Canton High School Welcomes New Drama Director

CANTON, MA — Canton High School has welcomed an experienced theater educator to lead its Drama Club.

Claire Higgins-Reardon, a Milton native with a background in theater and music, is the high school's new drama director, Canton Public Schools announced on Thursday. She will also teach Theater Design, Acting, Public Speaking, Piano and Dance, according to the school district.

Higgins-Reardon studied theater and music at Drew University in New Jersey. Although she initially pursued professional theater, she said she ultimately wanted more stability and discovered an interest in education while volunteering with her former middle school’s drama club.

She later earned a master’s degree in theater education from Emerson College. Her teaching career has included positions at a Boston middle school, five schools in Waltham and Weston Public Schools, where she spent nine years.

Higgins-Reardon said Canton’s strong support for the arts helped attract her to the district.

The first production on this year’s Canton High School theater schedule is “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” The show was selected before Higgins-Reardon was hired, but she said she has long been a fan of the story.

“When I was a child, I read it over and over,” she said.

In future years, Higgins-Reardon will work with PreK-12 Performing Arts Coordinator Catherine Eckersley to choose productions that suit students’ talents while helping them develop new skills.

“I want to give kids a variety of shows, and you always showcase the talent that you have,” Higgins-Reardon said.

Eckersley said the district is excited to welcome Higgins-Reardon.

“Canton is a big theater community with a ton of support, and we can't wait to see the students continue to shine on stage,” Eckersley said.

Outside school, Higgins-Reardon performs in community theater and enjoys crafting, reading, spending time outdoors and walking in the Blue Hills. She also has a 5-year-old son.

Though still new to Canton High School, Higgins-Reardon said she has already been impressed by its students and staff.

“Already I’m floored by the talent,” she said. “My very first impression of Canton was the new teacher orientation and how much teachers like working in the district, and the students have all been great.”

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