Poarch guides students through COVID difficulties

Soft conversation murmurs through the theater auditorium, bodies fill the room’s crimson-padded seats. A high ceiling arches over the excited patrons. The lights dim, allowing people the time to return to their seats before they are submerged in darkness. A blanket of comfortable silence settles over the crowd. Dust filters through the centerstage light, reflecting brightly against the hardwood stage. The crowd holds their breath for the first performer. A little girl appears in the spotlight.

Like anyone with a big dream for their future, Jennifer Poarch started her career with dancing when she was two and performing when she was four. She quickly grew interested in theater and has stuck with it since childhood.

Poarch is the interim director that the theater department welcomed to campus this semester. She was the Artist in Residence of Spring 2020 when classes were switched to remote delivery. Discussions were had on the possible benefits of the position based on the circumstances of the current health environment, but she applied for her current position in June and was hired in August.

Poarch graduated from Lees-McRae College with a Bachelor of Science in musical theatre and dance. In the last 20 years, she has performed, directed, choreographed, managed and educated in theaters across the country.

Poarch’s teaching experience ranges in variety and age. She has taught dance for private studios with students ranging from toddlers to adults. She’s worked with children and teens at performing arts camps, spoken at master theater classes in various colleges across the Southeast, and she’s been employed by two colleges. At the colleges, she’s taught clogging, stage combat, voice and movement for the actor, acting and addition technique.

Adjusting to Chadron has been pleasant for Poarch, even while walking downtown she has been greeted by welcoming and smiling faces.

“Chadron is a beautiful, quaint area,” Poarch said. “I am enjoying getting away from the hustle and bustle of the fast-paced city. Climbing a butte to see for miles is certainly a majestic joy.”

For her classes, Poarch hopes to teach both of her classes face-to-face through the semester. The course starts with a welcome and small lecture, before shifting to an interactive method.

“Within the performing arts, participation is a key factor,” Poarch said. “I guide the class through a controlled physical and vocal warm-up as well as a theater improvisational game. We apply the terminology we’ve learned through other theatrical exercises by learning monologues, scene work and combinations.”

No matter what happens throughout the semester, Poarch is willing to work with the circumstances, her best interest being her students.

“I would help pass along knowledge and student’s growth no matter what the current situation,” she said, “I enjoy a good challenge.”