Molly Ensminger, a veteran English teacher at Buena, is now preparing for the performances of a lifetime as she takes on the role of drama director and theater teacher. Ensminger has dreamed of teaching drama and is brimming with excitement as she combines her teaching experience and passion for theater to bring exciting projects to the stage.
Ensminger had a love of drama from a very young age, and followed her passion all the way through college. At UCSB she majored in drama until she transferred schools to Northridge and graduated in the Dramatic Arts.
Having taught 12th grade English and 10th grade honors English, she has always been one to love organization, so the specific curriculum, grade levels and above all the usage of highlighters were something she came to love.
When it comes to teaching drama, Ensminger claims that it is “wildly different” from being an English teacher, from the mixed levels of experience, to the mixed grade levels; but, it is nothing that she can’t handle or is not open to.
“She is very willing to ask for help,” senior and improv troupe leader Solana Warren said, “I think that’s really important that she’s really honest about the things that she is having a hard time with and that it makes her a strong leader.”
Even with the change in atmospheres, Ensminger is getting into the swing of things. Although she spends a great chunk of her time interpreting complicated scenes and creating cast lists, she is still in charge of teaching grammar and literature.
“It’s tough because… I still have one section of English in addition to drama 1, drama 2 and stagecraft… I have a heavy schedule this year,” Ensminger said.
This year is shaping up to be full of excitement with promising productions in the drama department, with the improv club, the drama club and the fall production on the way. Ensminger has ideas of t-shirts, merch and social media posts to grow the drama department and fully immerse herself in its development.
“I’m extremely excited about [the play], it’s my first production, I don’t know how it’s going to go, but I hope for it to go amazing,” Ensminger said.
This year, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” will be making its debut on the Mcconnell auditorium stage, and Ensminger has nothing but positive things to say about it. She is super excited to produce it and wants everyone to see it.
Ensminger is thrilled for her new role and has a specific goal in mind: she wants to “fill the shoes” that the beloved formal director, Karen Rodriguez left behind.
Many drama students know she wont have trouble doing so, including Warren. “She is so funny and she is so kind, she makes sure that everyone in the theater feels supported and that theater is a space where they can be comfortable,” Warren said.
“[Rodriguez] had one of the most positive personalities… she could see a solution to anything before she will ever see the conflict and I hope to keep that going,” Ensminger said. “I feel like she created such a safe space for so many people to feel welcomed, to feel accepted and… I hope I can maintain that.”
