The Maryland State Department of Education spotlighted Patuxent High School’s theatre program in Lusby, Calvert County, through a documentary-style film that profiles the group’s production of Legally Blonde. The video, accessible on the MSDE YouTube channel, documents the Patuxent Harlequins’ process under director Allen Price, emphasizing student-led elements and the broader educational benefits of arts participation in Southern Maryland public schools.
The announcement originated from Patuxent High School’s official website, where school officials described the recognition as highlighting exceptional instruction, student leadership, and a collaborative arts approach.
The film captures the production arc from initial rehearsals and technical preparations—including set building in the garage, costume work in the family consumer science room under support from Mrs. Price and team members like Lily, Sue, Hayley, and Devon—to tech week, opening night, and post-production. It features student roles such as student director Garan, choreographers, dance captains, stage managers, lighting manager, sound designers, and wardrobe teams handling quick changes.
Allen Price, who served 15 years as an English teacher at the school before transitioning to theatre director, appears prominently. He shares his background, including inspiration from Professor Naake at Montgomery Community College and early performance-based English classes merging modern stories with Shakespeare, such as Scooby Doo Macbeth and SpongeBob Macbeth.
Price explains his teaching philosophy: providing a foundation for success while leaving greatness to students’ choices. He states the program’s goal extends beyond shows to building courage, leadership, self-efficacy, and confidence for life, teaching problem-solving, risk-taking, and learning from failure. Price notes student independence, such as Garan making stage corrections and leaders running acts without his direct input.
Students describe personal transformations, including one who emerged from shyness through Mamma Mia participation, gaining confidence in class and social interactions. Others highlight community and ownership within the program, technical contributions making theatre feel like home, and preparation for professional-level work through niches in lighting, sound, choreography, and management.
The documentary includes insights from MSDE filmmakers who visited in winter 2024, initially planning a shorter segment but expanding after witnessing student dedication and multi-year mentoring. It references supportive elements like choir director Mrs. Drake’s vocal training, parent donations (meals, Christmas trees), and community promotion via social media, fliers at local businesses, and personal encounters.
Price expresses appreciation for administration support despite arts misunderstandings and advocates for statewide performing arts pathways tied to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, crediting Dr. Wright’s backing for arts’ role in expression, belonging, and achievement.
The film concludes with emotional reflections, including student tributes to Price for upholding standards and fostering self-worth, and Price discussing the difficulty of letting seniors go after shared journeys, while focusing on developing future leaders and high-quality productions.
