Meet Danny Walsh, the new director of the Haverford Drama Club. With a passion for theater and a wealth of experience, Danny is ready to inspire the next generation of performers. In this interview, I dive into his journey, vision for the club, and what makes HHS theater so special.
Christian: Hi! Welcome to Haverford. Please introduce yourself.
Danny: My name is Danny Walsh and I am the new Drama Club director.
Christian: What other stuff do you do? Jobs, hobbies, talents?
Danny: I teach theater and dance throughout Delco. I currently work at Holy Child Academy as a nursery teacher and a bit with Summer Stage.
Christian: Do you think that teaching nursery school and preschoolers has helped you with your jobs choreographing and directing?
Danny: I think it’s taught me to be a lot more patient and to accept people more where they are and so on.
Christian: Yeah, that’s awesome. What is your favorite musical ever, the favorite one you’ve been in, and the favorite one you’ve directed?
Danny: My favorite show ever is Ragtime. My favorite show I’ve ever directed is Urinetown, and my favorite one I’ve been in was when I was Charlie Brown.
Christian: What inspired you to become the high school director?
Danny: It’s always been my dream to have my own theater program, specifically my own high school theater program, and so the second I heard that Haverford was looking for a new director, I jumped on that bandwagon. What really inspires me to teach theater is that I loved my teachers growing up more than anything. They were like my whole world, and I just really want to be that for other students.
Christian: What plans do you have for the drama program in the future?
Danny: I want Haverford Drama Club to be the drama club that all other schools in Delaware County look to and say “they know what they’re doing.” I think we have an immense amount of talent in the group, and I would love to get us into more high school theater competitions. I just want to make it a really excellent, well-known, theater program.
Christian: That’s awesome, thank you! What is your favorite type of music and favorite song?
Danny: My favorite type of music would have to be old rock and roll and my favorite song is probably “Love Will Keep Us Together” by Captain and Tennille. That’s my favorite.
Christian: Cool. How long have you been doing theater?
Danny: I’ve been doing it since first grade. I think by the time I graduated high school, I was in over 50 shows, and I was kind of just like always doing a show. So yeah, it’s been my whole thing for nearly my whole life. I’ve never stopped.
Christian: And what is your favorite part of directing?
Danny: I love when a show comes together, like during tech week when all the pieces from all the different departments that I’ve been working with privately come together and it becomes one great thing. That’s my favorite part.
Christian: What other experiences do you have with theater?
Danny: I grew up doing it because my brothers did it. It’s huge in my family. I did live in New York for a little bit, and I worked primarily in TYA, which is Theater for Young Audiences. I did that. I also actually have worked for TodayTix, which is the Broadway ticketing agency. Oh, and I did work for Broadway babysitters when I was in New York, so I babysat a few Broadway people’s children, which was pretty cool.
Christian: Since this fall’s musical is The Pajama Game, what is your favorite type of pajamas?
Danny: My favorite type of pajama would have to just be like a jersey knit pajama pant.
Christian: Finally, if you could describe yourself in one word or phrase, what would it be?
Danny: Passionate, maybe. I’m passionate, yeah.
Christian: Awesome. Thank you so much for this interview!
Danny: Thank you!
The Pajama Game promises to be an exciting production, showcasing the hard work and talent of the young actors, new director, and the production staff. Join the drama club on November 14th, 15th, and 16th! Buy your tickets here.
