Over the course of four and half decades, Gwen built a highly sophisticated theatre program at Stephen Decatur High School from the ground up. Learn more about the history of the theatre program below!
History of the Theatre Program at SDHS
Chapter One: The Beginning
At SDHS, Gwen developed a well-respected, highly sought-after theatre program, producing hundreds of performances and touching the lives of thousands of students across four decades by the time of her retirement in 2015.
Chapter Two: The Outdoor Theatre
In 1995, the Gladys C. Burbage Courtyard Theatre – a rare outdoor theatre housed in the heart of a public school – was conceived and brought to fruition by Mrs. Lehman and her students.
Chapter Three: The Children’s Theatre
The popular children’s theatre became an annual production with an 18-performance run and audiences of over 10,000.
Chapter Four: Halloween “Moon” Shows
Mrs. Lehman decided to use the new outdoor theatre to present eerie, ghostly shows each fall.
Chapter Five: Shakespeare Under the Stars
The idea for an outdoor courtyard theatre was always predicated upon introducing Shakespeare for performance. What else logically would you present outside, under the stars, BUT Shakespeare?
Chapter Six: Musical Theatre Summer Camp @ SDHS
The Musical Theatre Arts Summer Camp at Stephen Decatur High School (MTASC@SDHS) was a two-week summer program created by Gwen Lehman to serve students in grades 4 through 8 from throughout Worcester County.