This is one part of a series of blogs about maximizing your experience with our online Community, not only to help newbies get their bearings but to also help experienced users learn more and take the next steps, or assist others.
Today, I will tell you part about a new part of Community, the Teaching Artist Directory. This directory was created to help EdTA members find theatre professionals to enhance their students’ classroom experience or easily locate workshop leaders and speakers for events. There are currently 100 teaching artists registered in the directory, experts on topics like choreography, stage combat, improvisation, technical theatre, playwriting, and more.
What is a Teaching Artist?
Teaching artists are independent contractors hired by an individual or organization to teach a specific aspect of theatre. Most have taught workshops at one of our national events, but it is not required.
How can I use a Teaching Artist in my classroom?
Think about a topic your students want more information about, but you don't currently have the training required to answer all of their questions. Hire a teaching artist, an expert in that specific field, to lead a class or two. You'll expand their education and your own!
How do I find a Teaching Artist?
Peruse the directory to find the perfect person to supplement your syllabus. You can leave all of the fields blank and simply click "search" to pull up a list of all teaching artists, or type in a specific topic, location, or name to narrow it down.
Here are a couple featured teaching artists to get you started in your search:
Rosie Best
Jerald Bolden
Are you a Teaching Artist willing to visit classrooms and events? Feel free to register as a Teaching Artist in our directory (and while you're there, submit a proposal to teach at our National Conference or the International Thespian Festival!).
Did you miss my previous Community Tips? Check them out: