Graham Schmidt

• Courses taught include Collaboration & Performance Techniques (BFA Acting Program), Introduction to Acting, Introduction to Theater, and Script Analysis.
• Facilitated, filmed, and edited short films devised by student-artists.
• Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating diverse teaching methods, including multimedia presentations, embodied learning skills, and hands-on activities.
• Adapted lesson plans to accommodate various learning styles, ensuring each student''s needs were met effectively.
• Participated in departmental meetings and professional development workshops to stay informed of best practices in education within the field.
• Contributed to a positive learning environment by fostering respectful communication among students from diverse backgrounds.

In addition to my work as a professional director, I've served as a guest director at some of the world's premier theater training institutions, including:

• The Stella Adler Studio of Acting (Plunge by Christopher Kyle, 2023)
• NYU Grad Acting (The House of Blue Leaves by David Guare, 2022)
• The American Academy of Dramatic Arts (The Martyer by Marius von Mayenburg, 2022)

Duties included:

• Coordinated with faculty to craft rehearsal processes that aligned with programs' pedagogical goals
• Participated in feedback sessions for students after their participation in a professionalized rehearsal process.
• For some productions, created sound, lighting, costume, and set design.
• Supported students in their efforts to work in a professionalized environment.

• Planned, coordinated, and executed BFA Acting Live Digital Showcase, an event that introduces graduating class to industry professionals (directors, producers, arts leaders, talent representatives).
• Advertised events across digital platforms (social media, email campaigns, showcase website).
• Designed and maintained showcase website, www.brooklynshowcase.com.
• Edited film showcasing student talent for industry professionals.
• Liaised with leadership of Brooklyn College's Film School to coordinate development and shoots of short films devised by students.

• Taught advanced scene study course for students in the BFA Acting Conservatory Program.
• Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating real-world examples from my professional experiences, and inviting prominent artists to serve as guest commentators on certain material.
• Boosted course effectiveness by collaborating with colleagues to revise curricula and assessment methods, especially in diversifying the curriculum and enhancing its cultural sensitivity.
• Participated in end-of-semester feedback & evaluation sessions for acting students.
• Mentored students for academic success, guiding them in research projects and presentations.

• Supported high school students in developing original short films, from initial conversation to fully realized monologues they filmed and screened as part of the theater's Alone Together Program (summers 2020 & 2021).
• Facilitated and participated in conversations around social justice, and the role of artists.
• Coordinated with team of teaching artists to develop live screenings of student short films at the end of each summer.
• Provided mentorship and feedback on evolving student performances over the course of each summer.
• Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lessons, promoting cross-curricular and culturally sensitive learning.
• Established rapport with students by maintaining open lines of communication and demonstrating genuine interest in their progress.

• Served as instructor of record for acting, directing, and playwriting courses.
• Boosted course effectiveness by collaborating with colleagues to revise curricula and assessment methods.
• Delivered engaging lectures on various subjects, ensuring maximum retention of information among students.
• Promoted a positive learning environment through open communication and constructive feedback.
• Mentored students for academic success, guiding them in research projects and presentations.