Don’t Tell Me About Your Show

Turn Your Biggest Deficit Into Your Most Intentional Choice What if the thing you think is holding your production back could actually become the thing that makes it more meaningful? In this episode, with these three directors, in this moment, Beau and Jesse sit down with Chicago-based director, author, professor, and Associate Dean at DePaul’s School of Theater, Damon Kiely, to explore the power of turning your biggest deficit into your most intentional choice. Drawing from his experiences directing Thornton Wilder’s Our Town—from a lavish production in a state-of-the-art theatre 13 years ago to revisiting the themes today with a minimalist staging in a classroom—Damon challenges us to reconsider what we do when we don't have enough space, money, time, resources, or “stuff.” Instead of seeing constraints as problems to overcome, what happens when we use them as creative assets? The conversation moves from directing and design into the rehearsal room, where Damon shares practical approaches for building ensemble, cultivating presence, and creating a genuine sense of community. Along the way, we talk about imagination, the importance of knowing your “why,” and what becomes possible when authenticity and collaboration drive the creative process. Beau and Jesse reflect on how Damon’s mindset extends far beyond directing—offering educators and theatre-makers an invitation to move from deficit thinking to asset-based, intentional thinking. Because sometimes the limitation isn't the thing you need to fix. Sometimes it's the choice that makes the work.

What happens when students stop simply learning about something and start stepping inside it? In this episode, we’re joined by Gillian McNally for a conversation about Role Drama—what it is, why it works, and how teachers can actually dive in and use it with their students. Gillian breaks down the essential elements of a role drama and shares practical ways to get started, but our conversation quickly goes deeper. We explore the powerful connection between role drama, good pedagogy, and authentic student engagement—and what happens when we create learning experiences where students aren’t just receiving information, but making meaning, taking on perspectives, making choices, and becoming active participants in the learning. It’s a conversation about theatre, teaching, imagination, and the possibilities that open up when we trust students with meaningful work.

For this special episode, we took Don’t Tell Me About Your Show on the road and set up shop at the Colorado Thespians Educator Conference with one simple invitation: “What are you curious about?” Instead of bringing guests with prepared answers or a carefully planned conversation, we invited conference attendees to drop in, sit down with us, and share whatever question, idea, tension, or wondering was on their mind. And then Beau and Jesse tried something a little different: not answering. Rather than solving the questions or positioning ourselves as experts, we explored what happens when we simply join someone in their curiosity. What might we discover if we resist the urge to provide the “right” answer? What questions become possible when we give ourselves permission to wonder together? The result is a collection of short, spontaneous conversations about theatre education, students, teaching, leadership, creativity, and the things we’re still figuring out. Because maybe good professional learning isn't always about finding answers. Maybe sometimes it's about finding a better question—and having someone willing to be curious with you.

In this season premiere, Beau and Jesse dig into how students can be "tricked" into learning, exploring what it means for performing arts educators to lead with activities and have students name the why, rather than giving away the best discoveries. With their guest Amanda Waterhouse from Dunstan Middle School, they share stories, challenge some familiar assumptions, and consider how our work as educators can become more intentional, creative, and ensure we don't lose our joy.

Great theatre doesn’t just look good—it sounds good, too. In this minisode from the Colorado Thespians Technical Theatre Boot Camp, Beau and Jesse skim the surface of theatrical sound, with the essential tools, and problem-solving skills that bring the theatre to life in addition more confident programs.

Lighting can transform a stage, set the mood, and tell a story before a single word is spoken. In this minisode from the Colorado Thespians Technical Theatre Boot Camp, Beau and Jesse sit down with Kyle Stockburger from Green Mountain High School to talk about a day focused on theatrical lighting. From the basics of electrical signals to the skills needed to make a lighting system work, what stood out to Kyle—and what can theatre educators take back to their own programs? Let’s turn on the lights and find out.

The scenic shop is where big ideas become real—but it’s also where safety, planning, and good construction practices matter most. In this minisode from the Colorado Thespians Technical Theatre Boot Camp, Beau and Jesse chat with Anthony Sparks from Sagewood Middle School in Parker, Colorado, about a day focused on scenic shop safety, construction, and the power of a good ground plan. What stood out? What can theatre educators take back to their own shops? And how do we build better—and safer—spaces for students to create?

Safety and liability might not be the most glamorous parts of technical theatre—but they’re essential. Beau and Jesse chat with Melissa Carroll-Jackson after a day at the Colorado Thespians Technical Theatre Boot Camp focused on keeping educational theatre programs and venues safe. What did she learn? What stuck with her? And what should every theatre educator be thinking about? Let’s talk safety first, or third. 

In this episode, Beau and Jesse sit down with Lindsey Welsh of Arvada West High School to unpack the challenges and opportunities of assessment in arts education. Together, they explore how reflective practices can help arts programs measure impact, strengthen instruction, and ensure learning remains relevant and meaningful for students.

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.