Teaching Philosophy
As an educator, it is my goal to inspire students to become artist-citizens who think critically, create wholeheartedly and speak boldly through their art! I approach this pedagogically by providing as many points of entry to creative and critical thinking processes. It is through education that we empower students to discover their own unique voice.
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.” ~Brené Brown
Fundamental to my Teaching Philosophy…
…is the importance of establishing a classroom environment that encourages students to take risks and to embrace failure as a crucial and necessary aspect to any creative and innovative processes. I follow the mantra that it is necessary for a student to push themselves (with a nudge from the teacher) beyond their comfort zones in order to grow.
I aim to facilitate this environment by treating students with the utmost respect and defining this as an expectation for all. While the term “safe space” often arises as a concept, I prefer to use the term “supported space.” The classroom should create a feeling that both the physical space and the psychological space can be trusted and exist without judgment from self or others. This confirms the connection that my classroom is an environment in which taking risks and embracing failure is supported/applauded. The degree of “push” applied to each student is approached on an individual basis with careful observation.
“You cannot create results. You can only create conditions in which something might happen.” ~Anne Bogart
Fundamental to my Classroom is…
...Professionalism. I expect that students approach their assignments and explorations with the same intensity and commitment as they would rehearsal and performance. It is essential that play is a component of the learning process. I often describe this as “serious play,” to signify that professionalism is a tool that must be developed to thrive in any career.
…Collaboration. I employ various modes of learning & collaboration to foster students’ ability to…
“Art is the most effective mode of communications that exists.” ~John Dewey
…Analytical Skills. I establish the importance of engaging in an atmosphere where constructive and critical feedback is given in a supportive manner. Liz Lerman’s Critical Response Process guides my approach to encourage students to distinguish between their observations and their opinions. This form of critical dialogue promotes risk taking!
“Create your own method. Don't depend slavishly on mine. Make up something that will work for you! But keep breaking
traditions, I beg you.” ~Constantin Stanislavski
…Experimentation. I construct classroom projects to provide paths for experimentation with all modes of playmaking, character development and storytelling. This includes explorations in the expression of the body via voice, movement and gesture along with incorporating other elements of “theatrical language” such as design, digital media, site specific and immersive relationships of performer and spectator.
Experimentation Challenges the Student to…
"The future belongs to young people with an education and the imagination to create." ~President Barack Obama
Arts are Essential to the Future…
All students who leave my classroom will have gained an appreciation for the power of theatre to expand our imaginations, challenge of beliefs and affect our emotions. Not all students will necessarily pursue life as a professional actor or theatre artist, but I aspire to impart a passion to remain active as an arts advocate & patron while passing along their love of theatre and knowledge to others.
For those students who will pursue theatre as a career, I desire to instill recognition that all genres, forms and levels of theatre from professional, regional to community and non-union are worthy of pursuit. I will encourage them to seek opportunities that fulfill them as artist-citizens while also understanding the challenges and drive needed to sustain a career in the arts.
“You learn at your best when you have something you care about and can get pleasure in being engaged in.”
~Howard Gardner
It is my goal to motivate students to discover their passion, to pursue knowledge and seek pleasure through the journey of life experiences!
As an educator, it is my goal to inspire students to become artist-citizens who think critically, create wholeheartedly and speak boldly through their art! I approach this pedagogically by providing as many points of entry to creative and critical thinking processes. It is through education that we empower students to discover their own unique voice.
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.” ~Brené Brown
Fundamental to my Teaching Philosophy…
…is the importance of establishing a classroom environment that encourages students to take risks and to embrace failure as a crucial and necessary aspect to any creative and innovative processes. I follow the mantra that it is necessary for a student to push themselves (with a nudge from the teacher) beyond their comfort zones in order to grow.
I aim to facilitate this environment by treating students with the utmost respect and defining this as an expectation for all. While the term “safe space” often arises as a concept, I prefer to use the term “supported space.” The classroom should create a feeling that both the physical space and the psychological space can be trusted and exist without judgment from self or others. This confirms the connection that my classroom is an environment in which taking risks and embracing failure is supported/applauded. The degree of “push” applied to each student is approached on an individual basis with careful observation.
“You cannot create results. You can only create conditions in which something might happen.” ~Anne Bogart
Fundamental to my Classroom is…
...Professionalism. I expect that students approach their assignments and explorations with the same intensity and commitment as they would rehearsal and performance. It is essential that play is a component of the learning process. I often describe this as “serious play,” to signify that professionalism is a tool that must be developed to thrive in any career.
…Collaboration. I employ various modes of learning & collaboration to foster students’ ability to…
- Develop active listening skills to engage in a collaborative dialogue and exchange of ideas.
- Practice “yes and” with the goal of remaining open and receptive to all proposals.
- Recognize the value of varying ideas and utilize the opportunity to experiment in new ways.
- Identify personal strengths within group dynamics and evaluate areas that need growth.
- Acknowledge conflicts and propose strategies for moving forward in the collaborative process.
“Art is the most effective mode of communications that exists.” ~John Dewey
…Analytical Skills. I establish the importance of engaging in an atmosphere where constructive and critical feedback is given in a supportive manner. Liz Lerman’s Critical Response Process guides my approach to encourage students to distinguish between their observations and their opinions. This form of critical dialogue promotes risk taking!
“Create your own method. Don't depend slavishly on mine. Make up something that will work for you! But keep breaking
traditions, I beg you.” ~Constantin Stanislavski
…Experimentation. I construct classroom projects to provide paths for experimentation with all modes of playmaking, character development and storytelling. This includes explorations in the expression of the body via voice, movement and gesture along with incorporating other elements of “theatrical language” such as design, digital media, site specific and immersive relationships of performer and spectator.
Experimentation Challenges the Student to…
- Propose new approaches to creating which test and stretch personal (or social) boundaries.
- Foster creative relationships and navigate group dynamics and employ communication skills (which can be applied across all aspects of personal/professional life).
- Discover liminal spaces where art/theatre/performance can exist without absolute definition, labels or confinements.
- Synthesize all areas of theatrical study in order to invent the future of theatre/performance.
"The future belongs to young people with an education and the imagination to create." ~President Barack Obama
Arts are Essential to the Future…
All students who leave my classroom will have gained an appreciation for the power of theatre to expand our imaginations, challenge of beliefs and affect our emotions. Not all students will necessarily pursue life as a professional actor or theatre artist, but I aspire to impart a passion to remain active as an arts advocate & patron while passing along their love of theatre and knowledge to others.
For those students who will pursue theatre as a career, I desire to instill recognition that all genres, forms and levels of theatre from professional, regional to community and non-union are worthy of pursuit. I will encourage them to seek opportunities that fulfill them as artist-citizens while also understanding the challenges and drive needed to sustain a career in the arts.
“You learn at your best when you have something you care about and can get pleasure in being engaged in.”
~Howard Gardner
It is my goal to motivate students to discover their passion, to pursue knowledge and seek pleasure through the journey of life experiences!