It was after performing in “Grease” his sophomore year of high school that John Plough developed his “secret crush” on theater. However, it wasn’t until midway through college – after he stopped playing basketball – that he fell completely in love with it.
“Parting ways with college basketball was a tough break-up, and theater was my rebound,” said Plough, who will serve as the Upper and Middle School theater director this fall. “But it has lasted. And we're very happy together.”
Plough holds a B.A. in Electronic Communication and Multimedia from Assumption College, an M.A. in Theatre Education from Emerson College and an M.F.A. in Dramatic Media from the University of Georgia. He has also attended summer intensives for improv and acting in Chicago and New York.
“I think I bring a unique skill set to theater education,” he said. “The way we tell stories in this country is changing, and I’m interested in exploring how young people can use technology to reflect their experiences and viewpoints.”
While at UGA, Plough taught Introduction to Acting and served as a teaching assistant for Theater Appreciation.
“The best thing about teaching theater is that every day is completely different,” he said. “Arts teachers are really lucky that way. Each student is going to express him or herself in a unique way. That’s exciting – and challenging.”
As Plough finished up his M.F.A. and began his job search, Darlington stood out in a big way.
“Darlington is one of the few schools out there that is making a concerted effort to foster arts education,” he said. “It is a thrill to be coming somewhere that is committed to developing an artistic community in addition to an athletic one. These two worlds have enriched my life so much, and I am thrilled to be working somewhere that values both.”
He added that the potential for growing Darlington’s theater programs is huge, and he looks forward to the challenge.
“I am most excited about the fact that I will be able to work with a range of grade levels next year – that’s a really lucky position to be in,” Plough said. “Theater has the ability to connect people, and I believe in the power of community. I am interested in fostering an environment where students can support each other, and challenge each other, and grow together – even if they end up being chemists or bankers and never take another theater class again. I hope that being exposed to theater will give my students an appreciation for the craft (and for the arts more generally). But most of all, I hope my students build strong relationships and confidence.”
Kim Tunnell, director of fine arts, said she is thrilled that Plough will be joining her team this fall.
“John’s enthusiasm for theater is contagious,” she said. “Under his leadership, I am confident that this excitement will spread into many other aspects of our school community and culture. I also know our Middle and Upper School students will love working with him in class and during productions. We are so fortunate to have John joining the Darlington Community this fall!”
