Our role as educators is to serve the students, tailoring our approach to how they learn and thrive. Too often, we become fixated on our teaching methods without stepping back to assess what truly serves the student’s growth. Our ultimate goal is their success, and that journey must begin with their interests, experiences, and needs.

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Teaching at the college level has always been my aspiration. It allows me to work alongside young professionals discovering themselves and their craft, sharing the joy of their educational journey. I take immense pride in teaching as both an art and a skill, knowing that theater is a practical craft—whether onstage, backstage, or in front of the house. My role is to guide students with honest, constructive assessments of their work, ensuring that my feedback is actionable and never demeaning. Criticism without clear direction or intention risks eroding trust and halting progress, while guidance fosters development.

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The post-COVID student body presents a unique challenge and opportunity. Many of these students have missed formative years of personal and artistic growth. The isolation and disruption caused by the pandemic left gaps in their confidence, collaboration skills, and creative exploration. As educators, we must approach this new generation with empathy and adaptability, recognizing their potential while providing the tools they need to catch up and excel.​ Theater offers a powerful remedy for these challenges. It is inherently collaborative, requiring students to engage with others, communicate effectively, and solve problems together. Onstage, they confront vulnerability and build confidence; backstage, they learn precision, teamwork, and responsibility. The process of creating theater demands emotional introspection, self-expression, and discipline—all crucial elements of personal and artistic development. In theater, students don’t just find a voice—they discover their ability to shape stories and contribute meaningfully to a greater whole.

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What I love most about teaching is the way students continually challenge my understanding of material I’ve studied for decades. They bring fresh perspectives, new interpretations, and unanticipated insights to the table. That was my eureka moment in teaching: realizing that while I offer guidance, my students offer discovery. I embrace open-ended questions in my teaching, allowing students the space to explore, question, and make their own connections. It’s through this collaborative learning environment that both the student and the teacher grow.

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The post-pandemic era offers an unparalleled opportunity to reignite curiosity, foster resilience, and help students reconnect with themselves and their art. By meeting them where they are and providing the tools to grow, we ensure their success—not just in the theater, but in life.