Theatre Teaching

Teaching Philosophy

Shoulders Where I Stand

I started theatre as an actor, a way for me to channel my imagination and inner thoughts into something cohesive and creative. It was through theatre that I was given an outlet to explore different worlds and characters. I was in the Third grade when I made my big stage debut, and I loved every minute of it! My director was my third grade teacher, Mr. Richardson. I learned a lot about theatre from that first play. He taught me that acting was telling a story. You were onstage to present the audience your story and you needed to be sure of your story to be understandable. Who are you, as the storyteller, and what do you have to say to your audience? I trusted the audience, and they trusted me. He taught me to be loud, to be bold, and to be an active listener. I continued doing youth theatre and eventually worked professionally and in college, where I had even more Mr. Richardsons guiding me. I still think of him often- a man that took a chance on me that impacted my life for the best. Would I be here today, at NYU, if I hadn’t taken that leap of faith and gained the trust of a great facilitator? I lead with storytelling, and lead with empathy. It was in college where I had a professor say to us “Everyone in the world should take an acting class, because it teaches you how to be empathetic towards anyone who is different than you”. I couldn’t agree more, and that is where the root of my philosophy stems. Tell the story, be empathetic, and engage in the healing power of theatre as a tool for entertainment and growth. That is my praxis when teaching theatre.

Classroom Application

I seek to make my theatre class a happy place, one where students know they are safe and welcome. I begin each acting class with a one word check in. I find that to be useful in leading a class focused on empathy and caring. All of my teaching artist work has typically begun with this process; how can I expect students to join me at my level if I do not first meet them at theirs? One word check ins can be anything. I’ve gotten a million responses that range from “HAPPY”, “SAD”, and “ANGRY”, all the way to “EXTREME”, “GREEDY”, and “DECEASED” (Yes, deceased. I've had some students with wild senses of humor). In my facilitation of teaching theatre, I focus on the self. I try to ask them to see themselves in this role as how they best see fit. Sometimes it is hard for young students to wrap their heads around this. I am careful about the implementation of emotions and hard feelings. No, I don’t think theatre can be a replacement for therapy, but it can create new pathways and opportunities for growth. I implore my young actors to not only consider deep thoughts within themselves, but to also remember theatre is supposed to be FUN! I want them to have a good time onstage. Please make bold choices, please feel free to be yourself! I encourage you to try your best, and fail brilliantly if you must! Fail brilliantly means to give it your all no matter the outcome. I feel emboldened as an Educator when I see students grow in my class. I have empathy where I know each and every one has so much potential that needs to be harnessed and livened to come to life.

Why Theatre Matters

As a theatre educator, with my philosophy of empathy and theatre as a tool for entertainment and growth, I see the way in which theatre can be accessible across a wide array of interests. Theatre teaches confidence, and public speaking skills. I can’t think of a career path that doesn’t involve at least some shred of public speaking. How often are you going to need to do a presentation, speak to a client, in a conference room? Theatre matters in the way that it offers so many transferable life skills. Throughout our lives as human beings, we are going to come across many individuals, some like ourselves and some vastly different. Empathy through theatre helps us to understand those that are different. Theatre matters for breaking down barriers that could prevent us from loving our neighbors. Theatre is for everyone, which is why it matters. My philosophy is one for everyone to love, empathize, and understand each other. I am beyond happy to be your Theatre Teacher, welcome!