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Teaching Philosophy

As an artist and educator, I firmly believe that learning in theatre education doesn’t just happen

inside a traditional classroom. It comes to fruition through demonstrations, workshops, and

experiences gained through production work. Students need the space and opportunities to take

concepts discussed from their courses to productions in a safe and fostering environment.

My goal as an educator is to create a nurturing environment where learners can experiment, take

risks, and challenge themselves through a variety of methods both in the classroom as well as

production work.

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Each of my courses are structured to provide students the necessary building blocks to learn while

giving them opportunities to challenge themselves as theatre makers and individuals. In my

introduction to design class, they grow their passion for design by applying concepts learned to a

chosen script. As the semester continues, they challenge themselves with collaboration by working

in groups to create a cohesive design that fits within an overall concept statement. When exploring

color theory in my lighting class, students get hands-on experience with seeing how chosen gels

affect the color of the light. As they explore color, I add in various fabrics and paint samples to

allow them to further discover how lighting can directly affect how other elements are seen onstage.

To help bridge learning gaps in Vectorworks drafting, I teach drafting standards through the

performance spaces they work in, allowing them to understand the language in familiar spaces

before branching out to other performance spaces.

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Throughout their studies I work to provide students opportunities to focus on their passions within

course structures. In my drafting course, after undergraduates’ have mastered each design area

drafting standards, they are able to choose which one to focus on more in depth for the final

project. In my introduction to design class, class participants are able to select which design area

they want to work on in group projects as they have explored each design area individually. I find

that when I allow them to select a topic that spark their interest, they have higher commitment to

the course. It also provides them chances to refine the technical areas they are interested in working

after graduation.

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To give mentees hands on production experiences, I build in lab hours to many of my courses. This

provides them the necessary time and experiences to apply course discussions while providing them

opportunities to gain experience needed for continued growth and development. Through their

production work, everyone can see firsthand the communication and collaboration it takes to bring a

production to opening night. From hanging lighting instruments, being part of production crews, to

working in advance production positions, these experiences grow and become more challenging as

the student advances through their studies. Through these opportunities, I strive to give them the

chances to build their passions while preparing them for their chosen career path.

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Throughout their academic study with me, students will become more confident in their work as

designers and technicians. I work towards creating and maintaining an inclusive space inside and

outside the classroom, allowing each individual to fully challenge themselves, take risks, and push

outside their comfort zones. Upon completion their time with me, my students will feel prepared to

enter the entertainment industry. They will have the knowledge to be pursue their chosen career

path while being equipped with the skills needed to adapt to their environment and feel comfortable

taking risks to continue to advance throughout their careers.

Courses Taught

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

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Fall 2024

     THTR 406B: Vectorworks

     THTR 606B: Vectorworks

Fall 2023

     THTR 406B: Vectorworks

     THTR 606B: Vectorworks

Fall 2022

     THTR 406B: Vectorworks

     THTR 606B: Vectorworks

Spring 2022

     THTR 200:1001: Introduction to Design

     THTR 200:1002: Introduction to Design

Fall 2022

     DAN 271: Electricity for Dance Production

Spring 2021

     THTR 200: Introduction to Design

Fall 2020

     Teaching Assistant:THTR 200: Introduction to Design

     Teaching Assistant: THTR 203: Lighting 1

CV, Sample Syllabi, and Additional Materials available upon request

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