During a visit to the school to talk with Sharon Lauer and Kate Haviland about the performing arts spaces in the Final Phase of The Campaign for Unquowa, Cecily Stoddard Stranahan ’47 talked of the impact her early stage experience had on her throughout her life. She spoke so powerfully that we asked her to joined us at a reception for new Unquowa parents who were gathering to learn about the goals and progress of the campaign.

She then generously agreed to write an article for the About US explaining why she feels so strongly that the entire Unquowa community should come together to support the building of a proper stage and a new performing arts classroom for our children. What follows are Cecily’s words…

“The lights grow dim and the curtain slowly rises. Your child has been standing behind that curtain with his/her friends waiting, eager to begin. Your child’s stomach is fluttery with nerves and excitement. But she knows her lines, her moves: a team of players, and/or singers, kids who are doing the lighting, and stage management. All of them focused on this production.

When it is all over they will be bursting with pride. And you, their parents, grandparents, and supportive alums will clap and cheer in awe of what these young people have accomplished. You never dreamt your grandson or granddaughter could achieve such heights of performance.

What is less obvious is what is going on for those children beneath the roles and the playing. A few of them may become theater professionals; most will not. All of them will learn how to become stand up citizens, unafraid to speak their minds in public. They have stepped up on a stage; they will step up again in their communities or at their employment whenever necessary.

In playing parts, your children are required to “wear another’s moccasins.” Your child, assisted by a drama teacher, must understand the motivation of her character. This process develops empathy – a priceless life skill that negotiators and top management people- as well as good marriage partners – must have.

Poise, presence, confidence and a capacity for empathy are being nurtured as your child or grandchild plays on stage. As parents, you may witness this subtle evolution in your child or you many never see how it shows up, but your child absolutely will over the years of his/her life.

A new stage at Unquowa is the necessary and perfect additional to our students’ adventure in education. Please help make it happen! ” Cecily Stoddard Stranahan ’47