Courses Taught

“This is the best class I have ever taken.”

ALBRIGHT COLLEGE - ASSISTANT PROFESSOR (2012-Present)
Playwriting (introduced course to curriculum)

Introduction to basic playwriting structure and technique, as well as a survey of relevant dramatic literature. Students complete writing exercises designed to enhance their dramatic writing skills and expand their theatrical horizons. Students write and revise a ten-minute, one-act, and short "experimental" play.

Screenwriting (introduced course to curriculum)

An upper-level writing course exploring the fundamentals of storytelling utilizing tools and structures used by film and television. Students write a short screenplay or television spec episode, and feature length screenplay.

American Comedy: Race, Gender & Politics (introduced course to curriculum)

This first-year seminar course examines the ways that comedy shapes, influences, and is influenced by society. Students engage with comedy, comedic theory, race & gender theory, as well as performing in several popular forms of American comedy from Vaudeville to stand-up comedy.

Satire & The State (introduced course to curriculum)

This general education capstone examines the examines the ways comedy is created and used, with specific emphasis on the unique relationship between satire and politics. From the ways that satire influences our views on politicians and issues, to comedy's role in reinforcing and subverting cultural, social, and political norms, satire has been used in a variety of ways to shape our values and our politics. We will explore this unique relationship from a variety of perspectives to come to a more complete understanding of the ways in which satire feeds and/or disrupts the political state, as well as the ways in which the state uses or subverts satire.

Sketch Comedy (introduced course to curriculum)

This studio workshop explores the vocabulary and techniques utilized by writers/performers within the world of sketch comedy. Intensive, workshop-based studio sessions introduce then hone essential skill sets through a series of writing and performance exercises. In addition to creating original material, students will study sketch comedy history and theory.

Acting for the Camera

In a studio environment, students engage in weekly exercises and scene studies aimed at assisting them make a nuanced transition from stage to screen. Emphasis will be placed on the development of a keen appreciation for the symbiotic relationship between actor and camera, the acquisition of a working knowledge of film and television terminologies/practices, and the expansion of the performer's range of emotional, intellectual, physical, and vocal expressivity within the arena of mediated performance.

The Creative Process

In this participatory class, students gain confidence in their individual intuitions and in the collaborative process as they explore different types of creative expression. Students build their own aesthetic framework as they practice critiquing works of art.

Improvisational Theatre

History, theory and practice of Chicago style improvisational performance. Students perform short-form, long-form, and a group devised show, as well as write a paper on a scholarly aspect of improvisation.

Acting I

This course introduces and explores the fundamental principles of acting for the stage. In a studio environment, students apply the requisite vocabulary for communicating within the performing arena through exercises and techniques that hone a thorough understanding of the process involved in creating a character—a process that utilizes body, mind and voice.

Acting II

Advancing on the experiences of Acting Studio I, this course focuses attention on specific pedagogic techniques utilized while preparing a role from an existing text. Particular emphasis will be given to psycho-physical energy, vocal stamina, and textual analysis.

Script Analysis

This course is devoted to the textual analysis of play-scripts from the perspective of the theatre practitioner. Students will analyze a range of plays for their formal components, and will draw conclusions about genre and style. Students will analyze scripts for their production requirements from the vantage points of performers, designers, directors, and managers.

Baseball & American Culture (introduced course to curriculum)

This general education capstone examines baseball and its relationship to American culture. From its beginnings as a folk game, to an organized sport, to a commercial business, baseball has been one of American's most popular and enduring institutions - you might even say it's as American as apple pie. Baseball's unique place in American history and mythology allows us an accessible lens through which to view many facets of American history and life, including but not limited: immigration, industrialization, gender identity & performance, nationalism, race, tensions between labor & capital, and much more. We will not only look at how baseball has mirrored American life, but also the ways it has influenced American identity, beliefs, and society.

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI - GRADUATE INSTRUCTOR (2008-2012)
Improvisational Theatre (introduced course to curriculum)

Beginning Playwriting (cross listed with English)

Introduction to basic playwriting structure and technique, as well as a survey of relevant dramatic literature culminating in the writing of a ten-minute and one-act play.

Screenwriting for Television & Film (cross listed with Film Studies)

An upper-level writing course exploring the fundamentals of storytelling utilizing tools and structures used by film and television. Students write a short screenplay or television spec episode, and feature length screenplay.

Acting for Non-Majors

Introductory theory and practice of Stanislavsky based actor training. Students perform three pieces throughout the semester as well as writing acting critiques of university productions, and analyzing dramatic texts.

The Theatre in Society (TA)

Introduction to the basic history, theory and practice of theatre arts geared toward the non-major.

MORAINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE - ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR (2007-2008)
Introduction to Improv

Basic performance techniques for improvisational theatre, culminating in a public performance.

Children’s Acting

Acting technique for children’s theatre, including a public performance of a children’s theatre piece.

ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY - GRADUATE INSTRUCTOR (2003-2005)
Experiencing Theatre (Section Instructor)

Introduction to the basic history, theory and practice of theatre arts geared toward the non-major. Intended to help students think and write critically about theatre and the creative process.

Queer Theatre (TA)

A survey of the main dramatic and theoretical works pertaining to queer theatre in the United States.

Theatre History I (TA)

An advanced history course covering dramatic history from the Greeks to the Restoration.

Theatre History II (TA)