Theater Spotlight of the Week: Nancy Schaeffer

by Shawn Parikh

Although deemed as a children's theater company, Dallas Children's Theater has been presenting some plays targeted towards teens over the last few years. With shows about girl bullying and eating disorders, they have been tackling some controversial topics. This week, dont u luv me? is a bold piece confronting teen dating violence which will also mark its world premiere.

Nancy Schaeffer, who directs the play, has been with Dallas Children's Theater since day one and has seen the company grow over the last 25 years. We discuss her involvement, how she has seen it evolve and what she thinks attributes to its success.

With the mature-themed shows, I ask how audiences have responded to it over the years and why she feels it is necessary to target a teen audience.

She discusses the plot and themes of dont u luv me? and the important message it tells about teen dating violence. She mentions the rehearsal and casting process and why it is significant that the lead actor doesn't portray a villain. I ask about the connection to the Rihanna/Chris Brown scandal and what she hopes the audience can walk away with.

dont u luv me? runs from April 3 - 26 and tickets can be purchased online or by calling 214-740-0051. On Friday, April 3rd, following the 7:30 p.m. opening night performance, DCT will host a special panel discussion led by esteemed experts on the issue of domestic violence.