THED Talks: Recent Episodes
Jimmy Chrismon
THED Talks is a podcast for theatre teachers and theatre education students. Dr. Jimmy Chrismon, Theatre Education professor at Illinois State University, brings you stories and interviews from experienced K-12 theatre teachers, current theatre education majors, and professors of theatre education that will warm your heart, renew your faith in teaching, and provide resources to better your practice in your theatre classroom. Pour the coffee, relax, and join us for heart-warming conversations and practical advice from practitioners making a difference in students' lives each and every day!
This week Jimmy talks with South Carolina theatre teacher Calista Weis. She talks about starting a new program, COVID kids, and the impact of a moment for a child.
This week Jimmy talks with Michigan auditorium manager and director Chris Chapman. He talks about the dangers of the one man show, competitive theatre festivals, and safety within our theatre programs.
This week Jimmy reconnects with Season 4 guest Jason Lasky. They talk about his new adventures with voiceover work and podcasting, actor and student wellbeing, and his new adventures moving to Moscow, Russia to teach theatre!
www.jasonlasky.comwww.honeytoyourears.comwww.laskywellbeing.com
This week Jimmy talks with Pam Atkinson of License Training Musicals. Theatre teachers this is a company you want to know about and bookmark on your computers to strengthen your musical theatre classes and craft development with your students!
www.licensetrainingmusicals.com
This week Jimmy talks with Misissippi teacher Chris Permenter. He talks about being a jack of all traders, student travel, and student ownership of work.
This week Jimmy kicks off Season 7 as he talks with the 2024 recipient of the Excellence in Theatre Education Tony Award CJAy Philip. She talks about her career as an artist and educator, Dance & Bmore, and using the authentic voice of people in her work.
www.danceandbmore.com
This week we flip the script. Season 6 guest Andrew Geha interviews the host and creator of THED Talks Podcast, Jimmy Chrismon. They talk about his journey, teaching in higher education, and trauma-informed practices in theatre education.
http://www.jimmychrismon.com
This week Jimmy talks with theatre teacher Sana Ghalia from Amman, Jordan. She talks about her experiences and the importance and power of theatre in young lives.
This week Jimmy talks with Sam Marsden from France. She talks about how play and creativity can change lives, her work with young people, and her work as an author.
This week Jimmy talks with Texas teaching artist Nancy Lynch. She talks about her work as an Intimacy Coordinator in K-12 settings, Upcoming trends and topics in intimacy work, and her company Class Intimacy Acts.
Class Intimacy Acts
This week Jimmy talks with Texas theatre teacher Mandy Rausch. She talks about intimacy direction, being an empath and a teacher, and finding a new career later in life.
This week Jimmy talks with Illinois theatre teacher Brian Herman. He talks about starting a program from scratch, giving students as man opportunities as possible to share their art, and creating community in the theatre program.
This week Jimmy talks with Iowa theatre artist Gina Geving. She talks about starting a community theatre, taking risks, and the power of why not!
This week Jimmy talks with California teaching artist Dr. Radhika Roa. She talks about peace building through theatre, working in theatre in unconventional ways, and how her faith shapes her art and her work.
This week Jimmy talks with Texas teacher Katy Evans. She talks about building a program from scratch, seeking out community support, and her own faith.
This week Jimmy talks with Virginia theatre teacher Marie Miguel. She talks about student centered programming, finding ways to keep your work exciting, and providing a space for students to be themselves.
This week Jimmy talks with Utah teacher McKenna Filey. She talks about Improvisational Theatre, self-care, and the impactful teachers who shaped who she is as a teacher.
This week Jimmy talks with Pittsburgh theatre teacher Jennifer Lybarger. She talks about the importance of theatre for elementary schools, getting rid of the show must go on mentality, and finding your tribe.
This week Jimmy talks with New York teacher Andrew Geha. He talks about immersive theatre, intimacy direction with high schoolers, and the power of theatre for a community.
www.andrewgeha.com
Shakesplosion at Youth Plays!
This week Jimmy talks with South African teaching artist Sandy Vlandir. She talks about the valuing every story in the space, using theatre for social and personal change, and taking care of yourself and your students in the process.
This week Jimmy talks with North Carolina theatre teacher Chad Edwards. He talks about burnout, the dreaded posting of the cast list, and entering teaching through lateral entry.
This week Jimmy talks with Louisiana teaching artist Allison Brandon. She talks about grit, running nonprofit and for profit businesses, and the joy and power of theatre and theatre teachers.
This week Jimmy talks with Texas teacher Polly Harrison. She talks about engaging new students, her EPIC theatre festival, and the importance of storytelling in our work.
This week Jimmy talks with Oklahoma teacher Marisa Skube-Carr. She talks about taking risks, hosting student teachers, and shares some great activities for relationship building with your students.
This week Jimmy talks with Massachusetts teaching artist Jennifer Morin. She talks about her work in adaptive performing arts, her own experiences with ADHD, and provides some excellent strategies for teachers to use in their own classrooms.
This week Jimmy talks with New York theatre teacher Nicole Gebler. She talks about how theatre helped her through her childhood, Transferable skills, and work- life balance.
This week Jimmy talks with North Carolina theatre teacher Tori Lye. She talks about being called to teach theatre, writing a musical, and balancing teaching theatre and being a mom.
This week Jimmy talks with Pennsylvania theatre teacher Tracey Gatte. She talks about producing edgier theatre, her role in Drama High and the tv show Rise, and the need to be supportive in online groups.
This week Jimmy talks with Minneapolis teaching artist, actor, and playwright Autumn Ness. She talks about theatre for young audiences, taking care of your whole self, and the world premiere of her play "Babble Lab" at Children's Theatre Company!
https://childrenstheatre.org/whats-on/babble-lab/
This week Jimmy talks with California professor Jay Sheehan. He talks about his work as a stage manager and production manager, his book on production management, and the mental health crisis currently plaguing our students and teachers.
This week Jimmy talks with Georgia teacher Brian Wittenberg. He talks about musical theatre, the teachers who shaped him, and working as a professional actor and director while teaching.
This week Jimmy talks with Tennessee teacher Tony Davis. He talks about building a thriving program in a small community, Thespians, and the role of alumni in a program.
This week Jimmy talks with Massachusetts teacher Julia Whitten. She talks about drama based pedagogy as a tool for neurodivergent success, her journey into theatre education, and working as a disabled teaching artist.
This week Jimmy talks with New Jersey teacher Steven Collins. He talks about imposter syndrome, fostering a classroom environment that is both welcoming and challenging, and using relationships with students to push them further.
This week Jimmy talks with Theone and Stephanie Rinaudo from New York. They talk about working together as mother and daughter, building a small program into a local powerhouse, and their award winning production of Frozen.
This week Jimmy talks with Illinois theatre teacher Jianna Lubotsky. She talks about relaxing into teaching, working with diverse populations, and being a teacher first.
This week Jimmy talks with Kansas theatre teachers Katie Murphy and Megan Upton-Tyner. They talk about community norms, theatre advocacy, and the impact their teachers have had on them.
This week Jimmy talks with Nebraska teacher Brittany McDaniel. She talks about nonlinear paths to teaching theatre, rebuilding a program after traumatic experiences, and unique fundraising.
This week Jimmy talks with Illinois theatre teacher Nathaniel Haywood. He talks about theatre being a source of connection, keeping kids first, and the importance of involvement in state organizations.
This week Jimmy talks with UK based teacher Joanna Tompkins. She talks about theatre for students from deprived areas, Augusto Boal, and her own influential teachers.
This week Jimmy talks with UK based teacher Ben Winter. He talks about inspiring young children, running a successful after school club, and musical theatre.
This week Jimmy talks with Canadian theatre educator Jeff Marontate. They talk about his 30+ years in educational theatre, his work at the Stratford Festival, and COVID=19’s impact on students and theatres.
This week Jimmy talks with California teaching artist Rebekah Kellaway. She talks about running a non-profit, mentoring new and emerging arts educators, and arts equity.
This week Jimmy talks with Utah theatre education professor Dr. Amanda Dawson. She talks about dramaturgy, conversations about race in the theatre classrooms, and her current research.
This week Jimmy talks with London-based teaching artist Jared Scott. He talks about his early training as a theatre artist, his work in theatre pedagogy, and finding the right fit in colleges and universities
This week Jimmy talks with Maryland teacher Katie Keddell. She talks about commissioning a playwright, being a neurodiverse artist, and creating theatre that is more accessible to all abilities and access needs.
This week Jimmy talks with New York teacher Connor Graham. He talks about devising/creating new works, administrators, and being a magician and certified hypnotist.
This week Jimmy talks with Florida teacher Matthew Belopavlovich. He talks about clowning and touring with Ringling Brothers, the ups/downs of working with middle schoolers, and creating sensory-friendly productions.
This week Jimmy talks with Nevada theatre professor Shea King. He talks about rebuilding a theatre program, actor training, and student support resources. THED Talks apologizes for the muffled sound in the interview.
This week Jimmy talks with Baton Rouge, Louisiana teacher Joel Rainey. He talks about his time with Disney, his new book he is working on, and working with Terrence Mann on Romeo and Juliet: A Rock Musical.
This week Jimmy talks with Maryland teaching artist Tara Cariaso. She talks about reimagining commedia dell'arte through a DEI lens, marginalized identity harm in theatre classrooms, and masks for actor liberation.
This week Jimmy talks with Melissa Hamm from St. Maarten in the Caribbean. She talks about Caribbean Theatre, cultural forms, and being an arts coordinator.
This week Jimmy talks with Chris McRae from Perth, Australia. He talks about playwriting, all boys theatre, and community theatre involvement.
This week Jimmy talks with New Jersey teaching artist, Luke Ferrell. He talks about being an arts-based small business owner, collaboration and team work, and teaching online.
This week Jimmy talks with Oklahoma theatre professor, Mark Frank. He talks about community colleges, playwriting, and children's theatre!
This week Jimmy talks with New Jersey theatre teacher, Yah Roper. She talks about encouraging burnt out performance staff, utilizing Ai as a tool in classes, and the need of content in marginalized areas.
This week Jimmy talks with Kentucky theatre teacher, Zach Fryman! He talks about teaching at an IB School, collaborating with high school program, and working as a teaching artist before transferring to a public school.
This week Jimmy talks with Long Island theatre professor, David Overton. He talks about the transferable skills of theatre, educational vs. conservatory approaches to theatre training, and Shakespeare!
This week Jimmy talks with New Jersey teaching artist, Rebecca Lopkin. She talks about running an educational theater company, balancing motherhood and running a business, and finding time to do your own art!
This week Jimmy kicks off Season 6 as he talks with 2023 Excellence in Theatre Education Tony Award Winner Jason Young. He talks about his journey to becoming a theatre teacher, working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in theatre, and his Tony Award experience.
This week Jimmy talks with one of his senior theatre education majors, Ryan Renc. He talks about his experiences in college, his passion for young people, and taking care of your students during the production process.
This week Jimmy talks with first year middle school theatre teacher Jake Mouchawar. He discusses training to teach in quarantine, the outdatedness of theatre education, and using the theatre classroom for community and community building.
This week Jimmy talks with South African teaching artist Annalise Zaverdinos. She talks about her love of reading, her work with reader's theatre in South Africa, and taking care of yourself when you hear and see a lot of hurting people.
This week Jimmy talks with Season 5 guest Rachel Davis to follow up on the school year! She talks about a workshop she has developed for transgender inclusion in the theatre classroom, her life as a transgender teacher in Florida, and offers some resources to support theatre teachers.
This week Jimmy talks with North Carolina theatre teacher Jenn Janus. She talks about coming into teaching later in life, her career in special effects makeup, and owning and operating her own haunted attraction!
This week Jimmy talks with teaching artist and entrepreneur Tim Malboeuf. He talks about starting his own theatre training center- T3 Studios, elevating theatre education for young performers, and college audition prep! http://www.timmalbouef.com
This week Jimmy talks with first year middle school theatre teacher, Zachary Zahand from Virginia. He talks about his switch from nonprofit theatre work to teaching, homeschool, and the challenges and joys of early career teachers.
This week Jimmy talks with NYC based audition coach, Steven West. He talks about his switch from athlete to theatre artist, his company NYC College Audition Coach, and mental health care for students during the audition process. http://www.nycauditioncoach.com
This week Jimmy talks with Washington, DC elementary theatre teacher Dr. Suzanne Katz. She talks about her very diverse career, arts integration, and empowering students.
This week Jimmy talks with 2022 Tony Award for Excellence in Theatre Education winner Roshunda Jones-Koumba. She talks about her Tony Awards experience, her mentors and inspirations, and her amazing work at her school, G.W. Carver Magnet High School in Houston, TX.
This week Jimmy talks with Texas high school theatre teacher Abe Ramirez. He talks about having the tools to take on any job, expanding the canon, and tending to the inner artist as a theatre teacher.
This week Jimmy talks with Theatre Education professor, Gillian McNally. She is currently at The University of Northern Colorado. In this episode she talks about theatre for the very young, wellness and burnout, and DEI work in theatre education, specifically with the little ones!
This week jimmy talks with Chicago elementary theatre teacher Sarah Esparza. She talks about the community and belonging that theatre provides students, her work in Chicago Public Schools, and the need for boundaries and self-care.
This week Jimmy talks with Illinois theatre teacher Cody Rogers. He talks about the struggles of a first-year teacher coming out of COVID, working in a charter school, and the challenges and joys of being an out-gay theatre teacher.
This week Jimmy talks with Arizona teaching artist Brianna Fallon. She talks about her work with Child's Play, her TikTok presence as @FacilitatorOfJoy with anti-racist theatre practices, and her love for TYA.
https://briannafallon.wixsite.com/theatre
This week Jimmy talks with international teacher Madeleine Smith. She talks about her work in international schools, burnout, and using theatre in rural areas to promote literacy.
This week Jimmy talks with Dr. Murali Basa in India. He talks about lighting design and digital media design from an Indian perspective, directing, and his upcoming books!
This week Jimmy talks with Florida theatre teacher Rachel Davis. She talks about technical theatre, diversity, and running a theatre competition.
This week Jimmy talks with California theatre educator and entrepreneur Brenden Kelso. He talks about his work with children and Shakespeare, running an elementary Shakespeare festival, and his company that produces adaptations of Shakespeare and other literary classics, Playing with Plays!
http://www.PlayingWithPlays.com
This week Jimmy talks with retired New York theatre teacher Rory Lance Schwartz. He talks about his long career in theatre education, his work as an author, and his work with the NYC Department of Education.
https://rorylance.weebly.com/
This week Jimmy talks with Texas theatre teacher Rob Taylor. He talks about booster clubs, burnout, and rebuilding programs!
This week Jimmy talks with drama therapist Anna Beck! She talks about working with students with trauma, theatre in institutionalized settings, and the difference in theatre as therapy and theatre that can be therapeutic.
http://www.SouthernUtahDramaTherapy.com
This week Jimmy talks with Dr. Kate Busselle. She talks about consent based practices, intimacy choreography, and her company Heartland Intimacy Design and Training.
https://www.heartlandintimacydesign.com/
This week Jimmy talks with teaching and linguist artist and CEO of Costa Rica’s Call Center, Richard Blank! He talks about producing speech artists, script writing and role-playing, and calculated risk-taking!
This week Jimmy talks with South Carolina theatre teacher Emily Krull Wendover! She speaks about her training at AMDA, devised theatre with middle schoolers, and work life balance.
This week Jimmy talks with Donald Robert Fox. He talks about progressive lighting design, curriculum development for stage technology, and USITT!
This week Jimmy talks with Florida educator and teaching artist Darrin Person. He talks about preparing your students for the theatre business, running his own 501(C)3 Shakespeare company for young people, and product vs. process.
This week Jimmy talks with California theatre teacher Dr. Desiree Cameron. She talks about her surprise jump into a career in teaching, the value of play and creative problem solving, and devised work with little ones!
This week Jimmy talks with Ohio theatre teacher Mark Zimmerman. He talks about his unique program, longevity in educational theatre, and the importance of the representation of diverse voices on our stages and in our classrooms.
This week Jimmy talks with Illinois theatre teacher Jolaine Orlin. She talks about her Emmy-winning career in broadcasting, her love for the resistant student, and teaching theatre in a post-pandemic world.
This week Jimmy kicks off Season 5 with Dana Taylor! Dana is a returning guest from season 2 and brings some great new information about the Backstage Exam, a partnership between USITT and EdTA. He also talks about life after retirement and his own consulting business Dana W. Taylor Consulting, LLC. https://www.techtheatre4teachers.com/
https://www.usitt.org/education-training/backstage-exam
This week Jimmy talks with his husband Dr. Adam Carter, Clinical Director for the National Alliance for Children's Grief. He talks about the collective trauma and exhaustion we are all experiencing, burnout and compassion fatigue, and self-care practices for better overall wellness for theatre teachers.
This week Jimmy talks with Texas theatre education professor Michael Avila. He talks about his time as an arts administrator, his theatre education program at The University of Texas at Austin, and culturally responsive teaching.
This week Jimmy talks with two Season 3 alumni checking in on their student teaching experience this spring. Maria Beilke from the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee and Jake Noble from Ball State University talk about what they have learned this semester, authenticity and representation, and what is next for them!
This week Jimmy talks with Iowa theatre teacher and playwright Emily Hageman. She talks about creating new work with and for her students, the pros and cons of competition, and body-positive casting. https://www.yourstagepartners.com/collections/vendors?q=Emily%20Hageman
This week Jimmy talks with Montana teaching artist Jackie Vetter. She talks about her work in psychology and its influence on her theatre work, theatre camps, and new play development with Orphan Girl Children's Theatre. https://www.orphangirl.org/
This week Jimmy talks with Ranked: The Musical creator Kyle Holmes. He talks about the creation of the hit musical, starting a publishing company, and his desire to provide theatre that matters to young people. https://www.uproartheatrics.com/ https://rankedmusical.com/
This week Jimmy talks with New Jersey theatre and film teacher Joey Yow. He talks about building a thriving middle school program, developing film classes, and his professional work and outreach with his local theatre company.
This week Jimmy talks with New York teaching artist Catherine Del Castillo. She talks about how she was empowered as a young artist and educator, De-centering yourself in your work, and her work with young people in social-emotional learning through the arts.
This week Jimmy talks with two of his senior theatre education majors at ISU, Ben Patton and Chris Turner. They talk about the power of creative drama, forging your own path, and the lessons they have learned on their roads to become teachers.
This week Jimmy talks with Arizona elementary music educator and musical composer Erik Whitehill. He talks about his passion for creating musicals for children, collaborations between music and theatre teachers, and maintaining your passion for what you love.
This week Jimmy talks with Texas elementary teacher Lorina Watts. She talks about her passion for teaching little ones, building an elementary program from the ground up, and how to balance all the demands of teaching theatre with life.
This week Jimmy talks with Ohio theatre teacher Jeremy Jenkins. He talks about creating a culture of community, revitalizing a program and designing new curriculum, and recognizing and celebrating the impact we have as theatre teachers.
This week Jimmy talks with Illinois theatre teacher J.R. Willard-Rose. He talks about his influential theatre teachers, his expansive program, and work/life balance.
This week Jimmy talks with Texas elementary teacher Robyn Needham. She talks about writing original music and musicals, dramatic play, and classroom management with the little ones!
This week Jimmy talks with Alabama theatre teacher Emily Lewis. She talks about giving middle school students a chance to have a voice, providing technical theatre opportunities for middle school students, and collaborations with core teachers.
This week Jimmy talks with Dustin Loehr of the Arizona Department of Education. He talks about his work as a teaching artist and teacher prior to his current role, the need for theatre teachers to have a seat at the table, and fantastic opportunities for securing additional funding for your theatre programs!
This week Jimmy talks with International School teacher Rodrick Freitas. He talks about his experiences around the world, lessons learned, and an alternative teaching experience for those wanting to travel and take new risks!
This week Jimmy talks with Illinois theatre teacher Deena Cassady. She talks about her musical theatre roots, in class productions, and theatre field trips!
This week Jimmy talks with Illinois theatre teacher Christine DeFrancesco. She talks about building a program into an academy of fine arts, directing professional and educational theatre, and authenticity with your students.
This week Jimmy talks with Texas theatre teacher Bryan Stanton. He talks about philanthropic theatre, empowering actors and technicians with disabilities and creating a culture in the theatre program where students see the world is bigger than just them!
This week Jimmy talks with Milan, Italy elementary theatre teacher Melissa Wilde. She talks about living life internationally, her work with theatre and special education, and teaching in a bilingual school!
This week Jimmy talks with Texas theatre teacher Matt Ludlam. He talks about his work with Pre-K through elementary students, his own podcast, and his theatre teacher classroom store! https://ludlamdramatics.com/ https://teacherneedsadrinkpodcast.com/
This week Jimmy talks with University of Central Oklahoma professor of theatre education Collin Andrulonis. He talks about the impact of his English teacher, Mr. Houston, building a thriving program, and the importance of the work we do as theatre teachers.
This week Jimmy talks with middle school teacher Teri Ang. She talks about having a successful long career as a theatre teacher, working with refugee students, and the benefits of creating professional support groups for theatre educators.
This week Jimmy talks with New Jersey theatre teacher Amy Acchoine Myers. She talks about her work in the professional theatre, her unique magnet school she work at, and her great 3-week intensive at The Globe Theatre.
This week Jimmy talks with Frani Rollins of Mercer University in Georgia! She talks about her involvement in USITT, her athletic background, and tips and tricks for non-technical theatre people!
This week Jimmy talks with Tim Evanicki of The College Audition! He talks about his coaching services, how it helps students/parents/teachers, and what he wishes teachers knew to better help prepare their students for college auditions! https://www.thecollegeaudition.com/
This week Jimmy talks with Texas elementary theatre teacher Lena Paulauskas! She shares about her time growing up in Hawaii, setting boundaries, and what to do when you have a bad day at school.
This week Jimmy talks with South Carolina middle school teacher Shannon Boatwright! She talks about her experience in professional theatre, film, and television, arts integration, and being in the right place at the right time.
This week Jimmy talks with Jason Lasky based in Dilijan, Armenia. He talks about his work in theatre all around the world, the experiential classroom, and the importance of collaboration.
This week Jimmy talks with creator and CEO of StageAgent, "a one-stop shop to explore plays, study theatre history and practice, find teaching materials, and learn about theatre industry." He talks about digital curriculums, the importance of the teacher in the classroom, and digital tools to support theatre education! https://stageagent.org/
This week Jimmy talks with Waldorf University professor Dr. Marla Britton-Johnson. She talks about the benefit of theatre in other areas and careers, being a jack of all trades, and the balance of being a mom and a full time theatre teacher, scholar, and artist.
This week Jimmy celebrates his 100th interview as he talks with Massachusetts dance and theatre teacher Danielle Bazinet. She talks about her "can do" attitude, musical theatre at the elementary and middle school levels, and how dance and theatre play a dual role in her identity!
This week Jimmy talks with middle school theatre teacher Josh Vest in Manassas, VA! He talks about his passion for teaching, mental health, and his own teacher podcast The Somewhat Happy Hour!
This week Jimmy talks with New York film and musical theatre educator T.J. Mannix. He talks about pivoting during the pandemic, working with international students, and how teachers can help prepare their students for college programs.
This week Jimmy kicks off Season 4 of THED Talks Podcast with Texas elementary theatre teacher Marc Weaver. They discuss first year teaching during a pandemic, mental health, and theatre for social change with elementary voices.
This week Jimmy wraps up Season three of THED Talks as he talks with Portland Center Stage Literary Manager Kamilah Bush. She talks about her work in theatre education, dramaturgy, and her award winning new play Nick & the Prizefighter available on New Play Exchange!
This week Jimmy talks with junior theatre education major Maria Beilke. She talks about her experiences at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, imposter syndrome and burnout, and her passion for educational theatre.
This week Jimmy talks with Illinois theatre teacher David Morrison. He talks about his work in professional theatre including the Moscow Art Theatre, imposter syndrome, and building a theatre program.
This week Jimmy talks with Arizona theatre teacher Matt Erickson. He talks about working with individuals with special needs, adaptive theatre, and his passion for creating a space for kids to play and create without fear of failure!
This week Jimmy talks with New Jersey based teaching artist Michele Traina. She talks about her professional work in TYA and her time in the classroom, her exceptional learner oriented theatre company Prop Box Players, and her work in stand up that led to her one woman show Divorce Diaries!
https://propboxplayers.wordpress.com/
This week Jimmy talks with Illinois theatre teacher Chris Heckman! She talks about her years of professional work as an actor and a higher ed teacher and her transition to secondary theatre, technology in the theatre classroom, and theatre for social change!
This week Jimmy talks with Junior Theatre Education major Jake Noble. Jake attends Ball State University. In this episode we talk about the impact of a theatre teacher, creating a space for all students, and learning to teach theatre and direct online.
This week Jimmy talks with Colorado theatre teacher, Michael Berquist. he talks about splitting time between Middle and High School, being a second year teacher in the middle of a pandemic, and working with diverse learners and the importance of representation.
This week Jimmy talks with Illinois theatre teacher Britnee Kenyon! In this episode she talks about her work with her students using Verbatim theatre, how her work in arts management has helped her, and the need for relationships outside our classrooms!
This week Jimmy talks with Florida theatre professor, Elena Garcia. She talks about her background in improvisation, being a woman of color in theatre, and her one woman show!
This week Jimmy talks with co-artistic director of Shakespeare on The Deck, Mikey Mulhearn. He talks about his experiences as a teacher/artist/director of Shakespeare, decolonization of the Bard, and practical tips to incorporate Shakespeare into your classes!
www.shakesonthedeck.com
This week Jimmy talks with Louisville, Kentucky based teaching artist Paula Lockhart! She talks about her experiences touring theatre for young audiences shows, the importance of representation in our work, her work as a writer, and being an artist while fat!
This week Jimmy talks with Texas Jr. High and High School teacher Jacque Collom. She speaks about her creative technical theatre on a budget, building relationships with students, and rehabilitating neglected theatre programs. Check out Jacque's blog and Etsy store!
http://www.backstagedreamer.com
This week Jimmy talks with South Carolina theatre teacher Erin Gill. She talks about being a working mother, teacher leadership, and working with students from different backgrounds than your own.
This week Jimmy talks with Florida Gulf Coast University's technical director, Anne Carncross. She talks about the empowering women through technical theatre, working professionally with her students, and presenting at conferences with her students!
This week Jimmy talks with former students and theatre teachers Jonathan Hoskins and Jonathon Long! They talk about the importance of theatre in regards to social skills, the family-like role of theatre, and creating new ways to create art in an online world. Check out their streaming series and podcast, Stage to Stream!
This week Jimmy talks with Colorado teacher Shannon Doering. She talks about her work teaching theatre as an English teacher, teaching Shakespeare, wellness and burnout, and teaching during a pandemic.
This week Jimmy talks with Illinois theatre teacher Steph Svarz. She talks about theatre as a communal practice, radio plays, exceptional learners and theatre, and her own podcast, Get Lit!
This week Jimmy talks with his colleague at Illinois State University, Dr. Michael J Vetere III. He talks about the need for creative play, his work with puppets, and his research in arts integration!
This week Jimmy talks with Illinois power theatre teacher couple Katie Apperson and Tom Skobel. They talk about their masters work at Roosevelt University, the impact of theatre teachers, Katie's podcast, and surviving and thriving in a home with two theatre teachers!
This week Jimmy talks with Dr. Cyndee Brown. She talks about her long career in theatre education, transitioning from high school to university teaching, the hope of the future of theatre education, and the challenges of taking over a high school program from another director/teacher.
This week Jimmy talks with former student teacher now colleague Allison Brower of South Carolina. She talks about getting her masters at Roosevelt University, utilizing outside directors, her 24 hour play project, and self care.
This week Jimmy talks with Minnesota theatre teacher Glenn Morehouse Olson. She talks about her work in theatre administration, taking students to the fringe festival, and her mantra that theatre is for everyone.
This week Jimmy talks with middle and high school teacher Dr. Jim DeVivo. He talks about playwriting and devising theatre, and the role of theatre in the school community.
This week Jimmy talks with Arizona middle school theatre teacher Kristi Kleiser. She talks about her work at Disney and how that impacted her work with children, her summer theatre project for kids, and a magical lion puppet!
This is a special episode featuring this week's guest, Adam Miller, and his students at Warren Township High School. This is their radio play Sherlock Holmes! Adam talked about this in his episode and I wanted to share their work on the podcast! They recorded this version Live on Zoom last week over two days. All sound effects are from students, also done live. All permissions and rights have been acquired! Also, check out their interactive production website https://warrentheatresherlock.weebly.com/
This week Jimmy talks with Illinois theatre teacher Adam Miller. He talks about communicating with administrators, the new faces show, Shakespeare Slam, and the importance of finding hobbies outside of the theatre classroom.
This week Jimmy talks with South Carolina theatre teacher Leslie Dellinger. She candidly talks about her work as an assistant principal, being a workaholic, building a strong program, and the value of student travel.
This week Jimmy talks with past guest and colleague Brian Smallwood from James Madison University. He stops back by the show to talk about his new book Productivity Through Wellness for Live Entertainment and Theatre Technicians.
This week Jimmy talks with Kansas theatre teacher Deborah Baldwin. She talks about her work as a theatre teacher surviving teaching in the wheel, author, and resource creator for theatre teachers. http://www.dramamommaspeaks.com
This week Jimmy talks with his former student who is now an actor and teaching artist in New York, Avionce Hoyles. He talks about creating art and finding ways to survive as an artist, vocal technique for contemporary musical theatre, being a black artist, and his new project Next Generation Young Artist Showcase you will want your students to know about! https://ngyas.org/
This week Jimmy talks with Illinois theatre teacher Mark Begovich. He talks about cultivating student leadership, online teaching, and the importance of student travel.
This week Jimmy talks with teaching artist and playwright Lakeetha Blakeney. She talks about her work in social justice and education, diversity and inclusion in theatre education, and the importance of representation in the work we do as theatre educators.
This week Jimmy talks with retired theatre teacher Randy Moss. He speaks about his work all around the world, IB Theatre, The 4 C's, and longevity in educational theatre.
This week Jimmy talks with Nicole Perry of Momentum Stage! She talks about her background in dance and theatre and how that shapes her work now with antiracist and decolonized teaching, no-touch instruction, and the amazing resources she provides teachers through her work at Momentum Stage! www.momentumstage.org
This week Jimmy talks with educator and author Chip Rome! he brings 40 years of educational theatre experience to the interview as he talks about his time as a classroom teacher, his work with the Cappies, and his wonderful book Real World Theatre Education! His passion and love for this profession and his students is clear and inspiring! Check out www.realworldtheatreeducation.com and www.educationalstages.com!
This week Jimmy kicks off Season 3 of the podcast as he talks with Kym Chambers Otto of Twin Cities Musical Theatre Training and Self Studio in Minneapolis, MN! We talk about her journey with theatre education from her work in professional theatre in New York, teaching high school, and life as a teaching artist! http://twincitiesmttraining.com
This week Jimmy wraps up Season 2 with Rob Warren. He is a theatre teacher at the Atlanta International School. He shares about his life abroad and how that impacts his work with his students now, how we can meet our students where they are, and his work with the International Baccalaureate Program! Thanks for joining us on our 2nd season! Get some rest and we will be back in August with new episodes to kick off the new school year!
This week Jimmy talks with Texas middle school theatre teacher Nicole Johnson. She shares about her work in the Army and journalism field and how these have impacted her work with her students. She shares about working in a Title I school and the importance of relationships in the work we do as theatre teachers.
This week Jimmy talks with friend and colleague Aron Smart. She is a middle school teacher with experience in elementary and university teaching as well. Aron shares from her heart about her work with students at all levels, her passion for teaching, and the importance of balance.
This week Jimmy continues the conversations with his junior theatre education majors. Gwen who read the book Temporary Stages II by Jo Beth Gonzalez and Bailey and LeeAnn who read the book Theatre, Education, and the Making of Meanings by Anthony Jackson. They share their thoughts on the books, the red flags from their readings as well as their big takeaways for future practice!
This week Jimmy continues the conversations with his junior theatre education majors. Jack and Marc read the book Wings to Fly by Sally Dorothy Bailey. They share their thoughts on the books, the red flags from their readings as well as their big takeaways for future practice!
This week Jimmy continues the conversations with his junior theatre education majors. Sarah and Abby read the book Theatre & Education by Helen Nicholson. They share their thoughts on the books, the red flags from their readings as well as their big takeaways for future practice!
This Virtual PLC brings together theatre teachers Nicki Gavin and Melissa Wolf from Illinois and Kathi Nixon from North Carolina to discuss online learning, our students need for connection, and their favorite lessons and projects.
This week Jimmy talks to his junior theatre education majors. Clay and Cody read the book Free Play: Improvisation in Life and Art by Stephen Nachmanovitch. They share their thoughts on the books, the red flags from their readings as well as their big takeaways for future practice!
This Virtual PLC brings together theatre teachers Hali Christopher from South Carolina, Christa Vogt from Virginia, and Dana DellaMonica from Nevada to discuss online learning, our students need for connection, and their favorite lessons and projects. Congratulations to Christa Vogt for becoming her school's Teacher of the Year!!!
This week Jimmy talks to Illinois elementary and middle school theatre teacher Chad Tallon. He speaks about his professional experience leading him to teaching, his passion for his students, and strategies for maintaining morale during trying times with your students.
The 4th Virtual PLC brings together theatre teachers Titus Quinn and Corrine Tyo from South Carolina and Steven Barker from Maryland to talk about e learning, our students needs and their favorite lessons to teach!
This week Jimmy talks to Raliegh, NC theatre teacher KoKo Thornton. She talks about her special collaboration with Frank Wildhorn and his creative team, student and audience care when producing plays with strong content, and her love of teaching theatre!
In this episode, Jimmy gets 2 of his former colleagues, Megan Link and Stephanie Daniels from South Carolina, together to discuss their concerns with online learning, sharing favorite lesson ideas, and becoming advocates for their programs and themselves as educators.
This week Jimmy talks to his former student (high school and college) Jonathon Long, theatre teacher at Palmetto High School in South Carolina! He talks about the importance of relationships, being a theatre teacher when crisis hits, and his favorite lessons to teach!
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In this episode theatre teachers Jerry Seeger (FL), Grace Stanton (CA), and Christie Blewett (MD) come together to discuss creativity, self care and online resources and strategies during the transition to e learning.
This week Jimmy talks to Tennessee middle school theatre teacher Meredith Daniel. She speaks about her love of middle school kids and her experience with burnout and finding balance!
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In this episode Jimmy gets 4 past guests together to have a virtual PLC for middle school theatre! Season 1 guest Marissa Brady from Arizona proposed this episode and she is joined by season 2 guests Joan Schubin from New Jersey, Jeffrey Ott from Texas, and Meredith Daniel from Tennessee to discuss the transition to online learning in the wake of COVID-19, their favorite lessons and projects to teach, dealing with kids who don't want to be in their classes, and much more! This is the first in what is hoped to become a regular feature on THED Talks!
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This week Jimmy speaks with Las Vegas, NV theatre teacher Dana DellaMonica. She talks about her experience in the professional world, teaching in Dubai, and working with 1st through 8 graders on Shakespeare, musical theatre, and devised theatre!
This week Jimmy talks to Bluffton, SC theatre teacher Sarah Derrer. Sarah was Jimmy's last student teacher he hosted. Sarah speaks about the transition from college to professional work, collaboration with colleagues, and living a zero waste lifestyle!
This week Jimmy talks with Florida theatre teacher, Jerry Seeger. He passionately talks about his work with his students, his one more show Demerits, Detentions, & Dismissals..., winning Theatre Teacher of the Year, and helping to establish a Fine Arts Signing Day in his school!
This week Jimmy talks with friend and former colleague George Younts. He teaches at Charleston County School of the Arts in Charleston, SC. In this episode he talks about his traveling improvisation comedy troupe, working with Shakespeare, his one man show, and the importance of attending conferences with your students!
This week Jimmy talks to best selling author Ian Doescher. He is the mastermind behind the William Shakespeare Star Wars series, MacTrump, Much Ado About Mean Girls, and the Shakespeare 2020 Project .
This week Jimmy welcomes Michael Meyer to the podcast. He is the Director of Education at the Academy of Makeup Arts in Nashville, TN. He speaks about his work in makeup, wig making, and animatronics. His work in the professional film world, professional opera, time abroad, and his time in academia paved the way for his work now in training young artists in a highly intensive program in makeup arts!
This week Jimmy talks with Wyoming theatre teacher Bradlee W. Skinner. He is a multiple teacher of the year winner for his district and even nationally. He talks about his experience as an administrator, our responsibility to our students when it comes to trauma, and his colorful journey to being a theatre teacher, speaker, and author.
This week Jimmy talks with Niceville, High School theatre teacher Ritchie Jackson. In this episode he shares about his past life, traveling the world, and his personal renaissance as a high school theatre teacher!
This week Jimmy talks with York Jr. High theatre teacher, Jeffrey Ott. Jeff shares his perspective on teaching theatre coming from the business world. He also shares how he transforms his cafetorium into Oz each year and about his fantastic Virtual Theatre Software created for theatre teachers and theatre students!
This week Jimmy talks with triple threat middle school teacher Joan Schubin. In this episode she speaks about her journey to middle school, being a new mom and a teacher, and the challenges of teaching theatre, music, and dance!
This week Jimmy rings in the new year with middle school theatre teacher Titus Quinn. Titus speaks about his experiences as a new teacher, self care, and his stories so far collaborating with other theatre colleagues and working with middle schoolers!
This week Jimmy talks to Illinois State University super senior, Wes Skym. Wes is a theatre teacher education major embarking on his student teaching! In this episode he talks about his journey to teaching theatre, his own podcast, and the lessons he has learned along the way!
This week Jimmy speaks with the 2017 Excellence in Theatre Education Tony Award winner Rachel Harry! She shares some of her favorite stories from her career, the importance of being a lifelong learner, taking risks and breaking rules, and her experience with the Tony Awards!
This week Jimmy speaks with Krista Carson Elhai. She talks about her involvement with the International Thespian Honor Society, her Theatre Teacher Bootcamp with Gai Jones, and fundraising!
This week Jimmy talks to educational theatre veteran, Gai Jones! She speaks about her long and wonderful career in theatre education, her published books, and her work as the current President of the Educational Theatre Association!
This week Jimmy talks with Drama Teacher Academy contributor Christa Vogt. She talks about her career, how she got started with Drama Teacher Academy, and her very passionate advice for teachers!
This week Jimmy talks with playwright, educator, workshop leader, resident playwright of Theatrefolk, and co-founder of The Drama Teacher Academy Lindsay Price! She shares about her journey in educational theatre, being a successful playwright, and her work creating one of the most widely used resources for theatre teachers out there.
This week Jimmy talks with Monticello High School in Charlottesville, VA drama teacher and the 2019 Excellence in Theatre Education TONY Award winner Madeline Michel! She shares her experiences working with diverse students, her non-traditional approach to how her classes are offered, and some no nonsense pearls of wisdom!
This week Jimmy talks with middle school teacher Julian Lazarus in Montgomery County Maryland! He has taught for 18 years at various levels and brings a great perspective on theatre education as a whole! Specific topics he talks about are process over product, feeling trapped by our choices, and tech theatre tips and tricks!
This week Jimmy talks to James Madison University tech director Brian Smallwood. he shares lots of tips and tricks for tech theatre, how to communicate with your tech director so they are part of your storytelling, and teacher burnout!
This week Jimmy talks to theatre educator Dana Taylor. Dana brings 30 years of experience teaching high school technical theatre to our conversation. He is currently a theatre education professor at The University of Evansville in Indiana, He shares words of wisdom and lots of great technical theatre resources from his long and wonderful career as a theatre educator. Jimmy also checks in with Kelli, his student teacher, to see how things are going for her in her placement!
This week Jimmy talks to Texas technical theatre teacher Mel Edwards! She discusses her journey to teaching theatre, engaging lessons, and her experiences being a woman in a male dominated field. He also catches up with his student teacher Emma and how things are going in her placement!
This week Jimmy continues the technical theatre unit as he speaks to technical theatre teacher Kevin Holly from Libertyville, Illinois! He speaks about some of his experiences from his career, a high school production of Starlight Express, and he offers technical theatre tips and tricks we can all use in our classroom. He also checks in with his student teacher, Kelli!
This week Jimmy talks to Texas theatre teacher, Blake Minor about his journey to teaching theatre, technical theatre, and his own theatre education podcast, Minor Wisdom! He also checks in with his student teacher Emma on how her first full class teaching experience went last week!
This week Jimmy chats with four of his former students who have completed their first year of teaching. They share their successes and challenges, lessons learned, and pearls of wisdom for student teachers and first year teachers! Additionally, a new segment checking in with student teachers in the field, Kelli Lawrence and Emma Harmon share their reflections on student teaching so far!
Welcome back to Season 2 of THED Talks! In this first episode of the season Jimmy talks with the 2016 Excellence in Theatre Education Tony Award winner, Marilyn McCormick about her long and wonderful career in Detroit, Michigan.
This week the script is flipped! Educator, colleague, and personal friend Miriam Kuykendall takes over the podcast to talk to Jimmy and reflect on the first season. Reflective practice is essential to good teaching, good theatre, and good podcasting! This is the final episode for the first season. THED Talks will return in mid-August with new episodes to get your academic year off to a great start!
This week Jimmy talks with his husband Dr. Adam Carter. He is a professor of counseling at Northern Illinois University, a licensed counselor, and a specialist in children's grief counseling. They discuss the importance of representation in the work we do in the classroom and on stage, strategies to support queer students and teachers, and the meaning of being an ally. This is part 3 of a 3-part series for PRIDE month.
This week Jimmy talks with teacher and playwright Briandaniel Oglesby and BFA Acting major Alex Faulkner about their experiences being an out queer teacher and out gender non-binary student. They discuss original works that deal with LGBTQIA topics with middle school students and new works that challenge the norm. This is part 2 of a 3-part series for PRIDE month.
This week Jimmy chats with out queer theatre teachers Harry Culpepper and Annaliisa Ahlman about their experiences as out queer teachers, professional organizations, and representation in the work they do with their students. This is part 1 of a 3-part series for PRDE month!
This week Jimmy talks with his mentor Matt Webster. Matt has been a touring artist for children, a theatre education professor, a high school teacher, a consultant for Drama Teacher Academy at Theatrefolk, an actor, a director, a playwright, and a dad! He brings lots of great advice and food for thought for theatre teachers and theatre education majors this week from his years of experience!
In this episode Jimmy talks to the inaugural Tony Award for Excellence in Theatre Education winner Corey Mitchell. Corey shares his stories, experiences, and words of hope for theatre educators and the profession as a whole!
This week Jimmy talks with Marisa Brady, a middle school theatre teacher in Chandler, Arizona. She talks about her love for middle schoolers, student travel, parent booster clubs, and much more!
This week Jimmy talks with progressive alt-ed teacher from Texas, Briandaniel Oglesby. Listen in to hear about how this playwright and teacher uses devised theatre to create cutting edge and relevant work with his middle and high school students at Skybridge Academy.
This week Jimmy speaks to Cyndi Bringer, a middle school theatre teacher in Illinois AND Ashleigh Worley, Director of Education at Luther Burbank Center of the Arts in California. These teachers bring us stories and experiences about special needs, exploratory rotations, and working in non-traditional theatre education careers and working with teaching artists.
This week Jimmy talks with one of his theatre education students about his experiences so far as a transfer student, involvement on campus, self-care, and diversity in the classroom.
This week Jimmy talks to North Carolina theatre teacher Ruthie Tutterow. She discusses her work in K12 and university teaching, working with community organizations, musical theatre, and a unique experience she and her students participate in with Lincoln Center.
This week Jimmy talks with high school director Lea Marshall in Tallahassee, FL. She shares her unique journey to teaching theatre and lots of valuable resources for assessment, Shakespeare, and working smarter instead of harder!
This week Jimmy talks to Heidi Breeden. She works with her sister, Robin, at a non-profit in Cornelius, NC called Arts for All (www.RAArts4all.com). In this episode she talks about her classroom experience, self-care, working with administration, and playwriting and dramaturgy in the secondary classroom!
This week Jimmy talks to his mentor, cooperating teacher, and friend Barbara Mager about her long career teaching theatre, favorite stories and experiences, and advice to new and experienced teachers for a long and fulfilling career in theatre education.
In this episode, Jimmy speaks to his former colleague and friend about her experiences and lessons learned while teaching theatre. She also shares a resource she finds very useful called Theatre Teacher Lesson Lending!
Welcome to THED Talks! Meet your host, Jimmy Chrismon and find out what the THED Talks Podcast is all about. Discover how to find us on social media and how to contact us for show ideas, resources, and if you would like to be a guest on the show!