Teacher. Director. Writer
Administrator.
Teaching Experience.
“Young people enter the theatre with no preconceptions about what a live performance should look like, with no rules or theatre etiquette already catalogued in their minds. They consume information in new ways and they want to be able to come to their own conclusions when engaging with art. It is our responsibility to stay relevant by asking big questions that challenge us and them and ultimately reimagine theatre for a new generation of young people.”
-Andy Manley
Teaching Philosophy.
Studying acting and theatre involves trust and my goal is to immediately establish trust in the classroom or rehearsal space. Theatre is only possible with a community of collaborators and my teaching goal is to build community within the ensemble of students. My role as the instructor is to actively engage each student and each learning style while meeting the student’s goals. I want each student to understand the process of acting while gaining confidence and having fun.
Testimonials.
A single droplet can stir a sea, a single misstep can transform a life. Far too often we overlook the ripples we create and the tales we incite. Friends Select's Metamorphoses is a beautiful reminder of human nature in the most human form, storytelling. A non-linear storyline seems difficult to pull off, but Friends Select's Metamorphoses skillfully kept the audience engaged throughout the play. The heavy, contemplative aspects of the play were well-balanced with light comedic scenes and witty characterizations, leaving the audience both deep in melancholy thought and thoroughly amused. With simple beauty, Friends Select's Metamorphoses breathed life into timeless stories resonant with human frailty and understanding, reminding us that "wherever our love goes, there we find our soul."
-Student Cappie Review of Metamorphoses at Friends Select School
Julia was cast today as one of the Narrators in her Middle School production of Joseph...Dreamcoat! She is so excited. But, that is not the best part. The director who has known her since she was 8 years old and directed the first show she ever did that solidified her love of acting is the same director of this show. She commented that she can't believe how much confidence and poise Julia has gained over the last year!!! I completely attribute her turn around to you. You are the person who gave her the notes that she needed to gain confidence. She really took that to heart and has done everything in her power to become a more confident actress. I think that everyone that works with her sees such a difference. Thank you!
-Tara F. Parent of a Camp/Theatre School Student
I just wanted to send you a quick email to thank you for everything you have done for this production. You've honestly been one the best, if not the best, director I have ever had and I loved every minute of working with you and the remainder of the production staff. You always were completely dedicated to the show and only wanted to see us succeed. Coming to rehearsal was honestly the best feeling in the world because I knew I was coming to such a great place with so much great energy and supportive people. I can never thank you enough for giving me this opportunity to be in this production, and just like a lot of other kids mentioned today before our show, because of it you resurrected the dream within me. Before this experience I didn't think I had what it took since I was only getting ensemble or supporting roles, but getting into Seussical and working at such a professional level made me realize that I still can do what I love. There's no way to thank a person enough for doing that for me. So thank you, from the very bottom of my heart.
-Madi J. Camp Walnut Student
Ashley, thank YOU for a great class. Your love of theatre is very evident and it helped to foster an environment for two hours every Wednesday night where it felt like anything was possible. To be able to open up and explore what is inside has reintroduced me to a part of me that I'm not even sure I ever even really knew. In short, I'm unbelievably, irreversibly inspired and you get the credit for that - thank you!
-Sara S. Adult Theatre School Student
I have seen every performance of the show, and each time I find something new and delightful that I didn't notice before. Sometimes I will pick one character to watch and I have NEVER seen anyone who is not completely focused and engaged in their character. It's easy to forget they are just kids. And they are very talented kids, but it is more than that. You've created such a close-knit team, there is such a bond between them, and it is truly amazing to watch the way they work with each other. As parents, Nick and I get so sick of the culture of diva-ism and "star" coddling that goes on in school and community theater. Our wish for Joanna is that the camaraderie she experiences in theater now will fuel a passion and a joy that will stay with her throughout her life. Even though she is young, Joanna knows that she is in the middle of something really precious - the magic that happens when special people converge and create together. Your vision for this show, your emphasis on professionalism, focus and teamwork, and your ability to inspire the kids to reach deeper into themselves has allowed each of them to shine. It is quite a gift that you have given them. Thank you, and please keep teaching!
-Ginny & Nick M. Parents of Camp Walnut Student