My approach to theatrical education is interdisciplinary and eclectic. I have found that in middle school/high school (ages 12-18), using a combination of skills-based learning, liberal arts approach, and internal intellectual exploration has provided the best experience with the best results. By employing skills-based learning, I can engage those students who truly want to develop and hone specific theatrical skills, such as acting, technical theatre, stagecraft, etc. -- school theatre is where so many great actors and theatre practitioners begin their journeys, it should be treated with some seriousness in its training. However, not every student in theatre wants to pursue theatre beyond, which is where the liberal arts and internal exploration aspects come into play.
I often take time to connect different disciplines throughout a rehearsal process to show students how what we're doing not only helps that specific show/their theatrical skills but also helps foster critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills in every area of life. I do not shy away from addressing the psychological/therapeutic nature of theatre, especially in youth theatre. I will often use the phrase "emotions don't scare me." This encourages the students to communicate what their feeling in the most honest and natural way to them. This, I hope, allows them to start to develop the ability to understand how certain emotions manifest in their bodies and not only unlock deeper and more heartfelt performances, but also assist in navigating those emotional and hard moments that they will undoubtedly experience throughout life.
Theatre is so much more than acting or building sets and props. Theatre is community. Theatre is discipline. Theatre is life. Theatre is home.
It's my job to facilitate that.
Curriculum Ambassador (Pre-16/Year 9-10) -- University of East London (2024 - 2025)
Director of Dramatic Activities -- East Grand Rapids Public Schools (2022 - 2023)
Greenshow Adaptor/Director -- Grand Valley Shakespeare Festival (2021 - 2023)
Choreographer/Asst. Technical Director -- Allendale High School (2023 - 2024)
Dance Instructor/Teaching Assistant -- Grand Rapids Civic Theatre (2022 - 2024)