Philosophy of Theatre Education
Directing outdoor Shakespeare in Saugus, MA (2021)
There are three things that define my classroom, and these extend to any creative space or performance area for which I am responsible. The hallmarks of this creative learning environment are: compassion, collaboration and confidence. If you walked into my classroom, you would find me using theatre to reach each student in their unique set of circumstances with compassion. While expectations are always high (because students are truly capable of so much) and respect is required, when mistakes are made they are handled with compassion and empathy. When you expect more out of students you must do so with a compassionate heart, understanding that growing up is difficult and you are supporting and encouraging their growth during one the most tumultuous periods of life. Compassion is key in my classroom because when students feel heard and safe, they are able to rise to even the most difficult of challenges. With compassion at the helm, the teacher/student relationship can blossom and grow.
Additionally, collaboration is a pillar of my philosophy of Theatre Education. Theatre is truly a collaborative art form. It requires so many different types of people to create a piece of theatre: designers, directors, stage managers, actors and many more. In the past I have worked with and trained all types of student actors, stage managers and designers. It has been such a pleasure to learn from them as well as teach them. It is possible (and crucial) to maintain order, respect and authority as an educator and director while capitalizing and utilizing the strengths of others. Although my role is that of an authority figure, I have found that the best work is done when students view themselves as the important teammates that they are. Additionally, collaboration promotes equity, diversity and inclusion in the classroom or theatre space. Making sure all students feel welcome in the space, particularly students that don’t feel welcome in other areas, is vital. Creating a diverse theatre classroom means making space for minority students to tell their stories so that we can listen, learn and continue to build an anti-racist theater. This is a crucial part of my practice both as an artist and a teacher.
Finally, confidence plays an important role in the creative spaces that I supervise. I strive to model confidence for the students everyday. I aim to show them that it is possible to be confident in your art even though you know you still have room to grow. In my classroom, they see a mentor that is passionate as well as prepared. It is my goal to pass that passion, preparedness and confidence on to my students. I constantly celebrate their creative wins and encourage them to believe completely in their own artistic impulses. A classroom and theatre space that values compassion, collaboration and confidence results in students that respect each other, believe in themselves and do everything with kindness. These are the tenants of my philosophy of theatre education.
Additionally, collaboration is a pillar of my philosophy of Theatre Education. Theatre is truly a collaborative art form. It requires so many different types of people to create a piece of theatre: designers, directors, stage managers, actors and many more. In the past I have worked with and trained all types of student actors, stage managers and designers. It has been such a pleasure to learn from them as well as teach them. It is possible (and crucial) to maintain order, respect and authority as an educator and director while capitalizing and utilizing the strengths of others. Although my role is that of an authority figure, I have found that the best work is done when students view themselves as the important teammates that they are. Additionally, collaboration promotes equity, diversity and inclusion in the classroom or theatre space. Making sure all students feel welcome in the space, particularly students that don’t feel welcome in other areas, is vital. Creating a diverse theatre classroom means making space for minority students to tell their stories so that we can listen, learn and continue to build an anti-racist theater. This is a crucial part of my practice both as an artist and a teacher.
Finally, confidence plays an important role in the creative spaces that I supervise. I strive to model confidence for the students everyday. I aim to show them that it is possible to be confident in your art even though you know you still have room to grow. In my classroom, they see a mentor that is passionate as well as prepared. It is my goal to pass that passion, preparedness and confidence on to my students. I constantly celebrate their creative wins and encourage them to believe completely in their own artistic impulses. A classroom and theatre space that values compassion, collaboration and confidence results in students that respect each other, believe in themselves and do everything with kindness. These are the tenants of my philosophy of theatre education.
Presenting at Parents' Night, New Hope Tutorials, Boxford, MA
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Directing "Much Ado About Nothing" for Theatre Company of Saugus, June 2021
Directing with friend and colleague, Kienan Reilly, at Galvin Middle School, Wakefield, MA
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