Meet Betsy Fisher, Director of The Jungle Book
Introduce yourself to us! Where and what do you teach?
Hello everyone, my name is Betsy Fisher. I am the Executive Director of AMPTomball where I teach piano and voice. I also teach the Music classes at Salem Lutheran for 3rd-8th.
What classes will you be working on this summer at Stageworks?
I am so excited to be music directing one of my favorites, Aladdin Jr. as well as Jungle Book!
How did you get into theatre?
I started theatre in college while studying Music Education. I took a year off between my sophomore and junior year and had the opportunity to work with a theatre doing shows back to back. I caught the bug and went back to school as a Musical Theatre major.
What advice would you give to aspiring actors?
Never be afraid to come and play. We can start getting in our heads about all of the technical things we are doing, but what it really is, is just playing. As Mrs. Frizzle says, "Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!" Also, remember we are storytellers. Stories can make us laugh, cry, teach us something new, or help us empathize and understand another person's perspective. It is a great gift to do that, enjoy it.
What advice would you give to parents of young aspiring actors?
Sign your kids up to keep learning and growing as actors, singers, and dancers. As a music director, I cannot emphasize enough your kids learning how to read music and control their voice as an instrument. Also, breathe. Make sure they aren't stretched so thin that they can't take time to work on and grow through the projects they are in.
What is it about theatre students that always surprises you?
Their creativity and ability to understand deep concepts.
Do you still like to perform? If so, what is your dream role?
I love to perform! I am finally at an age where I can play every Gold Age leading lady/mother and I am SO. READY.
How are you involved in theatre outside of your work at Stageworks?
I teach with TUTS academy as well AMPTomball where we do private music lessons and a spring musical with Salem Lutheran School. I can't wait to start auditioning for shows again!
What's your favorite show to watch? Oof, I have so many. But one of my favorites has to be "The Mystery of Edwin Drood." I love how the audience gets to pick the ending each night!
What is the most misunderstood role in theatre? The importance of your lines being correct for the light and sound technicians. I LOVE when students get to help with tech and finally realize why we always bug them about their lines being word for word perfect.
What would your students say about you? That I am a music nerd.
What is your favorite thing about Stageworks? How it feels like a family. I have been around at Stageworks since graduating college. I did an internship there, I met my husband there. I have grown up there. Walking in the door always feels like coming home.