Knight takes his final bow at South

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Photo courtesy of John Knight

Nothin’ Like Knight: Sitting on set for South’s production of Almost, Maine, written by John Cariani, play director John Knight gives his cast notes for their performance.

Ellie Donahue, staff writer

Picture this: it’s the opening night of the 2015 Glenbrook Musical and the auditorium sounds with excited chatter, the audience anxiously waiting for the show to start. Suddenly, the lights go up and John Knight, the show’s fearless director, beams offstage as the character Pierrepont Finch hangs suspended in mid-air over the audience with nothing other than a squeegee and a book titled How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

Rich Winship, technical director and lighting and set designer, commended Knight as an esteemed, beloved, and extremely creative professional of the Fine Arts Department. On Oct. 30, Knight took his final bow after 16 memorable years at South by retiring.

At South, Knight has taught English, broadcasting and drama, creating unforgettable bonds with students and colleagues. Encouraged to apply for a teaching job as an English teacher by Mark Maranto, assistant principal for student activities, the two go way back. They were in the same graduate program for theater directing at Roosevelt University and knew each other through the competitive speech world.

“There are big shoes to fill,” Maranto shared. “This is his 31st year in education and teaching. I mean, it’s really tough to have [those] decades and decades of experience and then to try to replace that.”

Knight previously taught at three other schools in Illinois (Woodruff High School in Peoria, Thornwood High School in South Holland and Downers Grove South in Downers Grove) before coming to South. At these schools, Knight shared that he had quite a lot on his hands, taking on various roles as an English teacher, speech team coach, director of school plays and even as the set director.

“When I understood what a wonderful opportunity South had to offer and that I would not have to do all of those things, [that] I could just focus on one thing and try to do that—well—it was a no-brainer,” Knight said.

Knight and Maranto developed a working relationship and a personal friendship as well, Maranto said. He commended Knight on his ability to develop even the most inexperienced actor and his clear creative vision.

“[The Fine Arts Department has] been an ongoing passion of his [which has been] shaped by the level of professionalism that he brings to productions,” Maranto said. “It’s a real loss for us at South.”

Knight’s first time directing the Glenbrook Musical was with the show How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Winship was thrilled to work with Knight.

“I knew Mr. Knight before he started directing musicals,” Winship said. “He’s one of the best directors I’ve ever worked with and we had a great working relationship.”

Additionally, Winship particularly enjoyed his and Knight’s creative meetings to discuss ideas for plays. He complimented Knight’s excellent use of the sets he built and loved how they could bounce ideas off each other.

“He’s very thorough and hands-on as far as getting the best performance out of a student,” Winship said. “He’s also very collaborative and easy to work with. Mr. Knight has raised the quality level of Glenbrook South theater since he’s been here. His shows are always top notch. [They are] excellent, excellent productions, and that’s because of his skills as a director.”

Winship also mentioned that he believed anyone in one of Knight’s productions would have learned a lot about acting. Junior Greg Neppl is one student who said Knight had an impact on him.

“[Mr. Knight] directed the fall play my freshman year, Anatomy of Gray,” Neppl said. “It was my first show at GBS and I felt extremely welcomed. Not only because of the cast, but a large part because of Mr. Knight and how welcome he made all of us feel.”

Not only did Neppl feel welcome, he also felt that Knight truly wanted the best for their ensemble and prepped them with the skills they needed.

“[He’s] someone who cares about his students not only in a professional manner but also in a way to prepare them for future experiences,” Neppl said. “Mr. Knight is someone who pushes you to be the best that you can be.”

Knight said he hopes to have taught his students that acting is a joy and a talent that they should not be afraid to share with others.

“[My] greatest accomplishment is helping students develop their love and passion for theater, encouraging them to follow that path into college or into the professional world,” Knight said.

As for his retirement, Knight hopes to continue involvement in live theater through the Jeff Committee in Chicago, an organization which recognizes excellence in live production, once live theater returns. He has enjoyed his time at South and is appreciative of all the creative people he has met along the way.

“Glenbrook South has been a wonderful place to teach and anybody that goes here should consider themselves very lucky,” Knight shared.