INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK: Lisa Barrows, Hamlin Middle School

Lisa Barrows is the theater educator and director as well as Junior Thespians Troupe 10639 sponsor at Hamlin Middle School.

Barrows teaches Theatre 1, 2, 3, Musical Theatre 1 and 2 as well as Tech Theatre. The school produces two major productions during the year as well as showcase nights. Junior Thespians Troupe 10639 participates in both the District 8 Festival and the Florida Junior Thespians State Festival. 

She has been a workshop presenter for Florida Theatre Conference and is a member of the Florida Association for Theatre Educators. She also has been a Broadway Teachers Workshop participant since 2017. 

Barrows’ classes and programs collected 1,000 toys for Toys for Tots and the Very Gary Foundation. 

A dream passion project of hers is writing a play or musical project about adopted children and their experiences growing up. 

What brought you to your school?  

(Past Principal Dr. Suzanne) Knight and a chance to start an inclusive and innovating theater program with tremendous administration and community support.

What do you love most about your school?  

Hands down, my students with whom I get to work and grow with every day. Watching them evolve and get more confidant as artists and life learners is what makes my job so meaningful.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?  

The opportunity to open and engage students’ minds into the art of theater. The transformational relationships between my students and I have lead to a greater ability to create lasting moments for our community and school.

What would you be if you weren’t in this profession? 

Costume designer.

Who influences you? 

My students influence me every day. I learn just as much from their compassion and talent as I hope they learn from me.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?  

My mother was my first and favorite teacher. She instilled my passion for theater from an early age. I can always remember her in the house reciting lines from Shakespeare.

What is your favorite theater production and why? 

“Dear Evan Hansen,” “Miss Saigon” and “Wicked” are my favorite productions because they make me think about the people in society that are overlooked, undervalued and different in a world that praises the mold. These stories gracefully invite us past the curtain into their lives and make us want to be better about inclusion and appreciation for all walks of life.

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

I love to travel to different countries and experience different cultures with my family. I love to sew and create costumes. I love to see shows both professional, community or other schools. 

If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why? 

Lea Salonga, because I have a very close tie to the musical “Miss Saigon.” Although she was not from Vietnam, she portrayed and told a story beautifully that I am deeply connected to in my personal life. She is also incredibly talented.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? 

It would be to heal divides between people. I think so many fights or disagreements are started from places of misunderstanding, misjudgments or not being able to see someone else’s perspective. I wish I could get people to come together better in our moments of differences.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?  

I honestly couldn’t just listen to three bands or artists because I love the discovery of new music and artists and the stories they tell in their way.

Would you rather be Elphaba or Glinda? Why?  

Elphaba, because despite how she is portrayed by others, she shows us that there are always two sides to a story. She stands tall in the face of adversity and does not let others bring her down. I even own her Crocs. 

What is your favorite holiday and why?  

Christmas, because it is magical, and I love seeing how compassionate people are with (one another). It is always a time of the year that reminds us of all of the good that surrounds us.

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?  

Lisa McNatt and Denise Matheson. They are still two of my best friends today.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?

In school, I did band, chorus and theater. I won a Mother of the Year essay writing contest and did a couple of solos.