04/08/2022
A note from Mr. Owens:
In 2002, I began my journey as a teacher, accepting a position as Theatre Magnet Director at Broad Ripple High School. In 2008, I was hired as the Theatre Director at Ben Davis High School. In the 14 years since, Mr. Mark Montgomery, Ms. Janis Schoo, and Mrs. Angela Barnes and I have accomplished a lot. We couldn't have done it all without the talents and dedication of literally thousands of students over the years.
We also couldn't have done all of that without the support of families and the Wayne community. For those things I am grateful. It hasn't always been easy (is anything?) but it has always been rewarding. Beginning in the 22-23 school year, I will be stepping away from my position as Theatre Director at Ben Davis. After twenty years in education, with nearly fifteen at BDHS, I'm looking forward to new challenges. I will focus on writing books and I am halfway through my second Masters degree, this one in Educational Leadership, and who knows where that will lead! In the immediate future, I plan to continue teaching Speech at Ben Davis, a position I have held as faculty at Ivy Tech since 2008.
I want to thank all those who have been supportive of my efforts, and of the Ben Davis Theatre Department. The performing arts are often given short shrift, cut from school budgets, and ignored in favor of more lucrative extra curricular endeavors. There are some, however, who continue to be cheerleaders for the Theatre department and for the students. As a lifelong Theatre practitioner, I can tell you that a little support goes a long way. So thanks again to all those who have lifted us up. The performing arts need you now more than ever.
And to the current BD Theatre student actors and crew, and the future Theatre Director, I say "break a leg!"
