Tinamarie Ivey
Theatre Education
I believe the arts, combined with the collaborative nature of the creative process, are integral to the human experience. They provide a vital platform for expressing complex emotions, aspirations, and shared narratives, allowing individuals and communities to connect on a profound level. Rooted in our shared origins and shaped by our environments, the arts play a critical role in fostering dialogue, inspiring innovation, and shaping cultural identity.
As an arts educator, whether serving as a Resident Artist in K-12 schools or teaching in higher education, I use drama as a dynamic process for learning. Some of my most fulfilling experiences have been working with college students preparing to become primary school teachers. In Creative Drama for the Classroom, students explore drama-based teaching methods, develop curriculum-aligned lesson plans, and engage in service-learning opportunities within local schools. Many students express amazement and enthusiasm, often remarking that the course introduced them to creative, enjoyable approaches to learning, leaving them inspired to incorporate drama into their future classrooms.
The drama process I employ empowers students to take an active role in developing their artistic expression while fostering self-confidence and critical thinking skills. Learning through play transforms the educational journey into an immersive experience, cultivating collaboration and a lifelong love of learning. By integrating drama into the classroom, students gain tools to make teaching and learning more engaging, impactful, and fun.