When David Saar calls working at Childsplay "a life sentence," he's hardly joking.
Childsplay is now approaching its 40th anniversary as a staple of the
Unlike the philosophy behind many theater groups,
"There should be no difference in theater for kids in terms of design or storytelling," he said. "If anything, it has to be better, because kids aren't as polite, and they'll let you know if they don't like it. That's exciting."
"The Yellow Boat"
One of Childsplay's values is that theater should not only credit youth for their insight and wisdom, but speak to things they deal with in real life.
In 2003, Childsplay produced a play that
Childsplay business operations manager Steve Martin said people advised against producing a play about the death of a child, especially for a young audience, but the company decided to move forward under Saar's direction.
"We've evolved into doing plays about suicide, depression, the death of a parent, literacy and domestic violence," Martin said. "There are very few subjects we're not willing to tackle, but with children in mind. We want to make sure we give them coping tools to understand the world around them."
One of the ways that Childsplay takes learning beyond the stage is by producing educational materials such as discussion questions, printable worksheets, puzzles, coloring pages and activities that correspond with each performance. The guide for "The Yellow Boat" included explanations of HIV/AIDS and hemophilia, as well as what students could do to help spread awareness and fundraise.
A life sentence ... of happiness?
The educational materials, as well as many of Childsplay's other features including touring productions, summer classes, and in-school programs, are available because of its "ensemble-based" staff format.
The Childsplay actors are hired as full-time, year-round employees, and many staff members find that the environment naturally creates a family atmosphere.
"We say that if you go to Childsplay it's a life sentence," Martin said with a laugh, echoing
Martin described it as an environment of "frustration and exhilaration."
"I just love working here," he said. "It means a lot to me on a daily basis. When I come in every morning, I'm doing something fun, exciting and innovative in arts, theater and education."
Associate artist Debra Stevens is working on her 34th season with Childsplay, and the creative space is her favorite part of the job.
"There's nothing better than being able to tell a story beautifully, superbly, to an audience who responds in the same way," Stevens said. "There's nothing like that. I love the creative atmosphere of the company, the feeling that you know you're an important part of the art that's being created."
A new chapter
At the end of this season,
The other members of the Childsplay team are grateful for the way
Katie McFadzen has been an associate artist with Childsplay for 22 years. She describes
"David is an amazing person and amazing artist," McFadzen said. "He's probably one of the most joyful people I've ever met in my life. He's got a twinkle in his eye and he's one of these people that will cry at the drop of the hat because he feels so strongly and deeply about life and art. He's just been a delightful mentor and also has been such a good facilitator of artists. When the artists get together and work, he lets us do our thing and just guides us in the process."
Saar has succeeded in creating a space for performing artists to work together to educate and inspire the next generation. So perhaps a career at Childsplay isn't a life sentence, but rather a life spent giving back to youth and building lifelong connections along the way.
Reach the reporter at skylar.mason@asu.edu or follow @skylarmason42 on Twitter.
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