Please reply to this post with your favorite memories of the Thomas Worthington theatre program or anything else you would like the Hopton's to know. This blog will be presented to the Hopton's as they receive the Board of Education impact award. You can post your comments by clicking on the word "comments" immediately below.
The date for the award is at 7pm on JUNE 8, 2009 at the Worthington Education Center at 200 E. Wilson Bridge Road, Worthington OH. All current students, alumni and staff are welcome to attend. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to let the Board of Education and the senior staff in the Worthington School District know the impact that this powerful program has had on student's lives - your life - through the years. We hope you can join us and please don't forget to write your comment below.
When will this award be given out? and Will past alumni be able to attend?
ReplyDeleteMy favorite memories of the Hopton have taken place in my past four years at TWHS. Mrs. Hopton has been such and inspiration to me, and has helped me uncover a passion that I would not have know without them. My favorite show has to be Nunsense: The Mega-Musical. I have been given the opportunity to play the Mother Superior, and the experience is amazing. Mrs. Hopton has taken time to drill an Irish accent on her morning hall patrol duty.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Hopton and Mr. Hopton are always willing to talk to you, I have had many-a conversation with both Mr. and Mrs. Hopton about the future and the theatre world in general.
I don't think I'll ever forget when Mrs. Hopton and I worked on my character of Amaryllis when I was in third grade, and she had me stand at one end of the hallway and yell my lines to her so I could get the feeling of being on the big stage. It has been a long and amazing journey with her as my theatre director and she is the reason why I have such a passion and love for theatre, in every aspect of the word.
ReplyDeleteDoc, I can't tell you how much I've loved getting to know you and all the many facets of talent that you possess. You have always been so caring and loving to me, (making sure my back doesn't break while doing tech work) and always seem interested in whatever I'm doing with my life. Thank you for your commitment to the program and undying love for all its members.
We love you Mr. and Mrs. Hopton!!
The award will be presented at the May 18 meeting of the Worthington Board of Education, 200 E. Wilson Bridge Road in Worthington Ohio. The presentation will be at 7:30pm and all are welcome, but especially current and former students of Mr. and Mrs. Hopton.
ReplyDeleteI remember working on All I Ever Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten and Having Our Say and the Wiz....It was so much fun working with both of you because you have so much passion and knowledge of what you do.. I have never learned so much about loving what you do and giving it your full dedication. So many memories!!! I love Doc and Mrs. Hopton!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteFiddler. A year or two ago. Awesome.
ReplyDeleteThe Hoptons have taught me so much about the theater, and their love for what they do is really wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI have decided to pursue theatre as a career solely because of the Hoptons. I have never found anything close to their encouragement, support, and love from any other teacher or mentor. They are the benchmark for excellence in teaching. Education and theatre are so much more than a career for them, it is their passion and way of life.
ReplyDeleteThe Hopton's Annual Alumni Christmas Party says everything. A remarkable number of alumni show up every year, not just recent grads either. I have seen alumnus from over a decade before show up. They have created such a large family.
Mrs. Hopton is such an amazing director and mentor. She is always available and always supportive. I don't know quite how she able to pull so much out of teenagers but she continues to put on productions of the highest caliber year after year. It's not just TWHS students, staff, and parents who think this. TWHS's production of Little Shop is one of the most watched on YouTube, preceded only by the Broadway production and movie. That speaks volumes for the level of work she is able to produce. It's not coincidence or luck that so many talented people come out of TWHS. We've had at least three graduates on Broadway in the last few years, and an '06 grad recently opened his second off-broadway show. How many high schools can claim that?
Doc's work speaks for itself. I have shown Doc's sets to people who come from the some of the most prestigious performing arts high schools in the country and they are amazed at the level of design and execution for a high school. To think of what we created using only a jigsaw, stock flats, and a tri-square; it's incredible. New students have no idea how good they have it.
I can not even begin to describe how much these two have meant to me. Thank you so much for teaching me what leadership and dedication mean. Thank you for instilling me with your passion for the theatre. I will never forget you two so long as live.
After having been at college for a year, I had a moment when I realized how much I was spoiled in high school. The final products at Thomas Worthington that I have seen and been a part of were incredible, yes, but I think the efficient but personal nature of the artistic process and the community spirit that the Hoptons have worked hard to perpetuate are even more remarkable.
ReplyDeleteFirstly, there is the sheer speed and efficiency of the work that goes on under the direction and supervision of the Hoptons. Sometimes I wear my theatre t-shirts from my high school around campus and my friends (mostly theatre majors... somehow I can't escape them) are always amazed that we were able to put on nine to twelve shows a year at a plain old public high school. The amount of logistical work that goes on behind the scenes to make that happen is remarkable, and there is no question that personal sacrifices have been made in the past years to make the stunning finished product possible. A friend asked me to audition for a show recently. When I asked how long the rehearsal process would be, he said around three months. That was staggering to me after going through high school with the mentality that we could produce something great after only a few weeks of intense, hands-on work.
There is a very personal quality that the casting process and technical process have that is often missing from other places. Mrs. Hopton once said something about casting philosophy that stuck with me. She said, "You don't fit a show to actors. You cast actors in shows." The Hoptons have set up an infrastructure and mentality within the student community that makes this ideal situation possible. It is not only this mentality that makes casting go so well, however; it is clear that Doc and Mrs. Hopton make an effort to know their students on a personal level, and that is what distinguishes their casting process from the rest. They know what each student is capable and when and how to stretch individuals to help them grow. In the span of two years I played both a chronically insecure eight-year-old and an arrogant cowboy with an attitude problem. Somehow they were able to see both of those things within me, and I felt myself grow as an actor and a person because of the way they challenged me in appropriate ways that I could handle.
I haven't had as many experiences on the technical side of things (my younger sister is a freshman and already has me beat in that department) but I can say that one of my favorite memories of tech work was one day when Tom Miller, Doc, and myself were the only ones working in the theatre. The three of us constructed a cabinet for The Crucible, and it was one of the first times I ever really felt ownership of a technical aspect of theatre. The way Doc patiently guided me and eventually let my awkward self near the chop saw meant a lot to me.
The most remarkable aspect of the theatre program at Thomas Worthington is actually an absence of something. There is usually very little personal rivalry and conflict between involved students. At the high school I remember, anything like that was the exception rather than the rule. While it may seem independent of authority figures, the social atmosphere of any group can always be traced back to the top, and Doc and Mrs. Hopton are no different. Most high school drama programs are rife with negative "drama-drama" as I like to call it, but at Thomas Worthington any of that is often directed positively. Instead of conniving for the lead role, people work hard to grow as performers and show off their talent at scene nights. And needless to say, any technical glory that there is to be gained is based purely on hard work. This positive spin on things is what keeps students coming back. It keeps things fun, and after all, isn't that what this is all about?
I would like to thank Doc and Mrs. Hopton for treating me to a great four years. I can't wait to watch my sister (and maybe even my brother) grow and change with the Hoptons' guidance as I did. From my first role as a thirteen-year-old, five-foot-five tall traveling salesman in The Music Man to my last contribution as a student director of The Odd Couple, my experiences in the Cardinal Theatre have helped shape me into the confident, well-rounded person I am today, and I am proud to be a graduate of the program that the Hoptons have molded and managed over the years.
My experiences in the TWHS Theatre continue to be some of my most treasured memories from high school. The theatre program could not have functioned without the dedication and leadership of Dr. and Mrs. Hopton.
ReplyDeleteThe Hoptons gave me many chances to learn almost every aspect of theatre. I am very grateful to Mrs. Hopton for the opportunities she provided and her trust in me, whether it was to memorize lines, direct a rehearsal, or compile senior wills. Mrs. Hopton’s trust was especially appreciated in a high school setting where we were required to carry hall passes at all times.
Throughout my four years in theater, I received multiple roles where the “Hopton hairdo” was required. Mrs. Hopton would tease my hair into a giant web around my head and then wrestle it into a fashionable bun. A handful of bobby pins held everything in place, and then my hair was frequently sprayed gray. The moments before a show can be chaotic, but no matter how busy she was, Mrs. Hopton took time to help me get ready. Those moments always calmed me before a performance.
During a tech session my freshman year, Doc asked Becky Hoffman and me to build a wall on the set of Mister Roberts. We’d only completed small tasks until this point, and we nervously began, measuring inch by inch. However, when we were finished, we couldn’t stop talking about ‘our’ wall. I’ve participated in theatre programs where the set arrives a few days before the performance fully constructed and painted. While it makes the process simpler, it also denies the students a valuable opportunity. Doc’s wonderful sets are an example of the effort and care that he and Mrs. Hopton placed on every production. I always enjoyed sitting next to Doc as he laid out his plans for a new set.
Dr. and Mrs. Hopton bring an enormous amount of energy and thought to every production. They give students countless opportunities to learn and have created a dedicated and diverse theatre program. It was an honor to work with both of them, and I wish them the best in the coming years.
The experiences I had with the Hoptons are memories I would not trade for anything. Their love of theatre has inspired confidence in me and countless others to follow their dreams of having careers in theatre arts.
ReplyDeleteI have never met teachers as dedicated to their students success as the Hoptons. Their trust and encouragement absolutely have put me ahead of the game in my college theatre career, and I have no doubt I'll be drawing on my experiences in THWS theatre for the rest of my life.
The Hoptons are two incredible people. I would not trade my time spent with them for anything. It has truly been a pleasure to work with the both of them.
I would not be the person I am today if I had not moved to Worthington my freshman year and wound up in theater under the Hoptons. As a theater rep student I met the friends I have today, 17 years later (holy crap we are old!) I was encouraged to pursue a career in the arts, which I have. My senior year Mrs. Hopton both inspired me to write a play (based on the teachings of her beginner theater class) and put the play on stage as the season opener.
ReplyDeleteAs I look back, I can pretty much guarantee that anyone that goes through the TWHS theater program (especially tech!) could enter the professional theater world without going to college and still be on the level. I tell stories about the quantity and quality of shows we staged during my four years and when I see people's reactions of amazement, I know how lucky I was to move to Worthington.
They supported me as a student transitioning to adult artist, as a friend, and now as a soon to be mom. I can't imagine my life without the entire Hopton family in it.
Hm...favorite moments...doing lights for Eleemosynary and getting to watch Mrs. Hopton, Myv & Bwynn on stage. I wasn't in Wait Until Dark but I remember that moment with the fridge light and screaming...the pride of getting to watch my very first play I wrote on stage with all my friends...collaborating on costumes with the Hoptons for the Scioto Company...earning my nickname "Guppy" from Megan during Inherit the Wind...Bev and her absolutely amazing costume work...Dr. Hopton's precise detail on sets...I could go on and on.
Suffice it to say, thank goodness for the Hoptons!!
Kate O - class o '96
"Guppy"
I too feel so incredibly lucky to have been a part of the theater program and to work with the Hoptons. I still have occasional dreams that I am waiting in the Spring to run in and look at the cast and crew lists for the next years upcoming plays. What an exciting time!
ReplyDeleteI have often marveled at the amazing Worthington theater program. It was remarkable in the way that it allowed so many people to explore and grow in their interests and talents.
To me the Hoptons are an example of how any one can take their little corner of the world and build it up to something wonderful. It is an inspiration to me to go the extra mile in what ever I am doing and truly strive to make something special.
One favorite memory I had is the constant work Mrs. Hopton put in to have us midwesterners say "get" instead of "git." I have a million more.
All my respect and love,
Jessica (Malmfeldt)Valentino
A note from a member of the class of '93. Mrs. Hopton helped to make high school a wonderful experience for me. I remember Noises Off, Carousel, I Believe in Make Believe, all of the annual workshops and having to perform my act again and again to become a thespian... But my fondest theatre memory was playing Salieri in Amadeus. I almost failed out of school that fall memorizing all of those lines, but it was so worth it. Mrs. Hopton taught me more about history, music, psychology, and what I was capable of than I could have learned in many of my classes put together. I miss those years. I miss that feeling like I was a part of something so creative and important. Bigger than any of us as individuals. I miss their annual Christmas parties. Austin Texas is too far away. I am so happy to hear things are still going strong 16 years later. TWHS is lucky to have the Hoptons. Congrats to you both and thanks for everything you did for me and my peers.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Hopton opened up the world of theatre to me When I played Baby June in Gypsy. It was not the first stage experience I had had, but it was unique from all the others and made me want to continue my involvement. I am so thankful that I have.
ReplyDeleteAfter getting involved in theatre, I came to really enjoy tech. Now I will be able to successfully refurbish my first apartment. Thank you Doc.
Mrs. Hopton has taught me so much over the past four years. I have had so much fun working with her in both comedies and dramas and exploring and developing the various characters I have played. She helped me grow not only as an actress, but as a person. Her coaching was always appreciated and I feel fully prepared to continue with theatre in college.
Thank you Mrs. Hopton and Doc for providing me with the incredible opportunity to learn and explore my interest in theatre. You both have been huge influences.
Dear Hoptons, thank you for everything you do! when i can into theater ireally didn't know if i would like it, but now it is my favorite class! Just like chad said i didn't know how spoiled TWHS was to have you, i was touring a high school for next year(since i mightnot go to thomas) and when i asked about the theater, they said "oh, yes, we have a phenomonal theater department, we do 1 play and one musical a year""and we have professionals come in and build the sets" that just made me realize what i good theater department we have! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI am so humbled to have the experience of being mentored by Mr. and Mrs. Hopton. They allowed me to cross creative boundaries and find my talent deep inside. I wouldn't be as happy or content as I am today without the most fantastic eperiences I had with the theatre program. No two people deserve the amount of appreciation and respect that the Hopton's deserve. They are generous, loving, and accepting of every one of their students.
ReplyDeleteThanks for making memories that will last me a life time! My future success will always come back to you both!
I feel so priveleged that I was a part of one of the best high school theatre programs out there. This is all in thanks to the Hoptons. Doctor and Mrs. Hopton make so many things that seem impossible actually quite possible. The fact that this theatre program puts on an average of 10 shows per year is astounding. I didn't realize how phenomenal of a program it was until recently when I participated in a college musical and compared my theatre background to the other students in the show. Hearing what type of theatre program their schools had made me realize how above average TWHS's Theatre Repertory was.
ReplyDeleteI truly believe that the Hoptons make so many people happy. High School was an amazing experience for me and I fully 100% blame it on the wonderful time I had in theatre. I feel truly blessed to have been able to participate in so many amazing shows such as My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof, You Can't Take It With You, and many many more. Thank you so much to the Hoptons!!! I can't emphasize how much you have influenced my life and my love and passion for performing.
Thank you forever,
Stephanie Gluck, class of 07
simply put.
ReplyDeleteI loved theatre.
Unlike a lot of my great thespian friends, I came a into the mix slightly late. Sophomore year to be exact. Survey class itself was a great experience to get to know both Hoptons, because I also started off in tech right off the bat. As mentioned by so many othes, both Hoptons take a personal interation with each and every one of their students. I immediately signed myself up for Rep. after having as great of a time as possible as I did in survey, but that's when the doors truly opened.
ReplyDeleteCome Junior year, I had exited the realm of "9th period" and started to work in-depth with yet again, both Doc, and Mrs. Hopton. Although I've never enrolled in Tech as a class, I've spent many hours there doing just about everything when it came to stage construction and lighting (and continue to do so). This period of time is also when I truly understood the work put into our program by Mrs. Hopton, when doing our first production of Jabberwock in 10 years. A massive undertaking with a narrow time-frame, I realized how much we relied on the dedication of the Hoptons (and their students alike). Everything came together perfectly in the end, and I couldn't have been more amazed.
Since then, I have taken nearly every possibility that's been presented to me to work with either Hopton from the most miniscule of task, to the utterly important. They've made theatre one of the greatest experiences of my life, and I couldn't thank them more. I honestly can't ever imagine how things would be without them, or this program. I'm taking steps into my senior year with the Hoptons with high hopes, and a gratitude that I can't put into words about how things will go with them.
To make myself clear, I want to emphasize yet again the work put into our program by these two. So many shows in one year, all handled with such an urgency and dedication that is difficult to comprehend. It's been an honor to be able to participate in this great experience for the majority of my high school career. I'm truly inspired.
Josh May
The Hoptons are two very great people that deserve to be recognized. They have great commitment to what they do and have changed many lives.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Hopton changed my life. I was playing volleyball (and not very good at it) and the season was finishing when a friend of mine was short a person to do props for Amadeus. It completely hooked me into theatre. I did every single show and totally threw myself into the program. Before, I hadn't found a place where I fit, and I fit in the TWHS theater dept. I had friends, I had a purpose and I was involved.
ReplyDeleteAs mentioned before Noises Off was one of the most amazing productions ever, from the set, to the cast, to the crew. We recently all found each other on facebook and we have Mrs. Hopton to thank for friendships that have lasted for decades.
I moved away a couple months into my junior year, and there's a few things I will always remember - Mrs. Hopton double cast a role so I could perform in a show for the half of the run that I would be there for (I moved in the middle of the run) and the contact we kept after I moved to MN, and was really homesick, down to helping to choose the next years plays. It really made me feel like I had acomplished something in school.
I fell in love with theater, doing community and summer stock and even making money doing it occasionally. I couldn't do it as a career, but the confidence she and mr. Hopton helped to give me and other high school students is an invaluable part of being a teacher.
She is an inspiration and a saint, and I look forward to when my children get to experience her as a teacher.
Bronwynn and David Hopton teach about theatre through life experience and teach about life through theatre experience. These passionate artist/teachers lead by example, treating each student as an original gift, allowing young people to find themselves, to value themselves, and to take hold of their own passions. It is far too narrow to count the TWHS students who have gone on to careers in theatre (though the list is impressive.) The Hopton's legacy transcends theatre, inspiring students to pursue their unique paths with courage. As such, they are a profound gift to us all.
ReplyDeleteThe past four years of my life have been so amazing and I am sad it is coming to a close. Everything the Hopton's do for the students at Thomas Worthington is far beyond what teachers are called to do. Even after all these years of dealing with high school kids, they still have a love for what they do and that is something I hold with the highest respect.
ReplyDeleteI signed up for theatre this year not because I was a theatre fanatic or because I wanted to be center stage but because I knew it would be good for me. I knew that I had the chance to possibly find a love for theatre and the reputation that the Hoptons held was too high to pass by. I walked into the class, nervous and skeptical, and walked out of it, confident and awed. This is what the Hoptons do so successfully. They create confidence, which is not only important in theatre, but also in life. Thank you, Hoptons, for allowing me to explore a new path, make friends, and become a confident Molly.
ReplyDeleteTheatre has been and always will be the absolute highlight of my high school career, and it was only made possible through the continuous effort, dedication, and diligence of Doc and Mrs. Hopton. My three years of experience with the Cardinal Theatre were beyond incredible, culminating in my final role as Bibi in Letters to a Student Revolutionary. The only reason I was able to stand out there and say my lines with confidence was because of the guidance, support, and painstaking care of Mrs. Hopton. The only reason I had a stage to stand on was because of Doc's meticulous organization and efficiency. I really believe I was a part of the best theatre program in the state.
ReplyDeleteNow, four years later, I can look back and say that my involvement in this program has changed me into a more confident person, comfortable with myself and with public speaking. Theater did not merely fulfill my Fine Arts credit like it was originally intended to, nor did it just give me a great group of friends: it led to to believe in myself and my ability to conquer my fears of performing. The memories and developments I went through under the Hoptons were tremendous and indescribable, and I cannot begin to thank them enough for everything.
--Grace Wang, Class of '08
I know that I am lucky to have en
ReplyDeleteded up at Thomas Worthington High School, because over the last four years I have been a part of a truly unique theatre program of the highest quality. Had I ended up almost anywhere else, my high school experience would not have been nearly as exciting. I owe this thanks to the Hoptons, because they have worked for years to build a strong program that allows students to participate in more shows than most schools could ever dream of producing.
I remember working on my first role in theatre, a very small part in You Can't Take it With You, wondering if I was really cut out for being a part of the theatre. But one day after practice, after everyone else had left, Mrs. Hopton drilled the part with me over and over, taking it line by line, fixing it until I couldn't do it any better, all just for a page or so of dialogue. It is this attention to detail, and continual passion for squeezing the very best out of every student, even after years and years of instructing that takes the Thomas theatre program up to the next level.
The exact same can be said for Doc Hopton. This year I had the great fortune of playing Jamie Thurber in the production of Jabberwock. The script required the set to be a replication of a three story house, that filled the entire auditorium stage, which at Thomas is absolutely enormous. Doc Hopton tackled this beast from day one, and the final result was incredible. He had actually designed and build a house inside an auditorium. The dedication is clear.
I'm sure I will look back at my Thomas Worthington theatre experience and realize even more so just how much both of the Hoptons cared about the program and all of the kids involved. Thank you.
When I was in elementary school, I always enjoyed coming to the children's plays. After seeing them, I thought to myself, "I could be a part of this group someday". I started to see some of the other plays that Thomas has put on such as "Man of La Mancha", "The Fantastiks", "Gypsy", "My Fair Lady", "Fiddler on the Roof", and "Little Shop of Horrors".
ReplyDeleteThroughout my years in high school, I had some really interesting parts such as Wilbur in "Charlotte's Web", Professor Welch in "Jabberwock", Thrustlebump in "Sing Ho for a Prince", and, my favorite part that I've played so far, Hannibal in "The Curious Savage". It's my favorite because the play had such a great plot and a great cast of characters. It was a great cast and crew to work with and they played their parts very well. I even got to host my first cast party during that show. It's one play that I'll always remember."The Curious Savage" also contained my favorite memory of Mrs. Hopton. My character is supposed to play the violin really horribly, (which I'm really good at). But Mrs. Hopton said that my violin playing sounded "too good". So she showed me multiple times on how to make the violin have a very loud and atrocious sound. I was always nervous that I would damage the violin if I pressed the bow on the strings really hard; but I was able to pull it off.
The Hoptons are very nice people to be around with. Mrs. Hopton has a knack for casting people. The show that was cast really well, in my opinion, was "Oklahoma!" during my sophmore year. When I saw all the leads recite their lines, I thought nobody else could play those roles except for the ones that Mrs. Hopton had cast. Doc Hopton is truly a wonderful set designer. My favorite set that Doc had designed was "The Mousetrap", another play during my sophmore year. It was my favorite because I had never seen the Cardinal Theatre in a proscenium set until that play. The paintings that Doc had for the show were truly amazing. I don't think I could ever pull off amazing artwork as that.
Overall, I think that the Hoptons are very amazing people! I can't wait to find out what they will do next!
Alex "Bosley" Samuels
Participating in the TWHS Theatre Program made my four high school years amazing. I constantly tell my new friends stories of my times in theatre and I especially emphasize how amazing the Hoptons are. I cannot thank them both enough for the experiences they allowed me to have with theatre.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite memories of Mrs. Hopton is when she played “Big Booty” with the cast of Arsenic and Old Lace at wrap up. The cast and crew played it every night before the show and she finally joined in for the last time. Another favorite experience with Mrs. Hopton was when she helped me to learn a Scottish accent for Witness for the Prosecution. I loved the challenge of working on the accent and I appreciated how willing Mrs. Hopton was to offer me extra help during her free class periods. I know that I could not have learned the accent as well as I did without her help. The last thing that I would like to thank Mrs. Hopton for is challenging me to get out of my comfort zone by assigning me to be the student director of Anastasia. I had never volunteered to be student director because I was too nervous and afraid that I would not do a good job, but Mrs. Hopton trusted me and assigned me to do it and it ended up being one of my best experiences in theatre. Overall, Mrs. Hopton is an amazing, talented, passionate, dedicated person that taught me so much about theatre and contributed hugely to some of the best experiences of my life.
Doc also helped me to have an amazing time in the TWHS Theatre program. I always enjoyed working tech and talking with him about the sets. One of my favorite memories from tech is building the wall for Mr. Roberts with Arielle Juberg. I appreciate that even though both Arielle and I were nervous Freshmen who were not expert carpenters Doc assigned us a big project and trusted us to do it right. Another set of memories of Doc and tech involve the four musical strikes that I was involved in. I remember my freshmen year getting to strike early and getting assigned the job of picking up the screws with the magnet. I ended up doing that the whole time and I really enjoyed it. After that year I always got to strike early and ended up being the main magnet person all four years. It may be kind of odd, but I loved doing that job and I was always happy when Doc said I did a good job. Overall, every experience that I had working with Doc was not only fun, but a great learning experience.
Dr. and Mrs. Hopton are two of the most remarkable people I have ever met. They both have so much passion for theatre and they spread it to everyone who works with them. I am so happy that I got to know them and I cannot thank them enough. I will never forget my experiences with TWHS Theatre and the Hoptons.
When I was at Thomas Worthington, I became a part of many groups that influenced my experience in High School. Of them all, I found myself most called to the family behind the fabled "theatre doors."
ReplyDeleteDoc and Mrs. Hopton are some of the most kind, considerate, determined, and hard-working people I have met. In my high school career, they made me feel most welcome...more than any other teacher or leader of an extracurricular activity. It's hard to describe how they changed my life as I began to participate in Theatre...but I know that after being a part of their unbelievable program, high school became something I treasured. I find that because of theatre, I gained deeper friendships and a greater pride in our school and community.
How much everyone appreciates the work and dedication of the Hoptons may not be seen in the attendance of their shows, sadly, but it is evident in the enthusiasm and loyalty of their former students when their paths converge again at the Christmas Party. I enjoy every moment I spend talking with Doc and Bronwynn, and each year I look forward to seeing them again.
I find it hard to pinpoint my favorite memory with the Hoptons. I really enjoyed when Doc began to use me for more artsy tasks during tech, like painting sets, and had more confidence in me doing more complicated tasks. I also love talking to him at the Christmas party about both plays and his lovely cat. For Mrs. Hopton, I cannot decide a memory...but I will always remember how hard she pushed us and how much she depended on us as actors, directors, sound and light operators...she trusted us, and that means the world to me. My favorite plays to have participated in were The Music Man, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Charlotte's Web.
TWHS students are very lucky to be graced with the presence of the Hopton family. None of us will forget what you have done for us and the joy you brought to our lives.
I remember the first time i got to work with Mrs.Hopton. I was in second grade, and completely new to theatre. Since then I have done over thirty shows thanks to that wonderful start.
ReplyDeleteThe past four years with the Hoptons has been a true blessing; I have learned so much under the direction of Mrs.Hopton, grown to truly appreciate the behind the scenes positions with Doc, and enjoyed dancing with their wonderful daughters. This family collectively has made such an impact on this community, I don't know what all of the alumi's parents would do if they did not have the musical to go to each year. This tradition is started with young families, then when everyone grows up the parents need this tradition to remember the old days. Tradition is not the only drawing factor, every year the Hoptons pull together an amazing show that people talk about for years to come.
Congratulations Doc and Mrs. Hopton, you've touched so many hearts and minds. I hope you have many years ahead of you to continue to do what you've become so proficient in. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
The Hoptons are truly amazing people. I came to Thomas Worthington halfway through my Junior year and was instantly blown away by the theatre program. Having worked with several other theatre and tech directors, I can say with experience that there are none that compare to the Hoptons.
ReplyDeleteBoth Mrs. Hopton and Doc have the ability to bring out the true talent of their students. I grew so much in both fields thanks to them. The caliber of the many performances put on by the Thomas Worthington Repertory is extremely impressive, not only the number of shows in a season, but the type of shows that make up a season. I saw and participated in shows that not many other High Schools would dare to put on let alone pull off with such brilliance.
Mrs. Hopton is a genius when it comes to casting plays. She is constantly pushing her students to create memorable characters. I myself was surprised by the character I portrayed in The Crucible my Senior year. Mrs. Hopton brought talent out of me that I didn't know I possessed and wouldn't have discovered had it not been for her. I've never known a director to take so much time to really make a young actor understand their role and express it perfectly. She really knows how to make her students shine onstage.
However, Thomas Worthington's Theatre Department is not only impressive because of its acting. Doc Hopton is also a dynamic part. He also pushes the students far beyond what most High School tech directors would. At Thomas Worthington, tech is equal to acting in its importance which is something I think most High School students don’t appreciate. Doc has an amazing vision when it comes to sets. I have never seen such complicated sets put up entirely by high school techies and also in such a short time.
I think the other thing that makes the Hoptons unique is that they truly care about their students as people. They impact the lives of everyone who passes through the theatre doors so totally in such a positive way. They make the Theatre Department seem like a family and a home. I have never met two directors more loved by the people they teach. I am so thankful and honored to have had the privilege to learn from them.
-Ashley Horton
Class of '08
Thomas Worthington just wouldn't be the same without them. They are two of the kindest souls I've ever met and they've given Thomas a fantastic program that pushes kids to excel inside and outside the classroom.
ReplyDeleteWhen I started high school, I was a timid freshman who didn't know where she fit in, what she was going to do with her life, or even who her real friends were. But I somehow found my way to auditions for The Wiz, and I discovered the theatre. Without the Hoptons, we wouldn't be able to pull off all the amazing shows we do, and i certainly wouldn't have found myself without their guidance and help.
ReplyDeleteThank you two so much for everything you've done- for me and for all your other students like me.
As my freshman year of high school is drawing to a close, I know that I have only just begun to experience the wonder that is Thomas Worthington High School Theatre. However, both Doc and Mrs. Hopton have already changed me for the better. I am so much more confident than when I began high school, and much more happy with myself as a person. I know that these changes definitely have their roots in theatre, and that I have the Hoptons to thank.
ReplyDeleteMy first experience with Mrs. Hopton was in second or third grade, when I auditioned for The Scioto Company. I remember walking into the Cardinal Theatre, excited and nervous, and meeting a woman who was going to be auditioning me. I yelled, whispered, cried and laughed those lines for Mrs. Hopton, and it was so much fun. It made me decide to get involved in theatre later in life. I was in Hello Dolly and Sing Ho For A Prince this year, and Mrs. Hopton's constant enthusiasm and help blew me away in both shows. The actors would not be able to do what they do without such a wonderful director.
Doc Hopton is the other pillar of TWHS theatre, and someone who I have gotten to know this year. I remember walking into tech and feeling intimidated by his knowledge and experience, but 9 months and almost 240 tech hours later, I know that Doc is one of the nicest people on this earth. Even though I'm a shrimpy little freshman, Doc has seen my potential and entrusted painting, construction and lighting jobs to me. Nothing is so satisfying as seeing your work be brought to life during a show, and Doc has given me the pride of knowing that I contributed to almost every show this year. I have really gotten involved with the program and found my niche through Doc's guidance.
My high school career is just beginning, and I cannot wait for the next 3 years because of the Hoptons and their theatre program. Every time I see a show at our school, I am reminded of the unparalleled commitment and talent that the Hoptons have given to us. Thank you so much for all that you do. You change students' lives for the better, and affect people forever.
Where to begin with the Hoptons? Mrs. hopton has been there from my very first day of high school to my very last. Not only was she one of the best teachers I've ever had, but she is by far one of the most passionate people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. Her enthusiasm and excitement shines through in every moment of every show, and I don't know what I would have done in high school without her.
ReplyDeleteAnd Doc. Who could ask for a better mentor? Some of my best memories from high school come from those tech days where only the pure-blood techies showed up, and we'd all just sit around, listening to Doc's hilarious and touching stories of techies and shows long since passed. Doc really made me feel accomplished, and I absolutely loved every minute I got to work with him over the past four years.
Hoptons, you make the Cardinal Theatre what it is. No student who has ever gone through this program will ever forget you. You are wonderful, passionate people, and it has truly been a pleasure working with you.
I have been a part of the theatre since my freshman year, when Jeni dragged me into a saturday tech session one morening. This was where I met two of my favorite techies; Brad and Katie Doyle. However, what truly made this theatre unique was the Hoptons and their insane ability to work under pressure. WIth Mrs. H working on 3 shows at once, as well as a hectic scene night every so often, I can see why she has such a difficult job. But when it comes down to the performances, she has the cast perfectly trained, and we seem like the best casts ever organized by a human being.
ReplyDeleteDoc also has much to be recognized for. He designs all of the sets, and has to deal with the majority of his students not being able to work steadily for the several weeks that are needed to construct each set. I am very glad to have been an important part of this program, because it brought me to where I am today: a college-bound kid who hopes to make a living out of what the Hoptons have inspired him to do these past four years. I am very proud to have been under your charge, and I firmly believe that the Hoptons are the best drama teachers any high school student could have.
-Tom Miller, class of 2009
Because of you, thousands of students developed a true love of theater and the dramatic arts. Because of you, emotion, passion, and reality thrived on-stage. Because of you, all of us found a niche. A place to be. A place to fit in. A place where we truly belonged. Because of you, we found a reason to come to school and ENJOY it. Because of you, we grew into better human beings. Because of you, so many of us have gone on to bring theater to others...and to continue letting it thrive in our lives and our communities.
ReplyDeleteYou ARE theater, and words could never express the gratitude in my heart for all that you've done and continue to do.
~Amy Garver, class of 1996
The Hoptons and the word theatre are synonomous with one another. My four years with the Thomas Worthington Theatre Department have really meant so much to me. Thanks to the ongoing effort of these wonderful people, myself and many others have had once in a lifetime experiences and have made so many extraordinary memories to share.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed Mrs. Hoptons quirky ways and long chats during tech with Doc. They have helped students find themselves by participaing in our lives. There are not enough words to describe how much that part of my life has meant, still means, and will mean to me.
I can truly say that I have been changed for the better because of these dedicated duo. I will always come back to see shows and the Hoptons because of how much it has impacted me. I'm also confident that I'm not the only one to feel this way.
We all love you Hoptons, you have acted well your part, and you truly are the most honorable people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
-Abigail Schultz, class of 2008
There are many favorire memoriesb of both Mr. and Mrs. Hopton. For me, joining the Cardinal theatrechanged the last two years of my high school life. I was a Junior at the time I auditioned for the musical without any thought not knowing how deeply I will get envolved. I was able to make alot of friends, have fun and learn alot about the theatre because the Hoptons have their doors open for anyone at anytime. Mrs. Hopton at first before I got to know her was an energetic and scary drama coach. When I got to know her, I found out how the Cardinal was ran and how busy she was, casting and rehearsing three shows at once, have her mind on other things and teach, as if there is nothing in this world that she cannot accomplish.
ReplyDeleteDoc, as everybody call him had a similar impression with Mrs. Hopton. At first he lookoed like a mad scientist or a composer because of his Beethovan hair. Without him there wouldnt be any sets and tech would not go smoothly. He knows to direct students what to do during tech hours with all the craziness going on, and proper amount of lumber needed for a show. He designs the sets himself! Like Mrs. Hopton, Doc has more than two things going on at once but finds a way to get things done. Without Doc and Mrs. Hopton, the Cardinal would of not been as great as it is because of their effort and time they put forth for each shows and each students out of the time we see them at school.
You are honorable people to meet, you are my pleasure of knowing and the best theatre teacher to have.
Sho Kuroda, class of 2006
My family has been involved in the Thomas Worthington Theatre Program for eight years. Every moment that any of us have spent in the presence of the Hoptons and/or their work will be something we will never forget.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Hopton and Doc absolutely love their work. They are truly two of the most inspirational people I have met in my life.
Mrs. Hopton puts everything she has into this theatre program. She eats, sleeps, and breathes theatre and is so dedicated to it and her students. She has an uncanny ability to find shows that fit her students, all whilst finding shows that contrast each other and give the audience a different experience every time they come to a performance. I look back at my senior year and reflect on the three shows I was a major part of and sit in awe of how perfectly all of our characters fit us. Not one person felt out of place, and everyone felt like it was a part that was especially picked for them.
Doctor Hopton, affectionately called Doc by almost everyone, is responsible for the absolutely beautiful, impeccable sets at Thomas Worthington. The best thing about Doc is that he will explain everything that's going on to you. He will sit you down next to him, and show you the pictures and dimensions of everything that's being built. He is so passionate about his work, and that passion makes the theatre students want to work on the sets in addition to being on stage.
Together, the Hoptons make up the best team a high school theatre program could ask for. They both love what they do, and then impact every single person they come in contact with. I will forever remember them as two of the most amazing people I have met, and had the pleasure of working with.
Thank you, Mrs. Hopton and Doc. Because of the two of you, my life has been forever changed.
Nina Zadnik - Class of 2008
In my eleven years of school it has been rare to find any teacher who seems to truly enjoy what they do. It has been even more rare to find one with as much passion for what they do as Mrs. and Dr. Hopton. I have known them for less than two years but I appreciate them more than most of the educators I have had. Thomas Worthington is not a specifically performing arts school yet the theatre program thrives to a point where students of performing arts schools have told me they were jealous. The only reason I have been able to find for that is in the Hoptons' dedication to the constant growth and improvement of the program. We could not achieve any of the high caliber projects without them both. I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of it all and to have the opportunity to work with them both as they share their knowledge!
ReplyDeleteI remember hearing about the Hoptons and their exceptional theater program in middle school. I hadn’t planned on taking any theatre classes in high school, especially not freshman year. I have always had an interest in theatre but I was intimidated to join such a professional program filled with such talented people. I did finally decide to take a chance and enroll in theatre survey my freshman year. It ended up being one of the best decisions of my high school career. From the very beginning the Hoptons were supportive. They gave me the chance to develop and improve upon, not only my acting, but upon my self confidence and people skills as well. Many who knew me before high school would have described me as shy or timid, but since then I’ve broken from my shell and I’ve become someone who I can be proud of. With the help of the Hoptons I’ve gained the ability and skills to speak in from of large crowds better than any speech class could have ever taught me. I’ve also gained an appreciation and awareness for the performing arts to a degree that I didn’t have before. The Hoptons sparked a passion within me that I devoted more than 2000 hours of my life to in the past four years, and for that I am forever grateful. I found close friends that shared my passion and the Cardinal Theatre provided an environment where we could grow as actors and people. The Cardinal Theatre became my home and I will miss it dearly. I can’t believe my time at Thomas has finally come to an end but it’s comforting to know that Mrs. Hopton and Doc will continue to impact the lives of theatre students at Thomas just as they have impacted me.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mrs. Hopton and Doc! You’re dedication and love for your jobs, students and theater does not go unnoticed. Once again, thank you.
Ashley Subler class of 2009
I can't think of anyone that would be more fitting for an award such as this. The amount of work, dedication, and passion that the Hopton's put into their program and lives is incredibly inspiring and affects the lives of everyone they come into contact with. Theater, for me, has been an experience that has given me a new sense of myself and my goals in life. The confidence and love of the arts that I have gained through the Hoptons program and witnessed in the general characters of the Hoptons themselves are attributes I know I will use throughout my entire life. It's difficult for me to even imagine how different my life will be without theatre in it and I know I will miss it incredibly. Thank you for everything you have done for me personally and for all the students that you have taught. As I journey on to college and other far away places I will always remember your passion and love for the arts and the fond memories I gained by participating in your program. Thank You!!!
ReplyDeleteEmily Syring
My inspiration to join the theater program came from my freshman year, after being in the pit orchestra during Fiddler on the Roof I realized that although I enjoyed being in the pit, I really wanted to be on stage. Mrs. Hopton was my inspiration-one night she traveled down to the pit. As she turned around and started to conduct, she noticed me, and remembering that I was in her arts survey class, she looked at me and said "Oh! You're the fiddler!" I decided then and there that I wanted to be on the stage performing, and for the next three years I watched the people in the pit from the stage. I never realized how lucky I was to have class with the Hoptons until this year. As I chatted online with my future college classmates that were interested in theater, I saw that some of them, many of whom were planning on majoring in theater, had only had the opportunity to put on 1 or 2 shows each year. Not only do the Hoptons make it possible for their students to put on a multitude of shows each year, they make it possible for each show to be performed at a professional level. Many people might say that putting on 11 shows is too much to handle-not the Hoptons. Through their dedication and hard work, sets get built, practices are held, and shows are performed at a level that makes our theater program as sparkling as any art school's. Often, the Hoptons remain in the theater from the start of the school day until 9 o'clock at night, sneaking a gummy worm or a chip from a student as sustenance as they constantly work on the current show. Mrs. Hopton strives for perfection for each and every aspect of the show. I have a memory that I always look back upon with amusement-during David and Lisa, I took up a tech position that was needed. Each night, it was my job to remove the black curtain covering the bed, carry the bed on stage, and then recover the bed and remove it. This might seem like a relatively simple task, but Mrs. Hopton was determined that I would get it perfectly correct-so I practiced for a whole hour, moving the bed on stage, uncovering it, and so on. Well, when the performance night came, I had gotten it down to a science, and I am happy to say that I made no errors moving the bed. I took from the experience an appreciation for the backstage area of the theater that I did not have before, and some very sore arms and shoulders. This experience is what this theater program is all about: learning about the theater in a professional environment, and having fun with it. You might think that I got no enjoyment out of moving the bed on and off the stage, but every time that bed moved, my heart swelled with pride at my work, and after the show, receiving a grateful smile from Mrs. Hopton just made me feel even more proud. Doc has affectionately nicknamed me muscles-for the obvious reason that I am the strongest student they have ever had, thus it is my job to lift the heavy set pieces. Well...not really. My nickname was definitely a joke, but it served as a bonding point for me and Doc. Although I might not have been helpful with all of the heavy lifting that is a necessary part of the theater, the times when I had to sit out and watch everyone else lift the heavy stuff made me seriously appreciate all of the hard work that goes into creating every single set that Doc makes. Each time I take my parents to a show, I take pride in pointing out the window frames that I painted, or a doorknob that I screwed in, or another part of the set that I took part in creating. Every student the Hoptons have had has been affected in a positive manner by their dedication and commitment to the theater program at Thomas.
ReplyDeleteI want to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to the Hoptons. My experience in the theater program was unforgettable, and I will take with it many positive memories of both of you. You deserve this award and a thousand more for the hard work, dedication, and overall love that you have put into the theater program and shared with your students.
Lisa Taxier, class of 2009
I am very thankful to have been a part of Cardinal Theatre with Doc and Mrs. Hopton. I cannot even begin to express how wonderful my time in theatre was. When I first did Theatre Arts Survey, I did so thinking I would try it out, get my fine arts credit, and move on to other things. Instead I fell in love. I was able to participate in theatre and still do a sport--the Hoptons let anyone participate in theatre, whether they are an athlete, musician, academician or something else entirely. Doc can take an inexperienced person and teach them how to construct or paint a part of the set of which they will be proud. Mrs. Hopton can take an very shy person and help them overcome their stage freight so that they shine onstage. The Hoptons have made Cardinal Theatre truly special; I don't think any other program could come close to providing the same warm, fun, dedicated environment, where everyone's accomplishments are celebrated and no one is overshadowed.
ReplyDeleteOn a more personal note, one of my favorite Mrs. Hopton memories happened when a line was skipped during a show I participated in. Mrs. Hopton appeared backstage out of nowhere, calmly but somewhat frantically looking through the script to help us get back on track. It was very reassuring...and when another cast member tried to go onstage, Mrs. Hopton grabbed her leg, holding her back and giving her and myself quite a freight. Of course, this is only one of many wonderful Mrs. Hopton memories. I feel very blessed to have known two such amazing people who have done so much for theatre in Worthington. They are both living legends. I am very thankful to have been a part of such a wonderful program and to have been able to join the Cardinal Theatre family. Thank you, Doc and Mrs. Hopton for a wonderful four years.
Nick Eastman, '08