the theatre teacher at Airport High School. I chose to interview her because most students at AHS don’t pay much attention to theatre and don’t really know who the teacher is. I met Ms. White last year during my final semester, and she was one of the sweetest and most caring teachers I’ve ever had. I think her class is very fun, and it can definitely help you step outside your comfort zone if you’re an introverted person like me. This interview took place during Next Time in the auditorium. I asked her a variety of questions to learn more about who she is as both a teacher and a person.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in theatre?

A: I started doing theatre in middle school. We had a drama club at my school, and that’s when I really got interested in it. I was also involved in community theatre in my town. I was always drawn to storytelling and singing, so musical theatre was a natural fit for me. In high school, I was part of a really strong theatre program, and my teacher there is someone I admire to this day. The way he organized things helped us grow as theatre artists, and that encouraged me to study theatre in college and eventually become a theatre teacher myself.

Q: Was there a particular moment or performance that made you fall in love with theatre?

A: In 5th grade, I saw a touring production of Cats. It’s not everyone’s favorite, but at 10 or 11 years old, I was mesmerized. The dancing, the movement, and the way the actors embodied cats really impressed me. Later, in middle or early high school, my town staged plays based on real people’s stories. I had the chance to play a role based on my teacher’s mother, who had lost her own mom as a teenager and had to care for her sibling. That experience made me realize theatre isn’t just fun—it’s also powerful and transformative.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of teaching theatre?

A: The most rewarding part is when a show or scene finally comes together. Rehearsals can be tough and time-consuming, but there’s always a moment when students realize, “Oh, we’ve created something meaningful.” Watching them feel that is incredibly rewarding.

Q: What is the most challenging part of theatre?

A: Honestly, the time commitment. It requires a lot of hours and rehearsals, and that can be exhausting.

Q: What’s one of the most creative moments you’ve seen from a student?

A: Last semester, during Beauty and the Beast, we cast Isabella Fisher as Gaston since we didn’t have many boys. She embraced the role completely, exaggerating Gaston’s over-the-top masculinity. It was hilarious and so well done—definitely one of the most creative performances I’ve seen.

Q: How do you help students with stage fright or anxiety?

A: Preparation is key. The more you rehearse, the more confident you feel. Breathing techniques and focus strategies help, but ultimately, if you’ve practiced enough, the performance is in your body and your brain—even if you’re nervous.

Q: What’s your favorite play and why?

A: Right now, it’s John Proctor Is the Villain, which I saw on Broadway over the summer. It’s about high school students in Georgia studying The Crucible and finding connections to their own lives. It’s ultimately about teenage girls reclaiming their voices, and it’s such a powerful play.

Q: What’s the funniest thing that’s happened in rehearsal?

A: One time during tech week, I had my hair in a bun and absentmindedly balanced a roll of spike tape on top of it. It wasn’t the funniest moment ever, but it was silly and we all laughed.

Q: If you could direct any show, what would it be?

A: Hadestown Teen Edition. I love that musical and think it would be amazing to do here.

Q: Who is your favorite actor?

A: That’s tough, but right now I’d say Cynthia Erivo. She’s incredibly talented and versatile.

Q: Do you prefer musicals or plays?

A: Honestly, both. I love musical theatre since I’m a singer, but last year I didn’t direct a play at Airport, and I missed it. So if I had to choose, I’d say I slightly prefer plays.

Q: How do you keep students motivated?

A: I give as much positive and constructive feedback as possible. When I point out areas for improvement, I always pair it with what’s going well. I also try to create a joyful, collaborative atmosphere—when students care about each other, they care more about the work.

Q: What’s the best way to prepare for a role?

A: Rehearsal, of course, but also digging into the character. Ask: What does my character want? What are they afraid of? Why are they acting this way? Answering those questions helps you build the role.

Q: What’s the most important lesson theatre can teach?

A: That it’s okay to fail—you can always try again.

Q: Will you ever quit theatre for a different career?

A: I don’t think so!

The big takeaway from this interview is that Ms. White is deeply dedicated to her work as a theatre teacher. She not only enjoys teaching but also makes time to support students and listen to their feedback—something many teachers don’t always have the patience for. She acknowledges the challenges but faces them with positivity and energy, creating an environment that inspires others. Every day she brings joy and encouragement, making her class a safe space for growth. If you’re interested in pursuing theatre, she’s definitely someone you can turn to. Thank you, Ms. White, for your excellent teaching and for letting me interview you.