Mr. Hall was based on an actual drama teacher named Herb Hall, who taught at a Beverly Hills high school. Hall himself actually played a small part as the principal in the movie. According to a Beverly Hills Courier profile, he retired in 2014. "There's something about teaching. I love watching the kids grow as performers and people. To see them progress…from terrified freshman to accomplished seniors," Hall told the Courier. Another fun fact: Wallace Shawn, who played Mr. Hall, was actually a teacher before becoming an actor.