BECCA OPSTAD
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Arts educator, theatre artist, and entrepreneur with experience in program development, business operations, strategic planning, and team leadership. Founder of an inclusive theatre education program, skilled in developing creative initiatives, managing daily operations, supervising staff, and fostering collaboration. Combines artistic vision with strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills to drive innovation, support growth, and create meaningful educational experiences.
Overview
1
1
Certification
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder & Business Owner
THE PLAYMAKERS
06.2025 - Current
- Founded and led an inclusive theatre education program where students collaboratively devise, develop, and perform original plays.
- Managed end-to-end business operations, overseeing administrative and logistical responsibilities to develop and deliver impactful programming.
- Successfully delivered six sessions of The Playmakers camp, guiding students through playwriting, acting, directing, storytelling, and performance.
- Led an ongoing weekly enrichment program serving 10–25 students, providing sustained opportunities for artistic exploration and collaborative learning.
- Supervised up to four counselors, coordinating staff contributions to enhance program delivery and foster a positive student experience.
- Developed programming across summer camps, weekly enrichment, workshops, and creative intensives to accommodate different learning environments and participation formats.
- Guide students through the creative process, from generating original ideas and developing characters to rehearsing and presenting performances for families and the community.
- Balanced creative vision with operational execution to create organized, engaging, and inclusive theatre education experiences.
- Established operational processes supporting efficient delivery, team coordination, and client experience.
Social Skills Instructor
EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATES (ECDA)
06.2024 - Current
- Taught social skills classes for neurodivergent children, enhancing social-emotional development, communication, and interpersonal connections.
- Facilitate structured learning experiences that help students practice social interaction and navigate peer relationships.
- Fostered an inclusive learning environment that acknowledged individual differences in communication, learning, and social engagement.
- Supported students in building confidence and developing positive peer connections through participation in group activities.
Second Grade Teacher & Sixth Grade Shakespeare Specialist
BRISKIN ELEMENTARY NON-PROFIT
12.2022 - Current
- Develop and deliver a specialized Shakespeare curriculum for classes of 20–25 sixth-grade students, culminating in a school-wide performance of selected scenes.
- Translate complex classical texts into accessible learning experiences through language analysis, character exploration, movement, and performance.
- Transformed complex classical texts into accessible learning experiences through language analysis, character exploration, movement, and performance, enhancing student understanding and engagement.
- Incorporate stage combat and physical storytelling into theatre instruction, broadening students’ exposure to theatrical techniques.
- Integrated stage combat and physical storytelling into theatre instruction, expanding students' exposure to diverse theatrical techniques and fostering creativity.
- Facilitated ensemble-based rehearsal and performance to enhance student voice, creative confidence, communication, and collaboration skills.
Art & Drama Teacher
CAMPBELL HALL
07.2019 - 03.2020
- Developed and delivered visual arts and drama programming for Creative Arts Academy summer program, engaging students ages 5–12 in creative expression.
- Organized and facilitated daily creative projects for groups of 10–20 students, tailoring activities to accommodate diverse ages and developmental stages.
- Delivered visual arts and drama programming for the Creative Arts Academy summer program, serving students ages 5–12.
- Coordinated and produced end-of-program performance to showcase students’ creative work, enhancing their confidence and community engagement.
ESL Teacher
ENGLISH ACADEMY
02.2015 - 02.2018
- Delivered 4–10 English-language classes daily to students of varying ages and proficiency levels.
- Developed lesson plans and adapted instructional strategies to meet diverse learning needs.
- Managed classrooms to enhance student engagement and resolve interpersonal conflicts.
- Participated in promotional events and school activities to strengthen community involvement in programs.
- Developed cross-cultural communication and instructional skills to effectively support diverse student needs.
Teaching Artist
EMERSON COLLEGE
09.2013 - 02.2015
- Facilitated collaborative artistic processes that helped students develop original performance material from concept through rehearsal.
- Taught 30+ high school ages students from the Greater Boston Area.
- Facilitated collaborative artistic processes, guiding students in developing original performance material from concept to rehearsal.
- Produced an original showcase that highlighted student-created work, providing a platform for their artistic expression.
- Designed interactive arts workshops aligned with Emerson College student learning objectives.
- Facilitated classroom and studio instruction across acting, voice, movement, and ensemble practice.
- Applied multidisciplinary theatre practices to foster self-expression, build creative confidence, and enhance ensemble collaboration.
Resident Assistant
EMERSON COLLEGE
08.2010 - 05.2013
- Developed and implemented residential programs that fostered community building, personal growth, and intellectual development, enhancing resident engagement.
- Cultivated strong connections with residents to foster a supportive environment. Supported a positive, inclusive residential community.
- Mediated roommate conflicts and resolved sensitive interpersonal concerns through effective communication and problem-solving strategies, improving living conditions.
- Responded to personal, psychological, and medical emergencies with professionalism and discretion.
- Facilitated community-building programs to strengthen engagement across residential floors.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre Education & Acting
EMERSON COLLEGE
Boston, MA05-2013
Skills
- Theatre Outreach & Teaching Artistry
- Arts program development
- Curriculum design
- Performance Production
- Program Operations & Administration
- Community programming
- Inclusive Education
- Youth Development
- Staff Supervision
- Business Development
- Social-Emotional Learning
- Communication & Conflict Resolution
Certification
- Massachusetts K–6 Elementary Educator License | 2013
- TEFL/TESOL Certification, Oxford Seminars | 2014
Timeline
Founder & Business Owner
THE PLAYMAKERS
06.2025 - Current
Social Skills Instructor
EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATES (ECDA)
06.2024 - Current
Second Grade Teacher & Sixth Grade Shakespeare Specialist
BRISKIN ELEMENTARY NON-PROFIT
12.2022 - Current
Art & Drama Teacher
CAMPBELL HALL
07.2019 - 03.2020
ESL Teacher
ENGLISH ACADEMY
02.2015 - 02.2018
Teaching Artist
EMERSON COLLEGE
09.2013 - 02.2015
Resident Assistant
EMERSON COLLEGE
08.2010 - 05.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre Education & Acting
EMERSON COLLEGE