Thed Talks

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.