This semester I taught my first class. The topic? Theatrical Sound Design. I learned a lot from teaching this class. Some were surprises and others were more reaffirming than new knowledge. As a way to reflect on some of these observations, I would like to share them with my readers.
Growing up as a young dancer in Canada, I loved performing but was especially drawn to teaching. I began doing just that at a very young age. Not because I was any kind of an expert but because I wanted to – I needed to -lead.
Gregory Poggi is a retired university Chair and professor who has taught arts administration at both Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Prior to his distinguished academic career, he led three important theatre companies in the USA and Canada. We talked to Dr. Poggi about adjusting to an online teaching world and some of the challenges of running arts organizations during the pandemic.
Teaching was never something I expected myself to pursue. As a wig and make-up designer, I always pictured myself working in one wig shop or another; I never imagined myself in the classroom. Once the opportunity presented itself, however, I fell in love with teaching. I discovered how gratifying and inspiring it was to see students pursue their dreams. Teaching others who are just as passionate about the subject matter that you love is a dream come true. I truly felt like I had the best job in the world.
This week I’m proud to introduce you to theatre teacher Barb Hilt. I worked with Barb designing projections for her premiere event of the show Miss You Like Hell. Barb is an incredible visionary in the regional and educational theatre spaces in Kansas, and I hope you enjoy reading her musings on the art form as much as I did.
Many of us have worked in the live event or recording industry for years, and have no issues sharing our knowledge and experiences with others. The passion that surrounds this career is what keeps us motivated and creates incredible mentors and teachers.
Yoko Sawai opens by saying that the Piano is a fundamental part of everything she does and is and yet, it’s with a tiny hint of shame and a subtle “can you believe it?” that she admits never having been that kid who goes around saying how much she loves music and how important piano is to her.
“So what, who cares,” said the apathetic sophomore linebacker lounging in the back of my intro to Theatre class, “The Nazis who took Anne Frank away probably went to the theatre that same night.” That evening, I watched Real Time with Bill Maher. Bill’s panel included the sardonic intellectual Fran Lebowitz who, to my shock, echoed the lounging footballer’s sentiment by saying, “Culture cannot make up for a society.”
To know what is essential you must also know what isn’t.
Vast knowledge is best valued when dispersed in small increments. But the truth is we seek to know everything now. We fear that we will not know enough in time to make our impact before we leave this world.
Mentoring is something that I fell into. I’ve always enjoyed teaching, and I paid my rent and bills through university and sound school teaching music and music technology to kids from five years old through to late teens. Over the past two years, I’ve wondered how I could give back to my community and give young people working in audio the kind of support that I would have appreciated at the start of my career.
I’m the mother of four amazing kiddos, ranging in age from eight to twenty-two. So that means that I have done it all — from diapers to college applications, braiding doll hair to setting up dorm rooms. No part of it was easy – ever. At each stage of parenting, you fool yourself in to thinking the next part is going to be easier. I believe this is necessary for self-preservation.
Dancers want to be successful in class. From a young age, dancers should embrace studio etiquette in order to have the best possible dance class experience. Here are a few tips to make sure you or your dancer is getting the most out of their sessions.
So, there is an uncomfortable subject that I want to talk about. Not uncomfortable because it deals with issues like race, politics or religion but uncomfortable because some of us may have skirted the lines of this issue from time to time. If there is one thing I will say about the arts community, it is that we are pretty generous and giving, not only with our time but with our skills and knowledge.
Theatre games are a great way to get rehearsals off to a fun start. Games get the energy flowing amongst a new cast, class or group of students. I’ve used Fruit Basket, Questionnaire and Fairy Tale Tableau with adults (and children) as ice-breakers and bonding exercises with great success. Try them at your next rehearsal.
Steeve Austin is a choreographer, dance teacher and entrepreneur. He started his career as a dancer for shows and promo-tours. Mostly gigs for Nike, L.A.gear, Adidas and more. Autodidact till the age of 17, he moved on to get dance roles in musicals. Very soon something deep inside pushed Steeve towards passing on what he had learned to others. Teaching would grow to become one of his life’s passions. This would give him the opportunity to travel the world.
How many times have we had the experience of wanting something and not getting it, or really wishing for something to happen and …no, not happening!?!
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