summer_18

COLLABORATING

SUMMER 2018 CEA ADVISOR 15

FROM COLEYTOWN TO TINSELTOWN, JUSTIN PAUL TIPS HIS HAT TO TEACHERS Award-winning composer credits public schools with his success

Few public school educators will forget La La Land composer Justin Paul’s acceptance speech at the Academy Awards last year, where— as he held up Hollywood’s biggest honor on national television—he gave a shout-out to the public schools, teachers, and school arts programs that shaped his success. In addition to his Oscar, Justin Paul—who co-wrote the award- wining musical scores for the Broadway smash hits Dear Evan Hansen and The Greatest Showman — has taken home a Tony, two Golden Globes, a Grammy, and many other prestigious awards. Before he hit the big time, the Connecticut native tried his hand at stage productions at Coleytown Middle School in Westport, where, as a young student, he worked on such classics as Peter Pan , Fiddler on the Roof , and Bye Bye Birdie . And in the spirit of giving back, the successful songwriter returned to Coleytown, reunited with his longtime elementary and middle school theater teacher Ben Frimmer, and worked with Frimmer’s current students to put on this year’s production of Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach . As it turns out, he was in a unique position to help with this particular show: he actually co-wrote the music for the theatrical adaptation of James and the Giant Peach early in his career, in 2010. “I never imagined I’d be back here having written a show that the

students are performing,” says Paul. “It’s a very surreal feeling, and it’s really, really special. I was actually in Mr. Frimmer’s fifth-grade class—he taught me history and science— before he was my theater teacher.” “That was truly one of the most special moments of my teaching career,” says Frimmer. “It began at the rehearsal with Justin and ended when I saw another former student, Jacob Heimer, playing a lead in the National Tour of Beautiful, the Musical . There is nothing more gratifying for me than seeing students succeed in whatever life and career path they take, but when it happens to be on a stage, it’s all the more rewarding.” Let’s take it from the top “Justin's work with my current students on James and the Giant Peach was inspirational,” Frimmer says. “They all know him from

Award-winning composer Justin Paul returns to his old middle school to inspire a new generation of performers.

“I was educated in public schools, where arts and culture were valued and recognized and resourced, and I’m so grateful to all my teachers, who taught so

much and gave so much to us.” Justin Paul, at the 2017 Academy Awards

The Greatest Showman and Dear Evan Hansen , so there was a palpable level of excitement when he walked into the room. After 20 minutes of

questions and answers, we moved on to working moments in the show. “Justin would watch and listen to a number, give my students general feedback, and then work each number slowly, stopping as we went. He was able to focus the children in on specific moments and characters in order to bring out the best in them. Breaking down each song allowed the students to look at it through a new lens. What was particularly exciting was that he provided feedback to all of the students, not just the few in lead roles.” Spotlight on teaching Frimmer has been teaching for 23 years in Westport, having spent the first five as a fifth-grade teacher and the next 18 teaching theater arts. “I had Justin as a fifth-grade student in my class, then as an actor in grades 6-8,” he recalls. “When he was a senior in high school, I hired him to be a music director for our production of Footloose . I’ve always known Justin to be an incredibly warm, caring individual who went above and beyond in his work and personal relationships and cared about everyone's success over just his own.” While Frimmer’s influence extends far beyond the classroom, he himself never started out with a plan to teach. “Unlike so many in our profession,” he admits, “I began as an actor. I substitute-taught as a way of paying the bills. After a few years of acting in New York, I decided it was time for something a little more stable. I had been working with an incredible educator named Fran Burger at Bedford Middle School, and she suggested I become a

Paul credits teachers like 23-year veteran Ben Frimmer with helping shape his success.

teacher. Fran's guidance was some of the best advice I've ever received. I love working with students, especially the middle and high school ages. For me, there's nothing better than seeing someone who has struggled with new information eventually succeed in making meaning from it. As a theater educator, I have the incredible opportunity to watch children make meaning from text and work toward something larger than themselves. The creation of a production allows students to thrive in a way they may not be able to in the academic classroom. It builds self-esteem and rapport with others in ways that will positively impact them for life. Theater, being a collaborative art form, allows me to spend time creating magic with colleagues and students, which is my favorite thing to do.” Frimmer adds that while teachers face new and ongoing challenges, being a member of a union provides valuable support. “Teachers face more and more requirements in both the classroom and our after-school time. The Westport Education Association and CEA provide us with some of the important protections we need so that we can focus on what matters most: our students.”

Watch a video of Justin Paul working with Coleytown students here.

Westport middle school theater teacher Ben Frimmer (right) welcomes former student Justin Paul, winner of an Oscar, Tony, Grammy, and two Golden Globes, to talk to current students.