🎓 Teaching Overview

As a certified Drama and English instructor for grades 6-12, I have developed and executed comprehensive theatre programs that adhere to Colorado, AVID, and IB standards. My students have not only participated in festivals but also taken charge by directing their shows, earning recognition throughout our district for their creativity, professionalism, and leadership within their ensembles.

🧱 Curriculum Features

  • Trauma-informed, SEL-integrated instruction

  • Culturally responsive design and inclusive casting practices

  • Project-based learning that prepares students for artistic and academic leadership

  • Trauma-responsive rehearsal protocols and restorative dialogue

  • Coaching for students working with banned or controversial texts

  • Drama techniques: mask work, mime, shadow work

Theatre Courses

Intro to Theatre (Drama)

Advanced Theatre

Technical Theatre 1

Stagecraft

Middle School Drama

Directing

Theatre Management

Core Courses

AVID/Leadworthy

English 9

Theatre Curriculum

Downloadable Lessons

Download HS Drama Syllabus & Year at a Glance
Download Advanced Theatre Syllabus
Download MS Course - Includes S&S, Syllabus, & Sample Lessons
Download Stagecraft Scope & Sequence + Syllabus
Download Theatre Management Scope & Sequence + Syllabus
Download Directing Scope & Sequence

Production Title and Author
Classes Involved and # of Cast/Crew
Year
IB Theatre (DP and ATL Skills)
AVID (WICOR Skills)
MYP Arts: Theatre (Criteria & Global Contexts)

Cringe, Comedy, & Cupid (Festival)

Student-Devised/Various
A. Theatre

45 students 		   
2025   
ATL: Creative thinking, collaboration.
Devised original work using rehearsal
Inquiry cycles and reflective evaluation.
Writing (original scripts)
Collaboration
Organization (deadlines)
Inquiry (theme development)
Criteria: Creating, Reflecting.

Global Contexts: Personal & cultural expression;
   Identities & relationships

└─ Bagel Club

Alisa Rosenthal
A. Theatre

6 students 		   
2025   
Ensemble collaboration
Character analysis and performance reflection
   aligned to IB Theatre processes.
Script analysis, peer feedback, reflective writing.
GC: Identities & relationships; Expression.

└─ Carrie Ann & Buddy

Rachel Erazo
A. Theatre

5 students 		   
2025
   
   
Text-to-performance synthesis
Reflective evaluation.
Collaboration, speaking/listening, reflection.
GC: Identities & relationships.

└─ The Journalers

Rachel Erazo
A. Theatre

4 students 		   
2025   
Devised storytelling
Evaluated narrative voice and embodiment.
Writing-to-learn, inquiry through revision, collaboration.
GC: Personal expression; Orientation in space & time.

└─ La Mouche

Stephen Bittrich
A. Theatre

4 students 		   
2025   
ATL: Critical thinking, communication, reflection.
Students analyzed absurdist text, experimented with
   performance choices, and reflected on staging and
   ensemble collaboration.
Writing (reflection & analysis)
Inquiry (text & performance exploration)
Collaboration (peer feedback)
Organization (rehearsal planning)
Reading (script comprehension)
Criteria: Creating, Presenting.
GC: Identities & relationships;
   Orientation in space & time

└─ CP I LOVE U

Chris LaVoie
A. Theatre

4 students 		   
2025   
ATL: Collaboration, creative thinking, reflection.
Students developed character-driven scenes, explored
   interpersonal dynamics, and applied
   rehearsal-based inquiry. 		Writing (scene notes, reflection)
Inquiry (character analysis)
Collaboration (ensemble problem-solving)
Organization (rehearsal schedules)
Reading (script & source material)
Criteria: Creating, Presenting, Reflecting.
GC: Personal & cultural expression;
   Identities & relationships

└─ Assault Toast

Bradley Walton
A. Theatre

4 students 		   
2025   
ATL: Communication, thinking, collaboration.
Students staged short-form absurdist scenes,
   engaged in iterative rehearsal cycles, and
   practiced critical reflection on performance
   choices. 		Writing (reflection & scene analysis)
Inquiry (text exploration)
Collaboration (ensemble rehearsal)
Organization (time management)
Reading (script interpretation)
Criteria: Creating, Presenting.
GC: Orientation in space & time;
   Personal & cultural expression

Taming of the Shrew

Shakespeare
A. Theatre

35 members 		   
2025   
ATL: Critical thinking, communication.
Analyzed classical text, rhetoric, and power dynamics
Evaluated interpretive and ethical staging choices. 		Reading (complex texts)
Writing (analysis)
Inquiry (historical/contextual research)
Collaboration (scene work).
Criteria: Knowing & Understanding, Creating.

Global Contexts: Identities & relationships;
   Fairness & development.

Little Shop of Horrors

Menken & Ashman
Collaboration with Panther Playhouse
and Stallion Theatre

40 members 		   
2025   
ATL: Collaboration, communication, self-management.
Applied musical-text analysis, character motivation,
   and ensemble storytelling; evaluated performance
   choices through rehearsal journals and peer critique. 		Reading (libretto/lyrics)
Writing (reflection, critique)
Collaboration (ensemble rehearsal)
Organization (rehearsal planning)
Inquiry (character and theme analysis).
Criteria: Creating & Performing, Reflecting.

Global Contexts: Expression, Scientific &
   technical innovation (ethics, consequence).

Yuletide Storytime

Student devised festival
A. Theatre

40 members 		   
2024   
ATL: Creative thinking, collaboration, communication.
Students developed and performed original holiday-themed
   material, integrating ensemble devising cycles and
   reflective rehearsal practices. 		Writing (story adaptation, reflections)
Inquiry (narrative exploration)
Collaboration (ensemble work)
Organization (rehearsal timelines)
Reading (source stories & scripts)
Criteria: Creating, Presenting, Reflecting.
GC: Personal & cultural expression;
   Identities & relationships

Murder Before Christmas
Student devised festival
A. Theatre

40 members 		   
2024   
ATL: Critical thinking, reflection, communication.
Students analyzed genre conventions, devised suspense-driven
   scenes, and engaged in peer feedback cycles for refinement. 		Writing (script notes, reflections)
Inquiry (scene development)
Collaboration (ensemble problem-solving)
Organization (timelines & cue management)
Reading (script analysis & comprehension)
Criteria: Creating, Presenting, Responding.
GC: Orientation in space & time;
   Fairness & development

└─ And Then There Were None

Agatha Christie
A. Theatre

35 members 		   
2024   
ATL: Research, critical thinking.
Genre analysis, suspense, ensemble timing
Evaluative reflection.
Inquiry (plot/structure)
Organization (blocking notes)
Writing (analysis).
GC: Orientation in space & time;
   Fairness & justice.

└─ The Margins

David Skeele
A. Theatre

35 members 		   
2024   
Contemporary text analysis
Social commentary through performance.
Inquiry, discussion, reflective writing.
GC: Fairness & development;
   Personal & cultural expression.

LIZZIE

Stephen Trask
A. Theatre

40 members 		   
2024   
Interdisciplinary musical analysis
Ethical engagement with violence and gender.
Lyric analysis, collaborative rehearsal, reflection.
GC: Identities & relationships;
   Expression.

Once Upon a Cabaret

Student devised musical festival
Drama
Stagecraft
T. Management
Directing
A. Theatre

85 members 		   
2024   
Performance analysis
Cabaret storytelling and self-evaluation.
Speaking, collaboration, reflection.
GC: Expression; Identities.

Seussical the Musical

Ahrens & Flaherty
Drama
Stagecraft
T. Management
Directing
A. Theatre

105 members 		   
2024   
Performance analysis
Cabaret storytelling and self-evaluation.
Speaking, collaboration, reflection.
GC: Expression; Identities.

Alice in Winterland

Student devised adaptation
Drama
Stagecraft
T. Management
Directing
A. Theatre

105 members 		   
2023   
ATL: Creative thinking, collaboration, reflection.
Students developed original material through ensemble
   devising cycles and rehearsal-based experimentation. 		Writing (script drafts, reflection)
Inquiry (story development)
Collaboration (group work)
Organization (rehearsal deadlines)
Reading (analysis of source material)
Criteria: Creating, Presenting, Reflecting.
GC: Identities & relationships;
   Personal & cultural expression

Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a
Certain School for Magic & Magic

Matt Cox
Drama
Stagecraft
T. Management
Directing
A. Theatre

105 members 		   
2023   
ATL: Collaboration, communication, creative thinking.
Students interpreted canonical text, engaged in ensemble
   problem-solving, and reflected on performance choices. 		Writing (analysis/reflection)
Inquiry (plot adaptation)
Collaboration (rehearsals)
Organization (timelines)
Reading (source material comprehension)
Criteria: Creating, Presenting.
GC: Personal & cultural expression;
   Orientation in space & time

All Hallows: Choir, Band, and Theatre Festival

Student Directed & Devised Project
Drama
Stagecraft
T. Management
Directing
A. Theatre

105 members 		   
2023   
ATL: Communication, collaboration, reflective thinking.
Students integrated multiple art forms, coordinating
   ensemble and technical elements. 		Writing (program notes, reflection)
Inquiry (artistic choices)
Collaboration (interdisciplinary coordination)
Organization (tech & rehearsal)
Reading (musical & textual materials)
Criteria: Creating, Presenting, Responding.
GC: Identities & relationships;
   Personal & cultural expression

Fatal Intentions

One-Act & Ten-Minute Play Festival
Drama
Stagecraft
T. Management
Directing
A. Theatre

285 members 		   
2023   
ATL: Critical thinking, reflection, social thinking.
Students analyzed text, applied staging concepts,
   and engaged in rapid rehearsal cycles for multiple short works. 		Writing (analysis/reflection)
Inquiry (character & scene exploration)
Collaboration (ensemble work)
Organization (multiple productions)
Reading (textual comprehension)
Criteria: Creating, Presenting.
GC: Orientation in space & time;
   Fairness & development

└─ Lockdown

Douglas Craven
A. Theatre

35 members 		   
2023   
ATL: Collaboration, reflection, thinking skills.
Students explored contemporary social themes and
   character relationships. 		Writing (reflection & analysis)
Inquiry (themes)
Collaboration (ensemble)
Organization (rehearsal deadlines)
Reading (script comprehension)
Criteria: Creating, Responding.
GC: Identities & relationships;
   Fairness & development

└─ No Exit

Student-Devised Adaptation of
Jean-Paul Sartre’s script
Drama

42 members 		   
2023   
ATL: Thinking, reflection, communication.
Students analyzed existential text, devised original
   interpretations, and reflected on ethical implications. 		Writing (reflection & character notes)
Inquiry (existential themes)
Collaboration (ensemble work)
Organization (rehearsal)
Reading (script analysis)
Criteria: Creating, Presenting.
GC: Personal & cultural expression;
   Identities & relationships

└─ Witch of Coos

Student-Devised Adaptation of
Robert Frost’s poem
Drama

15 members 		   
2023   
ATL: Creativity, critical thinking, collaboration.
Students interpreted poetic text into performance,
   exploring symbolism and ensemble dynamics. 		Writing (script drafts, reflections)
Inquiry (poetic analysis)
Collaboration (small ensemble)
Organization (rehearsal planning)
Reading (poetry comprehension)
Criteria: Creating, Presenting.
GC: Orientation in space & time;
   Identities & relationships

└─ The Ad

Rachel Erazo
Drama

8 members 		   
2023   
ATL: Reflection, thinking, communication.
Students applied text-to-performance analysis and peer evaluation. 		Writing (reflection & evaluation)
Inquiry (performance choices)
Collaboration (peer feedback)
Organization (schedule adherence)
Reading (text comprehension)
Criteria: Creating, Responding.
GC: Personal & cultural expression;
   Fairness & development

└─ Trifles

Susan Glaspell
Drama

42 members 		   
2023   
ATL: Critical thinking, collaboration, reflective thinking.
Students explored gender and societal themes through ensemble performance. 		Writing (analysis & reflection)
Inquiry (text exploration)
Collaboration (ensemble work)
Organization (timelines)
Reading (play analysis)
Criteria: Creating, Presenting, Responding.
GC: Identities & relationships;
   Personal & cultural expression

└─ The Pillowman

Act II, Scene I of Martin McDonagh’s play
Drama

38 members 		   
2023   
ATL: Reflection, communication, creative thinking.
Students examined dark thematic material, staged scenes,
   and discussed narrative ethics. 		Writing (analysis/reflection)
Inquiry (scene study)
Collaboration (ensemble work)
Organization (timelines)
Reading (script comprehension)
Criteria: Creating, Presenting, Reflecting.
GC: Personal & cultural expression;
   Orientation in space & time

└─ The Intruder

Maurice Materlinck
Drama

45 members 		   
2023   
ATL: Collaboration, critical thinking, reflection.
Students interpreted symbolist text, applied staging
   techniques, and explored ensemble coordination. 		Writing (reflection & character study)
Inquiry (symbolism)
Collaboration (ensemble)
Organization (rehearsal planning)
Reading (script analysis)
Criteria: Creating, Presenting.
GC: Fairness & development;
   Identities & relationships

25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Rachel Sheinkin
Collaboration with Panther Playhouse
and Stallion Theatre

53 members 		   
2023   
ATL: Communication, collaboration, thinking.
Students managed ensemble work across multiple spaces,
   rehearsed rapid scene changes, and engaged in
   reflective evaluation. 		Writing (reflection)
Inquiry (script & character analysis)
Collaboration (inter-group coordination)
Organization (timelines, cues)
Reading (script comprehension)
Criteria: Creating, Presenting, Responding.
GC: Personal & cultural expression;
   Orientation in space & time

Almost, Maine

John Cariani
Drama

8 members 		   
2022   
ATL: Collaboration, reflection, communication.
Students staged multiple vignettes, focusing on emotional
   authenticity and ensemble cohesion. 		Writing (reflection)
Inquiry (character development)
Collaboration (ensemble)
Organization (rehearsal management)
Reading (script analysis)
Criteria: Creating, Presenting.
GC: Identities & relationships;
   Personal & cultural expression

  • Brief Course Description: Introductory theatre emphasizing foundational acting techniques, improvisation, and performance reflection, fostering emotional intelligence.

    Number of Sections Taught: 9

    Levels Taught: 9th-12th Grade

    Notes on Curriculum Design/Innovation: Integrated SEL, trauma-informed rehearsal practices, and culturally responsive content.

    Updated Spring 2024 to align with Colorado standards and include differentiated instruction strategies.

  • Brief Course Description: Intensive actor training incorporating Meisner, Stanislavski, Alba Emoting, and identity-based character work.

    # of Sections Taught: 3

    Levels Taught: 11th-12th Grade

    Notes on Curriculum Design/Innovation: Updated Spring 2024 to align with CO standards and include trauma-informed unit plans.

  • Brief Course Description: Scenic design, lighting and sound basics, props construction, and backstage crew skills.

    # of Sections Taught: 1

    Levels Taught: 9th-12th Grade

    Notes on Curriculum Design/Innovation: Scaffolded skill-building with portfolio development and equitable tech leadership opportunities.

  • Brief Course Description: Hands-on set construction, scenic painting, tool safety, and crew organization for live productions.

    # of Sections Taught: 1

    Levels Taught: 10th-12th Grade

    Notes on Curriculum Design/Innovation: Created inclusive team roles and embedded student leadership into every show build process.

  • Brief Course Description: Ensemble-focused directing techniques with an emphasis on emotional safety and holistic actor coaching.

    # of Sections Taught: 1

    Levels Taught: 11th-12th Grade

    Notes on Curriculum Design/Innovation: Designed curriculum to include consent, archetypal rehearsal models, and trauma-informed scene work.

  • Brief Course Description: Production planning, budgeting, marketing, concessions, and front-of-house logistics.

    # of Sections Taught: 1

    Levels Taught: 11th-12th Grade

    Notes on Curriculum Design/Innovation: Emphasized sustainability, student governance, and cross-department collaboration in production work.

  • Brief Course Description: Intro to mask work, physical storytelling, voice and character basics, and creative ensemble play.

    # of Sections Taught: 1

    Levels Taught: 6th–8th Grade

    Notes on Curriculum Design/Innovation: Developed culturally inclusive curriculum focused on joy, collaboration, and creative expression.

✍️ Academic Courses

  • AVID/Leadworthy

    Brief Course Description:

    Focus on academic goal setting, thesis writing, study skills, and college readiness in a collaborative learning environment. Students practice money mindfulness (budgeting, loans, driver's license), grit and growth mindset, emotional maturity, and trauma awareness. Uses theatre techniques like mask work, miming, and 10-minute playwriting to develop leadership, independence, self-advocacy, and critical thinking within a holistic, equity-driven framework

    # of Sections Taught: 6

    Levels Taught: 9th Grade

    Download AVID 9 Lesson Plans

  • ENGLISH I (9th Grade):

    Brief Course Description:

    Foundational freshman English course emphasizing literacy development through thematic texts. Integrates creative writing, critical analysis, and collaborative projects to foster student voice, cultural awareness, and leadership skills. Employs drama-based activities and reflective practices to support social-emotional growth and build a strong academic and personal foundation.

    # of Sections Taught: 6

    Levels Taught: 9th Grade

    Download English I Syllabus