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Kerry WeberFebruary 22, 2010


High-school drama departments often are known for being creative—although not necessarily their hiring methods. But Providence High School, a Catholic institution in Burbank, California, recently attracted attention from the Los Angeles Times after it chose to hire two professional actors, rather than educators, to steer its struggling drama department.

A decline in enrollment meant the school couldn’t afford to fill the openings for a drama teacher and a choir teacher at the school. So, when faced with the seeming decision between cutting back the drama department or finding a way to pay two, full-time salaries (ranging from $50,000 to $55,000 a year, plus benefits) the school chose to do neither. It now contracts with Jeremy Kent Jackson (pictured right) and Dominic Catrambone, actors and co-owners of DiscoveryOnstage, a youth theater education program, for $25,000 a year.

The students, school administrators and actors are happy with the results—a strong, vibrant drama program worthy of the spotlight.

Kerry Weber

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ROBERT KEANE MR
15 years 4 months ago
Providence High School has always been innovative in finding ways to serve the student body. It is excellent academically, has a strong campus ministry program, great sports teams and an atmosphere that always values the person. Congratulations to the current administration for carrying on the work of the Sisters of Providence.
We are proud to have five daughters who are Providence High School graduates.

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