A decade of impact

“I never thought I’d do theater. But (Marla Allsopp) helped me believe I could, and now I’m more confident and happier.” 

Junior Daniel Abrego 

EPHRATA — After 10 years of shaping students, building a program and creating a lasting sense of belonging, Marla Allsopp is stepping down as drama director at Ephrata High School. Her departure marks the end of an era defined not just by performances, but by transformation – both on and off the stage. 

For Marla, the role has always been about more than theater. 

“It’s never been about me ever,” she said. “It’s always about seeing the kids and having people say, ‘Oh my gosh, I didn’t know that kid could do that.’” 

A full-circle journey 

Marla’s story with Ephrata theater began long before she ever sat in the director’s chair. A graduate of Ephrata High School, she first discovered theater almost by accident. 

“It was a rainy day, and my friend… was auditioning,” she said. “The director said anyone who is in this room has to audition for the play, and I got a part. And it was like, ‘Oh, this is where I’m supposed to be.’” 

For Marla, theater became a refuge, a place where she found confidence after a difficult time in high school. Years later, she returned to Ephrata and eventually stepped into the director's role after helping her predecessor, Randy Johnstad, during an illness. 

“I just ended up with the program,” she said. “And just kept going from there.” 

Building a program, sense of home 

Over the past decade, Marla directed more than 30 productions and guided the program through everything from tight budgets to the challenges of COVID-19. Along the way, she cultivated something students say mattered even more than the shows themselves. 

“A place where vulnerability was a must,” said junior McKinnley Graaf. “You just felt like it was a place where you were meant to be.” 

Students repeatedly described the program as a safe, welcoming environment – something Marla intentionally worked to create. 

“They don’t have to like each other,” she said. “But they do have to be kind to each other.” 

Her husband, Jeff Allsopp, who worked backstage as a manager and builder, said that sense of belonging traces directly back to her own high school experience. 

“She kind of felt she had a home there as a student,” he said. “And that she can provide that for other students.” 

Transforming confidence 

If there is a consistent theme in Marla’s legacy, it is the way she helped students grow into themselves. 

Sophomore Daniel Abrego is one of many examples. Initially too nervous to audition for Grease, he only performed after returning when the room was empty. 

“He was shaking, he could barely speak above a whisper,” Marla said.  

By the end of the show, he had become a standout performer, taking over the role of Eugene, she said. Abrego then returned for the spring one acts and took on a larger role. He said he plans to audition next year.  

“She’s been the only teacher to help me really step out of my comfort zone,” Abrego said. “Now I’m more comfortable. I like theater and the people, and I have found better friends because of this too.”  

That transformation is something Jeff witnessed repeatedly. 

“She’s always everyone’s champion,” he said. “Creating a safe space… encouraging them, building them up to succeed – that’s probably her greatest accomplishment.” 

Creativity on a budget 

Despite limited resources, Marla’s productions became known for their creativity. From thrifted costumes to self-built sets to stealing furniture from her own house for the stage, the program thrived on ingenuity. 

“I surrounded myself with super creative people who can problem-solve with $10,” she said. 

Jeff described her vision as central to the program’s success. 

“She already had it in her mind,” he said. “And with her vision and a little elbow grease, we were able to put together some pretty cool sets.” 

That creativity extended to ambitious risks – none bigger than this year’s musical, Grease, the program’s first musical in over a decade. 

“I did not have the first clue,” Marla said. “But I just said, ‘Okay, I’m doing it.’” 

The result was a defining moment. 

“I just burst into tears,” she said of the final dress rehearsal. “They had done it.” 

But beyond the productions themselves, Allsopp’s influence is most clearly seen in the students she mentored. 

A lasting influence 

Junior Allison Moore said Marla helped her find confidence and range as a performer. 

“She made it where I felt like there was a place where I could flourish,” Moore said. “It never felt like a chore. It always felt like something I could love.” 

Graaf echoed that sentiment. 

“I’m so grateful to say I don’t have any horror stories,” she said. “She created such a positive space.” 

Graaf said Marla encouraged her to keep trying, even when she felt as if she wasn’t good enough for a role. 

“I didn’t think I was the right fit for Rizzo,” she said. “After rehearsal one day Mrs. Allsopp stopped me... in the end I realized that she doesn’t make casting mistakes and I could do this.” 

However, Marla said she doesn’t feel like she was the perfect caster; she said she just believed in her students. 

“Sometimes all it took was telling a student that I believed in them,” she said. “Sometimes that’s all they needed to get out of their head and get back to having fun with it.”  

Abrego said he has found something he enjoys, thanks to Marla taking a chance on him.  

“I never thought I’d do theater,” Abrego said. “But she helped me believe I could, and now I’m more confident and happier.” 

Choosing the right time 

Marla said her decision to step down was intentional. After years of balancing multiple roles and feeling the early signs of burnout, she wanted to leave on a high note. 

“I want to go out when I’m feeling like this,” she said. “Not when I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m so done.’” 

She also believes it is time for someone new to build on what has been created. 

“I’ve done what I can do,” she said. “Now someone else needs to take it the next step further.” 

What comes next 

Although she is stepping away from directing, Allsopp is not leaving theater or the district behind. She plans to focus on community theater, including her role as president of the Masquers Theater board – and hopes to return to acting. She said she will continue her role as an English and world studies teacher.  

“I haven’t been able to be in a show in years,” she said. “So, I will audition.” 

She also plans to spend more time with her family and finally enjoy evenings that aren’t spent in rehearsal. 

Saying goodbye 

When asked what she will miss most, Marla didn’t hesitate. 

“The kids,” she said. “That’s why I do it.” 

For her students, the feeling is mutual. 

“If I could thank her,” Abrego said, “I’d say I’m going to miss her, and she’s the best drama director ever.” 

Graaf said, “Thank you for everything, she’s taught me so many life lessons.” 

Moore added, “I’m really glad that she's staying in the school… I hope that she knows how much people trust her and how much wisdom she actually has, and how much faith I have in her advice and her outlook on my life.” 

After a decade of dedication, Marla leaves a legacy of confidence, creativity and connection that will continue long after the curtain closes. 

“Marla has transformed the EHS drama program into a place where students are not only performers, but storytellers, leaders and collaborators,” EHS Principal Ashlie Miller said. “Her legacy of excellence, inclusion and inspiration will continue to shape our school for generations.” 

    Drama Director Marla Allsopp is a graduate of Ephrata High School and said the same theater brought her comfort and sense of belonging when she was in high school. She said her goal was to provide the same for her students.
  

    Grease was the first and only musical Ephrata High School Drama Director Marla Allsopp directed during her 10-year tenure at the district. Third from the left is Sophomore Daniel Abrego who says Allsopp is the “best drama director ever.”
  

    Junior Allison Moore, middle, said Drama Director Marla Allsopp helped her grow as an actress, making the theater somewhere where she could “flourish.”
  

    Junior McKinney Graaf, who played Rizzo in Grease, said Drama Director Marla Allsopp helped her feel worthy of the role. She said she had a lot of hesitation and doubt, but Marla provided reassurance throughout. Graaf said she was proud of her performances.