This phrase is something I found myself saying since the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year. It was one of those wise things I’d say to the kids when things looked tough, like during the last two weeks of our fall show PUFFS when the Monday tech rehearsal was over three-and-a-half hours long and it… Continue reading You have to go through it.
Tag: Changed for the Better
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Changed for the Better, episode 48
On Changed for the Better, we've talked a lot about how people's lives shift over the course of time. Floryane's story is all about accepting change, re-defining her purpose and establishing a plan for course-correction.
Changed for the Better: special episode #2
In Ask Tirro episode 2, Hernz Laguerre, Jr puts me in the hot seat. We talk about my "second act" and what direction I think it will go. There's even a Lightning Round!! Tune in!
Changed for the Better, episode 47
Michael J. DelPup has an artist's heart. He discovered his love for Thespians in his senior year, and that experience has shaped the person he is today. He is a SCAD trained graphic artist who works for Off White design, and he is responsible for the newest logo art for this podcast!
Changed for the Better
See who's in the club!
Changed for the Better: special episode #1
Welcome to the premiere of a new segment of "Changed for the Better: the power or arts in education" called “Ask Tirro.” In this episode, Nathalie Alcime (CFTB Episode 36) puts me in the hot seat!
Changed for the Better: Upgrades
I have something exciting to share for "Changed for the Better, the power of arts in education!" It's time for some UPGRADES!
Changed for the Better: episode 40
Karema Brown has an educator's heart. Her mission is to do all she can to improve the school experience for her kids. This is her story of service, how she processed her complicated roles as a Black woman, educator, and daughter of the badge, and how the dance studio taught her that vulnerability is a strength to be cherished.
Changed for the Better: episode 39
Joseph "Royalty" Wallace, once a pulsing ball of energy, has focused his creativity and discipline to become a successful man in finance and entrepreneurship. Read on to learn how dance was the catalyst for his leap into leadership.
Changed for the Better, episode 37
Episode 37 features Rushane Dunn, the first alum to be profiled from the class of 2019! Always the high-achiever, he is now finishing his senior year at Brown University. We talked about his dual passions for STEM and performing arts, being at the precipice of his adulthood and his impending journey into medicine.
Changed for the Better: episode 36, part 1
Episode 36, part one highlights how my connection with Nathalie led to the creation of a performance opportunity that examines the slow awakening to the discourse of social justice. Sometimes, terrible events can give birth to beautiful things.
Changed for the Better: Episode 35
Darian Garner, the valedictorian of the class of 2013. A perfect blend of brilliance, kindness and humility, Darian graciously shared her stories about navigating the challenges of being Black in an Ivy League school, losing her mom, becoming an actuary, and growing into her independence.
Changed for the Better: episode 34
From the to the class of 2012, Melissa Iglody's bright, bubbly personality infused positivity and a lively spark to our performing arts community. Learn how she took those lessons from the theater and found new happy places in college and beyond!
Once a year day
There are a lot of people my age who would rather not acknowledge their special day. Maybe it's not wanting to reveal how many circles around the sun they are, or they don't want to call attention to themselves. Who knows? That's not me.
Changed for the Better: Episode 31
Welcome to Season 3!! Episode 31 takes us back to the class of 2003. A self-professed “Jane of all trades” and Heartland Emmy nominee, Marie Casimir discovered her passion for everything the arts had to offer during high school, when she immersed herself in dance and Thespians. Now, she is sharing her own vision with the world.
Changed for the Better, episode 26
Today's blog focuses on Michaelle Vilsa, Spring Valley High School class of 2014. From her high school days to the present, Michaelle has always done her best work in the spotlight. Read on to learn how she's taken her early training in the arts to new heights.
Changed for the Better: Episode 21
Back in high school, Bianca was a bright, personable, happy young woman with a smile as wide as Texas, full of positivity and light. Despite some significant, unresolved childhood traumas, Bianca found a home with Thespians, where she was surrounded by a community who embraced her energy and helped her channel the difficult emotions she was experiencing behind that smile.
Changed for the Better: episode 20
Alex Domini's story is another example of how you make plans, God laughs, and you make new plans. Life is a journey, and it's best to traverse the terrain with eyes wide open, ears attuned to the universe, and heart ready for the ride. Read on to learn about Alex's journey.
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 18
The third of the Alexandre legacy at Spring Valley, Kinsley talks about learning to enjoy the journey every day, and how maturing has taught him to work smarter, not harder.
Good news!
For your listening pleasure, "Changed for the Better" is now available on Spotify! Click the link in the blog.
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 16
Though known as "the quiet one" of the family, Kenney had lots to say about his high school Thespian experience. Following closely behind his sister as "Tendrina's little brother," he learned how to make his own impression and became his own person.
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 15
Victor went from the "new kid in town" to the shining star who found his home in the studio. In this episode, we talk about learning to live your authentic self, in all of its incarnations, despite the immense challenges of adolescence.
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 14
In this episode, we travel back to the class of 2003 and get an inside look at the life of a first responder/law enforcement professional who found his peace in the performing arts.
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 13
Graig Kriendler is all about nostalgia. It seems to be the driving force behind his life's work, which is why this interview feels so special. For a guy who has been interviewed for tons of articles and podcasts about his professional achievements, this discussion was particularly meaningful for both of us.
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 12
Special college edition! Tom Dheere is a fellow Montclair State alum (class of 1993!). We chatted about college, his prolific career as a voiceover professional (aka The VO Strategist), and how taking care of your mental health is paramount to any measure of success.
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 11
Growing a leader requires an infusion of trust in a young person and giving them the support it takes to help them trust themselves. Becoming a leader requires taking that trust and further developing it yourself. This week's discussion with Hilary Becker-Jarusinsky shows how this can be accomplished through arts education.
Changed for the Better: the value of arts in education
We hear the cries all the time - budgets are getting squeezed, cuts have to be made, and things wind up on the chopping block. What is often the first to be sacrificed? The arts. This is one arts educator's perspective as to why that should never, ever happen.
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode TEN
Tendrina Alexandre We made it to episode TEN (cue the balloons and confetti)!! I feel like there should be bells, whistles and heralding trumpets! Tendrina Alexandre (get it? TEN??) is another superstar from the past, who comes from a superstar family. Does it feel like everyone I interview here are my faves? Yes, yes it… Continue reading Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode TEN
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 8
There's a lot to say about this budding superstar. I knew her as a teenager - smart, observant, swimming in talent. She melted the paint off of the auditorium walls of and now she is releasing simmering Neo-Soul singles to the world. Someday soon, everybody will have Brianna Knight's name on their lips.
Stacey's Headspace 