With the belief that Theatre is an interdisciplinary art form that is essential in any educational environment, I care deeply about the creative experiences of young people. Theatre is a vehicle for a deeper understanding of our shared humanity and empathy. My approach to Theatre and Creative Drama education recognizes that this art is a force to create change and encourage development by using the three pillars of imagination, persistence, and collaboration to guide the individual and world to grow emotionally, socially, and morally. Every teaching method I use including interactive critical thinking, small-group activities, and project-based performance assignments among others are developed to target student needs and challenge them at their level so they can expand their infinite human mind and develop into positive societal role models. 

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Exploring the Imagination: As a teacher, I believe students are limitless in their capabilities to form fantastic and unique visions of themselves and the world around them by exploring an actor's toolkit (Body, Voice, and Imagination). By expanding on skills related to character development, text analysis, ensemble building, and artistic design and technology, students are inspired to think boldly about themselves and their interactions with others through circumstances revolving around human connection. Through modes of assessment including written analysis, hands-on design and creation projects, and live performances, students become engineers of storytelling by creating work that is relevant, honest, and bold. As a director, I desire to reinvent stories to make them applicable to younger generations. Whether it be discovering new meaning in Shakespeare’s plays or dissecting themes from current works, I emphasize the immediate transformative aspect of the narrative and how an imagined transformation of the text can influence students to become advocates for social change by envisioning and striving for a hopeful reality.

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Persistence and Growth: Samuel Beckett said "Try again. Fail again. Fail better." Through gentle encouragement and my strong belief in a student's limitless capabilities, "I can't" becomes "I can"! Theatre allows students to reach their fullest potential by becoming the most authentic versions of themselves. Whether on or offstage, my students use critical constructive thinking skills, build self-esteem, and increase their language proficiency daily by fulfilling the human desire to read, construct, perform, and listen to stories and their eternal and euphoric power. I work hard as a teacher and director to encourage students to make themselves vulnerable to new activities, lessons, and ways of thinking to prepare them to become open-minded and thoughtful in their future interactions and endeavors. When they commit fully to the moment, they obtain attributes of leadership and can stand taller knowing they have the potential to achieve their dreams. I believe that reflection is the catalyst for growth. Students can witness their growth by keeping a daily journal to evoke mindfulness, keep track of their educational and personal goals, spark creativity, and strengthen their self-discipline and self-confidence.

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Collaboration and Openness: I believe that actors, directors, technicians, and Theatre artists are warriors of the heart. My classroom acts as a haven where students become courageous and brave in their quest to explore more about themselves as people and their connection with their surrounding world. Students become courageous in their frequent encounters with learning activities including discussion forums, group performance presentations, and self-reflection exercises focusing on fostering a community and a supportive ensemble to become well-rounded and honest citizens. I demonstrate this spirit of collaboration through collaborative partnerships with other educators and community members. I enjoy collaborating with other teachers and artists outside of my area and bringing their knowledge and practices to my students. I make a concerted effort to be aware of what students are learning in other classes outside of the arts and believe Theatre can act as the springboard for students to learn about other subject areas including Literature, History, and Philosophy. 

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As an artist and human being, I strive to act as an advocate for diversity, inclusivity, and acceptance as these qualities allow students to embrace differences and form strong connections. By establishing a relaxed and ensemble-driven classroom environment, students become respectful thinkers, listeners, and storytellers.