James Gray, a Broadway performer and instructor associated with Open Jar Studios in New York City, led a workshop on December 5, 2025, for students in the Charles County Public Schools All-County Theatre Troupe at St. Charles High School.
Gray emphasized self-confidence over technical perfection during the session. “You are unique,” Gray said to the students. “There is no competition between you and anybody else. No competition.”
The workshop drew participants from the district’s All-County Theatre Troupe, a group that unites performers and technical crew from all seven Charles County high schools. Earlier in the 2025-26 school year, the troupe produced “The Addams Family Musical: School Edition,” showcasing collaborative talent across the district.
Open Jar Studios, located on 48th Street in Manhattan’s Theater District, contacted Charles County theater teachers to propose the workshop. The facility serves as a hub for Broadway rehearsals, auditions, and training programs, hosting professionals who work on major productions.
Tessa Silvestro, theater arts teacher at North Point High School, described the value of such events. “Any opportunity students have to meet performers in the professional world, to learn what their life is like, what their story is … it gives our students a chance to understand if this is something they want to do,” she said.
Ben Simpson, theater arts teacher at St. Charles High School, echoed the sentiment. “It’s a great opportunity for our kids,” he said. “Any time they get to hear a different perspective on theater and that professional viewpoint, it’s a good thing.”
Gray shared techniques applicable beyond stage performance, noting their relevance in college admissions interviews or job applications. “When you walk through those curtains and stand center stage, when you walk in to meet the dean or the faculty at the college you hope to go to or you go through a door for an interview for the job … you gotta love yourself. Ugh. I know, throw up,” Gray said. “But you gotta know who you are. You have to have no care what anyone thinks about you.”
Not every participant aspires to a professional acting career, but Gray stressed the transferable skills. Sony Alvarez, a junior at St. Charles High School, joined theater productions starting last year. He has appeared in school shows including “The Laramie Project,” “Shrek: The Musical,” and “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: High School Edition.” Alvarez landed the male lead role in the upcoming spring production, a jukebox musical titled “Punk Rock Girl!”
Alvarez attended to gain insight into the industry. “I wanted to see the more professional side of theater,” he said. Though uncertain about pursuing theater long-term, he found value in hearing from an active professional.
Charles County Public Schools supports theater through school-based programs and district-wide initiatives like the All-County Troupe. The troupe allows students from schools such as North Point, St. Charles, La Plata, Lackey, McDonough, Westlake, and Thomas Stone to collaborate on large-scale productions. Participation builds skills in acting, directing, stage management, and technical areas like lighting and set design.
High schools in the district follow Maryland state standards for fine arts education, which include opportunities in theater arts as part of a comprehensive curriculum. Programs often align with International Thespian Society standards, with troupes earning recognition at state festivals for performances and individual achievements.
Workshops like Gray’s complement classroom instruction by connecting students to industry practices. Open Jar Studios frequently partners with educational groups, offering master classes and intensives that cover audition preparation, movement, and vocal techniques. Gray has taught extensively, including collaborations with notable directors and at institutions across the U.S. and internationally.
As spring approaches, Charles County high schools gear up for individual productions. Details on upcoming shows, including dates, venues, and ticket information, will appear on the district website at www.ccboe.com as performances near.
The district encourages community attendance to support student efforts in the arts. Theater programs contribute to student development by fostering creativity, teamwork, and public speaking abilities, skills that extend to various career paths.