Who Needs Drama?
a new book by Severn resident, Jackie Bennett

—submitted

Who needs drama? No one if we’re talking about The Real Housewives of Orillia. But author, and retired teacher, Jackie Bennett, of Severn, believes we do need it when it comes to purposeful drama as part of the Ontario curriculum.

NSL: Tell us about yourself.
JB: My husband and I moved to Severn just before the pandemic began. Creative endeavours have always attracted me. Over the past twenty years, I have sung with various bands. My advent story, Star So Bright: A Journey of Faith, has entertained audiences at various venues for the past twelve years. I presented my play, Get What You Need, as a staged reading in Orillia last summer. Writing is also a passion, and I was thrilled when my young adult novel When Am I Supposed To Sleep? got published, with a sequel that will be coming out soon. Who Needs Drama? is my second published work.

NSL: Why was it important for you to write this book?
JB: Drama gives students the opportunity to develop skills that will benefit them academically and throughout their life. And yet it is often overlooked in schools because of budget cuts or because it doesn’t fit into the timetable. I wanted to write this book to show why drama is important and to provide a detailed resource for teachers who don’t have an arts background.

NSL: When did you first become interested in theatre?
JB: Growing up in a small town, the only form of entertainment we had was on television. We didn’t have a movie theatre, and there was nothing with a stage. It wasn’t until I attended boarding school that I accidentally discovered drama. I needed to sign up for an elective and nothing else fit into my timetable. Without knowing what it was, I chose theatre arts and quickly became hooked on the subject.

NSL: Why do you consider yourself an expect on teaching drama?
JB: I wouldn’t say I am an expert, however, because of my background, I have a better understanding of the subject than some people. I received a BA from Queen’s with a focus on music and theatre and then received a B. Ed. at York. I taught drama in the elementary school system, have directed countless musicals and plays, and have written two plays.

I am excited to share my knowledge and help students discover the joys of drama and theatre arts, no matter where they learn.

Bennett’s book, Who Needs Drama? can be preordered now and purchased after August 24 online at Amazon.