Dr. Len Radin
Director and Founder of the Drury Drama Team 1989 - present
Founder of the Yankee Thespian Festival
Director of the Massachusetts Educational Theatre Association 1994 - 2005
2006 - Massachusetts Governor's Point of Light Award
2000 - Educational Theatre Association Trustees national selection for
EdTA Hall of Fame. Inducted Aug, 2000 in Washington D.C.
1998 - Sir Clark Theatre Teacher of the Year
Hall of Fame induction - August, 2000
The following article was in the North Adams Transcript of September 19, 2003
Lives in: Williamstown
Birth Date: 1947
Birth Place: New York, NY
Occupation: theatre teacher
How would you describe yourself? I gave this question to my daughter. Her response: "My father has always thought that education is important. He was a 'present' father, always active in our lives. One day in high school, for example, when I was taking an exam on the political events of the 60's, he dressed in a hippy outfit, and bounced around the living room describing all of this political stuff. I don't remember how well I did on the test, but I did learn that my dad can come up with really strange costumes at the drop of a hat."
My other twin daughter responded as follows: "When children run into my father's office and fight over who gets to sit in the dental chair first, and hundreds of students call him "Doc", because he needs no other introduction, I can forgive him for certain instances in my childhood, an example being the fake scars and horns he gave me when practicing stage make-up, or the time he brought me to Spring Street dressed as the Cat in the Hat after a play."
Current volunteerism, board memberships:
Founder and director for 15 years, The Drury Drama Team. The Team is the academic, private, department of theatre at Drury HS (We will produce the Wizard of Oz on November 21, 22 and 23), Director of the Massachusetts Educational Theatre Association, an affiliate of the national EdTA, the largest organization of theatre teachers, Board member of Congregation Beth Israel, Founder and Board member of the Yankee Thespian Festival.
Family:
Married for 30 years to Dr. Darlene Radin, published poet and office manager; daughters Chaya Radin, teacher of English as a Second Language; Michelle Radin, teacher of deaf 1st grade at the American School for the Deaf; Katie-Rose Radin – sophomore at Commonwealth College/UMass.
Education:
UMass, undergraduate; Tufts University, doctorate; Spring Street Elementary school in Atlanta, GA.(least we forget where we came from.)
Who’s your personal hero? Garrison Kielor, Dunesbury, my wife.
Why? They’re cute, smart, and very caring. (My wife’s cuter than Garrison.)
What personal achievements are you most proud? Raising a generation of patients who are not afraid of the dentist, bringing educational theatre to Drury, and raising three wonderful daughters. I can also make an egg roll to die for.
What’s your personal quote/trademark expression? “Have fun. Learn things. Ask good questions.” This was said daily as my daughters went off to school.
What’s the best advice you can give someone? Focus on the core. The shell will take care of itself.
What’s the most recent book read and author? My daughter wrote a series of e-mail that I bound. The book deals with her getting though graduate school in New York, living in New York through the 9/11 incidents, and finally “making it in New York.” I admire her ability to retain her humor under tremendous stress.
What’s your favorite show? Any show that one of my students or alumni are in. I know how far they have come to get there and what educational theatre has given them.
Pet Peeve? This government insists on making huge cuts to health and education. I also hate raisins in chocolate chip cookies.
Hobbies? Running, entomology, and maintaining the following web site: www.drurydrama.com
In September of 2003, Doc was named one of
"the 33 most influential people in the Northern Berkshires" by
The North Adams Transcript newspaper.
Below is the photo and article.
In Nebraska with daughter Rosie.
By Keith Bona - 2003
Dr. Len Radin
Photo - Gillian Jones - Transcript
Dr. Leonard Radin
Introducting a cast of hundreds to theatre
Doc in the 70s ?
Dr. Leonard Radin, Dr. Darlene Radin
Doc is featured in the following book:
Berkshire Eagle
IBerkshire.com
Radin named school volunteer of year
- June 02, 2004
NORTH ADAMS — Local dentist Leonard Radin received the North Adams Public Schools Volunteer of the Year award during a Volunteer Recognition Ceremony Wednesday, May 26, at Brayton Elementary School.
Volunteers were recognized for their dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to making a significant difference in the lives of children and the educational environment. Schools Superintendent James E. Montepare was the guest speaker and commended the many volunteers for their commitment to the children and schools of North Adams.
Katharine Kennedy, a student at Drury High School, presented Radin a Certificate of Appreciation as the Volunteer of the Year for 2003-2004. As director and founder of the Drury High School Drama Team, he has led the school community in offering professional theater productions for 16 years.
He is also active in teaching theater at Drury as a volunteer. His love and ability to share his passion for theater is clearly reflected in the many awards he has received, Kennedy said. In 1998, he received the Sir Clark Theatre Teacher of the Year. In 2000, he was inducted into the Educational Theatre Association Hall of Fame.
Governor Mitt Romney presented Dr. Len Radin the Points of Lights Award in a ceremony at the State Capitol building on May 3rd. The Massachusetts governor read the following statement from the award certificate:
“For over twenty years, you have been an active force in inspiring the lives of our youth. Your infectious love of theater has given Drury High School students the opportunity to experience the joys of the arts, through the drama presentations you direct and produce. Your commitment to your community is to be commended, and your humble generosity, drive and selflessness make you an outstanding volunteer.”
The certificate was signed by Governor Romney and Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey. The Governor also presented Dr. Radin, Director of the Drury Drama Team, with a copper lantern signifying a “Point of Light.”
Each year, the Board of Trustees selects an educator for the Hall of Fame Award. Dr. Radin was the 2000 selection.
Doc with our mascot.
District Drama Coordinator - North Adams Public Schools
