Patrick Reagan is the high-energy 5th grade teacher who gets kids out of their comfort zones, both mentally and physically. His theater classes mix improv games and scripted plays to help kids discover new talents, and his Magic-School-Bus-inspired ecology camps immerse kids in nature. He teaches at Wentworth School and lives in Scarborough with his wife, Sally, their children Ella, Annie, and Liam, and his dog, Piper.

What inspired you to teach theater?

In my first year as a teacher, I had an experienced ed. tech, John Lucarelli, who suggested we do some class plays. It was during the cold, cabin-fever time of year and he said we needed to “shake things up.” It went really well and I’ve been doing it ever since.

How long have you worked with Community Services?

When I started the after-school theater club 15 years ago, someone asked me to do a camp. I did it on my own and it was great, but I quickly realized how much goes into managing things like registration and insurance. After a year, I approached Community Services to see if they’d be interested in taking it on. Now, they handle all the logistics, and I can focus on the fun stuff.

What skills most contribute to your effectiveness as a theater teacher?

Flexibility and energy. Flexibility is important to working with kids and encouraging them to be creative. I took a stand-up comedy class, and it has helped me hone my craft and be creative. Those experiences really helped me grow through practice, writing, and not giving up!

What are some of your best theater experiences?

One of the things I like about theater is how it draws out different kids. You’d be surprised by who shines. Sometimes it’s the shy kid or the kid who won’t stop talking. I love that. I also really like how collaborative theater can be. I wrote a play called “Nile the Crocodile” about a crocodile lost in a school. It teaches about the food chain. The kids got really into it and a friend of mine, Justin Stebbins helped choreograph a dance number to the song “Stayin’ Alive” (because all the animals are trying to survive). It was great fun!

How does your work impact the Scarborough community?

I feel like I’m running the minor league for the middle school and high school theater programs, which is great. All towns have sports, but not all have theater. It’s nice for kids to have an opportunity to try it, get out of their comfort zones, and grow. Theater and improv games can draw kids out in a different way.

How has your teaching style changed over time?

I’ve become a lot more relaxed with it. In the beginning, I always did plays and I would stick to the script. Now, I do more improv, more skits, more games.

How did your ecology camp get started?

That camp grew from my desire to teach more science and get kids outdoors more. After COVID, it became harder to teach science in the classroom. Plus, there’s so much technology and phones now – kids need to get outside more. I approached Community Services and said, “I’ve got an idea. I’m thinking about ecology and I notice you have a van.” My vision was to turn it into the Magic School Bus. They agreed and we had a great time with it. The kids hunted for crabs at Ferry Beach, dissected scat at Fuller Farm, and saw snowy egrets and fish on the Eastern Trail. It was really fun doing hands-on nature stuff.

Are there any new initiatives or projects you’d like to start?

I’d like to grow the ecology camp. I am thinking of changing ecology camp into Eco-Adventure Camp, so we can enjoy nature and exercise, too!

What advice would you give think of volunteering for Community Services?

Have an open mindset, be creative and flexible, and use a team approach – on your own it can be hard. When you’re working with kids, sometimes you have to shift to what they want. Some like the safety of a script and others, usually older kids, enjoy improvising. If you like kids, try it out. I worked for the Portland Rec Department as a teen and it helped me decide to become a teacher.

What’s something no one in town knows about you?

Well, I taught in Korea for a year when I was young. After my first year teaching at St. Joseph School (now St. Brigid School), a friend suggested we teach English in Korea. I wasn’t sure at first, but I gave it a try and really enjoyed it. Again, it taught me how to be flexible. Plus, I traveled to China, Thailand, and the Philippines. It taught me how important it is to get out of your comfort zone. Whatever terrifies and excites you – that’s what you should do it! You won’t regret it!