Hampton Middle School Teacher steps of of comfort zone to direct performance

Stepping outside of your comfort zone can prove to be enlightening and beneficial, and that’s the case for Gregory Shumaker, a seventh-grade teacher at Hampton Middle School for 24 years.

A few years back, he was handed the role of director for the middle school drama club’s annual performance. For an English teacher, that may seem like a natural fit. But for a self-proclaimed “sports guy” and a history teacher Shumaker, it was unfamiliar territory.

“I started out doing sound and lighting in 2006. Then, when the directors moved on six years later, the lead was passed onto me,” he said.

Shumaker doesn’t have a background in theater, at all. As a matter of fact, his brother who was the big musical theatre guy in the family.

“In addition to my brother, my daughter also loves musicals and performed for many years,” he said.

Even though Shumaker was more involved with sports, his role with the drama club has helped him tap into his inner “theater kid,” he said.

“Seeing the joy, energy, and commitment of the kids inspires me to continue my musical theater journey and to up my game year after year,” said Shumaker.

When asked what’s the best part about working with the students, he said, “the pride they take in everything they do.”

“From our actors who give it all on stage to our stage crew kids who paint, build, construct set pieces, props and so much more, to our pit orchestra students who learn brand-new music and perform it flawlessly in six weeks: All these kids and their desire to do a great job make directing so easy,” he said.

This year’s show is “SpongeBob the Musical, Youth Edition.” Guests are invited to performances at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 and 17, and 1 p.m. Nov 18. As the middle school drama club describes the plot:

“When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. With lives hanging in the balance and all hope lost, a most unexpected hero rises up. The power of optimism really can save the world.”

Shumaker offers plenty of compliments as everyone involved prepares for the production, including nearly 100 students participating in all facets.

“This is a big show with a lot of moving parts, but things have been coming together well because of the amazing staff who works with me, our supportive and helpful building administrators, all of the parents who jump in and help, and our incredible, dedicated cast, crew and pit orchestra members,” he said.

Tickets are available for purchase at www.showtix4u.com/events/spongebob. All performances are at the Hampton Middle School auditorium.