ABOUT US
Hello!
Welcome to the Westfield High School Theatre Department! This site is dedicated to keeping you informed about all of the happenings with the WHSTD. Westfield High School prides itself on the talent and professionalism of all of its fine arts programs. The WHSTD is an inclusive community and an award winning theatre department. Our program offers outstanding opportunities for all students to develop their skills in acting, technical theatre, and live performance. Participation in the performing arts develops numerous skills for the individual, including self confidence, creativity, analytical thinking, empathy, discipline, and an appreciation for our culture and our history. Our mission is to help every student reach their highest potential as an artist and as an individual.
The Westfield High School Theater Department has received numerous recognitions (both nominations and awards) from the Paper Mill Playhouse "Rising Star Awards", a yearly competition that recognizes excellence in Musical Theater throughout the state of New Jersey, as well as the Montclair State University "Theatre Night Awards", which focuses on excellence in non-musical productions. Previous awards received include: Best Overall Musical; Best Direction; Best Musical Direction; Best Choreography; Best Chorus; Best Orchestra; Best Scenic Design; Best Lighting; Best Graphic Design; Best Leading Actor; Best Supporting Actor & Actress; Best Hair and Make-up Design; and Best Ensemble Group.
However, we at the WHSTD also recognize that recognition and awards are NOT why we do theatre. They are wonderful - but not the reason. We strive to produce the highest quality theatre for our audience. To entertain them, to challenge them, to even prompt thoughtful discussion following the performance. This objective is why we frequently produce shows that many other groups shy away from. But, most importantly, we strive to help each individual grow to reach their highest possible work. Today. For this moment. And to be ready to move on, following whatever path their passion leads them to pursue.
We look forward to seeing you in the theatre.
WHS Production Team
Daniel James Devlin
Theatre Department Director
WHS Theatre Teacher
DANIEL DEVLIN (DIRECTOR)
Daniel is thrilled to be the WHS Drama teacher & show director. Now in his 9th year in the district, he teaches Drama I, II, III & Stagecraft as well as freshman English. Mr. Devlin, in his 17th year as a high school teacher, previously taught English at Morris Hills HS (NJ), headed the Shiloh HS (GA) theater program & taught English & Theater at Morris Knolls HS (NJ). He earned his B.A. in English from Montclair State University, B.F.A. in Acting at Wright State University (Dayton, OH) & Musical Theater at American Musical & Dramatic Academy (NYC). He holds NJ certification in both English and Speech & Theater. Mr. Devlin loves working with his enormously talented and dedicated students and helping them grow and achieve their greatest potential. He has extensive directing and performance experience and has been recognized with numerous nominations and awards from the Paper Mill Playhouse "Rising Star Awards" (Sweeney Todd) and the Montclair State University "Theatre Night Awards" (Metamorphoses). When not working on WHS theatre productions, Mr. Devlin enjoys attending various theatre productions, growing as an educator, spending time with his family and rooting on his beloved Buckeyes!
Roy Chambers
Scenic Designer
WHS Art Teacher
ROY CHAMBERS (SCENIC DESIGNER)
Roy holds a BA in Communication, Design and Technology as well as a teaching certificate in Art Education. He was recently recognized by Princeton University for Distinction in Secondary Education. Mr. Chambers has been Scenic Designer and Artistic Director for the past fourteen years at Westfield High School, was nominated by the Paper Mill Playhouse for his work on the 2003 production of The Pirates of Penzance, and won the 2011 Scenic Design award for Sweeney Todd. Other past productions include Pippin, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Kiss Me Kate, Jesus Christ Superstar, Plain & Fancy, Evita, Children of Eden, 42nd Street and Big. Mr. Chambers is proud to work with such an amazing group of students who help bring the sets to life through their hard work, skill and dedication. For more information on his personal artwork please visit his web site at: www.artegrity.org.
John Brzozowski
Musical Director
WHS Chorus Teacher
JOHN BRZOZOWSKI (MUSICAL DIRECTOR)
John holds a B.M. Music Education degree from James Madison University and a M.M Music Education degree from Boston University. He has been teaching choral music for the past eleven years, instructing students in both the Westfield and Scotch Plains-Fanwood school districts. Mr. Brzozowski has music directed numerous school and community theater productions around the state of New Jersey. He has been accompanist and music director for many groups, including the Celebration Singers, Pineda Conservatory, Villagers Theater, CDC Theater, and Plays-in-the-Park. Mr. Brzozowski has been recognized with numerous nominations by the Paper Mill Playhouse "Rising Star Awards" for his Musical Direction.
SAMANTHA HAHN-SIMPSON (Choreographer)
Samantha is pleased to be the choreographer at Westfield High School. Past WHS shows include Kiss Me Kate, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Sweeney Todd, Pippin, Bat Boy, The Musical and Anyone Can Whistle. She has also taught/choreographed for Sunflight Theater, Triple H Productions, Miss Dawn’s Studio of Dance and Broadway Dance Theater. Samantha has been recognized for her outstanding choreography by the Paper Mill Playhouse "Rising Star Awards" (Pippin). When not choreographing, Samantha can be found performing. Her credits include various theater, TV and film productions. Visit her website at www.SamanthaHahn.net.
Samantha Hahn
Choreographer
(COSTUME CONSULTANT)
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Costume Mistress
MATTHEW DIFBIO (PRODUCTION MANAGER)
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Matthew DiFabio
Production Manager
LISA and MICHAEL KIMMEL (LIGHTING DESIGNERS)
Lisa and Michael Kimmel, from Sharp Edge Lighting Design, are back for year 15 of WHS musicals. At WHS they have won two Paper Mill Playhouse "Rising Star Awards" (Jesus Christ Superstar and Sweeney Todd) out of a total of three nominations. They design across the country including high schools in NY, NJ, MI, WI, and CA. Other recent credits include Cudahy Carolers Christmas (InTandem Theater, Milwaukee, WI), the annual Gallatin Fashion Show (NYU), and Lisa recently served as lighting director for the national tour of The Price is Right Live (hosted by Jerry Springer). This summer they look forward to returning to Sun Valley Resort (Sun Valley, ID) where credits include Bill Cosby, Colbie Caillat, Peter Ceterra, Clint Black, LeAnn Womack, Tom Brokaw and John Lithgow. They also design for weddings, parties and corporate events. Find us on Facebook or SharpEdgeLighting.com
Lisa and Michael Kimmel
Lighting and Sound Designers