A Moment of Serenity

Reflections From A Second Year Teacher

Woohoo! I am two years in as a NYCDOE Theater Teacher! As opposed to my previous blog, I will not post success stories this time. I just wanted to use this time to simply share a brief blog of all I was able to accomplish in this short school year. Short? Yes, short. Due to maternity leave, I was only teaching for one term.

However, in just 5 months (and on top of teaching my daily curriculum) I was able to...

• Direct and Choreograph "High School Musical" as our annual mainstage production
• Artistically Direct 4 dance pieces for our Annual Spring Concert
• Produce our first annual Actor's Showcase (performing an original social awareness piece called "The Unseen Life of a Teen")
• Perform our first annual Community Outreach Piece (an adaptation of "Alice in Wonderland" performed for Kindergardeners at a local elementary school)

I was also accepted into the Arthur Miller Theater Education Program Fellowship. Through the fellowship, my school participated in a devising residency with Epic Theatre Ensemble. As a fellow, I have been given numerous opportunities and resources which have helped to support me as a starting teacher. The fellowship is dedicated to nourishing new theater teachers in the DOE. I am very fortunate to be a part of such a unique and wonderful program.

I was also able to continue my partnership with Lincoln Center Education, which is always a great asset to the classroom.

In conclusion, I am extremely proud of myself and my students for their hard work, effort, and trust. I thank them for putting up great pieces of theatre, and I only look forward to next year.

And now... I enjoy summer!!!

Reflections From A First Year Teacher: Success Stories

As I continuously reflect on my first year as a teacher, I wanted to take the time to share two heart warming successes. As a first year teacher, I have faced many challenges, but did not want to share them on this post as I may have time to do that later in June - when I reflect on the school year as a whole. But, as the first term just finished, I  wanted to focus on writing about the progress a couple of wonderful students made in my Acting classes.

First off, I have drilled three major components in my classroom: Ensemble, Risk-taking, and Reflection. These components have served as the core values of our work. As a Theater Arts teacher, I think  it's very important for each student to engage in all of these core values. I do not allow my students to dip into one component only, and have created a curriculum for students to participate and engage in all components/core values in our classroom.

With that being said, many students have been hesitant to try new things and experiment in Theater Arts. Although I see their personal struggles in the work, I refuse to let them hold their own selves back. These skeptical students are the ones I wanted to write about today. Being persistent has pushed them to perform at a higher level than when they started with me in September.

For privacy, I will be changing the names of two students I would like to write about. 

First, there's Derek. I met Derek last year during my student teaching at this same school. When I saw Derek enrolled in my Acting class this year, I already had a heads up about his academic performance as he hardly participated last year. I knew that I would have to push him, and help him realize how our Acting class will help benefit him in other ways other than becoming a better actor. I drilled the essential life skills he would be gaining from our class. Each and every time I pushed him, he reminded me that he wasn't an actor and that he "can't do this." Well, as you may guess, I did not let him slide. By the time we reached our Acting finals, Derek was able to perform in a scene (with a very talented classmate may I add) in front of the class. This was his first time performing in a two-person scene, and he did well; demonstrating projection, articulation, and a load of confidence I had never seen before. Sure his acting wasn't the best and there was minimal blocking; but for him to perform in front of his peers and not forfeit his performance because of fear is a HUGE SUCCESS.

The second student I wanted to share is Richard. Richard was enrolled into my Advanced Acting class for a reason unknown to me. He had never acted in his life and had no interest in the Performing Arts. Here Richard was, in a class of serious and talented acting students, yet he showed great curiosity and demonstrated our core values in his work. Although he tried his best, he performed at the bottom of the scale in the class (as it was so advanced). He lacked in basic performance skills; such as projection, articulation, and cheating out. He didn't demonstrate an emotional range, and everything sounded monotone when we performed. However, when he performed his Acting final, I was completely blown away by his performance. Not only was Richard audible and visible, but you can tell tell that he applied basic scene study tactics to his work. His character not only showed an emotional range, but he demonstrated an objective as well. For the first time, Richard wasn't reading lines off the page. It was such a wonderful performance to witness.

There are so many similar stories I could share about my other students. The Acting finals really showed how much the students have developed, and I am equally proud of all of them. This particular experience has reminded me why I decided to be a teacher. As a teaching artist, I never would have had a residency this long for me to watch these students blossom over this specific period of time. I am so humbly grateful to be a part of these accomplishments, and help be the reason for them.

Here is a link to our Photo Album to see the wonderful work we are doing in the Theater/Dance Department at Renaissance High School for Musical Theater and Technology.

http://www.renaissancemtt.org/site_res_view_photoalbum.aspx?resourceId=dfcd72c1-d22f-49fd-b614-518c15864a4f

It's Time to Pay Homage to the Power of Theatre

As I was mopping by my kitchen earlier today, I was inspired to write this blog by an idea that I just cannot get out of my head, an idea to do something new and relevant in my industry/field, an idea that will surpass any creative endeavor I have ever pursued, an idea that will tie all of my passions into one, an idea that will touch the lives of many. This blog is not to introduce this said idea, but rather to talk about the inspiration.

As a theatre artist/educator, I cannot help to think of how strong the impact of theatre is. I come across so many people that have allowed theatre to influence them in some kind of way, which  made them become actors, teachers, producers, critics, designers, writers, or simply a theatre go-er. Every person I know in this industry has their own personal story as to how they found theatre, or rather, how theatre found them and changed their life. I personally love hearing these stories. To hear the root of where it all started for them. Theatre changes lives. 

For those that do not feel like they have any personal connection to the theatre or are uninterested, they do not realize that theatre is all around. It is life! Without the tradition of storytelling from our past history, there would be no entertainment -- storytelling was the first form of entertainment. And let's quickly analyze today's entertainment, and the garbage that is out there. From music, to video games, to reality television, I cannot help but shake my head at the quality of entertainment that is out there. I'm not talking about quality in production; I'm talking about quality in value. Where are the lessons to be taught? Where is the service to social responsibility?

However, I go to a theatre performance and can see these lessons being taught, the mirror to life that reflects today's social issues and the regression of society. There is so much power in theatre -- the way it makes us feel, the way it inspires, the way it moves, the way it promotes change. 

It's so ironic that "bad theatre" is very unappreciated in this business, as shows will easily close left and right. Yet, bad reality television is booming! I don't even know how many seasons there are of Bad Girls Club (do they still give that show?) And although I understand many of them are quote end quote, "Trying to Change," instead, the idea of being a reality T.V. star translates to being their goal, with the use of aggressive behavior and poor decision making. How do we still support this type of entertainment? Where is the theatrical essence, the inspirational storytelling?

With that said, I soon will embark on a journey that will give tribute to the power of theatre in it's simplest form. A journey that will also pay homage to the ideals of community, education, and youth empowerment. Please, continue to join me as I walk on this new path in my career, allowing my passion for theatre and education to intertwine and serve its purpose to advocate awareness and change. 

Talia... the Educator

Master in Educational Theatre

I am beyond ecstatic to announce my most recent accomplishment, graduating from Graduate School. I remember the blog I wrote the Fall before my first semester, and it did not seem like "just yesterday." It has been such a long journey, and I cannot remember what it feels like to not be a student. Even with its hardships, I am so unbelievably proud of myself. I am the first person in my family to graduate with a Master's Degree.

Graduate school is no joke. I really had to hone in on my management skills in all aspects of my life. It was challenging to juggle school, work, acting, family, and a social life. I did my best; and at times I had to decline acting gigs or family events for my school work, and countless social gatherings with friends. But I knew that it was all going to be worth it at the end, and reminded myself that my tight schedule was only temporary. And of course I couldn't have done it without the loving support of my loved ones.

As I reflect on my entire experience, I do not know which semester was toughest. It could be the semester I took 9 credits, including a weekend course - which occupied all of my time. Or, the semester I had to take the edTPA, a new Teacher Performance Assessment, a.k.a. "the longest headache of my life." Or, it could be adding Student Teaching to my already busy schedule, which took a year to complete; alongside completing my thesis. My first semester seemed so long ago, it could have possibly been the toughest as well; as I was adjusting to being a student again, tediously learning the APA format for my research papers and getting into the swing of being a student again after a six year break. You know what, I'm not going to choose. They were all tough! 

Next up, applying my new found pedagogy to my teaching artist experience and becoming a phenomenal educator.

Ending Highlights of my Graduate Experience:

• 4.0 GPA
• Inducted into The National Society of Leadership and Success, Sigma Alpha Pi
• Graduated with Honors from School of Education
• One of the first four in the state to participate in the edTPA pilot program for Performing Arts - Theater
• Completing my thesis and co-creating Theatre ¡Para Todos! (A blog containing my research findings to be used as a resource to support Theatre Arts education)

Talia... the Nueva Latina

Hello All,

I wanted to write a brief blog about my Nueva Latina experience thus far. It has truly been an amazing experience, and I'm excited to share it with the world. 

Earlier in the year, I was cast as an ensemble member for the "Nueva Latina Monologues", written by Linda Nieves-Powell. Linda is such an amazing playwright who advocates for the Latina community through her work. I knew of her work from her long running college tour of "Yo Soy Latina" (which I had an opportunity to be a part of, but unfortunately, could not because of conflicts in my schedule.) This new piece was for Orgullosa's Nueva Latina Campaign, presented by Procter & Gamble. This was my first time doing a corporate piece. The "Nueva Latina Monologues" was intended to be a 30 minute play to be performed at the Nueva Latina Launch in New York City on February 26. This launch took place at the Helen Mills Theatre, and was a red carpet closed media event. 


This was also my first time on the red carpet as a showcased talent. Being on that carpet gave me such a high. I was so grateful that I was a part of this unique and amazing experience. I took my mother to the event and she cried the minute she saw me step onto the red carpet after the performance. Unfortunately, I was only allowed one guest; but I'm so glad that I brought my mom. She has never stopped believing in me, and is my number one fan. The photo below is when we met Dascha Polanco, from "Orange is the New Black."

Dascha is such a sweetheart. I am so glad that I met her. She was sitting in the front row with us throughout every moment of the show; she was such a great audience member. As were the rest of the audience members. The audience also held other prominent Latinas in the industry such as Angie Martinez (our host), Roslyn Sanchez, Lala Anthony, and Adrienne Bailon. I am so glad that these celebrities were able to witness OUR story, as they are a part of it too. The Nueva Latina Monologues represents all of us. I was privileged to share this work of art in a room of fellow Latinas, striving to create their own path as a modern Latina. 

A little over a month later, the "Nueva Latina Monologues" was performed in Miami for the Hispanicize 2014. This was my first time attending this Annual Conference about all-things Hispanic. We performed the piece at a luncheon in the Intercontinental Hotel, in downtown Miami for an audience of about 400. But this trip wasn't all work, in fact, we had a lot of down time and we were able to enjoy Miami with the extra time we had. 

I am a proud supporter of the Nueva Latina Campaign. This has all been such a humbling experience. It feels good to invest in a project that promotes being a bi-cultural Latina. As a second generation American, of Puerto Rican descent this was something I struggled with. My parents raised me to be American, and to reach for the American dream; yet, I didn't want to feel like I was neglecting my Spanish culture. I was always a blend of the two; and I struggled mostly with people in my surroundings, telling me I was too "White" or too "Spanish". Growing up, I hated how other people tried to define me based on the fairness of my skin, or my heavy Nuyorican accent. These things do not define me as a person, they are just a part of the way I look, or how I talk. My values define me. The way I perceive life defines me. How I respond to situations and treat others define me. I cannot be defined based on how the media portrays a Latina. I hope this campaign stretches across the nation to address misconceptions, and erase ignorance continuing to educate others, and ourselves.

Please visit my website www.taliamarrero.com to see footage, include our Behind the Scenes takes, snippets of the performance. Below, I included some of my favorite pictures; a variety of photos from the red carpet, rehearsals, backstage, etc. 

Enjoy... and don't forget to check out the footage on my site. 

#NuevaLatina  

#Orgullosa

Ghetto Babylon

I never wrote a blog about my Ghetto Babylon experience, and just wanted to take a quick minute to give tribute to this wonderful play. I had the pleasure of reading for the role of Sarafina Santos in Ghetto Babylon a few years ago, for the Dramatic Question Theatre's "Playwrights/Directors Lab" (PDL) series, which took place at the Theater for the New City. I also played Sarafina at the Repetorio Español in the 2010 Metlife "Nuestras Voces" National Playwriting Competition, which took home 3rd Prize. After many revisions, another PDL series, and a full literary make-over of the character, I brought Sarafina to life at the Workshop Performance of the play at the Soho Playhouse in 2011. Two gracious years later, Ghetto Babylon was picked up to be a part of the 59E59 Theater's 2013 Season Line-up, an Off-Broadway house in New York City.


As one of the original actors, I could not be more than happy for the official production of this play. Three new cast members came on board, and we sold out our entire run, with Michael Mejias' brilliant words and Gregory Simmons' amazing direction. After each show, as I said goodbye to the playwright, I hugged Mejias and repeated these same words every night: "Thank you for writing this play." I truly believe that this story was meant to be told to the world. It is so inspiring, and touches so many lives. You cannot help but fall in love with the characters that grace the stage. It was so fun to bring Sarafina to life after so many years of helping to flesh out her character. She is someone who lives in me now. One review stated,

"[Talia's] performance is of the nature that you walk out convinced Sarafina and Marrero are one in the same. She's quick in delivering her one-liners and heartbreaking towards the end" (Jeffrey Miele of BroadwayWorld.com).


Click here to read review

http://www.broadwayworld.com/off-broadway/article/BWW-Reviews-GHETTO-BABYLON-Hits-It-Out-Of-The-Park-20130805#

Thank you Michael Mejias, for writing this play.


Here are some photos to enjoy...

From Teaching Artist to Arts Teacher

How student teaching has made me experience the difference of these two worlds...

As I begin to sum up my time with the Ed Theatre Program at CCNY, I am now spending a lot of time in the field. To be honest, student teaching was not something I was looking forward to. After being a Teaching Artist - for almost seven years now, I sarcastically thought, “Great! Now I get to do what I have been doing for so many years, but for free.” I was not too keen on the fact that I would be a guest in someone else’s classroom, especially when I was used to running my own in-class or after-school programs without assistance. Student teaching just seemed like something to squeeze into my already busy teaching artist schedule.

However, after the first week of student teaching, I began to reflect on the whole reason I wanted to become a certified teacher in the first place. After so many years of enjoying the life of a teaching artist, with its flexible schedule and generous artistic opportunities, two things remained a constant dissatisfaction. First, I was tired of teaching someone else’s curriculum. I was either brought in to integrate theatre arts into an already existing classroom curriculum; or, I would teach curricula that were given to me by the organization (tweaking it to fit my own style course). Although there was room to collaborate and create, I never felt like I had complete control of the academic agenda. I wanted to plan a year-long curriculum map for theatre arts; not plan an 8 week residency catered to the needs of that given classroom. This brings me to my second dissatisfying factor, I felt like my impact was being cut short. Unless I was doing a year-long after-school program, I did not like cutting my relationships off so quickly with my students after establishing them. My role as a guest teaching artist, in most residencies, was to teach some basic theatre skills and to “put on a show.” I did not get to focus on the process, and I felt like I wasn’t making a difference since I was not a part of the school faculty. I was merely a guest coming in to relieve students from whichever academic class they were normally scheduled for.

Remembering these factors, I left my first week of student teaching easily reminded that being a classroom teacher is a completely different ballgame than that of a teaching artist. I look at my cooperating teacher and am astounded by how significant she is in each student’s life. Her part in that school community adds to their school culture. Bringing theatre into their daily lives, adds to their perception of the school. For once, I actually feel a part of that culture. The students do not see me as a guest that’s there to play theatre games; they see and treat me as a regular teacher - a part of their school community.  It’s a great feeling to know that I am now helping to serve the school’s mission, not only my own.

On the contrast, as a teaching artist, many of my students would look forward to my class. But now, I’m in a school where some students are just thrown in to receive an elective credit. I am facing students who do not want to be there – just as much as I didn’t want to be in Math class growing up. Classes taken from the Ed Theatre program helped me approach these situations in various ways, from lesson planning to tackling the art of engagement.

The Ed Theatre program has also helped me hone my craft as an educator. Since I began studying in the program two years ago, I have already sharpened my tools as an instructor. I find that my facilitating skills have strengthened, as well as my ability to easily adapt and modify (which I think are essential skills to have as a classroom teacher.) My sense of intuition has also enhanced, allowing me to cater to the needs of the class – as they are ever changing. My cooperating teacher is also sculpting me to enter the world of the NYC DOE, which is a completely different world than the teaching artist’s world. I am learning the logistical elements to teaching and meeting the requirements of the City. Whether you teach a core content subject or an elective, all teachers are being evaluated the same and must meet the same standards. This is all new information for me to include in my teacher’s toolbox.

All in all, I am quickly experiencing the difference of a teaching artist to an arts teacher. As I slowly transition from one to another and continue to self-reflect, I am nothing but completely grateful and satisfied that I have made the switch. Although I am not completely on the other side, I am only steps away and it feels so good. I know that I am well prepared for this new venture. My years as a teaching artist have truly prepared me for what lays ahead. I would not be as ready as I am today if it wasn’t for the combination of my teaching artist experience and education in the Ed Theatre program.

This blog was originally written to be posted on the official Blog of the Ed Theatre Graduate Program of City College. To view this entry and more please visit http://ccnyeducationaltheatre.blogspot.com/2013/10/teaching-artist-to-arts-teacher.html or to view the blog on the CCNY site and learn more about the program please visit

http://www1.ccny.cuny.edu/prospective/education/educationaltheatre/edtheatreblogs.cfm 

New Headshots

Photos taken by RJ Lewis.... highly recommend. 

:-)

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.

Live the life you have imagined."

-Henry David Thoreau

Living in the Present

Earlier in the year, I started to live in the moment. I started to feel enthusiastic for the smallest moments in my life, like taking a bus ride to work (which I use to dread), or cleaning up after a meal. I tried to embrace each present moment with complete gratitude for the opportunity. I wanted to condition my mind into thinking positively, even through each obstacle, and appreciate them.

Worrying about the future began to stress me. I realized that I lived in a world where we always looked forward to the future. We look forward to weekend plans, or vacations, or upcoming events. But, tomorrow isn't promised to anyone, and we should be excited about life when we are in the moment. I thought it was foolish to not be enthusiastic about each moment I presently lived. I stopped thinking about "tomorrow" and started to think about "today" - or better yet "now!"

With so many trials and tribulations thrown my way in 2012, it's been hard for me to stay enthusiastic about the present. I have let so much of the past compromise the joy I should be experiencing. It's time to look forward while appreciating my past and letting it resonate in me as I allow myself to fully embrace what is to come. 

I will try to feel nothing but utter acknowledgement and thankfulness for each circumstance in my life. As I work toward being happy in the present, the future will not be something to worry or concern me. There should be no need to look forward to something, when there is something happening "right now."

-Tee

Should all U.S. students learn the same thing?

Here is my response to the question above...

            Living in such a diverse country as America, one would assume that education can tie us together – giving our youth the ability to develop and learn the same content at the same capacity. With a common educational goal for our country, it makes sense for students across the nation to learn the same thing. With the No Child Left Behind Act, students are given the opportunity to learn and achieve Common Core State Standards; requiring teachers to meet certain grade level standards in curriculum. However, because we do live in such a diverse country, education must be diverse as well. Education must meet students at their learning capabilities, opposed to requiring students to meet nationwide standards.

            Some may argue that it is only fair to allow students to learn the same content, and to develop collectively. It does seem appropriate for our nation to give each student an equal opportunity in education. The idea of simultaneous learning seems comforting, but will not work. No two students are the same, and cannot consume knowledge at the same level and pace.With this factor in mind, modifications need to be made in teaching and curriculum. Education should meet students at their specific developmental level. Students who are required to learn certain content without grasping pre-requisites will have a difficult time moving forward in their studies. Rushing students to learn content during a certain time period will not provide the necessary processing skills needed for these building blocks. Students all require adequate time to understand and reflect upon content in each subject area; this process needs to be individualized. As mentioned in the VOA Special English Education Report, “[the CCSS] goes against one of America’s oldest traditions – local control of education.”

            Due to a very diverse society, different demographics call for different curriculum and teaching methods. A small town school in Western America encompasses different cultural matters from an urban school on the East coast of the country. Because of these cultural differences, education needs to meet the needs of the students in their particular environments. It’s unfortunate enough that there is a big divide within status in this country. Schools in upper class communities have more resources, and access to opportunities than schools in low income communities. With a significant separation among class in this country, education needs to cater to the needs of these communities. Education needs to fit the needs of students considering culture and socio-economic status. It does seem only fair for an under-privileged student from the slums of Detroit to receive the same education as a privileged student from Beverly Hills. However, because of the wide spread difference of these students in their environment, education should be flexible to meet the needs of these two students. 

            Lastly, many states are not meeting the achieving standards on test scores. Hence, content needs to be modified for those states to meet these standards. It is not fair for some regions in the country to pass state requirements, while others fail. We need to provide the opportunity for all students in this country to excel. America is a diverse country; and education needs to cater to this diversity.

Caught on Impractical Jokers

NO, I did not give my digits out!

Enjoy...

The lack of Arts in Higher Education - A Personal Reflection.

I have recently read the article, Let’s Get Serious About Cultivating Creativity, by Steven J. Tepper and George D. Kuh, The Chronicle of Higher Education, September 4, 2011. Here are my thoughts upon reading...

This article made me think of my sister and I. We both went to college at the same time, I was a Fine Arts major, concentration in Theatre Arts, and my sister was a Business major, concentration in Finance. After my sister’s freshman year of college, she switched concentrations, from Finance to Marketing. When I asked her why she switched, she said, “Marketing is more fun, I get to be more creative.” However, I wonder how much time she spent in her classes focusing on enhancing her creativity skills. I don’t recall her ever taking a class in the arts. In entering the job market, did her studies give her all the skills needed in the field of marketing? This article opened my eyes to the lack of the presence of Arts course in Universities for Business, Science, and Math majors. Many Arts majors admit that their arts training has enhanced their creativity, a necessary skill for a number of occupations.

However, on the flip side, I am not business savvy. I have no education or skills in being the C.E.O. of my own company, if I wanted to start one. My time spent in college was revolved solely around Performing Arts, and not the least bit focused on gaining industry/professional skills. Statistics show that majority of Artists in our country did not get the career development needed for their post-graduate life. In fact, 50 percent of professional artists eventually retire early on for a more financially stable career. With this in mind, shouldn't Universities prepare their Arts students with other skills, that can benefit them in other professions outside of the arts?

In all of this, it seems as if no matter what you study in college, there are going to be shortcomings. Expect to focus on your major and not get the extra skill building needed for your career. It is somewhat upsetting to think of this idea. How are we preparing ourselves as a country to succeed, grow, and accomplish more if we are not taking the best approach in educating ourselves fully? I imagine that Arts programs in universities, would welcome the idea of adding business courses to their requirements; to better prepare artists to become business savvy in their art. However, I’m not sure if universities would welcome the idea of adding art courses to business, math, and science programs. I am sure some exceptions would be made to add arts to marketing, advertising, and broadcasting programs. But the arts are important for our math and science majors as they are the future innovators of our time, the skill of creativity is essential and needed.

This article really opened my eyes to the higher education of this country. I am always discussing education for our youth, and what improvements need to be made for grades K-12 in America, but I never thought of the absence of Arts in the classroom beyond 12^th grade. College is supposed to shape us for our careers; it is imperative to receive as much training to build all essential skills for a successful future.