What is an Upstart Crow?

We had the good fortune to receive a grant to produce television commercials for the Crow. It has been a fun experience for the Stage Door team, who were the on air talent. The question that the commercial poses is "What is an Upstart Crow?"

Although we know the answer to the question, we had the opportunity to see it in action. Several of the kids in the theatre and dance program volunteered their time to produce a short cabaret show for a group of 3rd graders at Ridgeline Montessori School. They wrote the script, selected the music, directed and choreographed a musical theatre cavalcade of song and dance.

The show began as a gift from the teachers. They are moving and wanted to create a special gift for the class they were leaving behind. Their daughter contacted other theatre kids and presented the idea of putting together a show in 2 weeks. Reminiscent of the Little Rascal theatrical extravaganzas of my childhood, I watched these young people carry the torch.

This is an Upstart Crow. An individual who uses their talents and energy for the purpose of positive creative expression. The collaborative effort of these crows produced a powerful message for these 3rd graders - be the best that you can be.

The crow is not the most beautiful bird, quite common, ordinary if you will. Perhaps that is the best part of my job. To see these common birds find ways to give flight to their imaginations and become extraordinary through the process. And then to share that with other young people is exactly what every teacher hopes to inspire. As a teacher, I am always striving to work myself out of a job.

Ironically, the stage they performed on was the same one that Upstart Crow performed its first musical theatre production of Beauty and The Beast. We refurbished the stage area in a closed school cafeteria. We worked with a group of teenagers from the Lane County Juvenile Justice Department almost 10 years ago. Those teenagers worked long hard hours to make that theatre space accessible. More Upstart Crows.

Upstart Crow Studios is becoming a legacy. Something to truly crow about.