Success and Strategies: A spotlight meetup with MTEA
Session Description:
Big markers, big paper, big ideas, big audacious goals. Want to partner to change perspectives and policy, advocate for professional pathways and curricular changes, be a force for keeping the arts of Thespis alive and thriving in the challenging times.
Calling all theater educators from the state of Maryland to join the Maryland Theatre Education Association as we reflect on our strategic plan from 2020 to 2025 and ask you for your ideas, dreams and goals for the next one. we want to share with you who we are, why we exist, what we’ve done, and how we Connect, Support and Empower our field in our state AND how you can join the fun and make meaningful contributions as a connecting member, as a supporting project volunteer, or as an empowering officer on the Board of Directors. Whether you are a K12 teacher, a college professor, an independent teaching artist, an education director or instructor with a Professional Theatre, a trainer with a theatrical supply company, or a community/recreational theatre camp director, we are your organization. So join us in this campfire discussion as we have wish, dream, plan, and take action to unite theatre education from the Western Mountains to the Eastern Shore, from Southern Maryland to Baltimore…and beyond.
Presenter: Steven L. Barker
Steven Barker has been a theatre-maker and educator for the last 25+ years. He holds an MFA in Theatre for Youth from Arizona State University (ASU), and a BFA in Theatre Education and a BS in Chemistry from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Steven is the creator/author of TechStart: Basic Stage Lighting, a workshop series that helps students and teachers learn the mysteries and secrets of stage lighting. Starting with the basics of stage lighting systems, this residency takes the participants through all the skills and knowledge to identify and select instruments, read light plots and paperwork, hang and focus instruments, and create looks and cues. Safety and professional standards are emphasized. This workshop also helps teachers and schools identify what they have in their school auditoriums and how to maximize and upgrade what they have for classroom and production. Steven is a licensed teacher in the State of Maryland, certified in Theatre, English, Speech, and Chemistry. He has also held additional licensure and certifications in Media Arts and Broadcast Journalism from the Department of Defense School System and the Commonwealth of Virginia. He has completed the MSDE Credentials for Creative Classrooms and the courses for Supporting LGBTQ+ Students and Creative Aging. He is a proud member of the alpha cohort of the Anit-Racist Arts Education Learning Lab (A-REALL). Steven is currently the Technical Director of Prince George’s Community College. Steven was formerly the Executive Director of the State Theatre in Culpeper and the Managing Director of Story Tapestries. Mr. Barker was formerly the lecturer for theatre design and technology at McDaniel College as well as an adjunct professor of Communication Studies & Theatre for Northern Virginia Community College. He currently is an adjunct professor for Stagecraft at Bowie State University. He is also a proud board member of the Maryland Theatre Education Association.
Presenter: Deborah Kramer
Deborah J. Kramer is Vice President, Development at the Maryland Theatre Education Association, bringing expertise in performing arts education.
Their background includes program direction and arts advocacy. As Visionary, Founder, and Program Director at Team of Stars, a program of Project Change, they focused on fostering youth development skills through the performing arts. Their work history includes directing program activities and overseeing program operations.
Prior to this, Deborah contributed as a Dance Teacher at Musical Theater Center, providing dance instruction and fostering artistic expression. During their tenure at Montgomery College as an Adjunct Dance Professor, they delivered dance curriculum and instructed dance techniques.
Deborah’s education includes a Master of Arts Arts from George Mason University (GMU), and degrees from the University of Miami and New York University.
Date, Time, and Location
Tuesday, June 17th
Lunch & Learn Series: 1:30 – 2:30 PM
Room: CPA 105 BDF