A nationally recognized, Tony-honored high school theatre teacher has been placed on administrative leave — and no one’s saying why. Students, parents, and an entire community are left in the dark. What happened at Rock Ridge, and why are we punishing a teacher before providing answers?

“Casting across gender has never been about making a political statement — it’s been about making the show happen. If these laws aren’t clarified, they could seriously limit the kinds of shows schools feel safe producing.”

“Let’s shake up the drama season with shows that challenge, inspire, and maybe even attract a new kind of student to audition. Here are five plays and five musicals that I think more high schools should be performing.”

“There’s something particularly chilling about betrayal when it comes from someone entrusted with the care and development of young artists”

“Without further ado, here are our favorite embarrassing theatre stories:”

“Theatre education should be about ensemble. When we pick shows based on a single student’s strength, we’re not just limiting opportunities for others. We’re also limiting that student’s growth.”

“Cabaret is not about shock value—it is about reflection. If performed with care, it can be an unforgettable learning experience for students and audiences alike.”

“A theatre teacher in New Hampshire has been arrested and charged with felony embezzlement charges stemming from her previous teaching position.”

“By investing in theatre education, Nebraska would demonstrate its commitment to a well-rounded, innovative education system that values the arts as essential to student achievement.”

“Dendy admitted to obtaining inappropriate images of students at Washington County High School, communicating with students using fake Instagram accounts.”

The school district stated that the reason for postponing the performances was “to better prepare our audience and the public for the seriousness of the play’s content.”

“Following the uproar over their decision to cancel Santa Rosa High School’s production of “Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead”, the school district is reversing course and allowing it to be staged at the school, but only for audiences 16 and older.”