As a teaching artist, I’ve taught first stage classes where kids from 3-6 years old play theatre games and turn storybooks into mini-theatre pieces; explore classes where kids aged 6-10 are welcomed into a world based on a theme that is filled with mysteries, characters, and challenges that just so happen to build theatre skills; skills classes where kids aged 7-11/8-12 hone their skills by focusing in on their singing, dancing, acting, or other skills found in theatre; and finally, playlabs where we take a group of 12-22 kids ages 7-11/8-12 through the process of producing a show by learning lines, music, choreography, and blocking. I’ve also taught outreach drama clubs and residencies through afterschool &amp; SUN programs around the Portland area with co-teachers through NWCT.&lt;br /&gt;<br /><br />
So far, I’ve learned about the amount of craft and mental fortitude that goes into making an engaging classroom culture. I’ve learned how to use my prep time efficiently while teaching summer camps which often saw teachers &amp; students putting together 45min shows in 2 weeks of Monday to Friday rehearsal. – Sometimes 2 shows! – And I’ve learned a lot about my own idiosyncrasies from my co-teachers and students that I am constantly improving on and adjusting. It’s only been a little over a year since I started working with NWCT in a teaching capacity but it has definitely been one full of learning what it takes to be a good teacher!