What parents are saying about me in their own words.
Mr. Rotrekl discusses costumes with a stage parent.
“There is something especially poignant about a middle-school musical. Maybe it’s the colorful costumes, the hand-crafted scenery or the voice of the 12-year-old who not long ago seemed too shy to say “hello” to a teacher passing in the hall, belting out a show tune in front of 300 strangers. As parents, many of us have been there, sitting in the audience and marveling at the skills it must take to pull such an ambitious production together. And we find ourselves quietly grateful for educators of this caliber. For a group of sixth-seventh-and eighth-graders, the story of Dorothy and company became part of daily life for nearly three months as they learned lines, lyrics, dance steps and theatrical nuances from drama teacher Brian Rotrekl. The sound, lighting, and special effects all enhanced the experience for the packed house. No play of this scope—or the similarity ambitious “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” which Rotrekl directed at the school last fall—could happen without countless hours from people who truly care. Rotrekl’s expectations were high, the practices long and the rewards at times seemed uncertain. The young performers themselves might have thought they couldn’t do it. But Rotrekl, believed in them.”
“Mr. Rotrekl is a very creative and dedicated person. All of his productions have been top notch. He leaves no detail left out, and the public is always impressed after watching performances directed by him. Many feel the production value and performances are high school level or higher performed by junior high students. He brings a level of dramatic expertise to every student involved with his program no matter their level or experience. He makes them want to do their best and shows them how to go about achieving it.
I can honestly say my son has been blessed to have the opportunity to have worked with Mr. Rotrekl. He has planted and nurtured the drama seed within my son.”
Parents helping with technical aspects for a production at Jefferson Middle School.
Stage parent constructing costumes for an upcoming production.
Audience of families, colleagues, and community gather to watch Jefferson Middle School’s production of Beauty and the Beast.
“Brian Rotrekl has been a true asset to the school and my child’s life. Our first encounter into theatre was when my son was in the sixth grade. He was a shy, quiet young man. Brian saw potential in him immediately and gave him self-confidence and a chance to shine.
Today my son is a more confident young man and we know Brian had a hand in that. His insight and dedication to the shows are remarkable. The visions he has for the shows are incredible. My husband and I both have worked many hours with Brian and his professionalism is extraordinary. Our entire family has been enriched in so many ways due to the theatre atmosphere which Brian Rotrekl created.”
“Brian has infused the JMS drama program with enormous enthusiasm, professionalism and dedication. His knowledge of, and love for, theatre and directing, is obvious to all lay persons. Most importantly, his ability to creatively adapt material to accentuate the talents of students, and the limited school resources available, is abundant. He continually reminds students that there are truly no small parts, and because of his example, patience and vision, they believe him, and perform in just that way.
His creation of a JMS “Theatre Awards” night for students, is yet further proof of his commitment to nurturing these young actors. Judging by the students’ comments in their acceptance speeches, they have utmost appreciation and respect for their director. Brian has also successfully brought together a core parent group, who through support of community businesses, have strived to help shine the spotlight on JMS and its productions.”
Stage Parents helping create the costumes for Jefferson Middle School’s production of Beauty and the Beast.
Stage Parents sewing costumes for an upcoming production.
“He knows each actor’s ability and knows how to get the most out of them, and it shows. His students/actors respect him and love him. His visions are unbelievable. He also has a strong core of parent volunteers who are able to take his ideas and concepts and help bring them to life, and he is more than willing to listen to new ideas.”
Stage parents helping backstage with costumes and makeup for a production at Jefferson Middle School.
“Mr. Rotrekl has a gift that he doles out to all of the students he works with. He creatively and calmly brings out the best in everyone around him. I think what really inspires his students is that he is one-hundred percent dedicated to the success of the show as well as the growth of each actor or crew member. He makes the students part of his process. From the beginning, he explains his vision and draws them into the set, characters, and the high expectations of the performance.”