Welcome to MHS Speech, Theatre & Debate

 Welcome to Mexico High School Speech, Theatre and Debate. 

About the Instructor
To start, let me introduce myself.  I am Sara Given and I have been the MHS Speech & Theatre instructor and program director since 1994.  I graduated from Central Missouri State University (Warrensburg) with a B.S.E. in Speech & Theatre Education and a minor in English.  In the summer of 1995, I went back to CMSU to extend my English Education certification.  In 2001, I graduated from William Woods University with a Masters in Educational Administration. 

I am a member of the Speech & Theatre Association of Missouri and have served on its Board of Governors, as Vice-President in 2001 and President in 2002.  I have also served two terms on the Missouri State High School Activity Association (MSHSAA) Speech Advisory Board. 

I am very passionate about teaching and about guiding students to reach their full potential so they are better prepared for their future.  One of the most exciting parts of my job is seeing the personal and educational development of students.  Many students come into a Speech and/or Theatre classroom apprehensive.  Often with self-doubt and low confidence in their potential.  By the nature of the art, they are transformed by the end of the course. This is why I teach Speech & Theatre. 

When I began in 1994, I was asked to develop a Speech & Theatre program.  I started with two courses; Forensics and Speech.  The remainder of my day was devoted to teaching Sophomore English.  Since the close of that school year I have had the opportunity to expose the students to many educational experiences in both Speech & Theatre.  Through the years I have taught Competitive Speech & Debate (Forensics), Theatre and Film, Public Speaking, Theatre 1 & 2, Acting, Theatre Design, Introduction to Theatre Arts, Children's Theatre and Improvisational Theatre.  I have directed both musicals and main stage plays, coach the Speech & Debate team, direct the traveling Children's Theatre Troupe "The Something From Nothing Players", direct competition One Act and Readers Theatre productions and Coach the MHS Improvisational Theatre Troupe for their annual show "Comedy Carnival".  It has been through the commitment of the students and the support of community that this program has flourished.

2010-2011 Course Offerings
This year we are proud to announce that we have added Dual Credit Public Speaking. In addition, the current schedule includes: Competitive Speech & Debate, Theatre Design and Children's Theatre.

2010-2011 Extra-Curricular Opportunities

Fall Play
Friday- Sunday, November 19-21 the MHS Theatre Department will produce their annual main stage play.  Auditions will be held early in September (more info to come soon).  All theatre productions are run by Mexico students.  Auditions are open to ALL students enrolled at MHS.  Rehearsals are held on Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays 6:30-9:00 and in the final two weeks Monday through Friday. In addition to acting roles, there are many technical theatre opportunities for students.  I am looking for students interested in serving on the following crews: Set Design & Construction, Costumes, Makeup, Sound, Lighting, Properties and Publicity.  I will also be taking applications for a Stage Manager.  You do NOT have to be enrolled in Speech or Theatre Classes to participate.  ALL students are eligible.

Speech & Debate Team
Any student interested in competing on the Award Winning MHS Speech & Debate team need only to visit with me about their area of interest.  Mexico High School is a member of the National Forensic League (NFL) and MSHSAA.  We compete in several "regular season" tournaments, MSHSAA District competition with advancement to State and NFL District competition with advancement to Nationals. Students may compete in any or all of the following events: Public Forum Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Policy Debate, Original Oratory, Dramatic Interpretation, Humorous Interpretation, Radio Speaking, Storytelling, Prose, Poetry, Duet Acting, Duo Interpretation, and Extemporaneous Speaking. Students in the class will learn and perform all competitive events and will have time during class to practice for competition.  Students not enrolled in the class will be required to set up after school practices with one or all of the coaches. Students do NOT have to be enrolled in the Competitive Speech & Debate class to compete on the team.  All students who meet MSHSAA requirements are eligible to compete. For more information, please contact me early in the year.

Comedy Carnival (MHS Theatre Improv Troupe)
In the Spring, a workshop will be held for all students interested in the Improvisational Theatre Troupe.  Students must participate in a minimum of 3 workshop nights to be eligible for the troupe.  A panel of judges will determine which students best meet the requirements of the troupe at the end of the 5 day workshop period.  Rehearsals will be held in the evenings with a show tentatively scheduled for mid-March. 

Parent Involvement
I encourage parent involvement in Speech & Theatre activities.  I am always looking for parents who are willing to share their time to support the arts.  During the rehearsal schedule for the Fall Play we hold a couple of "set days" where we meet to build and paint the set.  Parents are more than welcome to bring their talents and share in a great time.  We are also looking for creative ways to promote the hard work of the students in this program.  We encourage parents to get involved.  This is a great opportunity for parents to develop an understanding and appreciation for the hard work their students put in to the arts.  If you are interested, please let me know.  We have some fantastic parents that are already part of the family. 



I am looking forward to this school year and hope that this blog provides you a place to find up to date information and an avenue to express your support of the program.  Please feel free to email me or call me at any time.  Communication opens many doors and at "Communication Central" all you have to do is come in!