This Governor’s Institute of Vermont GIV 2019’s Backpack Journalism story researched and produced by Grace LaFromboise, Natalie Mattson, and Virginia Snyder.

This early February weekend (February 8-10th, 2019) on the rural Goddard College Campus, hidden just outside the state’s capital, the Governor’s Institute for Directing Theatre strand of the winter weekend took place in the Hay Barn theatre. Built in 1938, the Hay Barn has held many performances and showcased many talented individuals including William H. Macy, who went on to star in the hit show “Shameless.” The Haybarn Theatre is now hosting students who want to further their acting and directing talents, who have a passion for the arts, and have a desire to work in theatre industries.

The Haybarn Theatre.

(Photo credit: Grace LaFromboise)

The directing theatre class has been working on acting and directing their peers over the past few days. Students began their weekend by reading over a play. They then broke down and analyzed it, and are going even further to learn how to direct that same script. While they have been working on their self-produced final product, they have developed their understanding of theatre and furthered their skills in a way that will be helpful in their futures in not only theatre, but also other careers.

Directing Theatre students reading over a play.

(Photo credit: Grace LaFromboise)

A Governor’s Institute of Vermont (GIV) experience is far from a regular school day or other educational intensive programs. Students shared that the program tops other programs in that the students here are eager to listen and learn, and everyone is very excited to be here. GIV offers a rare opportunity to participate in a personalized, rigorous and fun weekend of learning. In this strand, students who are passionate about learning the ins and outs of the theatre industry are able to build their resumes while doing so.

Students read over a play with instructor Isaac Eddy.

(Photo credit: Grace LaFromboise)

On top of all of this, the educators have extensive background experience in their fields. They have adjusted their programs to give students a relevant and individualized education. Isaac Eddy, the director of the theatre program, was formerly a member of the iconic blue man group. Eddy now works at Northern Vermont University Johnson campus with theatre students there, who are very fortunate to have him in their corner. Eddy’s extensive knowledge around the industry gives his students a chance to work with the best of the best.

Students during a contra dance Saturday night.

(Photo credit: Virginia Snyder)

The Governor’s Institute of Vermont (GIV) does not just end on Sunday afternoon when students pack up their bags and head home again. This is an experience that remains deeply in the hearts and minds of all its participants. In talking with alumni of Instructor Isaac Eddy’s summer theatre program at the Governor’s Institute for the Arts, we found that their experience with GIV has shaped their lives out of high school. Amanda Rosalbo and Molly LaFromboise, former students of Eddy’s explained that the intensity of the program forced them and their peers out of their comfort zones. They gained useful knowledge about verbal and nonverbal communication, public speaking, how to convey a message, and the confidence to think on the spot in high pressure situations. LaFromboise shared her thoughts on what she took away from GIA: “I’m a corporate finance and accounting major and the public speaking skills I learned at GIV have been really helpful in college.” Whether or not a student chooses an art institute, the universal skills gained from any GIV strand allows students to tap into an incredible part of their mind and highlight their inner talent.

Aerial image of the directing theatre students.

(Photo credit: Grace LaFromboise)

About Our Journalists

Grace LaFromboise from Bethel is a junior at White River Valley High School in South Royalton who interns at the Herald of Randolph and wants to have a future as an attorney.

Virginia Snyder from Weathersfield is a junior at Windsor High School and wants to study Political Science and Journalism.

Natalie Mattson is a junior at Spaulding High School in Barre who enjoys videography and journalism.

EDITOR’S NOTE: No political views, decentralist or otherwise, were shared over the course of the GIV weekend. Our GIV workshop focused on critical media literacy education, the political economy of news media in the digital age, and multimedia mobile news production.