https://theatrenerds.com/the-importance-of-theatre-teachers/ We Are Thespians! Thu, 21 Feb 2019 13:59:31 +0000 hourly 1 https://theatrenerds.com/the-importance-of-theatre-teachers/#comment-34008 Thu, 21 Feb 2019 13:59:31 +0000 https://theatrenerds.com/?p=370997#comment-34008 I finished class work for my MFA when I attended a production of “Raggedy Farm,” an original work by Johnny Simons. Intrigued by his visit to a mime class previously, his influence in that one class already opened my mind and heart to the Commedia dell’arte. Seeing his stage work was an epiphany. I was already studying dramatic creativity under another educational giant, Paul Baker, but when I saw Johnny’s work in practice I was stunned. I can never forget the visual images or his stagings rife with swirling iconography. His work epitomizes the “poor theatre.” Now even at 80, he is still producing extraordinary Texcentric, commedia inspired, original works at the Hip Pocket Theatre, aptly named because it was all funded out of his hip pocket. He is a national treasure and his troupe provided a proving ground for innumerable artists of all ilk. I aspire to find creative moments that take the simple and commonplace and transform it into ritual archetypes. I consider myself lucky to find two or three moments staging a work. Johnny’s work hits with a tidal wave of images and “show-biz” magic, all done with primitive tools and the leanest of budgets. I owe him everything. With great and enduring love for the mentor to many, in earnest, Dr. Tony E. Medlin

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