High-school drama departments often are known for being creative—although not necessarily their hiring methods. But Providence High School, a Catholic institution in Burbank, California, recently attracted attention from the Los Angeles Times after it chose to hire two professional actors, rather than educators, to steer its struggling drama department.
A decline in enrollment meant the school couldn’t afford to fill the openings for a drama teacher and a choir teacher at the school. So, when faced with the seeming decision between cutting back the drama department or finding a way to pay two, full-time salaries (ranging from $50,000 to $55,000 a year, plus benefits) the school chose to do neither. It now contracts with Jeremy Kent Jackson (pictured right) and Dominic Catrambone, actors and co-owners of DiscoveryOnstage, a youth theater education program, for $25,000 a year.
The students, school administrators and actors are happy with the results—a strong, vibrant drama program worthy of the spotlight.
Kerry Weber
We are proud to have five daughters who are Providence High School graduates.