Why do I teach acting?
... to change the world
Following more than 25 years in professional theater as an actor/director/fight choreographer, I
began to teach summer sessions in acting for New York University and discovered that my true
love was teaching.
In 2017, I completed my Masters in Fine Arts with the Shakespeare and Performance program at Mary Baldwin University. While there, I taught acting at the undergraduate level both at Mary Baldwin and at NYU. I developed and/or taught 4 courses over 6 years at both schools, working with over a hundred students. I came to understand that teaching theater was and is the way I can work to change the world
After graduation, I accepted a position with an education company, ENREACH, in Shanghai, China, with the goal of expanding my teaching repertoire and broadening my knowledge of different cultures. Plus, who doesn’t love an adventure? I have always been a traveler who is fascinated by different cultures, and my experience teaching theater halfway around the world only increased my belief in the importance of taking a global perspective and embracing diversity.
Five years later, I have returned to the US. I remain enthusiastic about working with people at various levels of their careers. To me, there is no greater gift than watching that light turn on, whether it be in a student, a professional actor or someone who has not yet discovered the extent of his, her, or their own talents. My philosophy of teaching is the same as my philosophy of direction – to give people the structure and foundation they need to have the freedom and safety to explore and grow.
I have often gotten rather strange looks when I answer, “To change the world” when asked why I do theater, but I believe it. And I believe that to be an inspirational artist, one must learn that the amount of respect you earn is equal to the respect you confer.
