The first time I saw a theatre teaching artist in action, I was 22 and a guest at my younger brother’s elementary school. I’d been through every facet of theatre: on stage, back stage, cleaning the stage, anything; everything. Nothing fit. For the previous decade, I’d been slowing building my acting (theatre, film, TV) and theatre tech (mostly sound and stage managing) resumes while simultaneously trying on service and office jobs and beginning my bachelor’s degree journey. I watched my shy little brother up in the front of the classroom with his plastic jug puppet and silly voice – and having a great time. It clicked and I knew that this was what I was supposed to do. I have spent the last 15 years in pursuit of that very thing: Professional Theatre Teaching Artist.
 

Along the way I have worked with a variety of theatres both in the Portland area, and across the US. I spent some time completing my BS with an emphasis on Theatre Arts and a Minor in English and an MS in Acting for good measure. Always one to continue my own education, I spent the 2017-18 school year completing the Teaching Artist Studio training program through Young Audiences and the Professional Development hours through Right Brain Initiative required to be on both rosters.
 

I have honed a particular specialty in using the tools of theatre to teach and integrate social and emotional skills. My approach is hands-on, humorous, and honors each participant’s comfort level, while having so much fun – and building self-confidence, communication, and collaboration skills. The basis of every class starts with Ten Breaths Away, a breathing method I created in order to calm down instantly and get back to what you’re doing. Good for both kids and adults.