Glenn Price is Coppell High School’s first Black theater director with his journey being a testament to resilience, dedication and representation. From overcoming challenges to making an impact in his field, Price has become a role model for many of his students.
What inspired you to become an educator?
My grandmother put me in dance at a young age, and then I participated in musical programs, church plays and so on throughout my life. This passion for dance and arts flourished when I eventually got to high school and found theatre. My grandma said if you pick something you’re passionate about, you’ll never actually work a day in your life because it will be fun.
In college, I had a director, Marcus Turner, who was also the first Black male director I ever had. We were doing a play called “Miss Ever’s Boys” which was about the Tuskegee experiment on a Black male during the 1930s and 40s. I had to play a dancer who was infected with syphilis, and my body deteriorated over time as the play went on. There were moments about our process where he would tie my feet down as we choreographed dances, and then he expected me to do the same movement over and over. It just kept getting harder the more weight he added or when he loosened the rope.
Turner’s methodology of teaching is what inspired me to look at storytelling through the lens of real people and not just fantasy, which is what inspired me to pursue directing and teaching. I then moved on to teaching, where I taught debate, drill, dance and a lot more. In fact, in my second year at Anna High School in Anna, I led the drill team, which had been in default for 10 years, and I nurtured them, letting them “flourish.” I also led the school to the state competition in theater that same year. I believe my purpose is to teach and spread knowledge, educating the younger generation and fostering them for the future of the world.
How would you describe your approach to working with students?
I have to walk with confidence and allow myself to take up space, which makes some people uncomfortable, so I have to break the silence and tensions and make people laugh or smile. My job as an educator is to make people feel comfortable about existing in the same space, educating them.
My calling was always to educate and make people better. I believe the only way to make a person better is to educate them. Theater isn’t just about doing plays, but it’s about connecting humanity to a person and letting them see the other situations and scenarios through different eyes. If you can experience life as another character, then take off their shoes and go, “I’ve walked through life in this person’s shoes. What would I do differently if I could change the outcome?” Then, you’ve learned something, and that’s how I teach the art form of theatre in my classroom.
What’s a memorable moment from your time at CHS?
In my first year teaching here, I experienced a wave of warmth and a nature of welcoming from everyone I came across. I really like the environment this school has — it’s just so accepting and I love the staff at this school. There isn’t a specific moment that comes to mind, but the time I spend teaching my students and just connecting with them is my favorite part about this school and my job.
What do you love most about working at CHS? What are your goals for this school year?
The positive atmosphere at Coppell and my enjoyment when it comes to connecting with his students and educating them is my favorite part of working here. For this school year, we have three shows that we’re working on.
The first one is “The Hiding Place,” which is a story about a Christian family who is hiding Jews in their clock shop, then getting discovered and sent to a concentration camp — that’s our varsity level play. The second one, which our JV is doing, is a show called “Bob: A Life in Five Acts.” It shows a person who is born in unique circumstances, learning to not only connect with humanity but also what it means to be a great person. Lastly, we have the CEO Theatre doing “Charlotte’s Web.” But, I also have goals past this year, particularly at Coppell High School, if time allows and I’m blessed enough to work here for a long time, and that goal is to build a dynasty. I want to leave behind a large footprint wherever I walk. I want my footprint to be a guide of how to be great, if you follow in my footsteps.
What advice would you give to new staff members at CHS?
I would say you need to be a good example and enjoy your job. When you’re working with kids that are the future leaders of the world, you have a big responsibility in making sure these kids are well taught, nurtured and educated. Overall, you have to set an example for them, almost as a guide or blueprint that tells them, “If I follow in his footsteps, maybe I’ll be great.”
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