For the past five years, MTPA has enjoyed Mrs. Kennedy as the director of the annual fall play. However, in early April of last school year, Kennedy announced that she will no longer be directing or involved in MTPA going forward in order to dedicate her energy and passion toward her new small business.
“The main reason I stepped away was the time commitment. I really, really enjoyed directing and going to rehearsal was often my happy time,” said Kennedy. “But it was so many hours and since my daughter is a senior in high school and will soon be leaving the house, I wanted to be home more. Also I started a small business and I wanted to devote time to that.”
Following this announcement, the question arose among the theater community: Who will step in to fill such a large role?
With the beginning of the MTPA fall season, it was revealed that Mr. Kranch would be stepping in as the new director.
Aside from being a graduate of Manheim Township and MTPA himself, Kranch has had an extensive background in theater.
“In terms of my background in theatre I’ve been involved in theatre for 20 years,” said Kranch. “I have a master’s degree in theatre education and I’ve been the co-director of the M-Uth Theatre Program Summer Camp at the Ware Center for the last seven years.”
Kranch expressed his excitement and vision for MTPA going forward, taking steps to make the role his own.
“I want to continue MTPA’s tradition of theatrical excellence, but more importantly give students in the high school a safe place to have fun, take risks and be welcomed for who they are,” said Kranch. “I want us to be a family. Although it’s cheesy, there is something super special about a group of people creating theatre and something amazing that happens when people work together and I want that to continue.”
Overall, having the ability to direct and support students in the theater community is something that excites Kranch about his new role. He looks forward to creating an environment in which anybody can try their hand at acting and getting as many people involved as possible.
Additionally, Kranch expressed what it means to him to carry on the legacy of directing the fall play following the work of Kennedy.
“I am super excited about this opportunity. I admire and respect all of Mrs. Kennedy’s hard work over the last few years and I feel the pressure to keep the professional standard of our shows alive. I would like to thank Mrs. Kennedy for her hard work and for her continued support for MTPA,” said Kranch.
As for Kennedy, she expressed the impact she hopes she has left on the students and the program.
“I hope I’ve helped students in theatre bond together. I enjoyed leading warm-ups, games, and activities that helped get the cast and crew to know each other – all of them, not just those who already knew each other,” she said. “Theatre is a special place where people can be themselves. And it should be a place where everyone feels welcome, especially in bigger casts. I always felt that was important.”
MTPA’s production Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express is from Nov. 20-22. Tickets go on sale Nov. 5.
