Arcadia Conrad
Sunnyvale,CALIFORNIA
Summary
Theatre Arts, Literature and Writing Teacher with 20+ years of experience in the field. Dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for student expression through spoken, written, performative, and digital mediums. Recognized for fostering a student-centered approach that inspires and empowers learners. Committed to promoting the intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth of students from diverse backgrounds. Passionate advocate for the transformative power of drama education.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Theatre Program Director/Instructor
Cupertino High School
01.2003 - Current
- Developed theatre program from ground up, laying out framework and defining roles.
- Provided ongoing direction and leadership for a student led theatre production company.
- Create aligned guaranteed and viable curriculum in collaboration with other staff members
- Planned, prepared and delivered lessons on introductory theatre, acting technique, theatre history, theatrical production, dramatic writing and American and World literature to over 100 students a semester.
- Support students of all abilities in accessing rigorous coursework through differentiating instruction
- Select and direct major theatrical performances
- Recruit and collaborate with guest artists, interns, musical directors and choreographers, technical mentors
- Coordinate multiple second stage, workshop productions and special projects
- Coach students for competition in regional high school theatre festivals
- Develop new works of theatre with student playwrights
- Produce selections from Shakespeare and other world drama for literature classes
- Consult with and counsel English teachers on strategies for teaching Shakespeare in the classroom
Producer/Screenwriter
Summerland Productions
06.2023 - Current
- Develop original pilots and screenplays that center strong female protagonists on three person team
- Pitch and develop story ideas
- Plan production remotely and on location by managing production through stages to completion.
- Coordinate with vendors to obtain supplies needed for shoots at best value for money.
- Liaise with directors, actors and other creative staff to successfully complete projects.
- Facilitated communication between production staff and other departments to synchronize work in a timely manner on time and on budget
Theatre Director
The Pear Theatre
01.2023 - 05.2024
- Selected scripts with another director, made casting offers, recruited cast and worked with playwrights to revise works during the production process of a festival of one acts
- Developed schedules for rehearsal and shift changes rotating multiple directors, rehearsal spaces, and cast availability
- Participated in production meetings with designers to develop common creative vision for the show
Producer/Writer
Self
01.2021 - Current
- Wrote and co-produced 'Department of One', original television pilot which became a Featured Selection at the Catalyst Content Festival
- Pitched and secured representation for the project with the literary agency Story Merchant
- Liaised with director, actors and other creative staff to successfully complete preproduction, shooting days, and post production
- .Provided rewrites and adr dialogue during shoot
- Remained composed and highly professional in fast-paced and constantly changing environment, effectively handling challenging situations and difficult individuals to achieve objectives.
Dramatic Writing Instructor
San Jose Writing Project
01.2019 - 01.2023
- Collaborated with colleagues to design and teach playwriting and screenwriting curriculum
- Presented guest workshops for teachers on facilitating creativity in the classroom
- Facilitated small group writing workshops for young playwrights and screenwriters
- Developed online resources to supplement traditional course materials.
- Created and administered interactive activities for writing students
Workshop Presenter
California Educational Theatre Association
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Conducted various interactive, in-person workshops for Theatre Arts teachers on topics such as Rasaboxes and using Greek Choruses in the classroom.
- Utilized variety of instructional design methodologies to create effective learning experiences.
- Provided coaching and mentoring to early and mid-career Theatre Arts teachers
Theatre Arts Teacher
Abraham Lincoln High School
01.1998 - 01.2001
- Taught acting and theatre history through innovative performance based projects.
- Planned lessons to reflect group and individual student needs utilizing creative instruction.
- Directed original, classical and canonical main stage and workshop productions
- Worked on team to bring students to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to perform
Education
MA - Theater
San Jose State University
San Jose, CASingle Subject CA Credential - English
National University
San Jose, CABA - English
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, NYSkills
- Writing Instruction
- Stage Production Leadership
- Script Development
- Theatrical Playwright
- Casting Experience
- Group-Based Creative Production
- Theatrical Intimacy Facilitation
- Innovative Leadership in Arts
- Talent Development
- Learning Management System Expertise
- Team Collaboration
- Strategic Task Management
- Team building
- Experience with Google Drive
Awards
SCREENWRITING
- "Watching Paint Dry" (Feature Script)Quarter Finalist, Sedona International Film Festival, 2025
- "Department of One" (Pilot) Finalist. Atlanta International Screenplay Awards, 2025, Selected, Catalyst Content Festival, Duluth, MN 2024 Second Rounder, Launch Pad Pilot Competition 2021, Quarterfinalist, Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards - Diversity Initiative VIII
- "Deep" (Short) Semifinalist, Filmmatic Drama Screenplay Awards Season 6, Semifinalist, SF Indie Film Fest - San Francisco IndieFest Screenplay Competition 2022
- "Recognition" (Short) Semifinalist, ScreenCraft Animation Competition 2020, Quarterfinalist, Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards Fall 2020
TEACHING
- Teacher of the The Year, Cupertino High School 2018
Timeline
Producer/Screenwriter
Summerland Productions
06.2023 - Current
Theatre Director
The Pear Theatre
01.2023 - 05.2024
Producer/Writer
Self
01.2021 - Current
Dramatic Writing Instructor
San Jose Writing Project
01.2019 - 01.2023
Workshop Presenter
California Educational Theatre Association
01.2013 - 01.2015
Theatre Program Director/Instructor
Cupertino High School
01.2003 - Current
Theatre Arts Teacher
Abraham Lincoln High School
01.1998 - 01.2001
Single Subject CA Credential - English
National University
BA - English
Vassar College
MA - Theater
San Jose State University
Similar Profiles
Aaron LucAaron Luc
Cupertino Class of 2026 Treasurer at Cupertino High SchoolCupertino Class of 2026 Treasurer at Cupertino High School
Zachary PenningtonZachary Pennington
Full-Time IA Specialized at Cupertino Union School DistrictFull-Time IA Specialized at Cupertino Union School District
Monika KushwahaMonika Kushwaha
On Call IA at Cupertino Union School DistrictOn Call IA at Cupertino Union School District