“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” Calvin Coolidge

 

     In the theatre education classroom, the most important subject is the student, not the teacher.

As an educator and an artist, my primary goal is to instill in the student viable working knowledge of theatre and technical theatre. This goal of working knowledge is reinforced by teaching the student how to creatively identify, assess, adapt, and successful meet the problem at hand.

     In the collaborative world of theatre, the artist must learn to not only be the talent that people want to work with BUT the person they want to work with.

 

Engage the world:

There is a danger of having an array of theatrical talents but nothing meaningful to say. Art, your art, has a meaning, go out in the world and become an active participant with your talent.

 

Critical thinker:

The best way to hone one's craft is to evaluate the art of others. Take note of what makes said work successful as well as, what makes that work unsuccessful. Being able to identify and evaluate these traits with your well trained eye will assist you in creating meaningful successful work.

 

Embrace Research:

Without knowing where your ideas come from you cannot know where to go. Take the time, and it will be a lot of time, to do the research and lay a solid foundation.

 

Collaboration:

It takes a team to make a production happen and you will work with each of them. Even if your artform isn’t their artform know how do it and know why it’s important to the production. This will not only make you more effective as a team player and valuable member but will encourage others to collaborate.

 

Critique/Criticism:

Criticism and critiques are a vital part of personal growth, learn to move past your ego and glean the the information that encourages growth.

 

Craftsmanship:

This is the part of the process you cannot skimp on. If you are going to do a job, then do it with passion and fervor; otherwise you are wasting your time and then someone else’s that will have to redo the job.