Hesston College theatre director celebrates 50th production

Theatre has a way of meeting people in the middle of life — celebrating, grieving, connecting and telling stories that matter. For Hesston College Director of Theatre Rachel Jantzi, those moments have been at the heart of the numerous productions she has directed at Hesston College over the years. Her 50th production, “The Children’s Hour,” will take the stage October 1 to 4.

A Newton, Kan., resident, Jantzi has spent 17 years helping Hesston students bring stories to life on stage. Along the way, some productions have become deeply personal.

Two weeks before Hesston’s production of “Working” opened in 2016, the Hesston community was shaken by the shooting at Excel Industries. Jantzi changed the concept of the musical, turning it into a tribute to working people and first responders of Hesston.

“It was a way to give thanks for this small community,” she shares.

Another production, “Silent Sky,” followed the story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt and ended with the entire theatre illuminated with stars. Jantzi dedicated the show to her uncle Jim who worked as a senior systems engineer for the International Space Station before passing away that same month.

Those productions are just two of the many memories Rachel carries from her 50 shows at Hesston.

Jantzi’s Hesston theatre journey began in 2009 when she was asked to step in as a favor to the director at the time for “Forever Plaid.” The four-person production was small, but it quickly became a memorable experience. Jantzi also choreographed the show, working with four talented young men who were not natural dancers.

“They worked so hard and were practically a quartet of Fred Astaires by the time we opened,” Jantzi recalls. “I was so proud of their work.”

For Jantzi, the most meaningful part of 50 productions isn’t necessarily the shows themselves. It’s the students.

She remains connected with many of her former students. Some still text her with life updates, send wedding invitations and birth announcements or call to tell her about a show or film they are working on.

“I have taught some truly amazing humans,” Jantzi says. “My students have taught me many things, but mostly to be present, to not undervalue our impact and to have fun.”

Those relationships have also found their way back to Hesston. Former students have returned to work with Jantzi as choreographers, designers, technicians, guest presenters and summer counselors.

“I hope they always feel at home in our space,” she says.

After 50 shows, Jantzi still sees theatre as a blessing passed from one person to another.

“I think of a show as a gift that has traveled through many hands; from the playwright, to the director, to the cast and crew and finally to the audience,” she explains. “I enjoy passing that show on to my actors through rehearsals, and I’m excited to see the result of their work as they hand it off to the public.”

And while 50 productions is a major milestone, Jantzi isn’t taking much time to celebrate.

She’s looking forward to sleeping, making it to some of her husband Scott’s soccer games, returning to Thursday night trivia at Moxie’s and then beginning rehearsals October 19 for HC’s Christmas show — production number 51 is already on the horizon.