Performing Arts

Growing up, I loved going to the theater! I loved watching a stage come to life, but never had the courage to perform myself. When I was applying for an art teacher position, I was told the position would also involve teaching a performing arts class. Despite my lack of experience, I was confident that I could use my creativity, and ability to bring a vision to life, to succeed in this position. On my first day, I was handed a bag of costumes and off I went! I quickly realized that even though I'd never put on a costume and acted out a scene on stage, I'd been performing in front of students in the classroom for years. 

 

I absolutely fell in love with teaching theater and became involved in up to 8 performances a year! Giving kids an opportunity to find the inner strength and courage to let their guard down and express themselves on stage was one of the highlights of my career. I learned to choreograph, stage, and direct musicals, and I found a love for transforming a space with my students by creating big, hand-made sets together. Theatre kind of brought it all together for me. It strengthened the relationships I already had with my students and really improved culture, as students learned to work through vulnerability as a team to accomplish and present something amazing.