Bloomfield Hills High School Theatre Students Visit Stratford

In a new annual tradition, Bloomfield Hills High School theatre students enrolled in Acting 3 or IB theatre visited Stratford in Ontario, Canada for two days of theatre education. Stratford is known for its Stratford Theatre Festival that runs from April through October, and features more than a dozen productions across four unique venues. BHHS students watched La Cage aux Folles, Something Rotten, and Romeo and Juliet, and experienced two “talk-backs” - question and answer sessions with two actors or technicians from the production - after both La Cage and Romeo and Juliet. Students also learned from professionals through a dance workshop for La Cage with the show’s dance captain, and a singing workshop for Something Rotten with a musical director. Students received a tour of the backstage and cat walks of the Tom Patterson Theatre with their technical director. Two BHHS theatre stage managers had the unique opportunity to observe the Something Rotten sound studio during the production. 

These educational opportunities help BHHS students understand the ins and outs of professional theatre, and guide students to better comprehend career opportunities. BHHS Theatre Director and trip organizer Mary Bogrette explained the value of the Stratford trip: “Travel field trips offer students a unique opportunity to build relationships with peers, staff, parents, and incredible professionals. Immersed in Stratford’s innovative environment, students are inspired to come up with solutions for their own technical and acting challenges. Authentic learning thrives as students attend master classes, watch professional theatre, and engage in conversations with seasoned industry experts.” Bogrette continued, “I love that the students can connect what they learn in Stratford to our own season at school. The Stratford Festival actors will provide a workshop (grant provided) in November for our students and will be in attendance at the Michigan Thespian Festival in December to provide further workshops for our students. I get as much out of this field trip as the students! The tour of the Tom Patterson Theatre gave myself and the technicians many inexpensive solutions to keep our theatre space in top condition!”

Being in another country requires responsibility and adaptability, especially when schedules or locations change, challenging students to think on their feet. From the customs border patrol to every professional that worked with BHHS students, the students were continually applauded for their consideration, respect, and excellent questions. Black Hawks soared in Canada!