When people talk about the success of the Pittsburgh Steelers they often talk about the continuity of having just three coaches dating back decades. While that is certainly subject for debate, it appears the same debate could be had when it comes to the success of the Bridgeport High School Theatre program.

 

Over the course of the last four decades, there have been just four directors or what is often called the Theatre artist that handles the school’s senior and all-school musicals. Last month, the latest in the long line of directors/artists stepped down.

 

Bridgeport High School alum Jason Young recently resigned the post after six and a half years. During that time, Young has worked with many to produce 18 musicals and began working closely with Bridgeport Middle School, was involved in the creation of a Thespian Troupe, and the creation of an apprentice program.

 

“We have helped many students obtain college scholarships to study theatre, music, and dance. Most recently, we won the state one-act competition with Sing Down the Moon, and this year’s Senior Showcase HONK!  received multiple awards including “Outstanding Overall Production” at the Inaugural Harrison County Theatre Awards,” said Young in his resignation letter.

 

Young said he planned on staying at BHS for as long as the school would have him. However, when his wife Sara was part of many teacher transfers across Harrison County and learned that the most recently completed school year at Bridgeport High School would be her last, things changed.

 

“A lot of people saw the things Sara did for the program and she did a lot of stuff few people saw. Having her in the building was a huge help. It was a huge boost to the theatre program, myself and, honestly, to everyone involved,” said Young. “She was kind of a catch all.”

 

“When we learned of her was being transferred, I wondered if I wanted to see how things would happen without her there because we’re a team,” Young continued. “As I continued giving it thought, it started to feel like it’s a time of transition in our lives and if I’m going to step away, this was the time.”

 

While Young is secure in his decision, he said making that decision wasn’t an easy one.  He said his ties to the school is one of the things that made it difficult and the fact that he always dreamed as a younger man of being involved with the arts at BHS.

 

“This decision was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It’s my alma mater,” said Young. “When I was 19 or 20 and involved with theatre at Fairmont State and was living with (BHS football Coach) Josh Nicewarner at Fairmont State, we talked about our dream jobs. He wanted to coach here and I wanted to head theatre here. It goes back further than that, but to step away with that in mind is very difficult. You add to that that I’m an Indian and will always be an Indian and I’m leaving kids I’ve been involved with since middle school and you can see why it’s tough.”

 

The difficulty of the decision was compounded by also leaving two people Young said he has the highest respect for – BHS Principal Mark DeFazio and Journalism Teacher Alice Rowe. Both, particularly Rowe, are more than just closely aligned with the theatre program.

 

“During my time there, Alice and Mark gave me unbelievable opportunities. Whenever I had an idea they never shut me down or said no. They let me proceed,” said Young. “This may sound odd, but they biggest thing they did for me is they allowed me to fail by trying things that didn’t end up working. That was such a huge part of my growth. You have to fail to figure out what works and they allowed me that and I’m thankful for it … I certainly messed some things up, but I like where I’m ending things as I leave.”

 

And as he leaves, he won’t be too far away. Young plans on still supporting the arts, which is something he loves almost as much as his alma mater.

 

“I’m going to try and be the biggest cheerleader for theatre in Bridgeport,” said Young. “I can always do that.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Jason Young in the seats at the BHS Theatre, while he's shown enjoying himself on stage in second photo. Bottom photo is of this year's production of "Honk." Last photo by www.benqueenphotography.com.