Local actor, director and choreographer Lisa Boucher Hartman is the new drama adviser at Cape Elizabeth Middle School. She begins work this month on a spring production, which will be a musical, although the specific show hasn’t yet been chosen.

Hartman’s professional experience includes being the musical theater director at Casco Bay High School, in Portland, which put on “Chicago,” last week.

In addition, Boucher Hartman has also been both a director and choreographer with Stages Academy, a performing arts academy for children based in Portland.

Each year Stages presents a full season “of fully staged, professional-quality, all-student productions,” according to the academy’s website.

Boucher Hartman lives in Portland with her husband and three children. The household also includes a dog and a cat.

This week she spoke with the Current about her theater background and what she’s looking forward to accomplishing at Cape Middle.

Q: What is your theater background?

A: I have been involved with theater my whole life, starting at the age of 6. I have a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in musical theater and was able to travel the world performing throughout my 20s.

When I had children, I decided to settle in Portland where I got involved with directing and choreography and started teaching acting at Southern Maine Community College in South Portland.

I also perform with a handful of local theater companies such as AIRE Theater, or American Irish Repertory Ensemble, and the Dramatic Repertory Co., which are both in Portland.

The Dramatic Repertory Company’s goal is to provide exposure to new and overlooked theatre, as well as fresh perspectives on classic works.

In addition, I am also involved with the Mad Horse Theatre Co., which is located in a former schoolhouse in the Ferry Village neighborhood of South Portland. In fact, I am performing in a production there this spring.

Q: Why did you apply for the drama adviser position at CEMS?

A: The Cape Elizabeth School Department has a reputable theater program and I am excited to be a part of it.

Q: What are you most looking forward to?

A: I am very much looking forward to getting to know this group of kids and seeing what we can come up with together. Middle school students are at a fun age and I look forward to collaborating with them.

Q: Why is theater important?

A: As a teacher of acting, it is very important to educate our younger generations that live theater is a great form of entertainment. I meet so many college age students who have never seen a play, which is sad.

We need to keep the arts alive and giving children an opportunity to perform in their school play is such an important first step in fostering a lifelong love of the theater.

Q: What do you hope the kids get out of this experience?

A: I want them to have fun and enjoy their time learning about the theater and how to perform in front of an audience.

Lisa Boucher Hartman is the new drama adviser at Cape Elizabeth Middle School where she is planning a spring production.