Who knew the drama, history, romance and conflict one could find in a teacher’s union meeting? Ryan Alpers sure did. The longtime San Jose teacher and frequent Play On Words performer and contributor wrote his first ten-minute play after months of deliberation with his teacher colleagues. The resulting “Union Meeting” captures a fictional teacher’s union as they try—and, spoiler alert, fail—to understand technology, recognize retirees, and raise money for “the children.” We’re thrilled to be performing this hilarious sketch at 5 pm this Saturday, October 19, at San Francisco’s Stage Werx Theatre.
Ryan lives in San Jose with his wife and daughter. He says that his former colleague and fellow teacher Andrew Christian helped him develop the concept. He is—how shall we say this?—also very succinct. Here are his answers to our standard #POWSJ three questions:
What inspired you to participate in Play On Words?
My wife told me to do it.
Which writers or performers inspire you?
As a teacher, I am inspired by the stories my students tell in their own writing.
Name a book or performance that fundamentally affected you.
The Crucible by Arthur Miller is a play that inspired this piece, as well as the film Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
Play On Words 