10/15/2026
Canton welcomes new High School Drama Director! 💚🎭
When you ask Canton High School’s (CHS) new Drama Club Director Claire Higgins-Reardon if she has a favorite show or musical, she says it’s impossible to choose just one. The Milton, Massachusetts native has seen her share having spent, what she says is, a lifetime in theater and music.
“I was the president of the chorus and drama club when I was in high school,” said Higgins-Reardon. “I went to Drew University (in New Jersey) and double-majored in theater and music. The two have always been what I loved.”
In spite of that love, Higgins-Reardon didn’t initially see herself as a drama teacher.
“Here’s a funny anecdote: I avoided being a teacher in the beginning because my dad was a teacher. After going to college, I realized that the professional theater world wasn’t for me. By the time I graduated, I didn’t like the competition, and I’m a person who likes stability. And there is none in the theater world.”
After college, Higgins-Reardon returned home and began volunteering at her middle school’s drama club.
“I realized [teaching] is what I really loved,” said Higgins-Reardon, “I love the educational aspects and the sense of family and comradery as well as what people learn about themselves and the world. I guess I am my dad after all.”
Higgins-Reardon went back to school and earned a master’s degree in Theater Education from Emerson College and took a position at a middle school in Boston. From there, she taught in Waltham for two years, traveling between five different schools. Then she was hired in Weston to teach in the middle school and spent nine years in that district. Coming to Canton is a great opportunity because of the
District’s strong tradition of supporting the arts.
First up on this year’s CHS theater playbill is the classic “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.” Though the show was selected prior to Higgins-Reardon being hired, she’s excited for it. “I love that story,” said Higgins-Reardon. “When I was a child, I read it over and over.”
In future years, Higgins-Reardon will work with Canton Public Schools Pre-12 Performing Arts Coordinator Catherine Eckersley to select shows. “I like to choose shows that work best for a certain group of kids and perhaps stretch their abilities,” said Higgins-Reardon. “I want to give kids a variety of shows, and you always showcase the talent that you have.”
Higgins-Reardon also teaches Theater Design, Acting, Public Speaking, Piano and Dance.
“We are so excited to welcome Claire to the District,” said Eckersley. “Canton is a big theater community with a ton of support, and we can't wait to see the students continue to shine on stage.”
When not teaching or directing, Higgins-Reardon finds time to perform in community theater. She calls herself a “big crafter” who loves reading, the outdoors, and walks in the Blue Hills. She has a five-year-old son who also keeps her busy.
Though she’s only been at CHS a short time, she’s already impressed.
“Already I’m floored by the talent,” said Higgins-Reardon. “My very first impression [of Canton] was the new teacher orientation and how much teachers like working in the District and the students have all been great."
📣 Let's welcome Claire to our family!
