He who works with his hands is a labourer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands, his head and his heart is an artist.
—Saint Francis of Assisi
This was the first quote that I wrote on the board for my Drama One students.
It went in their new and empty Actor’s Journal. It’s a composition book where they are to relate their growth, challenges, ah-hah moments, and general thoughts about being a student-actor. It’s also a place they log their rehearsals. And, from time to time, I will collect them and check them. Mostly, to see if they are thinking and processing.
I think their Actor’s Journal will prove to be a great measuring stick for where they were in September of 2013 and where they will have ended up at the close on our class in June of 2014.
I have decided that I need to keep a journal as well, for I am growing as a teacher-coach. I am spreading my wings creatively. I am working hard as a teacher. I had forgotten how much teachers do for their students. The prayers and hopes that go into preparing for each teaching moment are immeasurable. Teachers are awesome people!
To be honest, not every student is as interested in the subject of drama and really don’t care that it very likely will change their lives. “Hey, I am just fulfilling elective credits… Seems like an easy A.” And that’s really okay.
What they don’t know yet is what I know—a theater class changes people. My H.S. theater class changed my life. Mrs. Cooney, my theater arts teacher, changed my life. It was my senior year of college and a required class for the musical. From then on, theater was a part of my life… and eventually, my ministry and calling.
In fact, taking an acting class, a theater course, an improv or storytelling workshop changes a person. In a 3 hour evening class or a 6-8 hour workshop day, amazing things happen in a person. One leaves a class/workshop euphoric, hope-filled, and bursting with creativity. I know my students have grown some dendrites, made some friends, and for some, they have found the found something powerful—the artist within them.
I am going to be leading a Storytelling and Spoken Word (…for the Artist, Speaker, Teacher, Preacher) Workshop, in January 25th, 2014, at my studio in Sierra Madre, CA. It you’re interested in this class, could you email me today at [email protected] and I will get you on the information list and you’ll be the first to know the date and all the forthcoming details. Come take a creative and artistic leap with me!
And remember: “He who works with his hands, his head and his heart is an artist.”
(St. Francis aka Giovanni Bernadone Morosini!)
Melea
