You guys, my dad is awesome.
The high school my dad worked at for over 30 years honored him last Saturday night. In addition to teaching English and computers, my dad also sponsored the Drama Club and directed all the plays and musicals. He never put on a show that was less than excellent. I know when most people think of school productions they cringe, but my dad put on shows that put some professional productions to shame. So, they threw this huge gala event and honored him with a Patron of the Arts Distinguished Leadership Award. They invited alumni back and there were performances and it was really awesome.
I actually went to the high school my dad worked for. I was involved in the Drama Club and did a lot of the productions. So, I got in touch with the people putting the event together and they let me surprise my dad by speaking at the event and presenting him the award. It was fantastic! He was completely surprised and I got to brag on my dad to a ton of people. Here's my speech:
Throughout the years this stage has been an Egyptian throne room, a beach, a magical forest and the setting of a French revolution. On this stage, a carousel barker fell in love with a girl who worked in a mill, a nun turned governess taught a group of children their do re mi’s, and a man named Harold Hill informed the people of River City that they had trouble with a capital T. This stage has been many things but for over 30 years one thing remained the same and that is the man who brought those people and places to life with his dedication, direction, a lot of very hard work and very talented collaborators. That man is S. B., he is my father and for the 4 years that I attended High School , he was also my teacher and director.
When I found out I would be speaking tonight, I thought about the unique perspective I could discuss, having experienced my father as a parent and as a director. How did the “dad” side differ from the “director” side? In every way that matters, not that much. As a parent he taught his kids that if something is worth doing, it’s worth doing right. And as a director, he put that same philosophy to work, demanding the best not only from himself, but the cast and crew as well. He taught his children the importance of being a part of something bigger than yourself. As a director and sponsor of the drama club, he helped create a community at High School where students worked together to create magic on stage. Perseverance, the value of hard work, the power of the spoken word, the beauty of theater and the arts, I learned it all from my dad. And my director.
I believe that the fact we’re here tonight, is proof that I speak not only for myself but for the many other people who were inspired by their time on the High School stage. Kids who participated in the shows here came away with a sense of accomplishment, an appreciation for the art form, new skills and some of the best memories of their lives.
From the auditions to the read-throughs, from the tech runs to the dress rehearsals, from opening night to closing night, he was there with suggestions, support and encouragement to be our best, to have fun and the ever present rehearsal note to have more energy.To have been a part of a High School production under S. B. was to have been a part of something truly special.
And so, it gives me great pleasure to introduce and bring to the stage S.B., and his wife and partner of 40 years, R. Ladies and gentleman, S.B.
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