On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, Mrs. Brandi Benson sat among Silver Hawk Theatre directors, Mr. Austyn McKee and Mr. Scott Engel, along with the vocal director and choreographers, as they deliberated what would be revealed the next day. The cast and crew of Southwest’s fall musical, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”
Starting in the 2024-25 school year, Southwest’s theatre department welcomed Benson, who teaches journalism and manages unified activities, as the new assistant director.
“I don’t really know exactly what it entails yet,” Benson said. “I’m basically just a third person to help. Things are better when you have more people. Right now, I am kind of helping with props a little bit, but I’m learning as I go. My job is just to be another resource, another advocate for (the program).”
Though she only accepted the position this year, Benson has been involved in Silver Hawk Theatre and performing arts for years.
“I love theatre,” Benson said. “I was in theatre when I was in high school, and I do the faculty productions here, so I’m excited to be helping with creating productions.”
McKee and Engel had a vision when it came to creating this new position, and that vision has involved Benson since the start.
“Both of us have known Benson for a long time,” McKee said. “We had been talking to her throughout the entire year last year about the possibility of this. I think a lot of the meat of directing is something that I will still take over, but she’s going to be able to come in and polish.”
McKee watches actors rehearse and perform hundreds upon hundreds of times, Benson does not. Being able to shadow McKee is something he hopes will make the rehearsal process that much more effective.
“Theatre is a very big thing with a lot of moving parts, so having an additional person who is experienced was something that was important to us,” McKee said. “I think that she brings a set of skills that are going to help all of us.”
Aside from the directorial team, students in the program are also excited for Benson to pioneer this new position.
“I think it’s gonna be really good for all of us and our whole program just to have a new face on the team,” senior student secretary Melanie Wiggins said. “I know that she’s not going to be at rehearsal every single week, but I think when she is there, it’ll be good to have her opinions and make things run smoothly. She makes everyone feel valued and loved, and I think she’s a really great addition to our program.”
