Yolanda E. Hanspard

How I Got Started

It was sixth grade year and my P.E. Coach just finished making the announcement concerning auditions for “The Wiz” spring production. I thought maybe this would be the best time for me to get involved with helping backstage or even auditioning for a munchkin would be great. Being in sixth grade and heading to junior high made it urgent for me to make steps to overcome my shyness. I will stick to something short and sweet was the plan. That was until we had to read for more than just the character you desire as part of the process. Evilene was definitely a character that should be fun in portraying since it would be a stretch for me. When my name was called, I decided to just enjoy the moment of stepping “out of the box”. I killed it. This creative inner voice and energy came out of nowhere and it felt good. 

As the production team of teachers and staff members began to deliberate on the selection of main characters, Coach Palermo came to my row, smiling and asking for me to come to him. He then tells me that he will need me to read for “Dorothy” and sing a song from the play. I never thought I was actually being considered for the main role. Not the very shy small framed girl that only desired a small chorus part to help overcome her timidness. After all auditions were complete and the cast list was revealed, I found myself unable to move and speak as I saw my name next to “Dorothy” the main role in “The Wiz”.

I almost backed out of this production when my nerves got the best of me. My coach, teachers, and peers encouraged me and told me how proud they were of me overcoming my fears thus far. I got myself together, took a deep breath, and enjoyed every minute of this theatre experience that changed my life.

After receiving a standing ovation and being asked to sign autographs, I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Standing in front of people, talking, and presenting was a great challenge for me. The fact that I was able to overcome my stage fright, sing, act, dance, and perform in front of a packed auditorium of hundreds of people released a confidence in myself that I had never experienced before. I was energized and ready to do more. Theatre arts became necessary for me to learn and grow as an individual and as a student. As shy as I was, I found myself wanting more opportunities to be involved with the arts in some way. That’s it. There was something about creative expression that I felt was the vehicle for my education to become more meaningful. 

During theatre warm-ups, I learned how to relax my mind and body, prepare my voice for speaking and singing, and embraced them as a tool for overcoming stage fright. Through dialogue, I saw how I could define a character and explore the story of someone else using a written script or improv. I discovered how powerful my character could develop through characterization and pantomime acting.

Nearly 30 years later, I have worked in the capacity of a Theatre Arts Director, creating, writing, and directing plays, coaching students and teachers through the world of Drama and The Arts.

I have witnessed students that entered my classroom as beginning theatre arts students telling me there was no way they could speak, act, or do anything else in front of an audience. There were some days that I saw students become so nervous that they were in tears. The one thing I could share from experience is that they would be okay. I met them where they were and watched them grow and develop into confident, creative students.

The arts were life-changing for me and I can’t imagine my life without it. My experience has opened doors for me to mentor young people, and encourage those students who don’t believe they can enjoy their education. They don’t see how they can overcome their fear, but as a 12 year old girl, I was able to see a whole new world with the help of a caring and supportive teacher. Thank you Coach.