I am an arts educator. My charge is not only inspiring the creative spark in adolescents, but making sure our English Language Learners have equal access and opportunity to participating in the creative spirit. When you are in charge of a school theater organization, you shoulder the weight of so many things, artistic decisions being… Continue reading Translanguaging in Arts Education
Tag: Thespians
Passing the torch
As I write this post, I have three and a half years to go before I step away from teaching at Spring Valley High School. Now is the time that I am starting to think about succession; who will take over for me when I retire? What will happen to Thespians, which was handed to… Continue reading Passing the torch
Theatrefolk Podcast
In spring of 2015, Thespians got a lot of good attention in what felt like a sea of bad press. This is about our story about beating the odds.
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: Upgrades
I have something exciting to share for "Changed for the Better, the power of arts in education!" It's time for some UPGRADES!
Inspiration is a two-way street
On the final weekend of our spring musical season, I was reflecting on what it takes to create, to develop and to thrive. It's all about the people with whom you surround yourself.
Changed for the Better: Episode 33
A superhero is aware of the inequities of the world, and possesses the energy and drive to do something about it. Melissa Denizard is Spring Valley's homegrown superhero. We talk about how she melds activism with her exploding artistic vision.
Changed for the Better: episode 30
Is there a gentle doctor in the house? Pretty soon, there will be! Soon, my episode 30 guest will become Dr. Dwayne Gentle. What better way to close out season 2 than to talk to a formerly hyper-vigilant adolescent about his path to being more spontaneous, changing his mindset, surviving medical school and living life exactly how he wants to live it.
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.
Back in business
After a long hiatus away from our home stage, Thespians is finally back in business. Here's a little overview of our first few weeks in prime theater-geek season.
Highs and Lows
Weathering the storm as a teacher is tough. Doing so in the pandemic adds so many layers of challenge to education. Trying to make theater happen in that situation is a whole different ballgame. It's been one of the greatest challenges of my teaching career.
Show time!
Announcing the world premiere of my play, "How Do We Feel Right Now?" in December 2020.
“How Do We Feel Right Now” in the making
About the inception of the production "How Do We Feel Right Now?"
Stacey's Headspace 