Women's Summit 1

From the house of the mouse

to the school house

How the Arts Shape Leadership in Education

Robin Caporusciorobin.caporuscio@lapeerschools.org

A Little Background...

High School:

• Athlete
• Visual Arts and theatre

College:

• Become a teacher and the theatre kept calling me

• Acting, Directing, Stage Manager
• Theatre Artist working with the schools (MS & HS)

Professional Life:

• Theatre Teacher
• College teacher: Theatre and arts integration
• Professional Stage Manager, including Walt Disney World

• HS Adminstrator

Introduction

How can theatre skills translate into successful school leadership?

What are those Theatre Skills?

What are 5 Skills needed?

Communication

Theatre

School Adminstration

• Actors, stage managers, directors must communicate clearly with each other and the audience

• Communication with staff, students, and parents is crucial for leadership and conflict resolution

• Example: running a faculty meeting.

• Example: rehearsing a play.

Adaptability and Problem-Solving

Theatre

School Adminstration

• Improvisation and Adaptability In theatre: Actors must adapt quickly to unexpected changes.

• School administrators often face unexpected challenges and need to adapt quickly to maintain smooth operations.

• Handling emergencies or sudden curriculum changes.

• Change in a show (Nemo example)

Collaboration and Teamwork

School Adminstration

Theatre

• Working as Part of an Ensemble

• Every production is a team effort, requiring collaboration among actors, stage crew, and directors.

• Building and leading effective teams among staff, teachers, and students to achieve goals.

• Building a strong school community.

Leadership and Directing

Theatre

School Administration

• School leaders need a clear vision to guide the school toward its goals.

• Example: Setting school culture and educational goals.

• Leading with Vision (Director’s Role)

• Directors lead the production with a clear vision, coordinating various elements to bring a play to life.

Emotional Intelligence

Theatre

School Administration

• Empathy and Understanding of Human Emotions

• Actors must deeply understand human emotions to convey authentic characters.

• Strong emotional intelligence helps in managing relationships, conflicts, and fostering a supportive school environment.

• Example: Addressing student needs or resolving staff conflicts.

Time Management & Discipline

Theatre

School Administration

• Managing Rehearsal Schedules and Meeting Deadlines

• Strict adherence to deadlines for opening night requires discipline.

• Balancing numerous tasks, deadlines, and ensuring smooth daily operations.

• Example: Overseeing school events, managing academic schedules.

Creativity & Innovation

Theatre

School Administration

• Creative Problem Solving and Thinking Outside the Box (flying story)

• Creativity is key to making compelling stories and performances.

• Innovation is needed to find new solutions to educational challenges and engage the school community.

• Example: Implementing new teaching methods or engagement strategies.

Varied experiences can shape your leadership roles

CONCLUSION

• communication
• adaptability
• teamwork
• leadership
• emotional intelligence
• creativity

QUESTIONs?