INTERVIEW WITH RYAN LAMBERT: 

IHSTF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, 2022

Submitted by Annaliisa Ahlman,

ITA Secondary Education Rep.

What is your name?  What pronouns do you use?

 

My name is Ryan Lambert. Pronouns: He, Him, His

 

Please tell us about your education or training in theatre.

 

I certainly did not take a traditional theatre path. I went to school at Spoon River College, a local community college, where I was on an acting scholarship. After graduation, I attended and graduated from Western Illinois University with a BA in History and Secondary Education. I also have a Masters in Informational Technology from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and am currently enrolled at Western Illinois University to earn a Masters in History. I am currently employed at Farmington Central School District 265 as District Media Specialist, High School History Teacher and Director of Theatre. 

 

  What theatre project/production are you currently involved with or in the planning stages for?

 

I just wrapped Almost, Maine which was a fantastic production for our small school. We are preparing for Big Fish for the April 2020 musical production. 

 

What is the best thing about your job?

 

The best thing about my job is opportunity. My colleagues and administration know that I am not afraid to ask for anything--from an internship at the Library of Congress to my continual involvement in Theatre Festival-- they know that I will ask even if I know the answer is no. But, as I have learned throughout my years, what if the answer is yes? The best part of my job is having the chance to ask for these things not only for myself but to ensure that my students, in a small community, have the same opportunities as those in large schools. 

 

What is the biggest challenge you face related to your work in the theatre?

 

The biggest problem I have faced in theatre is how to make theatre important to my colleagues and coaches in our school. Sports, as any theatre person knows, takes priority in almost all aspects of school. From scheduling to funding, it just works that way. Only in the past few years has our program grown to include a larger following from students and community members. And because of this, we honestly don't have this issue as much anymore. Recently, with the support of our School Board members and Superintendent Dr. Zac Chatterton, have we renovated our theatre space. I was involved in the planning process and updates, which is not always the case for some fellow directors I have talked with. It is also within the past few years, our coaching staff has taken note of the work our theatre program has done and work with us to ensure all students have a chance to take the stage. The perfect example was when our drama production of Almost, Maine opened the same night as the Playoff game for our football team. I was immediately called by the football coach to discuss the whole situation, get my feelings on it and so on. We made the decision together -- football and theatre. On our closing night, several members of the coaching staff and players attended our show. Talk about class within a program and school. Don't get me wrong, it is still an issue we have all the time but open communication and respect for each others program help guide to fitting solutions. 

 

Of what theatrical accomplishment are you most proud?

 

My proudest moment is not my own. But when students, current or former, talk about how theatre has impacted their life, how a s how we did together was the time of their life, how they have taken the stage in college and did so because they love it, that is what I am proud of. I wholeheartedly enjoy watching any student learn that the stage is a safe place to become an even better version of who you want to be

 

Who was/is your mentor?

 

What a difficult question. We all have that one person who we looked to in order to teach us how to do things a better way. My mentors are people who I have been able to take a piece of: Mrs. Tilli Schnetzler and Mrs. Diane Toohill taught me even the smallest roles are significant; Mr. Josh Piper taught me that difficult times in the theatre are lessons we can learn from; Dr. Jennifer McNabb/Dr. Virgina Boynton taught me that history has a place in every part of your life; Ms. Carmel DeStefano took a chance on a teacher from a small school to join her IHSTF Festival committee; Ms. Susan Gorman/Ms. Karen Hall/Ms. Annaliisa Ahlman for letting me be me and the best version of me; and the list goes on and on. Each has given me a piece of the puzzle I call my life. 

 

Please describe your history with the Illinois High School Theatre Festival.

 

I started as Associate Director of Promotions and was part of that team for three years. I was then selected to be the Co-Producer for the 2019 IHSTF All-State Production of I n the Heights. This year, I was Associate Director of Play Selection with Mr. Danny Yuska. 

 

Do you have a specific IHSTF or ITA memory you would care to share?

 

I attended Festival as a student and remember watching West Side Story and was genuinely amazed. Later, I was able to chaperone the Festival trip and saw that they were looking for people to serve on committee, which was when I applied and Carmel contacted me. I remember walking into the room for the first time of experienced Directors, tech staff, coordinators and more. Talk about intimidation for a guy from a small school with minimal experience comparatively. I didn't even know where to sit because everyone already seemed to know everyone and were all just chatting up a storm. I kind of stood there like a lost puppy. It was Ms. LaDonna Wilson who saw me and just started up a conversation and made me feel like I belonged in the committee. It was one of the best days I have ever had in my life -- to learn that I did belong in this community. 

 

What do you hope for in regards to theatre in the state of Illinois?

One hope I have is for all students, especially ones from small schools, to know that theatre is home. State legislature officials need to recognize the importance of theatre skills as a life skill and learn to appreciate the work that students, directors, orchestra members, tech designers, costumers, make-up personnel--each deserve the right to have theatre in their school without fear that funding shortages will take that opportunity from them. I hope we continue to grow and never stop. 

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