Floyd Collins’ life in rural Kentucky, provides insight into the cultural identity of Appalachia. Students can explore how the physical landscape, historical events, and economic activities have shaped the cultural traditions, values, and decisions of the people living in the region. They can analyze the portrayal of Appalachian culture in the musical, examining themes such as economic incentives, family ties, community solidarity, and resilience.

The media frenzy surrounding Floyd Collins’ entrapment in the cave provides a rich case study for analyzing the evolution of journalism and its societal impact. Students can dissect newspaper articles, radio broadcasts, and newsreel footage from the 1920s, examining the techniques used to sensationalize the story and the ethical considerations involved in reporting on a human tragedy. They can explore how media coverage influenced public opinion, government response, and the eventual outcome of the rescue efforts, shedding light on the power dynamics between media, government, and the public.

Featuring bluegrass, folk, and Americana influences, Floyd Collins, the Musical offers a gateway to understanding the cultural heritage of Appalachia. Students can explore the origins of these musical traditions, tracing their roots to Scottish, Irish, and African American folk music. They can analyze how music is used in the musical to convey emotion, drive the narrative, and evoke a sense of time and place. By studying the lyrics, instrumentation, and vocal styles of the songs, students gain insight into the social and historical context of the story, uncovering themes of resilience, community, and the human spirit.

When observing the preparation of a theatrical production students gain opportunities to engage with the art of performance. They can analyze character development, examining the motivations, conflicts, and relationships that drive the protagonists and antagonists of the story. They can study the techniques of stagecraft, including set design, lighting, sound, and costume, and how these elements contribute to the overall atmosphere and mood of the production. Through acting exercises, scene studies, and improvisation, students can explore different interpretations of the material, honing their skills as performers and deepening their appreciation for the craft of storytelling.

The story of Floyd Collins is set against the backdrop of 1920s America, a time of social and economic upheaval characterized by Prohibition, the Great Migration, and the Roaring Twenties. Students can examine the rural poverty that plagued Appalachia in the aftermath of World War I, exploring the challenges faced by working-class families like the Collins’s. They can analyze the entrepreneurial spirit of individuals like Floyd Collins, who sought to capitalize on the region’s natural resources through tourism and exploration. They can also investigate the role of government agencies, private companies, and grassroots organizations in responding to crises like the cave collapse, shedding light on issues of public safety, labor rights, and community resilience. Through primary source analysis, oral histories, and archival research, students gain a nuanced understanding of the historical forces that shaped the lives of people like Floyd Collins and the communities they inhabited.