Art Educator Interview and Discussion Takeaways
Quotes from Art Educator- Emily
"I believe that for the most part fat bodies are still seen primarily as tertiary "funny" sidekick roles if they are to appear at all—also primarily talking about women here. I want a world on stage that looks like my world. Not the ONE fat body in the ensemble who is clearly there because they are the understudy for the ONE fat body principal role (looking at you Once Upon a One More Time)."- Emily
"Empathy. Theatre teaches empathy. There is NOTHING our world needs more than EMPATHY. The community we create as collaborators (those are all of the folks involved, including the audience) is why we do these. We breathe in the same air together. Our heartbeats
synchronize. We learn—cry—laugh—gasp—listen—and so much more—together. And we become better for it."- Emily
"But my passion and love for my genre and my hope to change those experiences and expectations for future generations led me to where I am today. I hoped there was a place for me this way—encouraging folks to shine in their individual ways. I never dreamed I would be teaching, but I'm eternally grateful for the path that led me to it."- Emily
I loved interviewing my old college professor Emily. Hearing her response to the lack of representation of body diversity on stage was impactful, and I truly believe she has the power to make evident change in such a close minded industry. She is all about pushing the norms and supporting ALL artists regardless of their race and body size. What resonated the most with what she said was the importance of community. How we as artists are in it together to create and experience the magic of theater. I am inspired by Emily as she attended my college for performing arts and then transitioned to teaching, which is what I have now done. She pushed and inspired me to be the best version of myself and that is what I hope to do for my students.
Data Discussion Takeaways
Through my data discussion a key point brought up is the impact a teacher can have on a student and how it can shape their entire educational experience. Emily was the first teacher/ director who saw me as a person and not a body. From that moment on, I developed a confidence that has not left me since. We discussed the theater industry and the toxic culture within it. This was a takeaway for me as I continue to advocate for students and will not tolerate negative talking and commenting on a students abilities in my classroom. I am so passionate about this as I experienced this first-hand in high school and vowed to never have a student be made to feel like they were not talented enough or wanted in class. There is a competitive aspect in theater, as you are all fighting for one job, but talking poorly about someone else will not land you the job. I always tell my students to focus on their growth, and not someone else. I stopped performing when COVID hit and became very unmotivated in pursuing my dream career. I felt like I wasn't an artist anymore because I was not actively auditioning, performing or booking jobs. Knowing that Emily transitioned to teaching and has been connected to theater in the same capacity since is comforting to know. Knowing that I can still perform if I want to but still have stability and affiliation in the theater community by teaching. You can balance the two, and after rekindling my love for teaching, I can confidently say again that I am an artist.