As a Teaching Artist, Shannon believes that the process of creating the art together is even more important than the final performance. If in the process they are learning and using those skills -- then the performance is going to be spectacular! Students learning to work together to support each other is one of her biggest beliefs in teaching. Those same students learning to build their own self-confidence and feeling supported to take on leadership roles is another thing she strives for as a teacher. Shannon believes that all students -- no matter their natural abilities -- should be able to try theatre because everyone deserves a fair chance. Theatre is so important -- and not just for those students looking to pursue professional careers in the arts! It teaches empathy and learning to work together with a variety of people. Theatre teaches leadership, time management, self-confidence, and a variety of other traits which students need to succeed in life. Shannon utilizes skills in Creative Drama, Storytelling, Improvisation, Imagination, and more when working with students. She teaches students in preschool all the way through high school and loves working with all the different age groups. Shannon also has a strong passion for Musical Theatre and enjoys directing and choreographing musical productions for all age levels!

 

 

Shannon Stoddard holds her M.A. in Theatre Education from New York University and her B.A. in Theatre from Centenary College of Shreveport, LA. Shannon had most extensively taught with the Community School of the Arts and UAFS Academy of the Arts where she directed and taught over 60 productions and camps in 12 years. While there, many of her shows and actors were nominated and won several National Youth Arts Awards -- including winning Best Ensemble for "Mary Poppins" and being nominated Outstanding Director and Outstanding Production for "The Addams Family" and “Cinderella”. While at the Academy of the Arts, she earned "Teacher of the Year" in both 2011 and 2016, and at the Ocean Beach Youth Group she was awarded Director of the Summer in 2017.