Teacher Testimonial – Linda Libby (Teacher and Cygnet Resident Artist)

I’ve taught 5th grade through graduate school students, and for more years than I can count I have heard teachers struggle to teach empathy. How do we impress upon our young people that they matter – that their choices matter – that what they choose to do or to not do – to be or not to be – they have impact on the world.

The theater is where choices are made public, questioned and challenged. We see the consequences of characters’ actions. We discuss these passionate people and compare our stories to theirs. Through the lens of the play, we talk about taboo subjects we would otherwise avoid. We can talk about ourselves and our own struggles by spending a few hours with characters we relate to on stage. The theater reminds us that we are all human.

So, when I have the opportunity for my classes to be visited by a teaching artist who prepares students to attend a professional production at Cygnet Theatre, we crack open students’ minds. Once they have experienced the production, they are inspired by the craftsmanship of the designers, directors and actors. In talkbacks and post-production workshops they get an understanding of the process that moved them. Years later, they refer back to a moment from the play or a particular artist they connected with.

By giving students the chance to see “how art is really made,” the bar for their own work raises. Seeing excellent art inspires them. And when we are inspired, we each become better at what we do.

I’m not sure that I can aptly articulate the importance of the educational theatre experience. Beyond building the theatre audiences of the future, we demonstrate the essence of connection. Our youth, now more than ever, need to know that they are seen, that they matter, and what better way to do that then to bring them to the theater where their experiences are reflected on the stage and the artists “hold the mirror – as ‘t’were – up to nature.”