Happy Wednesday Theatre Friends!
As I was contemplating what words I could share from my 40-year Theatre Education journey I saw a Facebook post by Emily Mokrycki, the lovely and talented Co-Chapter Director of Nebraska. Shout out to her Chapter Co Brooke Phillips. Here is part of what Emily wrote:
I love theatre. I love teaching. But it has been a real challenge to find the joy and positivity this past month. It's my 20th year teaching and I just am starting to really feel the exhaustion in a different way, it is a daunting to think about the future at times.
I know each one of us has had these thoughts at some point during our career, perhaps often, so I thought I'd share some questions to ask to plan for the long game of being a theatre educator. Advice and tips are nice, but I believe questions give us a chance to reflect on our unique situations and may be useful in discussing program goals with students, administrators, and the school community.
Theatre Education is a long game. When many of us get into the classroom we are usually energetic and idealistic twenty somethings who spend many extra hours at school working on productions, writing new courses, chatting and bonding with our students, and attending lots of other extra curriculars to support the kids in our program. When life gets more complicated and complex all that time takes away from what little opportunities we have to spend with friends, family, our own kids, or just recharging away from students.
Here are some questions to ask yourself. I hope they spark some food for thought as you move through the semester and start thinking about planning for the year (s) to come.
• Who can I ask to assist me on my campus? Are there young teachers, alums, parents, or community members who might be willing to do small tasks for my program?
• Are they any retired performing arts teachers in my area who would be willing share their ideas for time management, organization, season planning, etc?
• How can I work smarter in a shorter amount of time? Can I eliminate a couple of rehearsal per show? Can I eliminate a show/event in my season?
• How can I train my students to be stronger leaders? Is there someone on my campus or community who would help with this (student activities director? Chamber of Commerce leaders?)
• What do I want my program to look like in five years? In ten? In twenty? When I'm in my last five years of teaching?
• What non theatre/non-teaching activities do I enjoy? How can I schedule time to regularly fit those into my schedule?
• Who are those people that make me feel valued and supported? Can I prioritize time with those folks during some of my busiest times of the year?
• What part of my job is not in my skill set? Can I find someone else to assist or take that on? If my answer is immediately no, why I'm I so resistant to asking for help?
• Where do I find the joy in my job and how can make sure I acknowledge this when I'm overwhelmed and exhausted?
Sending my very best to everyone as the semester progresses.
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Krista Carson Elhai
President, Educational Theatre Association
Educational Theatre Foundation National Board of Trustees
Past President, CA Educational Theatre Association
Membership Chair, California State Thespians
Claremont CA
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