TheatreContentByK

Higher Education -theatre appreciation -speech for the actor -movement for the actor -voice for the actor Youth Programs -acting for dancers -summer camps and workshops -vocal coach for middle school production Substitute Teacher 2020-present -Managed preK-12 classrooms across a variety of subject area

I believe the role of the theatre teacher is to empower students to be brave, creative, and critical. Not all students will commit to a professional life in the theatre, but all students can benefit from the lessons in empathy, reflection, problem-solving, critical thinking, and self-confidence that are important to success in life. As a theatre artist particularly interested in inclusivity, anti-racism, and equitable practices, I believe these skills are vital to the development of a better theatre industry and general citizenry. ​An inclusive classroom recognizes, respects, and responds to the experiences and identities of those within it. In my course design, I work to ensure my teaching materials challenge the traditional cannon to include the contributions of women and people of color. As I prepare to teach more Eurocentric concepts, I look for new and underrepresented perspectives and theories of theatrical practice to expose the students to the myriad of ways theatre can be created. ​I am inspired by the Universal Design for Learning framework which asks teachers to engage different ways of thinking and meet students where they are to challenge them. In my classes, I teach using multiple mediums and provide assignments to engage different styles of learning. It is important to me to find ways to praise behavior. I take joy in learning, and I want my students to be able to feel this way as well. Their achievements, no matter how small, should be celebrated. ​I believe deeply in the role of theatre teacher as mentor. Teachers have the ability to inspire, but that can only happen when we are invested in our students as full and complete humans. In a creative field such as theatre, it is so important to devote time and energy in this way, as much of our work has to do with our spirits. As valuable as academic performance is, students are not just brains to feed. I engage with my students on who they are and what they dream of doing. In this way, I help create investment in the course material as well as a sense of practical applicability. At the end of the day, even if the student hates the material, it is important to me for them to know they are valued and cared about.

Yet to be added

Texas Tech University – Lubbock, TX completed May 2022 Master of Fine Arts in Performance and Pedagogy Thesis: “Bike America: A Reflection of the Body in Performance” University of Mount Union – Alliance, OH completed May 2019 Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Second Major: Communication Studies Minor: Psychology University Honors – summa cum laude

Presentations Include: Association for Theatre in Higher Education 2021 “Understanding Their Given Circumstances: Making Space for Our Students’ Diverse Backgrounds in the Studio Classroom” Voice and Speech Trainers Association 2020 “Practical Approaches for Coaching Gender Diverse Performers” *Conference cancelled due to COVID-19 University Interscholastic League Student Activities Conference 2019 “Acting Outside the Box: Using Rasaboxes for Monologue and Scene Work”