Drama Chair M.A. Haskin Retires Leaving Big Shoes to Fill

Phil Minton, Contributing Writer

Thirty-five years ago, a young M.A. Haskin had just gotten out of school and decided to apply for a job at The Masters School. Today, Haskin is the Chairwoman of the Drama Department and also teaches public speaking.

“When I was in high school I was aware that I really enjoyed theater and I really enjoyed public speaking,” Haskin said. “And I was hoping to share that passion with students, giving them confidence and making them feel that they [the students] too could get up in front of an audience.” Having directed 100 productions, she went on to say that what she accomplished had been the reason she became a teacher in the first place.

When asked about her replacement for next year, Haskin said that they are looking and that she is pleased to say that all the candidates are “extraordinary.” “I am not at all worried that the theater program will go downhill because it’s not only the teacher that counts, but the students,” she said. “And we have probably the most creative and energetic students that we have ever had.”

Janie Wallace, a dance teacher described Haskin as an incredible leader and that she is so good at getting everyone excited. Wallace does think that Haskin’s departure will change the theater program, but the “four values” will always stay the same. “The values are involvement, excellence, being inclusive, and being kind – that we all strive for an excellent level of production and performance and that we ask our students to do the same and come up to that level too,” Wallace said.

There is no doubt that Haskin leaving will change the school, she said there is one thing that she wants people to remember her for. “I hope they think of me as someone who is compassionate and someone who was a good listener and someone who worked to make every student feel as if he or she was important.”