Scott Holdredge                                          

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy consists of challenging the students to open their minds to new ideas and methods of seeing the world around them. I work hard to find a way to reach students by varied examples and open the door for them to understand the subject and make it their own.  Each student learns differently, through reading, participating or being shown examples.  I am patient and strive to find what works for all the students to understand a subject.  I love when I am able to  give them the “ah-hah” moment of understanding. For example, I bring in actual costumes, lighting and sound equipment and let them play with and touch the objects we are discussing in hopes that the students make a deeper connection.

Throughout the coursework I discuss a subject, show video support and show them the actual objects we are discussing to try and reinforce their understanding of terms and function within theatre. I enjoy showing real world examples to say “look at this” this is how light reacts to texture, how color theory works, how design shapes our environment.  Why does a banjo sound different than a Ukulele, than a guitar, all playing a G chord?

    I enjoy challenging their experiences, their mindsets and provoking discussion and thought about the world around them.  I take lessons from class and assign homework that reflects what we discussed in their own lives.  I have them read Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet balcony monologue “but soft, what light through yonder window breaks . . . “ and I have them write their version of that experience in their words.  I get some amazing insights into the twenty year old psyche and colorful use of language.

I am constantly adapting my teaching style and methods to suit the lesson and student’s needs.  I seek to improve my communication to keep the students engaged and excited.  I strive to support the major material in three ways, verbally, with visual support and through questioning the students.  I work hard to ignite a spark in each student in at least one of my lectures by the semesters end.

As an example, during COVID and study-in-place I modified my technical theatre coursework so students could learn lighting and sound with materials around their homes.  I sought to engage them with their surroundings and find ways to problem solve and tackle the lessons with their wit and ingenuity.  The students had to build models of a set and light them using their phones, flashlights and desk lamps.  Through this they were able to understand light angles, color and texture and how it affects the audience.  I believe creative problem solving is within us.  Through adversity and limitations we can tap into that creativity for new and interesting solutions to storytelling.

Currently I have students in Independent Study courses. Through these courses in set design and scenic painting I’m able to custom tailor the class to the desired learning outcomes of the students and adapt them as they develop their skills within the semester’s project.

Sincerely,

Scott Holdredge