Let me make one thing perfectly clear...

I will not compromise my best teaching practices in order to accommodate a student, teacher or parent that wants to be pampered or because they do not agree with the decisions that I am making on behalf of my students.

I am and will always be the first to say that I do not know all that there is to know about what I teach – there will always be something that I will need to learn. I also realize and understand that I am a young/new teacher that has to “prove” himself; however, I do know that I have a talent and ability to teach theatre and speech in the most current and accurate method that is available now.

I have a responsibility to teach my students the skills and trends that are current in the industry. If I do not teach them the most current practices and information I will be doing them a great disservice – especially if they have a desire to pursue further education in, or want to find a job in the industry. If they do not know the current practices in theatre there will be no way that they can succeed in a college or a professional setting.

I want to make it perfectly clear that I will sacrifice the happiness and acceptance of a few students in order to keep the integrity of my program – for I know that if I do not compromise on these principles that my program will only grow and become better than it has ever been. If you do not like the show that is being done - don’t audition. It is that simple. This is the way that it has been for a very long time. If the show does not fit you, or you don’t like the show, no matter what the venue or the situation, you choose whether you participate or not. The show will go on without you – don’t think that it won’t. There will always be someone to take your place – always! No matter where you go there are a ton of people that are better than you.

If there is one thing that I want to teach my students, and by so doing teach their parents, it is theatre etiquette. Where ever you go to in the theatre world if you do not abide by the rules, manners, and protocols that are in place you may offend someone or, at the extreme, not get a job.

“You are always auditioning!” – my motto posted in my classroom.