Bringing Back a Tradition with a New Face

As I’ve written in the past, one of the only constants in life is change. This past semester we have seen yet another change in our teaching staff, welcoming back Nathan Mittleman, a 2007 Riley graduate, as our Choir and Theatre Arts Teacher. 

After graduating from Riley in ‘07, Mittleman attended Indiana University Bloomington where he received a BFA in musical theatre. After graduating, he moved to Chicago where he worked as an actor, choreographer, director, and teaching artist for about eight years. Through performing at theatres such as the Paramount, Drury Lane Oakbrook, Chicago Shakes, and Theatre at the Center, he gained entry into Actors' Equity Association, the labor union for theatre actors and stage managers.

Most recently, he completed his student teaching at Penn High School in December and is now working on his masters degree in secondary education through Ball State University. Also, because he likes to stay busy, he’s currently directing and choreographing Disney's Newsies at South Bend Civic Theatre which will open in late March.

As a Riley grad, Mittleman remembers what it was like as a student here.

“To be honest, Riley has not changed much. School spirit was strong when I was a student and Mr. Henderson has done an excellent job with boosting morale and keeping traditions alive” Mittleman observed.

He also remembers what it was like participating in our choir and theatre programs.

“The choir and theatre programs were thriving when I was a student. Our theatre season consisted of a fall play, a spring musical, and a children's show for local elementary schools. I was also a member of the Choraliers and we would tour around town, performing at nursing homes and for various private events,” He added.

Using his previous experience, he plans on restructuring our choir and theatre programs, bringing them back to a high level.

“Both programs are struggling, though I blame it on COVID. It just needs a little TLC and creativity as we get through the pandemic,” Mittleman said. “My first goal is to reestablish a drama club and produce a similar theatre season to what I experienced as a student. I'd also like to reinstate our troupe membership in the International Thespian Society and compete in the Indiana Thespians' regional, and hopefully state, conference. As for the choir, my top priority is recruitment from within the building and at the middle school level. Our numbers are very low. I'm also planning on restarting Choraliers and will be holding auditions at the end of the school year”

A current Riley senior who has experienced our arts programs during one of its high points, Blake Allison, sees the revival of our programs as a vital aspect to Riley and its environment. 

“I think that rebuilding our fine arts programs is vital in building a more welcoming environment at Riley. I also think that giving students the ability to express themselves through the performing arts is extremely important for mental health, and improving students' ability's to communicate” Allison replied, “​​My freshman year the theatre program was a group of many students who enjoyed some aspect of theatre, stage managing, lights and sound, set building, or acting to name a few. We would do yearly musicals along with short plays and had a blast doing so. This year our theatre program has pretty much stopped but we are putting it back together and I'm very excited and hopeful about what's to come”

“I hope that by helping rebuild this program, spreading the word, and trying to get people involved we will be able to see more diversity in our programs and see more student and staff involvement,” Allison said.

“After graduating from college, teaching never really crossed my mind. It wasn't until I was hired to teach a summer musical theatre intensive for high school students that I began to consider a career in education” Mittleman answered in response to his initial thoughts on teaching as a part of his career. 

His favorite part of teaching is getting to witness students’ breakthroughs and epiphanies. “There is nothing better than watching a shy or reluctant student come out of their shell and discover unknown abilities and talents” Mittleman stated. 

Overall, Mittleman is excited to be here and ready to make a difference. “I am looking forward to getting settled! I feel like my head is still spinning after being thrown into this position mid-year” he stated.