Pam Csaky has directed 70 shows for Wadsworth High School and she is retiring from teaching and directing after the 2024-2025 school year.
Csaky has been working at WHS for 33 years, and she has taught freshman, sophomore, and junior English. She currently teaches Honors English III and a Literature as Film class. She has also taught drama classes.
In 2025, she directed “Legally Blonde,” her last show with WHS. Csaky has been working in theater since she was in high school.
“I had a couple of roles here and there, usually ensemble,” Csaky said. “I got the lead in the comedy my senior year.”
She had the opportunity to student-direct shows while she was in high school, as well as act in them.
“When I went to college, I knew that was something I wanted to do, so I have a dual certificate in both English and theater,” Csaky said.
Throughout Csaky’s time at WHS, the theater program has expanded and grown. When she first started, the school put on just two or three shows a year, with no middle school productions. Over time, the program expanded to include additional performances, including a children’s show and middle school productions.
“We still had lots of kids who wanted to be involved,” Csaky said. “So, we added that fourth production, and the middle school got involved. Now, between middle school and high school, we have six productions a year.”
Students are now given the opportunity to participate in a greater number of shows, giving them more experience.
“A lot of schools will do one play and one musical,” said Brianne Pernod, a teacher at WHS. “The fact that we give our students the opportunity to be on stage, that they can do a fall and a spring show, is huge.”
Pernod believes that Csaky has made Wadsworth’s drama program what it is today. Pernod was once Csaky’s student, and she now works alongside Csaky as another director for WHS.
“I think so many teachers are missing out on this opportunity because it’s the connection with the students and seeing the students outside of the classroom,” Csaky said. “It is a very different experience, and watching them be passionate about something you were also passionate about.”
Many of her former students have stayed in touch with her over the years, visiting with the students’ families, inviting her to their weddings, and remaining a part of her life.
“My kids look at them like their older brothers,” Csaky said. “It hasn’t necessarily been because of what happened in the classroom, it’s those relationships you form outside of it.”
Lauren Claxton, a WHS alumnus, developed a mentoring relationship with Csaky throughout her years as a part of the drama department.
“Csaky has become an integral part of my family life, as she has helped me and my family share a love of theatre,” Claxton said. “I can always trust her when I come back to hear about the shows, and she always wants to know what is going on in my life. She has been so supportive, and I would not be where I am without her.”
Claxton believes that Csaky’s mentorship taught her how to take direction, step out of her comfort zone, and try new things.
Part of what made it so special, Csaky says, are the people she has worked alongside—especially those who once sat in her classroom and now stand beside her as colleagues. One of them is Kalyn Davis, the WHS choir director and a former student of Csaky’s.
“We go way back,” Davis said. “She was my teacher in high school, and even after I graduated, we stayed in touch. When I came back to teach here, we ended up working together for 11 years.”
The two have worked together on more than 15 productions, including “Bright Star,” “1984” and “Legally Blonde.” Davis credits Csaky not only for the quality of WHS theater but for her lasting influence on students and staff alike.
“Pam is the brain behind it all,” Davis said. “She is creative, organized, and has everything planned—spreadsheets for costumes, props, casting, everything. I come in with the music and choreography, but she’s the one shaping what you see on stage. The acting, the blocking—that’s all her.”
Davis believes that Csaky has had a major impact on the students and the drama department.
“Csaky has a knack for bringing out the best in her students, holding them to high standards and pushing them to grow,” Davis said. “She’s tough, but that’s what makes the shows so good. She expects a lot, and the students rise to that.”
As Csaky closes the curtain on her final show, Davis reflects on the journey they’ve shared.
“She’s taught me so much about teaching, directing, and just believing in what’s possible. Watching the students grow over ten weeks into confident performers—that’s the magic Csaky brings,” Davis said.
One of Csaky’s goals for retirement is to volunteer as a cuddler at Akron Children’s Hospital.
“You hold babies, mostly in the NICU, a lot of parents can’t make it in,” Csaky said. “They’re too far away from their sick kids, so they have to work. Those babies still need love and attention, so there are volunteers who do nothing but hold NICU babies.”
In addition to her plans to volunteer at Akron Children’s Hospital, Csaky is also looking forward to traveling with her husband. The couple recently bought a truck and plans to purchase a fifth-wheel trailer to explore the country.
“One of my goals is to spend at least two weeks on Cape Cod in the fall,” Csaky said. “I don’t need to be there in the middle of summer with the chaos. Just give me the ocean, a camper, and Cape Cod, and I’ll be a happy camper.”
As she prepares to retire, Csaky encourages students and faculty alike to take part in theater, whether it be on stage, behind the scenes or in the audience.
Some of Csaky’s favorite shows she has directed at WHS include “Our Town,” “Bright Star” and “Legally Blonde.”
“If you’re interested at all in theater, try out and get involved,” Csaky said. “Even if you just run projections or spotlights—it’s another cool experience. You’ll be part of something special.”
