My teaching approach
We start with ourselves–identity, reflection, values. Then we expand to our group–ensemble, trust, shared experiences. Next, we move to the larger community–what stories need to be told? Finally, we use the tools of theatre to begin a dialogue for making change.
Photo above is of Grade 12 Applied Theatre students at Los Angeles High School of the Arts (LAHSA), where I taught a 2-3 day/week class and led creation of a play about socioeconomic mobility and exploitation of some students’ undocumented families in L.A.
About my teaching work
I lead workshops with young people and community members that help us reflect on our experiences, biases, privileges, hopes, and dreams. Together, we build community and ensemble, discover what we want to change in ourselves or communities, and use expressive arts, play, Theatre of the Oppressed, and compassionate communication to achieve it.
We use various art forms to create, share, and build community. Activities like body maps, spectrum lines, silence maps, journaling, and circles of appreciation help us dig deeper and connect with one another.
Sometimes there's a "product" or performance at the end, sometimes not, but all of this work is process-based and collaboratively achieved. I am the guide who asks questions and prepares activities to lead us to the change we collaboratively wish to see. From one-day workshops to long-term residencies or teacher-trainings, I adapt workshops to fit the community I'm serving.
Experience
Adjunct Professor, Miami University - Department of Theatre, 2-credit sprint course on Teaching Artistry
Director/Lead Teaching Artist - LGBTQ Social Justice Theatre Troupe - Kaleidoscope Youth Center
Lead Teaching Artist, SparQ! Youth Activist Theatre Troupe,
Los Angeles LGBT Center
Grade 12 Applied Theatre Teacher, Los Angeles High School of the Arts (LAHSA)
Dance and Theatre Teacher, Yav Pem Suab Charter Elementary
Lead Teacher and Program Manager for after-school drama/spoken word group at E.L. Hickey High School, a high school for post-incarcerated youth (AmeriCorps service)
Drama Teacher with Drama Kids International
Arts Education Program Manager at Center Theatre Group
1 day workshops at:
Miami University, Oxford, OH
The Graham School, Columbus, OH - Senior Day
Logan Arts Camp, Logan, OH
Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Theatre Arts Teacher and Counselor, Windsor Mountain International Summer Camp