Behind the Scenes: Life as an International Theatre Teacher: #2

 The countdown is on—just three more days, and it feels like there's still a mountain of things to do. You know how it is when you're going home? You have this grand vision of everything you'll accomplish, but then time just slips away. Sometimes, all you really want to do is just be home, and do absolutely nothing. I guess that's the trade-off we make as international teachers.

Honestly, when I'm back home, all I really want is to immerse myself in theatre and help others hone their skills—whether it's students, fellow teachers, or even local schools. This trip, despite the time crunch, was still incredibly fulfilling. My wife, Annette, finally got to see my hometown, which I've missed terribly. We managed to plan my parents' wedding anniversary, and I even got to lead a student theatre workshop. That's something I genuinely love doing—it feels good to give back to the community that shaped me.

We also made it up to Baguio City, which holds a special place in our hearts since it's Annette's hometown. We caught up with family, my dear batchmates from Upsilon Sigma Phi, played a round of golf, and saw a high school friend. But the absolute best part? Seeing our son, Thor, whom we haven't seen in months because of university. That reunion truly filled my cup.

I also had the chance to watch a student-directed production at my alma mater, the University of the Philippines, and a musical play called Godspell. I thoroughly enjoyed them; it was a real taste of the local theatre scene. Watching Filipino actors perform, especially students, really highlights their passion, commitment, and humility. These are qualities that sometimes feel less prominent in an international setting, and I think we could all learn from them. There's something about seeing those qualities shine through in a performance that resonates deeply with me. I guess I'm still a purist at heart.

Teaching theatre in an international school demands a tremendous amount of commitment, flexibility, and a diverse range of approaches. You can't expect every student to be a natural performer like some of the incredibly gifted talents back home. We theatre teachers definitely have unique experiences, but there's nothing quite like seeing your students come together as an ensemble and create that magic. It's in those moments that they truly grasp the "magic and the abstract of time," as Shakespeare would put it.

For the upcoming school year, I've already mapped out my school productions, mini-performances, and even a few theatre festivals. As for the daily theatre lessons, I know I'll need to fine-tune them. Everything depends on the students themselves—their skill levels, the unique composition of each class, and so much more. There's no "one-size-fits-all" approach in theatre.

Engagement with students also varies greatly. Sometimes, it's about student-centered learning, where I empower them to take the lead. For instance, I might have them devise their own scenes based on a theme, or collaborate on directing short plays, allowing them to explore their own creative voices and problem-solving skills. Other times, it's about providing more structured guidance, offering clear techniques for character development or vocal projection.

Ultimately, as a theatre teacher, I believe we constantly need to evolve.

Life as a teacher is, in itself, a continuous drama lesson. Each day brings new characters—my students—and new scenes, challenges, and triumphs. We're always adapting, always learning, always trying to find the best way to bring out the unique brilliance in each performer. It’s a journey of discovery, not just for them, but for me too.