Earlier this year, we launched a brand new Community program called Mentor Match. This unique online networking and career development tool is an EdTA members-only benefit that helps you find, connect, and share experiences with others. Our Mentor Match spotlight will feature some of the incredible mentors who are available to help you accomplish your professional goals.
Our current featured mentor is William Myatt. William was inducted into the International Thespian Society in high school and has been heavily involved in every aspect of theatre education ever since. He has served in a variety of leadership roles, including Iowa Chapter Director and EdTA Board President. He regularly attends the National Conference and International Thespian Festival and is a national Hall of Fame inductee.
How long did you teach/have you been teaching? What subjects/classes?
I have been teaching since 1984, English (9th, 10th, Am. Lit. World Lit, Public Speaking, Intro to Theatre, Acting, Tech Theatre).
What are your areas of expertise?
Directing, Designing for Tour, and Creative Problem Solving.
Why did you sign up to be a mentor?
Mentoring = teaching (and learning), and that is who I am.
Describe yourself in three words.
Passionate, listener, Trekkie.
Do you have any special training or certification?
Gifted and Talented Education, Library.
Did you ever have a mentor or role model? What did you learn from them?
It isn't just high school theatre. Set high goals, share them, and work to achieve them together.
Why do you believe theatre is important?
Theatre is the ultimate high-stakes, real-world, team-building scenario.
What was the first play you ever saw?
Arsenic and Old Lace - also the first play I was ever in. This was my sophomore year in high school.
What inspired you to pursue a career in theatre?
I was going to teach math or science and then heard the applause. That was the epiphany that showed me people teach this theatre stuff too, and it's more fun than cosine.
Tell us about the moment that made you decide to get involved in theatre.
A friend and I double dared each other to audition while sitting in sophomore typing class (with electric typewriters) and I got a larger role!
What was the most difficult element of a production you’ve ever had to manage?
All of them. Seriously, the ability to multi-task and keep all the irons in the fire is paramount.
William is knowledgeable, well-respected, and has an excellent sense of humor, he would be a top recommendation for any mentee. If you’d like to request William as your mentor, here’s how:
- Enroll as a mentee.
- Visit William’s profile.
- Click on the blue “Send me a Mentor Request button.”
Learn more about Mentor Match here. Feel free to contact me with any questions about this opportunity: gbutsch@schooltheatre.org.