Welcome to PLAYBILLDER Spotlight, where Playbill highlights shows from educational institutions or regional theatres and special events around the country (who have used Playbill's program-building service). By welcoming these PLAYBILLDERs center stage, we hope to give our readers a more in-depth look at theatre programs that are fostering the love of the performing arts in the next generation and the way theatre lovers are bringing Playbill along for life's big moments.

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This week's spotlight is Averett University of Danville, Virginia and their production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. One of Shakespeare's most popular and frequently-performed plays, the madcap Mechanicals and lovedrunk lovers' quarrels make for a delightful romp in the forest. 

Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre Giuseppe Ritorto shared with Playbill how Averett's program is designed to have students "hit the ground running and why Broadway isn't necessarily the ultimate measure of success. 

Tell us a little about yourself. How many years have you been teaching?
Giuseppe Ritorto: I have been teaching for 15 years.

What is your proudest moment as an educator?
My proudest moments are when I see students who initially thought they couldn't sing, act, or dance nail a moment in a production. Watching them grow into triple threats as they develop their skills and come into their own on stage is incredibly rewarding.

Can you share a little bit about the value you see in having a performing arts program in schools?
The performing arts provide a safe space for having difficult conversations about the world around us. They allow us to put aside handheld technology and connect as a group, experiencing a catharsis of emotion through laughter, tears, and shared experiences.

What are the most challenging and most rewarding aspects of teaching the performing arts to today's students?
The most challenging aspect is that many students come in thinking that Broadway is the measure of success. While Broadway is certainly a goal for some, it's more rewarding when students discover that they can have long and impactful careers in the performing arts without ever setting foot on a Broadway stage.

What shows are your students obsessed with right now?
Currently, my students are obsessed with shows like Wicked, The Outsiders, The Notebook, and Lempicka.

How does your school's performing arts programs impact your community?
We are located in Danville, Virginia, an area that loves the performing arts and is eager for more. Our productions are the showpiece of the community and are very well-received and attended.

What are your dreams for how your drama department can grow?
I strongly feel that the Department of Theatre at Averett University can expand to a comprehensive training program for the next generation of performers, designers, and theatre writers who are passionate about the world around them and eager to make connections through performance in a wide range of settings—from Broadway to regional theatres, cruise ships, and theme parks.

What made you pick the show?
Looking at our cycle of productions, we knew we wanted to do a classical text, and A Midsummer Night's Dream was the logical choice.

How do you choose shows for your students?
We hold standard auditions at the beginning of the semester, and what sets our program apart is that we cast first-year students in their first semester. Classes start on Wednesday, we have auditions on Thursday, and by Monday, we are rehearsing. We hit the ground running!

What are the students loving about the show?
Most of the students were excited and scared about Shakespeare. It was amazing to watch them start to understand the text once we began to put it on its feet. Shakespeare is meant to be performed, and the text became less of a challenge once they stopped treating it so delicately.

What message do you have for your students as they take the stage?
Breathe, relax, trust in the process, and let the audience take the journey with the characters.

How did the students participate in the design or production of this Playbill?
I did all of the computer work as the students were busy rehearsing the production. They did provide head shots and bios.

What reactions do you expect to see in students when they see their name printed in this Playbill for the first time?
It will feel "real" and "professional" to them. They will realize that we are in a whole new ballgame.

How has PLAYBILLDER impacted your performing arts program as a resource?
I love that we have an online resource of past productions that we can access. This is also a great way to be more environmentally conscious, as we only need to print a few physical Playbills and can offer the link to the online Playbill for wider distribution.

To design Broadway-quality programs for your next show, head to PLAYBILLDER.com. Who knows, you might just be featured in our next PLAYBILLDER Spotlight! And if you are looking for a beautiful way to display your Playbills, click here to purchase Playbill frames.