From Sean

Sean Arnold (U. Houston) replied to Brandon's post

That just made so many memories rush back. I haven't thought about generic hospital for years. The stuff Mr. Prior wrote always killed at competitions. We got first in readers theatre and ensemble acting like 3 years in a row with that. I never knew about the sock thing though. That's amusing though Brandon. Nice one. Our Town was my first real play. I don't think I memorized my lines until the night before. Old habits die hard...haha

So looking back at my experiences with Mr. Prior I have to say I never really grasped how he has effected my life. He was the first teacher I ever had that coexisted with his students. We all learned together, and that was the first time I had ever experienced that with a teacher. He was the first adult that I didn't have to be something other than myself around to gain their trust and respect. He was our friend and I miss him.

In middle school we all struggled with our identities, juggling between what we felt about ourselves and what others told us we were felt about ourselves. Mr. Priors class held no pretentions. We were what we were and that was all he ever expected of us. He never expected anybody to be good at acting. He expected us to be ourselves. How refreshing.

In the spirit of Brandon's note....
I remember Mr. Prior sewing his fingers together in pantomime for like 5 minutes all for a simple wave with the pull of the thread
I remember Generic Hospital
I remember the morning news with brandon and lindsay brown
I remember before that when we did the announcements over the loud speaker on that ghetto phone thing in the office and visibly shaking I was so nervous
I remember one act
I remember the most magical improv I have ever seen in that tiny portable
I remember the candy....oh the candy...


Frankly I just copied Brandon's list for the most part. But we can share memories right? I think were all going to remember his laugh and his energy and through all of us pursuing the stage will live his spirit.

Thank you for changing us Mr. Prior. May your memory live through our words and actions and allow us to share you with others that you may influence many generations to come as you have influenced us.

-Sean Arnold