Making Theatre More Inclusive

Make it Sparkle Video with Joel Smith
Theatre Director & Teacher

10:04 (runtime)

Director’s Notes

In this insightful video, Theatre Director and Teacher Joel Smith shares his journey in making theatre more inclusive—emphasizing the challenges and opportunities for diverse student participation.

• Joel planned a bilingual Romeo and Juliet production to include English and Spanish-speaking students.

• He faced setbacks due to unforeseen circumstances, but remains passionate about inclusive theatre.

• Joel stresses the importance of creating a safe environment for students of varying abilities and backgrounds.

• He acknowledges the unique impact theatre can have on students' lives beyond the stage.

• Joel advocates for making theatre involvement a graduation requirement for fostering essential life skills.

About Joel Smith

Joel Smith has been working in theatre for over twenty-five years. He has a BA in Psychology from the University of Redlands, CA, and a Masters of Theatre Studies from Southern Oregon University. He worked at the Magic Theater in San Francisco, the Cedu School in Southern California, and Rim of the World High School in Lake Arrowhead, CA, where he taught theatre and produced productions for 10 years.

This is his 11th year at Poudre High School, in Ft. Collins, CO. Joel has appeared in numerous productions, including What the Butler Saw, You Can’t Take it with You, Accomplice, and Richard III. He has directed numerous plays and musicals, including The Fantasticks, Man of La Mancha, The Laramie Project, and more recently, Avenue Q, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and James & the Giant Peach. He has designed sets and lighting for various productions, including The Crucible, Camelot, Annie, Twelfth Night, and Into the Woods. In his very limited off-time, Mr. Smith enjoys skiing, reading, and relaxing with his wife, Melanie, and his children, Jackson and Taryn.