The Wareham High School's Viking Theater Company is in the midst of its 25th year, with director Don Bliss yelling "action" for nearly 20 years of that quarter century.

Bliss is in his 19th year directing the company, and is a Congregational Pastor in East Freetown. Previously, he was Wareham Public Schools' “Artist in Residence."

“Educational theater means so much to me because it’s a collaborative,” Bliss said. “It’s a growth experience.”

Bliss has experienced much in his acting career, ranging from "the Phantom of the Opera" to commercials. He has also published books on the subject.

Bliss said the point of his productions is not just to entertain an audience. He makes each production a growth experience for his kids.

“You can see these kids in their ‘ah-ha’ moments…when they begin to live more comfortably in their own skin,” Bliss said.

He spoke like a proud parent.

“It means so much just to see someone get on stage and do something they never thought they could do,” Bliss said.

While wanting his students to overcome typical anxieties such as stage fright, he also values the progress students make off the stage.

Lining a wall of Bliss' office are photos of dozens of his former students.

“These kids here are not the stars. They are not the brightest. They’re not the prettiest. These kids are here because, for each graduating class, I pick one or two kids that just had courage and dedication…and they used [the theater company] to conquer their demons,” Bliss explained. “They would overcome some major hurdle in their personal life. Maybe it was a family situation.”

“That’s our goal here. Teaching them maybe to get good at theater, but really get great at life.”

Bliss said theater offers students the opportunity to learn how to handle multiple challenges.

“Here, kids are expected to know how to deal with a stubborn lock, how to improvise, how to be creative, and how to be problem solvers and to do each other’s hair,” said Bliss. “The kids do everything.”