INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK: Sally Marjama, Southwest Middle School

Sally Marjama is the theater teacher at Southwest Middle School and also supervises the WSLN TV News for the school.

Marjama also works with the YMCA After-School Program, directing its annual musical theater production. 

In her 19 years with Southwest Middle, she has been recognized as the Teacher of the Year, and she was awarded the Orange County Public Schools/Kessler Grand Bohemian Scholarship for Excellence in Teaching Drama. The English Speaking Union also selected her to receive the T-Lab scholarship to participate in the Teaching Shakespeare through Performance at the Globe Theatre in London.

“Mrs. Marjama has been sharing her love for theater with hundreds of students at Southwest Middle for the past 19 years,” Principal Damian Rosado said. “The theater program has grown into a home where students can find their passion and express themselves creatively. Students often spend all three years in theater class as well as joining the yearly production. The shows have grown so much that they are now being performed on the high school stages. Not only are there over 60 Southwest students involved in the cast and crew yearly, but many alumni return to volunteer and offer their time and creative talents. 

“Mrs. Marjama has also been integral in organizing the annual Festival of the Arts at Southwest. This year will mark the 15th year in which this community event will celebrate the talents of the areas’ elementary and high school Fine Arts programs alongside of the Southwest programs. The event promotes student involvement in art, dance, music and theater at all levels of education. Mrs. Marjama’s dedication to Southwest, her program and productions is represented in distinction that the Educational Theatre Association has recognized Orange County Public Schools as a Premier Community for Theatre Education. Mrs. Marjama is currently directing Disney’s “Beauty & the Beast Jr.” which will be performed on the Dr. Phillip High School stage March 6th and 7th. Tickets will be available through Teachtix.com.”

What brought you to your school? 

Southwest Middle School is where my own three children went to school. I was always volunteering at school, so when the theater position opened, I jumped at the chance to apply. 

What do you love most about your school?  

There is so much support for the theater program at Southwest. I feel like that allows for a lot of freedom and creativity. And I love my Fine Arts team. We are very supportive of one another and collaborate on many great events and projects. 

What is the most rewarding part of your job?  

The most rewarding part of my job is building positive relationships with the kids and fostering their love for theater. Many of them come back to the SWMS Theatre program, even long after they've left middle school. It's really special to make that kind of bond and give them a sense of belonging to the legacy of our theater program. I also am really proud of how the Theater Department has grown. Our performances are now on the high school stage, and that has brought a whole new level to our shows. It offers the kids an outstanding experience that they can be proud of for years to come. I can't wait for people to see “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” coming up this March 6 and 7. It's really going to be awesome! 

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

If I wasn't teaching theater, I'd be in theater. That's where I started so I definitely could see myself in entertainment or working with a theater company. I love acting, directing and costuming. 

Who influences you?  

The many theater professionals and teachers that I've been privileged to meet and work with have been a big influence on me. I appreciate their dedication to their craft and their endless creativity. 

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

In elementary school, it was Mrs. Wittman, because she was a great role model and she fostered my creativity. In high school, it was Mr. Mickelson, because he pushed me to do my best. And in college, it was Rob Gardner, because he saw something in me and gave me the opportunity to grow. 

What is your favorite theater production and why? 

There are a lot of fabulous productions, but “Hamilton” is probably one of my favorites. It's so inspired from the concept to the costumes to the lighting. I just really appreciate that kind of creativity. And the King George scene is so subtle, but he is FIRE! 

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

I love spending time with my family and granddaughters. I'm an avid theme park fanatic and enjoy hitting the road with my husband on the Harley. I'm always game for the next adventure. 

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

Emma Thompson is a brilliant actress on the stage and screen. She has such a great range and has managed to do what she has loved for 40-some years. I'd love to hear her talk about her experiences. 

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

I'd like to be able to create more time. There's never enough of it! 

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

Billy Joel tops my list. He’s like the soundtrack to my life. And I am a big fan of Dave Matthews. AC/DC is still a favorite because it’s a throwback to high school. 

Would you rather be Elphaba or Glinda? Why?

Elphaba has this passion and inner strength despite the obstacles she has to overcome. So, I think I'd rather be Elphie. 

What is your favorite holiday and why?  

Christmas! Our house looks like a holiday explosion. I also think it's important to keep family traditions alive for the next generations. 

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

I was in a group of eight friends, and we were super close from junior high through college:  Pam, Tracy, Jill, Greg, David, Bob and Steve. We've lost touch with a couple of them, but after over 40 years, we are still really close and make an effort to get together as much as we can. They were very special in my life, and we have a lot of great memories. 

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

I grew up in a small town, so I was in everything: band, choir, theater, cheerleading, student council, Foreign Exchange Club, National Honor Society and competitive speech. I won many speech competitions at the district and regional levels and ultimately placed 4th in Minnesota at the state competition.