A theatrical production is absolutely the most collaborative, all subject-including activity a school can offer its community. Every student in every classroom in every school can contribute to and learn from producing theatre.
Theatre seamlessly incorporates and builds upon all other disciplines, including reading, literature, economics, public speaking, history, engineering, visual arts, natural sciences, mathematics, writing, psychology, music, sociology, movement, anthropology, and much more.
Pete Bush has been a public school music educator, theatre director, and chorus director for over 20 years.
He has directed productions such as Aladdin, Mulan, Alice in Wonderland, The Music Man, Beauty and the Beast, Wild Things, The Little Mermaid, Twas the Night Before Christmas, The Grim Twins, Revenge of the 80s, A Spooky Night of Fun, Peter Pan, When Annie Met Oliver, Pinocchio, Winnie the Pooh, The Lion King, The Jungle Book, At the Bandstand, and Moana. With Karis Stephen, Pete co-directed productions of Mary Poppins, The Music Man, Beauty and the Beast, and Newsies.
During the pandemic, Pete produced and directed a distanced, outdoor version of The Little Mermaid in a tent studio he put together in his backyard. He then edited the footage together into a streaming production for our community. He also hosted over 70 streaming events for the performers in our canceled in-person show of Aladdin, including the Friday Night Campfire.
He has co-written two original musicals, 'Twas the Night Before Music and The Grim Twins. Peter co-produced the cast recording of The Grim Twins. Peter has authored two e-books, So You Have to Put On A School Show? and 101 Creative Ideas for Your Next PTA Meeting.
Pete co-hosts and produces The Teachers Pep Rally Podcast, which has over 100 episodes on YouTube and other platforms to uplift, connect, and celebrate educators.
Before diving into education, Pete was a professional singer, children's magician, event supervisor, and balloon artist in New Jersey, Philadelphia, and NYC.
A strong arts program is the heart of a healthy school
and its ripples directly benefit all surrounding communities...