I believe my job as an educator is to conceptualize and employ hands-on experiences in every class I teach - from directing to theatre history to dramatic literature. Giving students a hands-on problem-solving approach helps them silence their inner critics and allows them to see practical applications for everything we learn in my courses.

At the same time, I've found ways to adjust my approach to better acknowledge my privilege, to recognize that my perspective is not the definitive one, and to make sure all students feel safe to share their ideas in my classrooms and rehearsal rooms. I know there is no such thing as a "safe space" in the real world, but I want my students to feel safe enough to play, to solve problems, and to be themselves. It's not my job to impose a restrictive vision, idea, or worldview on my students. I'm here to give them challenges I know they can surmount, to create art with them, and above all, to listen to them.