Thed Talks

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!