Vice-President – College/University Section
Fostering Theatrical
Innovation through Community
“Innovation . . . tends to arise
out of . . . interaction – conversation, validation, the intimacy of proximity,
and the look in your listener’s eye that tells you you’re onto something.”
~Malcolm Gladwell, THE NEW YORKER
In preparing for the upcoming 2012 THEATREFEST Convention, it
occurs to me that it is incredibly appropriate that this event occurs in
January of each year: a time of new beginnings, resolutions, and renewal –
which all spur innovation. Each time that we walk into a theatre classroom or
work on a production, we are called upon to serve as innovators. As Malcolm
Gladwell so aptly describes above, innovation is best fostered by a communal
atmosphere imbued with interest, attention, and support.
For many years,
THEATREFEST has served as this type of creative community for me. I spend my
days and nights immersed in a network of support, and my interactions at the Convention
spawn my determination to improve myself as an innovative teacher and theatre
practitioner for the coming year.
Like a kid in a candy store, I peruse the exhibition booths
filled with items that feed my creative thoughts and open my mind to new theatrical
possibilities. I am invigorated by speaking with eager, potential students at
Auditions and via my university’s recruiting booth. I receive inspiration from
other teachers and artists through attending a wide variety of workshops and
first-class performances. I explore upcoming opportunities for educators during
the College/University Section meeting. I am temporarily transported to other
times and places through reading the research in TETA’s academic journal, TEXAS
THEATRE JOURNAL, and attending the essay readings of Texas’ most gifted
emerging scholars at the Scholars Debut Papers Project Panel Presentation. I
garner dynamic new ways of approaching my position as a UIL One-Act Play Critic
Judge through my interactions at the TETA/AO certification sessions.
I chat with colleagues about their exciting work. I smile as
my students relay enthusiasm for their days’ new found knowledge via
participation in THEATREFEST activities. As well, I inevitably shed a few tears
as I am moved by the touching sentiments expressed at the Awards Banquet.
Clearly, as a result of attending THEATREFEST each year, I
leave inspired. I am renewed, invigorated, and filled with excitement at the possibilities
the future holds. The Convention is always a time when I can put professional challenges
into perspective, when I am reminded how privileged I am to be a theatre
educator, and when I am filled with gratitude that I live in a state with such a
strong community of theatrical innovators.