Thoughts on Teaching

I create a safe, inclusive space where students can explore, take risks, and connect with the material and each other. I approach teaching holistically, recognizing that learning encompasses intellectual, physical, emotional, and social growth. By using a variety of methods—such as hands-on activities, group work, performances, and one-on-one coaching—I cater to diverse learning styles, helping students not only memorize facts, but understand, analyze, and question the world around them.

I focus on process, not just product in my classroom, offering students the chance to grow through feedback and reflection, as well as experience. I also emphasize participation, encouraging students to build confidence, engage in discussions, and express their ideas with respect. I continually strive to improve my own practice, currently pursuing an MFA in Theater Education, while expanding my research into movement and its role in theater. I’m passionate about using movement to enrich performance and teaching. Ultimately, my goal is to empower students to realize their potential, not just as performers, but as thinkers, creators, and expressive human beings.

I believe that learning is a lifelong journey, and as a teacher, my role is to spark curiosity, foster creativity, and encourage personal growth.

Important Values in the Classroom

Enjoyment-

The performing arts allow me to have fun. I incorporate games and activities into my classroom that still allow us to learn while having fun. It is important to me that my students can at least reach a level of understanding that can allow them to appreciate the performing arts, even if they choose not to follow that path.

Human Connection-

There are two types of “human connection”: physical touch and psychological well-being through understanding. I work according to comfort level, but where appropriate, I encourage the occasional slap on the back or handshake. And I always encourage my students to witness human interaction and connection in different ways. We use this information as we explore character decisions through movement in dance as well as acting scenes and performing shows. Our connections are what makes us human.

Passion-

I am passionate about what I do. I’ve made dancing and acting my passion since I was 3 years old. I recognize that not all students will accept acting or dancing as their passion, but my classroom is a place where passionate people can share their loves as well. We feed off each other’s passion, whatever it is of, to apply it here in our class, and build one another up.

Good Teaching is one-fourth preparation

and three-fourths pure theatre!

~ Gail Godwin

Professionalism and Respect-

It is easy to get carried away with fun and games here. However, I’ve made it a habit to teach my students how to be professional both currently in class, and in the future as well. I teach them how to create with serious intent, how to have audience etiquette, and what they may need for a professional career in the arts.

Personal Growth-

I do a lot of one on one work with my students. This allows me to meet students where they are, that they might have their own growth on whatever project we are working on. I want everyone to achieve, no matter where they start from.

Responsibility-

We may do a lot of group work in class, but I always require personal responsibility in those projects. It is part of my learning philosophy that you will get out of your education what you put into it. If the student doesn’t take on their own portion of responsibility; like homework, memorizing the dance combination, or their lines, they will get very little out of our class.

Self-Control-

It has long been my view that learning many movement styles will give students a greater sense of physical self-control. This is beneficial for the stage, as well as in life. But this is not all, maintaining a sense of self-control mentally will also bring a greater power over each individual throughout their life. This is just one of the benefits of learning the arts.