Theatre teacher Lance Morse carefully looks at the students on the stage auditioning for the One Act play, The Great Gatsby. He realizes this show may not be the best one to perform as he explains to his students,
“Sometimes life throws things at you and you just have to deal with the changes as they happen.” As he explains this, an email notification appears on his phone saying he received a job at MJM Creative studios.
“As soon as I saw the email I reiterated what I just said, ‘No matter what happens just keep working’.”
This happened on Thursday, Dec. 20, and earlier that week, Dec. 18, Morse was called in to interview for a position at MJM creative studios. The job entails producing shows primarily for the corporate world.
“I’ve always looked to see what’s out there,” he said. “MJM had a post on LinkedIn saying they were looking for someone with a theatre background in directing and stage management, but with strong communication skills; basically my résumé.”
Morse accepted the job offer and notified the district within the next day.
“I can’t remember anything about how I was feeling when I first heard the news,” senior Alex Carroll said. “I remember looking around his office and picturing what it would be like without him there.”
Employed under DISD for ten and a half years, Morse expanded the theatre program. He directed over 40 shows ranging in venues from the Wise County Heritage Museum to the Texas Association of School Boards Convention Center.
“Every time I raise the bar, these kids meet expectations or exceed them,” he said. “It’s grown far beyond my expectations. I’m fully proud of the department.”
The theatre students under his earliest direction wanted to better the program.
“I look back and realize how fortunate I was to start off with a group of kids so eager to expand, because I think that’s what helped broaden our department,” he said.
As the department grew, Morse created a family-based atmosphere.
“Everyone here is extremely close to each other,” Carroll said. “I think that’s why it’s hard for everyone to see him leave.”
Morse’s influence on the students extends beyond the classroom.
“Morse was the reason I continued doing theatre because he showed me something that could be fun and take part in the world of the show,” senior Graham McCain said.
As Morse takes on new changes, the theatre students look at the situation as a bittersweet leave.
“I think Morse is way too talented to be a theatre teacher,” senior Graham McCain said. “He deserves this new job; I don’t know why he’s in this town because his talent is beyond a 5,000 populated town.”
The One-Act play will continue under new direction as the board hired a replacement at Thursday’s board meeting.
“The students will have to take on leadership roles for the show,” he said. “We’ve got strong, smart kids; I would expect nothing less of them to carry out the tradition.”
Click here to see the Theatre Department’s message to Morse. Video by Kelsey Smith
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