Theater Director Brooke Phillips won the Inspirational Theatre Teacher of the Year Award from the Educational Theatre Association, a nonprofit that was started up to highlight theater programs in schools, was established in 1929. They started out of Cincinnati but now operates throughout the country.
Phillips earned this award due to the flawless performances that she has put out over her 18 years of directing. Some of the legendary shows include “Frozen,” “The Tall Girls,” “Little Women,” and “Trifles.” One play that stuck out was “Frozen,” as there were many different stages of the application process for Phillips. She first had to earn the rights to do the play, something that no other school in Nebraska received and very few schools in the country got to perform. She then had to get approval from the administration, the ACP program, the choir and the instrument teachers. After all of that, she had to go out and find funding and assemble a creative team.
“She deserved this award because of all the opportunities she gives us,” senior Lily Lane said. “A lot of theater departments aren’t so lucky to have such an involved director.”
Receiving such an award is incredible, as it signifies what she accomplished in the theater department. It also shows that she’s capable of being a source of inspiration to her friends in the building, and how shes been able to take constructive criticism along the way throughout her journey as to polish her abilities to be able to put out such consistently incredible performances.
“In my award acceptance speech, I talked about how inspiration can come at the most surprising of moments sometimes, and that inspired educators inspire other educators, so we need to keep our mind open to inspiration all of the time,” Phillips said. “Being nominated and receiving this award makes me want to work harder to continue to inspire my students and my colleagues alike.”
Winning an award is big for Phillips, as it certifies to her that all the hard work she has put into the program for nearly two decades has paid off. She has also helped students get the recognition they deserve for their exceptional work when it comes to putting out their best projects and getting it seen by award committees that can help students get their work out on a national level.
“Mrs. Phillips has encouraged me to do so many things that I would never have done by myself,” senior Devin Hoshaw said. “In my sophomore year, she helped me submit my sound design for the Clue award and I won. Thanks to her, I got recognition for my hard work.”
Phillips has been dedicated to this program for the past 18 years, continuously learning through trial and error and taking constructive criticism along the way. Receiving an award that confirms that she has done well teaching her students and fellow educators is greatly appreciated. It especially confirms that with the right dedication, she will continue to leave a strong legacy at est, that will never be forgotten. Phillips has been busy working on Les Miserables, which will be premiering on Nov. 7. You can purchase tickets here.
