Teaching Philosophy
My philosophy about working in the theatre is simple, positivity. I promote a positive point of view concerning students’ progress within the classroom as well as keep a positive perspective in collaborations with directors and designers. I strive for a positive attitude in day to day encounters with others within my personal and professional life. By passing on my knowledge, experience and love for the theatre, I hope to heighten the experience and inspire others. By promoting a positive point of view, combined with a teaching philosophy based off collaborative learning and positive reinforcement, my students are surrounded in an environment conducive to learning, growing and becoming independent lifelong learners. With the understanding that we all have different types of minds and therefore, learn in different ways, it is my responsibility as an educator to actively observe and seek out which methods of instruction are better for my students.
I believe that any student pursuing an education in the theatrical arts is capable of achieving success providing that they foster within themselves the confidence to make that success happen. Often a student's biggest obstacle is their own negative perception of themselves or their abilities. However, students of mine quickly understand that the high expectations I set reflect my belief in them and their abilities. By fostering a love for learning and creating goals that are attainable for every student, regardless of background or skill level, enables them to not only succeed in theatrical arts, but in life.
Many students enter as freshmen having very modest experience in high school theatre; most are daunted by the step of attending college level theatre classes. In my discipline I find fear of the sewing machine to be a prime example of students letting the fear of the unknown cripple their learning ability. By breaking down the pieces of the machine and carefully explaining to the students how all the parts work together to create the stitches, they begin to realize that they are actually in control of the machine and its actions. This, coupled with the knowledge that, sewing the wrong stitch or on the wrong side of the fabric will not ruin the entire project, seems to alleviate more fear. If they put the stitches in, they can take the stitches out. Like any apparently overwhelming task in life, if you break it down to simple steps, go back to the basics of what you know and build upon that, you not only can achieve, you conquer.
Students have commented on my reviews in regard to how much they have enjoyed my classes and working in my costume shop. This is the best compliment I could receive because it has always been my goal to make the learning process fun. I believe that students can have the most fun in learning when the pressure is relieved, and the creative process can flow freely. So, in receiving a compliments from students, I can feel secure that I have taught them more than theatrical techniques, I have also taught them confidence in themselves.
I also like to bring this positive attitude of collaboration with me into any production I am involved with. I have always looked upon the creative process as a spirited collaboration with fellow theatre practitioners. No person stands on the stage alone. There is always a group of people behind each and every performance whose vision and dedication makes that show possible each and every night. As a costume designer I believe that I have the very important task of establishing a character's first impression on the audience. Before the actor can utter one line of dialogue the audience has already formed its opinion about their character due to their appearance. The careful manipulation of line, color and texture conveys important personality traits of each character, this can drastically influence an audience's response to a specific character and can often help enhance and actor's performance.
Before we even get to performance, I look to the director for guidance throughout the production process. Hearing a director's concept for a show always inspires me with countless ideas for costuming options. I look to the director to use the concept of the show to guide me to the intended mood and style of the costumes. From there begins my favorite phase of production; research. I begin researching time period which dictates many things such as silhouette, weight, and textiles. I rely heavily on my research in creating designs that will be honed through discussions with the director. I take great joy in presenting complete characters to the audience that show their personality right out on their sleeve.
I have always had an affinity for sharing my knowledge and passion of theatre with others. As a result I have great enthusiasm for teaching theatre, it is a path that brings me great joy and satisfaction. That being said, making a living in the theatre takes skill, dedication, talent, life experience, passion and a true appreciation for all involved in this remarkable craft. I believe that I am a perpetual learner. I am excited by learning new things and meeting people with new and interesting ideas. It is my desire to share new thoughts and methods with students and share in their enthusiasm for this craft that has brought me so many years of joy. I believe that I have the opportunity to inspire young people with a love for the theatre and its unique ability to enlighten as well as entertain.
I believe that any student pursuing an education in the theatrical arts is capable of achieving success providing that they foster within themselves the confidence to make that success happen. Often a student's biggest obstacle is their own negative perception of themselves or their abilities. However, students of mine quickly understand that the high expectations I set reflect my belief in them and their abilities. By fostering a love for learning and creating goals that are attainable for every student, regardless of background or skill level, enables them to not only succeed in theatrical arts, but in life.
Many students enter as freshmen having very modest experience in high school theatre; most are daunted by the step of attending college level theatre classes. In my discipline I find fear of the sewing machine to be a prime example of students letting the fear of the unknown cripple their learning ability. By breaking down the pieces of the machine and carefully explaining to the students how all the parts work together to create the stitches, they begin to realize that they are actually in control of the machine and its actions. This, coupled with the knowledge that, sewing the wrong stitch or on the wrong side of the fabric will not ruin the entire project, seems to alleviate more fear. If they put the stitches in, they can take the stitches out. Like any apparently overwhelming task in life, if you break it down to simple steps, go back to the basics of what you know and build upon that, you not only can achieve, you conquer.
Students have commented on my reviews in regard to how much they have enjoyed my classes and working in my costume shop. This is the best compliment I could receive because it has always been my goal to make the learning process fun. I believe that students can have the most fun in learning when the pressure is relieved, and the creative process can flow freely. So, in receiving a compliments from students, I can feel secure that I have taught them more than theatrical techniques, I have also taught them confidence in themselves.
I also like to bring this positive attitude of collaboration with me into any production I am involved with. I have always looked upon the creative process as a spirited collaboration with fellow theatre practitioners. No person stands on the stage alone. There is always a group of people behind each and every performance whose vision and dedication makes that show possible each and every night. As a costume designer I believe that I have the very important task of establishing a character's first impression on the audience. Before the actor can utter one line of dialogue the audience has already formed its opinion about their character due to their appearance. The careful manipulation of line, color and texture conveys important personality traits of each character, this can drastically influence an audience's response to a specific character and can often help enhance and actor's performance.
Before we even get to performance, I look to the director for guidance throughout the production process. Hearing a director's concept for a show always inspires me with countless ideas for costuming options. I look to the director to use the concept of the show to guide me to the intended mood and style of the costumes. From there begins my favorite phase of production; research. I begin researching time period which dictates many things such as silhouette, weight, and textiles. I rely heavily on my research in creating designs that will be honed through discussions with the director. I take great joy in presenting complete characters to the audience that show their personality right out on their sleeve.
I have always had an affinity for sharing my knowledge and passion of theatre with others. As a result I have great enthusiasm for teaching theatre, it is a path that brings me great joy and satisfaction. That being said, making a living in the theatre takes skill, dedication, talent, life experience, passion and a true appreciation for all involved in this remarkable craft. I believe that I am a perpetual learner. I am excited by learning new things and meeting people with new and interesting ideas. It is my desire to share new thoughts and methods with students and share in their enthusiasm for this craft that has brought me so many years of joy. I believe that I have the opportunity to inspire young people with a love for the theatre and its unique ability to enlighten as well as entertain.