Retired Bowditch Middle School drama teacher continues passion with 'Aida'

Those who have participated in drama as a child in Foster City — whether recently or in the last 30 years — probably know Virginia Musante.

Musante, who is old enough to be retired, taught and directed drama at Bowditch Middle School in Foster City for more than 30 years. Now she's easing into retirement by directing "Aida,” a Conservatory performance at Hillbarn Theatre featuring students 13 to 18 years old. Despite being a difficult piece, the teens are preparing to open the show about an Ethiopian princess who is captured into slavery and the complicated love story that follows.

It may seem funny to retire then start working with children in the same capacity, but it was actually an ideal situation for Musante, who lives in Foster City.

"I really just loved my job. I still do. I was really sorry to retire. I wanted to be sure I could still work with kids in the arts,” she said.

Moving from the traditional classroom schedule at a school to the Hillbarn Theatre Conservatory program in Foster City means engaging students and not having to fill out report cards.

Nancy Fitzgerald-Metzler, director of education and outreach at Hillbarn, knows of Musante's skills first hand. Fitzgerald-Metzler had Musante as a teacher growing up.

Musante has a way of making each child feel special, important and talented, Fitzgerald-Metzler said. She added Musante is also very humble. The conversation is never about her, but the show. And, Fitzgerald-Metzler added, Musante is always able to connect with the students.

Keeping the work fresh has always been a goal for Musante. She started performing occasionally with a San Francisco-based improv group once she started teaching to keep the work with her students fresh.

Musante was uniquely at one school for her whole educational career. She began at Bowditch as a student teacher then taught art and drama before focusing on the latter.

Drama, she noted, was something all middle schoolers could benefit from. Also, it was something at which more students could excel.

Working with Hillbarn over the summer actually first started about five years ago. After two performances, Musante took a break until this year.

The teens have been working for nearly four weeks to open a somewhat difficult show, "Aida.” In the student edition of the performance, students will sing to pre-recorded music created by Elton John and Tim Rice. When done well, most people don't realize the music is pre-recorded, Musante said. And, having pre-recorded music allows students to practice what to expect more often, she said.

"It's so challenging,” Musante said of the show. "We're really, really proud of how they've come together. It's really only been three and a half weeks and we have a show. They have done a really good job.”

"Aida” performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 19 through Saturday, July 21 and 2 p.m. Sunday, July 22. All performances will be held at the Hillbarn Theatre, 1285 E. Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City. Tickets are $12. For more information visit www.hillbarntheatre.org.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by email: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.