Whew, you know you're learning a lot when you don't have time to let anyone know what you're doing! But I'd rather be busy than bored.
My first year at Emerson brought lots of exciting changes and new experiences. I started the program on the Applied Theatre track (community engagement focus and sometimes more closely aligned with the artistic and academic aspects of theatre) but quickly found a home in the Theatre Education track. The picture below is of a final project in my Drama as Education class mapping out my goals in the program and beyond (featuring my dear firends Kelli and Julia). I realized my museum days impacted me more than I expected and I plan to spend the next two years focusing on integrating drama into STEM curricula. I also took a Theatre for Young Audiences class that reignited my love of community engagement, outreach, and informal education work.
When I'm not in class, I can be found doing admin and social media work for Emerson's Center for Comedic Arts and B.F.A. in Comedic Arts.
I also returned to camp ASPIRE* for the 2nd year in a row, this time as their drama specialist. I learned a lot and really honed my curriculum development and classroom management skills. I watched my colleagues demonstrate incredible empathy and patience with the kids, and I hope that one day I can be half the educator they are. Last spring, I spent my Saturdays with their teen program, supporting teens on weekly field trips to malls, movie theatres, and arcades.
Somehow, I still packed in as much extra training and service work as possible including:
- Attending my first academic conference (AATE - American Alliance for Theatre and Education) see photo below featuring friends Erin and Julia
- Continuing to train with Theatrical Intimacy Education through their workshops Consent in the Acting Classroom, Working with Minors, and Metal Health First Aid
- Serving on the Theatre for Young Audiences committee at Emerson to select possible titles for the 2023-2024 season
Year 2:
I'm starting the year as an Assistant Director on Emerson's production of The Wolves. I love being in the room with a bunch of young women and femmes as they step back into the world of high school friendships.
I'm also on the education and community engagement team for the Theatre for Young Audiences show, Old Jake's Skirts. We'll be creating a study guide, pre and post show workshops, and engaging community parters and school audiences.
Until next time, be good to yourselves and your communities.
-Sofia
*MGH ASPIRE is an awesome organization that serves more than 200 children, teens, and young adults with social cognition challenges, including High-Cognitive Autism, Nonverbal Learning Disorders, and Autism Spectrum Disorders.