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The University of Houston Summer MA for Educators - More than a Masters Degree…
What do the The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, Lincoln Center Theatre and Company of War Horse in NYC, and The Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago all have in common? They were all a part of my experience for The University of Houston Summer MA for Educators Program. I teach at Rogers High School in Rogers, TX, population 1,117 and I have studied with some of the greatest theatre minds of our generation…in the world! The offsite courses offered by the Summer MA at UH are phenomenal! Not only did we travel to the best theatrical sites in the world but we got an inside look and hands-on experiences for the ages. I, Phillip Taylor, took classes at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, mastered movement courses at Lincoln Center Theatre with the company of War Horse in New York City, and examined Meisner, Hagen, Viewpoints, & Chekhov with The Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago = Once in a lifetime opportunity!
Earning a Masters Degree from the University of Houston’s Summer MA Program was more than just obtaining a title or another notch on my resume belt; it was an opportunity to equip myself and my students with the best educational theatre experience for years to come. Make no mistake, this IS and Academic Degree and not a collection of workshops that skim the surface of an area of interest, rather, the UH Department of Theatre and Dance provides depth and requires mastery in theatre. Often times as theatre teachers and directors we are married to our modes of teaching and directing that we forget the value of being well-rounded and well-versed in our profession. The University of Houston’s Summer MA Program provides a wealth of knowledge from all aspects of theatre while challenging you to work individually and collaboratively with directors/practitioners from across the country (and world) while being led by an All-Star Cast of educators.
Jackie deMontmollin is truly a Teacher’s Teacher. She starts the program off with a course centered on the Teaching of Acting. In this course I gained comprehensive knowledge of Shurtleff’s Guideposts in a manner that is applicable to my 8th graders and to my Theatre IV Seniors going off to college. The first year Scenic Design course with Kevin Rigdon was a freeing experience that allowed me to be open to new concepts of design that compliment storytelling. Talk about distinguished faculty! Mr. Rigdon is one of the original founders of The Steppenwolf Theatre Company of Chicago, IL. He has also designed several shows for Broadway and is the Associate Director of Design for the Alley Theatre, a working professional. The Teaching of Voice is another course offered that has been tremendous in my classroom for teaching dialects, teaching or reducing accents, and establishing a healthy and resounding stage voice while maintaining the fundamentals of breath control. During my OAP season every clinician and judge complimented my rural student-actors on their polished voices and clear diction. Dr. Robert Shimko rounded out my first year by challenging me in the dramaturgical field. His expertise and wisdom in this arena opened my eyes to a neglected area that is often skimmed over the classroom: Historical Accuracy in Theatre. He too, along with being a UH Theatre Professor, is a working PROFESSIONAL for the Alley Theatre and Houston Shakespeare Festival.
My second year of the Summer MA program at UH consists of shorter days but equally challenging and rewarding education. The Acting Styles course is offered by the Alley Theatre resident actor Todd Waite. In this class I had a chance to perform and critique in a professional setting as well as examine Uta Hagen’s texts for acting and how to implement them into my program. The Costume & Lighting courses offered in year 2 consisted of another pair of working professionals and really tapped into my creative side from a design perspective. Rena Cook of the University of Oklahoma conducts the Directing course. She is beyond brilliant in her teaching style as she is able to connect with each student and provide constructive feedback in the directing scenes with specific detail to framing moments. The way she conducts class was just as rewarding as the content of the course itself. She taught me a lot about myself as a teacher and as a result, my directing style has changed.
While not in session for summer courses I was held accountable for portfolios that were due twice a year online. These projects enabled me to document the implementation of what I learned in the previous semester into the Rogers Theatre program. This was a great reinforcement technique used by UH and proved to make us all more effective and organized educators. These portfolios have been great visuals to share with my administrators and fellow teachers and allows for them to understand the value of theatre education.
The third year of the Summer MA program was truly the icing on the cake. Jonathan Middents has a wealth of knowledge in technical theatre spanning back to his days as the Technical Director at UT. Travis Springfield and Scott Allen give you wonderful insight and projects on how to make your current theatre program at school INDISPENSIBLE. Finally, Dr. Shimko revisits Theatre History in the context in which it was written from Ancient Greek to Existentialism.
Honestly, I’ve become a better teacher while enrolled in the UH Summer MA program because I had to learn to be a student again. The best teachers are the best students. Although I’m the youngest to graduate and complete my MA from this department, it is not just a place for folks like me to be successful, but those of all educational experiences, professional experiences and life experiences to learn and be successful. All of these elements contribute greatly to the diversity that UH proudly promotes and encourages in its Summer MA Program.
· Is the University of Houston Summer MA Program challenging? Yes, as evident by the brief descriptions above in regards to curriculum requirements and expectations.
· Is it manageable? Yes, once you learn to become a student again, you will have success. Your success in the program is contingent upon your eagerness and willingness to learn more about your passion, theatre.
· Is there any quality to the UH Summer MA Program? Yes, where else will you find working professionals as educators, have the opportunity to study abroad with prestigious theatres and institutions, and are expected to conquer the rigorous educational requirements all in the matter of 2 years, 3 summers?
Fortunately, my graduating cohort comes from all walks of life. Some from Louisiana, Arizona, and Colorado…some from middle schools or high schools…and even one from The Canadian Academy in Kobe, Japan. You will get more than just a degree, but a variety in educational experiences and knowledge that spans beyond just the state of Texas.
I am not just a Masters Degree recipient but a Master Teacher, Master Communicator, Master Researcher, Master Student, Master Professional, Master etc. Whether you studied theatre in college or not, there is a place for you at The University of Houston Department of Theatre and Dance! Believe it or not, I did NOT have a theatre degree before The University of Houston; I actually did my undergraduate work at UT in the Radio, TV, and Film Department. However, Steve Wallace and Jackie deMontmollin create a challenging atmosphere that results in the immediate development of your theatre knowledge while catering to all students with different educational backgrounds. It has truly been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. If you have a passion for theatre, theatre education, and are looking to challenge yourself beyond annual workshops and conventions, then the University of Houston’s Summer MA Program is for you too!!!!