Teaching Philosophy

Theatre training provides a space for indulging in imagination and play. It invites us to witness, question, and connect to our environment. And, most vitally, to see ourselves in others. As an educator, I believe that theatre training offers an opportunity to harness skills in empathy, communication, and resilience. My teaching philosophy is grounded in the understanding that performance skills are transferable and that an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative classroom can become a powerful space for the creation of art and the strengthening of our humanity. 

My approach to teaching is grounded in curiosity, collaboration, and care. I meet students where they are and tailor the class to meet the individual needs of each student. I design courses that invite students to engage their minds and bodies, combining artistic exploration with reflection and play. Whether working with theatre majors or students encountering the work for the first time, I emphasize process over product and help students develop awareness, presence, adaptability, and confidence. 

I strive to make my classrooms spaces of inclusivity and play. I regularly partner with student support offices to ensure that all learners, including those who are neurodiverse and first-generation students, can fully participate in creative work. My lessons often incorporate trauma-informed and consent-based practices, emphasizing trust, agency, and respect. I invite students to engage with theatre as both artists and citizens and to see that their voices have value and that artistic risk-taking can be both personally transformative and socially relevant. 

In a liberal arts context, I view my role as helping students recognize the transferable skills embedded in artistic inquiry and their ability to apply these skills in practical ways once they leave my class. I integrate NACE competencies (eight key career readiness skills defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers) to further emphasize the transformative power of theatre and acting training. 

In conclusion, my teaching is guided by the belief that theatre education can be both transformative and accessible. Every rehearsal, every classroom, and every shared moment of imagination has the potential to expand empathy and inspire connection.