Not all 'Heathers' and 'Hamilton': Putting students on the selection committee

Lights Up: The High School Theater Podcast · Jul 11, 2026 · 43m

When Christina Baurle asked her theater students at Port Chester High School which show they should do next, their suggestions were wildly off the mark.

Shows that weren’t available for license, shows that were in no way suited to a school setting and shows that didn’t fit the available talent.

Her kids should know better, she thought.

Then, in a lightbulb moment, she decided that this could be a teaching opportunity. Why not gather a group of trusted students and teach them the process of choosing a show?

“Not only does that help them become better leaders and feel like they can advocate for…