Don’t Tell Me About Your Show

Beau and Jesse dive into the question of what sustains a long-term career in education and how to keep classroom instruction relevant and responsive to students in this moment. Through reflection and conversation, they explore what continues to motivate a veteran teacher of 33 years to return with purpose, passion, and a commitment to growth.

In this episode, Beau and Jesse sit down with longtime collaborator, friend, and mentor André Rodriguez for an honest conversation about the ongoing pursuit of life/work balance. Together, they unpack the wisdom, philosophies, and practical strategies that help theatre educators build sustainable practices, establish healthy boundaries, and thrive in a profession that often asks for everything. Join us as we reflect on what it means to stay passionate about the work—without losing yourself in it.

Beau and Jesse skip the guest lineup this week and dive into their own experiences sustaining and growing student enrollment in theatre programs. Through honest reflection and practical insight, they unpack key strategies educators can use to strengthen recruitment efforts—focusing on visibility, connection, and a deep sense of student belonging.

Bonus Episode: Before recording the first episode of Don't Tell Me About Your Show, Beau and Jesse went through a dress rehearsal with Jesse's colleague Amy Woodley, Music Coordinator for Jeffco Public Schools to discuss what we don't see behind the curtain with instrumental music programs compared to the process with theatre programs.

Beau and Jesse talk with Josh Pelé about the mindsets and strategies needed to build and sustain a program where there is a history of high turnover and challenges.  

What makes someone choose to teach theatre? Beau and Jesse crash an undergrad class of future theatre educators at the University of Northern Colorado to uncover what fuels their passion, what brought them to this classroom, and how they plan to leave their mark on the next generation. Guests:  -Savannah Hendrick -Abby Lincoln -Savana Long (Sav) -Philip Meinecke -Livia Pecoraro -Dr. Mary Schuttler -Elisabeth Sells -Belle Shand -Kaylee Waldman

At the Colorado Thespian Educator Conference, a panel of theatre teachers and directors discuss how they keep growing in their many roles—educator, director, tech lead, and administrator. They explore mindset, vulnerability, embracing failure as a first attempt at learning, and practical steps like seeking training and building collaborative teams. Highlights include strategies for balancing people and production, celebrating successes, journaling and reflection, asking for help, and protecting personal values to sustain a long-term career in theatre education.

In this episode of "Don't Tell Me About Your Show," hosts Beau and Jesse sit down with theater teacher Barbra Stricker to break down how she launches a middle‑school theatre class. They cover her sensory‑focused classroom setup, clear routines (including warm calls and a clip check‑in), low‑risk passion projects, rehearsal etiquette, and tricks for handing ownership to students. Listen for practical, classroom‑ready strategies to create safety and accountability from day one, streamline transitions, and build a program where students lead and the class effectively runs itself.