Jimmy Chrismon

THED Talks

THED Talks is a podcast for theatre teachers and theatre education students. Dr. Jimmy Chrismon, Theatre Education professor at Illinois State University, brings you stories and interviews from experienced K-12 theatre teachers, current theatre education majors, and professors of theatre education that will warm your heart, renew your faith in teaching, and provide resources to better your practice in your theatre classroom. Pour the coffee, relax, and join us for heart-warming conversations and practical advice from practitioners making a difference in students' lives each and every day!

Author

Jimmy Chrismon

Category

Education

Podcast website

www.thedtalks.com

Latest episode

May 7, 2025

Where to listen?

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Episodes

6.16 A Conversation with Jared Scott 29.11.2023

This week Jimmy talks with London-based teaching artist Jared Scott. He talks about his early training as a theatre artist, his work in theatre pedagogy, and finding the right fit in colleges and universities

6.15 A Conversation with Katie Keddell 22.11.2023

This week Jimmy talks with Maryland teacher Katie Keddell. She talks about commissioning a playwright, being a neurodiverse artist, and creating theatre that is more accessible to all abilities and access needs.

6.14 A Conversation with Connor Graham 15.11.2023

This week Jimmy talks with New York teacher Connor Graham. He talks about devising/creating new works, administrators, and being a magician and certified hypnotist.

6.13 A Conversation with Matthew Belopavlovich 08.11.2023

This week Jimmy talks with Florida teacher Matthew Belopavlovich. He talks about clowning and touring with Ringling Brothers, the ups/downs of working with middle schoolers, and creating sensory-friendly productions.

6.12 A Conversation with Shea King 01.11.2023

This week Jimmy talks with Nevada theatre professor Shea King. He talks about rebuilding a theatre program, actor training, and student support resources. THED Talks apologizes for the muffled sound in the interview. 

6.11 A Conversation with Joel Rainey 25.10.2023

This week Jimmy talks with Baton Rouge, Louisiana teacher Joel Rainey. He talks about his time with Disney, his new book he is working on, and working with Terrence Mann on Romeo and Juliet: A Rock Musical. 

6.10 A Conversation with Tara Cariaso 18.10.2023

This week Jimmy talks with Maryland teaching artist Tara Cariaso. She talks about reimagining commedia dell'arte through a DEI lens, marginalized identity harm in theatre classrooms, and masks for actor liberation.

6.09 A Conversation with Melissa Hamm 11.10.2023

This week Jimmy talks with Melissa Hamm from St. Maarten in the Caribbean. She talks about Caribbean Theatre, cultural forms, and being an arts coordinator.

6.08 A Conversation with Chris McRae 04.10.2023

This week Jimmy talks with Chris McRae from Perth, Australia. He talks about playwriting, all boys theatre, and community theatre involvement.

6.07 A Conversation with Luke Ferrell 27.09.2023

This week Jimmy talks with New Jersey teaching artist, Luke Ferrell. He talks about being an arts-based small business owner, collaboration and team work, and teaching online.

6.06 A Conversation with Mark Frank 20.09.2023

This week Jimmy talks with Oklahoma theatre professor, Mark Frank. He talks about community colleges, playwriting, and children's theatre!

6.05 A Conversation with Yah Roper 13.09.2023

This week Jimmy talks with New Jersey theatre teacher, Yah Roper. She talks about encouraging burnt out performance staff, utilizing Ai as a tool in classes, and the need of content in marginalized areas.

6.04 A Conversation with Zach Fryman 06.09.2023

This week Jimmy talks with Kentucky theatre teacher, Zach Fryman! He talks about teaching at an IB School, collaborating with high school program, and working as a teaching artist before transferring to a public school.

6.03 A Conversation with David Overton 30.08.2023

This week Jimmy talks with Long Island theatre professor, David Overton. He talks about the transferable skills of theatre, educational vs. conservatory approaches to theatre training, and Shakespeare!

6.02 A Conversation with Rebecca Lopkin 23.08.2023

This week Jimmy talks with New Jersey teaching artist, Rebecca Lopkin. She talks about running an educational theater company, balancing motherhood and running a business, and finding time to do your own art!

6.01 A Conversation with Jason Young 16.08.2023

This week Jimmy kicks off Season 6 as he talks with 2023 Excellence in Theatre Education Tony Award Winner Jason Young. He talks about his journey to becoming a theatre teacher, working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in theatre, and his Tony Award experience.

5.32 A Conversation with Ryan Renc 10.05.2023

This week Jimmy talks with one of his senior theatre education majors, Ryan Renc. He talks about his experiences in college, his passion for young people, and taking care of your students during the production process. 

5.31 A Conversation with Jake Mouchawar 03.05.2023

This week Jimmy talks with first year middle school theatre teacher Jake Mouchawar. He discusses training to teach in quarantine, the outdatedness of theatre education, and using the theatre classroom for community and community building.

5.30 A Conversation with Annalise Zaverdinos 19.04.2023

This week Jimmy talks with South African teaching artist Annalise Zaverdinos. She talks about her love of reading, her work with reader's theatre in South Africa, and taking care of yourself when you hear and see a lot of hurting people.

5.29 A Conversation with Rachel Davis Part 2 05.04.2023

This week Jimmy talks with Season 5 guest Rachel Davis to follow up on the school year! She talks about a workshop she has developed for transgender inclusion in the theatre classroom, her life as a transgender teacher in Florida, and offers some resources to support theatre teachers.

5.28 A Conversation with Jenn Janus 29.03.2023

This week Jimmy talks with North Carolina theatre teacher Jenn Janus. She talks about coming into teaching later in life, her career in special effects makeup, and owning and operating her own haunted attraction! 

5.27 A Conversation with Tim Malboeuf 22.03.2023

This week Jimmy talks with teaching artist and entrepreneur Tim Malboeuf. He talks about starting his own theatre training center- T3 Studios, elevating theatre education for young performers, and college audition prep!  https://www.timmalboeuf.com/

5.26 A Conversation with Zachary Zahand 15.03.2023

This week Jimmy talks with first year middle school theatre teacher, Zachary Zahand from Virginia. He talks about his switch from nonprofit theatre work to teaching, homeschool, and the challenges and joys of early career teachers.

5.25 A Conversation with Steven West 08.03.2023

This week Jimmy talks with NYC based audition coach, Steven West. He talks about his switch from athlete to theatre artist, his company NYC College Audition Coach, and mental health care for students during the audition process.   http://www.nycauditioncoach.com

5.24 A Conversation with Dr. Suzanne Katz 01.03.2023

This week Jimmy talks with Washington, DC elementary theatre teacher Dr. Suzanne Katz. She talks about her very diverse career, arts integration, and empowering students.

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