We Came. We Fought. We Got Our A** Kicked.

The classroom has been facing a battle in recent year. That battle is with technology. The war began with the cell phone. Schools hated them. They banned them from the campus. But  – – the phone won. Then, the school forced the cell phones into the lockers – but phones did not accept the negotiation. Then cells were allowed in the pocket/bag but never to be seen before or after school. This did not make cell phones happy! Then we became okay with allowing them at lunch and for a quick fix between classes. But the cell phone kept vibrating its disappointment and planning its next strategy!

Rehearsals are a sacred place for me. They are a place of goodness and light – – they are not to be sullied by the enemy (i.e. cell phone) If forbid them – -yeah, right. If I hear a ring, buzz or badly rendered song, I suggest a brief stay in a glass of water for the phone. I know how to attack the cell phone right where it hurts!!!

And then the dreadful day came, when, after a rehearsal and the usual note taking/giving an actor DARED to pull out a cell phone and sit in the circle with me – –  Mr. Cell fully in view. “Get out! Get out!,” I bellowed. Wait, the actor said, “This is how I would like to take notes. This way it won’t get lost and I will remember to go over it.” Nothing I hate more then sincere students. I waved the white flag. Bring on the cell phones. Everyone grab a cell phone. Everyone in this production needs to grab a cell phone or two – perhaps three and sit down with.

Cell phone won. Cell phone liked it. Cell phone had advanced one more step. Cell phone was wondering if perhaps for the next show, I wouldn’t even need people . . .