Some of you reading this have both performed and taught actors. And I’m wondering if you have ever thought about which is more enjoyable to you. Acting or teaching?
For me, it is hard to say, because the two have been so intertwined in my experience. And that journey started right here.
When I graduated from the Conservatory in 1994, my class was told we should resist the pull to bigger markets and stay put. So, I did what any 23-year-old, freshly trained actress hungry for her first acting gig would do – I ignored the advice of those wiser than me and I moved to NYC anyway. I didn’t do a single show in three months there, but it wasn’t a total disaster. I fell in love with the city and vowed to return one day (which I did, but that is for another blog post).
When I returned to DC, I admit, I was demoralized. BUT, I got a stage management job for a kids’ talent show from a young, dynamic teaching artist named Tom Mallan, who was teaching improv classes at Cardozo Senior High in the District.
As I worked with Tom, his connection with and ability to inspire the students, and his spontaneity impressed me. He was and still is a very gifted teacher. I began working more extensively with Tom at Washington Shakespeare Company (WSC), and I discovered I loved teaching drama to kids.
Little did I know that this gig would flourish into an acting and teaching artist career. Because of my connection to Tom and the outreach program at WSC, I was cast in my first big role in a professional theatre. And later I was invited to join the acting company at WSC. My disenchantment from my New York experience soon shifted to passion and commitment, and I decided to stay put and build a career in the DC metro area.
Since that first stage managing gig, I have taught at many organizations, including the National Portrait Gallery, the Kennedy Center Theatre for Young Audiences, and Woolly Mammoth. I also helped found the Educational Theatre Company. However, I’ve also managed to carve out a steady career as a local actress, working with the Kennedy Center Theatre for Young Audiences, Arena Stage, Signature Theatre and many others.
I’m not fond of that old adage “Those who can’t do … teach,” because clearly in my case it’s proved inaccurate. I’ve been lucky enough to do both. Teaching has helped me be a better actor and acting has given me the opportunity to teach what I love.
For me, it is hard to say, because the two have been so intertwined in my experience. And that journey started right here.
When I graduated from the Conservatory in 1994, my class was told we should resist the pull to bigger markets and stay put. So, I did what any 23-year-old, freshly trained actress hungry for her first acting gig would do – I ignored the advice of those wiser than me and I moved to NYC anyway. I didn’t do a single show in three months there, but it wasn’t a total disaster. I fell in love with the city and vowed to return one day (which I did, but that is for another blog post).
When I returned to DC, I admit, I was demoralized. BUT, I got a stage management job for a kids’ talent show from a young, dynamic teaching artist named Tom Mallan, who was teaching improv classes at Cardozo Senior High in the District.
As I worked with Tom, his connection with and ability to inspire the students, and his spontaneity impressed me. He was and still is a very gifted teacher. I began working more extensively with Tom at Washington Shakespeare Company (WSC), and I discovered I loved teaching drama to kids.
Little did I know that this gig would flourish into an acting and teaching artist career. Because of my connection to Tom and the outreach program at WSC, I was cast in my first big role in a professional theatre. And later I was invited to join the acting company at WSC. My disenchantment from my New York experience soon shifted to passion and commitment, and I decided to stay put and build a career in the DC metro area.
Since that first stage managing gig, I have taught at many organizations, including the National Portrait Gallery, the Kennedy Center Theatre for Young Audiences, and Woolly Mammoth. I also helped found the Educational Theatre Company. However, I’ve also managed to carve out a steady career as a local actress, working with the Kennedy Center Theatre for Young Audiences, Arena Stage, Signature Theatre and many others.
I’m not fond of that old adage “Those who can’t do … teach,” because clearly in my case it’s proved inaccurate. I’ve been lucky enough to do both. Teaching has helped me be a better actor and acting has given me the opportunity to teach what I love.
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