By Eva Cai
Mr. Stephen Garland, Collingwood’s Dean of Instructional Growth, is known for his kindness and his caring nature, both in and out of the classroom. Little known to us was his performing talent, which shone through in many school plays. Surprisingly, Mr. Garland has never taken a drama course, nor does he have any background in performing arts. Barring his lack of formal education in performing arts, Mr. Garland does have a great admiration for arts, and of course, the talented artists around him. He is a fan of live theatre and enjoys being in an audience.
“39 Steps” was Mr. Garland’s very first drama production, where he portrayed a thug as well as a chief inspector. Despite this being his first foray into acting, Mr. Garland did not have any stage fright. As he recalled, “[the] black, shadowed audience puts you at ease… The nervous part is reading something that is not part of me.” With a Scottish accent, Mr. Garland managed to capture the essence of his characters marvelously. Mr. Garland also metaphorically described drama production, “[what] I like about drama the most, is that all the small parts cinches up together like a quilt under the hand of the director.”
While working with some talented student performers, Mr. Garland is in awe of people doing something they love. Mr. Garland believes that art is an “expression of emotion, whether that comes out in visual, auditorial, theatrical way.” In his words, “[it aims] to evoke a feeling in another individual - wonder, amazement, anger… Art takes tons of forms.” As he and I both agreed, while academics defines the quality of a school, the arts truly gives the school its spirit and soul.
Mr. Stephen Garland, Collingwood’s Dean of Instructional Growth, is known for his kindness and his caring nature, both in and out of the classroom. Little known to us was his performing talent, which shone through in many school plays. Surprisingly, Mr. Garland has never taken a drama course, nor does he have any background in performing arts. Barring his lack of formal education in performing arts, Mr. Garland does have a great admiration for arts, and of course, the talented artists around him. He is a fan of live theatre and enjoys being in an audience.
“39 Steps” was Mr. Garland’s very first drama production, where he portrayed a thug as well as a chief inspector. Despite this being his first foray into acting, Mr. Garland did not have any stage fright. As he recalled, “[the] black, shadowed audience puts you at ease… The nervous part is reading something that is not part of me.” With a Scottish accent, Mr. Garland managed to capture the essence of his characters marvelously. Mr. Garland also metaphorically described drama production, “[what] I like about drama the most, is that all the small parts cinches up together like a quilt under the hand of the director.”
While working with some talented student performers, Mr. Garland is in awe of people doing something they love. Mr. Garland believes that art is an “expression of emotion, whether that comes out in visual, auditorial, theatrical way.” In his words, “[it aims] to evoke a feeling in another individual - wonder, amazement, anger… Art takes tons of forms.” As he and I both agreed, while academics defines the quality of a school, the arts truly gives the school its spirit and soul.
Speaking of his inspiration for art, Mr. Garland is again, constantly inspired by the exceptionality of people. He named a couple of Collingwood’s remarkable performing and visual artists, and stated that “[they] created something that didn't exist before.” Mr. Garland also admires any artist who is open to scrutiny, who makes the attempt to try, and who takes risks. “[They] do something for themselves.” Not only is this great insight for artists, but also to students and anyone who wants to excel in what they are doing.
Mr. Garland gives a very honest comment regarding an artist and a dilettante - “The difference between an artist and a person who dabbles through art, is that the artist has a vision [of the project] before s/he starts.”
When asked to describe his work, Mr. Garland humbly commented, “marginal - I try.” It is no surprise that when Mr. Garland “tries”, he always gives his 100%, whether it is in drama or in work.
Aside from participating in drama productions, Mr. Garland enjoys reading - particularly historical fiction. He loves learning history through reading, as all the stories are pulled together - “just like drama”, he commented. Mr. Garland is also an avid soccer fan and coach. He believes that artists and athletes are very relatable, since both are outstanding people to watch.
Although he does not have any advice for fellow artists, Mr. Garland does leave us with this piece of wisdom: “Find the thing that when you’re doing it, you’re in a different world.”
Mr. Garland gives a very honest comment regarding an artist and a dilettante - “The difference between an artist and a person who dabbles through art, is that the artist has a vision [of the project] before s/he starts.”
When asked to describe his work, Mr. Garland humbly commented, “marginal - I try.” It is no surprise that when Mr. Garland “tries”, he always gives his 100%, whether it is in drama or in work.
Aside from participating in drama productions, Mr. Garland enjoys reading - particularly historical fiction. He loves learning history through reading, as all the stories are pulled together - “just like drama”, he commented. Mr. Garland is also an avid soccer fan and coach. He believes that artists and athletes are very relatable, since both are outstanding people to watch.
Although he does not have any advice for fellow artists, Mr. Garland does leave us with this piece of wisdom: “Find the thing that when you’re doing it, you’re in a different world.”
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