017: Directing Dreams with Mary Ellen and Matt Smith

Join us for an inspiring episode as we sit down with Mary Ellen and Matt Smith, the dynamic husband-and-wife team behind the thriving theater program at Riverdale High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

In this conversation, you'll hear about:

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  Their Unique Paths to Teaching: Mary Ellen shares her journey from dental hygienist to theater educator, initially pursuing a chemistry degree before finding her passion in theater. Matt, a Riverdale High alumnus, discusses what it's like to return to his alma mater as a teacher decades later and how his alumni perspective shapes his approach to teaching and preserving school traditions.

  
  

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  Building a Resilient Theater Program: Discover how Mary Ellen and Matt have successfully rebuilt their program at least three times due to shifting school zone lines and the impact of COVID-19, which caused a two-year hiatus from live shows and led to a "loss of interest" among students.

  
  

• High Expectations and Student Success: Learn about their philosophy of holding students to high expectations in both performance and technical disciplines, and how they believe this approach prepares students for the real world.

  
  

• The Difference Between Community and High School Theater: Mary Ellen and Matt highlight the vastly different roles a director plays in community theater versus a high school setting, where they are responsible for everything from costumes and marketing to building sets and managing logistics.

  
  

• Advocacy for Arts Education: Hear about their instrumental role in founding Arts Education Tennessee, which created the state's largest college audition for theater students, providing scholarships and opening doors to various colleges.

  
  

• Exciting Plans for the New Auditorium: Get a sneak peek into their ambitious dreams for the new, larger auditorium opening in 2025, including plans to increase student involvement backstage and continue their popular "alumni and friends" productions.

  
  

Connect with Mary Ellen and Matt:Email: [e-mail] can also find information on the Riverdale High School webpage under their department pages.