Theater director Jodi Hatzenbeller said she has been working as the artistic director of the theater program for 18 years and also teaches theater-related classes at the high school such as IB film.

“I direct all three productions throughout the year, which means I work with the actors, I sort of coordinate all the technical elements and work with the other directors to bring it all together,” Hatzenbeller said.

According to Hatzenbeller, she’s been involved in theater for most of her life.

“I was doing plays in the basement with my brother when I was four years old. They were pretty low-value productions, but we were doing little skits with our cousins.”

Hatzenbeller said her brother inspired her to get into theater.

“I have an older brother who is really into theater,” Hatzenbeller said. “He was always a role model for me, and then I followed in his footsteps.” 

Sophomore Halle Lindgren said she thinks Hatzenbeller’s teaching style helps students learn better.

“From the time that I’ve known (Hatzenbeller) in her IB film class, she makes learning about what everyone in the class is passionate about fun,” Lindgren said. “She really cares about her students, which is very important for success in school.”

Hatzenbeller said her favorite part of theater is the preparation.

“The whole rehearsal process is one of my favorite parts because you’re building something bigger. I love the performances, but then it’s a bittersweet end because once they’re over the show is done and we move on,” Hatzenbeller said. “We clear the stage, we erase the existence of that show, so I love the process of building up to those first performances most.”

According to Hatzenbeller, she really loves teaching kids about theater and the storytelling aspects of it.

“I love working with students who are passionate about storytelling and creating art, whether it’s through the technical aspects or the performance aspects. I just love the sort of collaborative effort to tell a story,” Hatzenbeller said.

Hatzenbeller said she has high goals for the theater program this year.

“I’m hoping we can put on shows that we’re proud of, I’m hoping that each project we do is a learning experience that pushes us in a different way and I’d really like to broaden and diversify the theater program,” Hatzenbeller said.