3 answers
Austin
Student
Gilbert, Arizona
1
Question
Asked
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Theatre teachers: what do you find to be the most rewarding part of your job?
I am going into theatre education, and the biggest thing I keep getting told is to "remember your why." So, what's your "why?"
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3 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
2450
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Austin !
There are a couple of ways that one can address your question because you didn't provide context for exactly what you mean. I am not an Acting Teacher but did teach acting to children a long time ago, but as an actress, I have had numerous professors and community based teachers for Acting.
The first interpretation of your question can be understood as why are you going into teaching acting ? There are so many reasons for this career. You care about acting so much that you want to share your knowledge, the theories and techniques, discipline and ability to work with others and independently. You want to share the experience you have so others will be able to do it too. Your students will come to you as a teacher because they want to, so you will be meeting a strong professional need for these students that will foster ability, confidence and the growth they need to become polished actors.
The second interpretation of your question is understandable, too. I am not so sure it applies to teachers as much as Actors, though. are you hearing "remember your why" in the context of teaching or Acting ? How it applies to acting and can be an element you need to know for teaching is that when an actor does a monologue or scene, they need to know the purpose of saying the words and doing the actions. You can be the type of teacher that lets the students construct their own purpose when they do scenes in class or you can tell the students what the purpose is. It's better to give the student the assignment for which they conclude on "their why" for the scene. Get them used to scene and character analysis, because they're going to have to do it in their career moving forward.
I think that for my one experience teaching acting, the best part was the finale at which the students did a day of one acts. My supervisor and the student's families attended and it was a wonderful event that showcased what the students learned. One group of my students wrote their own play to perform, too. It was great satisfaction with enormous positive feedback from the families and my supervisor. I think you'll love teaching acting and give it your own flair and unique format.
I hope this helps and wish you all the best !
There are a couple of ways that one can address your question because you didn't provide context for exactly what you mean. I am not an Acting Teacher but did teach acting to children a long time ago, but as an actress, I have had numerous professors and community based teachers for Acting.
The first interpretation of your question can be understood as why are you going into teaching acting ? There are so many reasons for this career. You care about acting so much that you want to share your knowledge, the theories and techniques, discipline and ability to work with others and independently. You want to share the experience you have so others will be able to do it too. Your students will come to you as a teacher because they want to, so you will be meeting a strong professional need for these students that will foster ability, confidence and the growth they need to become polished actors.
The second interpretation of your question is understandable, too. I am not so sure it applies to teachers as much as Actors, though. are you hearing "remember your why" in the context of teaching or Acting ? How it applies to acting and can be an element you need to know for teaching is that when an actor does a monologue or scene, they need to know the purpose of saying the words and doing the actions. You can be the type of teacher that lets the students construct their own purpose when they do scenes in class or you can tell the students what the purpose is. It's better to give the student the assignment for which they conclude on "their why" for the scene. Get them used to scene and character analysis, because they're going to have to do it in their career moving forward.
I think that for my one experience teaching acting, the best part was the finale at which the students did a day of one acts. My supervisor and the student's families attended and it was a wonderful event that showcased what the students learned. One group of my students wrote their own play to perform, too. It was great satisfaction with enormous positive feedback from the families and my supervisor. I think you'll love teaching acting and give it your own flair and unique format.
I hope this helps and wish you all the best !
Caitlin O'Brien
Stage Manager
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Caitlin’s Answer
Hi Austin!
I love your question! My reason is simple: I enjoy working with kids of all ages and watching them grow to love the arts and performing. It's also healing for me because I get to see the excitement in their eyes. They're full of wonder, and that keeps me motivated to do what I love. While I'm not teaching in a classroom, I work at a youth academy, which is like an after-school program. We put on full shows with all the technical parts. We get to share the joy and love of theater with everyone!
Hope this helps!
Caitlin
I love your question! My reason is simple: I enjoy working with kids of all ages and watching them grow to love the arts and performing. It's also healing for me because I get to see the excitement in their eyes. They're full of wonder, and that keeps me motivated to do what I love. While I'm not teaching in a classroom, I work at a youth academy, which is like an after-school program. We put on full shows with all the technical parts. We get to share the joy and love of theater with everyone!
Hope this helps!
Caitlin
Lawrence Keller
3
Answers
Oak Park, Illinois
Updated
Lawrence’s Answer
My goal was different than many theatre teachers. I wanted to teach playwriting. I wanted to offer students the opportunity to tell stories that mattered to them and bring them to audiences. I was fortunate to do this for 20 years.
Beyond that, theatre offers students the chance to collaborate in a way that other classes and activities do not.
Never underestimate the power of offering opportunities to students who may not find their niche in other parts of school.
Look for pieces that expand opportunities.
Find ways to "make theatre cool." For example, I'd try to find a small part in a play where a faculty member could make a cameo appearance. One show I directed (As You Like It) had a part for a wrestling referee. For every performance a different member of the faculty played the part (The Principal, The Football Coach, etc.) This accomplished several things - it garnered word of mouth, I immediately had the support of the administration, The students in the show got great respect for those faculty members and vice versa.
Think outside the box.
Beyond that, theatre offers students the chance to collaborate in a way that other classes and activities do not.
Never underestimate the power of offering opportunities to students who may not find their niche in other parts of school.
Look for pieces that expand opportunities.
Find ways to "make theatre cool." For example, I'd try to find a small part in a play where a faculty member could make a cameo appearance. One show I directed (As You Like It) had a part for a wrestling referee. For every performance a different member of the faculty played the part (The Principal, The Football Coach, etc.) This accomplished several things - it garnered word of mouth, I immediately had the support of the administration, The students in the show got great respect for those faculty members and vice versa.
Think outside the box.