Joseph R. Thomas
Teacher Of Drama And Dance
Newnan,GA
Summary
Goal-oriented Drama Teacher enthusiastic about teaching communication through body language and performance. Distinct expertise gained during 18-year career. Experience providing opportunities for student expression using spoken, written, performative and digital forms of communication. Consistently recognized for inspiring student-centered approach.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Language
Work History
Drama, Dance, and Singing Teacher for KS3/KS4/KS5
BK Kids
Brooklyn, NY
09.2013 - 10.2019
- Taught drama, dance, and singing to upwards of 50 children per class.
- Created, rehearsed, and performed drama, dance and singing productions to audiences of 5,000+ people per performance.
- Was able to foster strong, healthy lines of communication between myself, parents, and students.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Planned and implemented integrated lessons to meet national standards.
Teacher of Drama and Dance, House Interpreter
The Atlanta History Center
Atlanta, Georgia
10.2019 - 05.2021
- Created lesson plans and documents for Atlanta’s highly recognized History Center utilizing excellent IT skills and communication via multiple types of presentation software and digital messaging platforms such as Microsoft Teams/Office, GroupMe, Zoom, Prezi, Keynote, and Canva.
- Provided oral interpretations for clients during special events, successfully maintaining pace with native speakers to deliver real-time comprehension.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
The Actors Studio Drama School
New York, NY
09.2013 - 05.2016
- Taught drama, dance, and movement intro courses at the prestigious Actors Studio Drama School (ASDS) in New York City
- Starred as actor, singer, and dancer in over 50 Off Broadway shows in NYC
KS3/KS4/KS5 English Teacher
Boyd Elementary
Atlanta, Georgia
09.2019 - Current
- Taught English, Reading and Composition to KS3/KS4/KS5
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
- Administered assessments and standardized tests to evaluate student progress.
- Worked with administrators on behavioral issues to support needs of students.
- Completed in-service and additional training to maintain professional growth.
- Led interesting and diverse group activities to engage students in course material.
- Planned coursework to introduce students to important literature.
- Kept classroom organized, clean and safe for students and visitors.
- Worked with other teachers to support struggling students and provide thorough help to rectify comprehension issues.
- Cultivated relationships with parents for complete support network.
- Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
- Coordinated activities to encourage interest in reading.
Actor/Theatre Performer
Off Broadway Theatre
New York, Chicago, Atlanta, NY, IL, GA
05.2004 - Current
- Sang and danced with creative ensembles and troupes for dramatic and comedic performances.
- Learned scripts to understand characters' relationships and develop role interpretations.
- Studied and rehearsed roles from scripts to interpret and memorize lines and cues.
- Performed humorous and serious interpretations of emotional actions and situations, using body movements and gestures.
- Captured audience by channeling and exhibiting emotions, resulting in audience laughter, crying, excitement, shock and fear.
Film Producer
Film And Television Industry
Atlanta
07.2020 - Current
- Worked behind the scenes on blockbuster American movies and television shows serving in such areas as Producer, Writer, Production Assisting, Craft Services, Electrics, & Health & Safety.
- I got a bird’s eye view of what goes into running a multi-million dollar film production.
- Coordinated with talent relations department to facilitate execution and payment of talent contracts.
- Led daily production meetings and weekly production calls.
Operations Intern, House Manager
The Auditorium Theatre, Chicago Cultural Center
Chicago, Illinois, GA
01.2013 - 05.2013
- Played a key role in basic day to day operations of a professional theatre both backstage and front of house.
- I was responsible for setup and strike of performance stages for theatre and live events including overseeing the setup for a press conference for President Obama.
- I served as house manager to Chicago’s prestigious Cultural Center where I served as solo runner of shows with audiences of 50+.
Education
Master of Fine Arts - Acting
The Actors Studio Drama School
New York, NY 09.2013 - 05.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre Arts - Concentration in Performance
LaGrange College
LaGrange, GA 09.2008 - 05.2012
Skills
7 years of intensive training by Linklater Certified instructors on the Kristin Linklater Vocal TechniqueWell versed in various movement pedagogies designed for actors such asAikido, Lecoq, Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique, Clowning, West African Dance, Horton, Tap, Swing, Ballet, and Ballroom
A creative and enthusiastic approach both in and out of the classroom
The ability to share your outstanding practice
Additional Information
- AWARDS , Recipient of the Hearnburg Theatre Scholarship
Timeline
Film Producer
Film And Television Industry
07.2020 - Current
Teacher of Drama and Dance, House Interpreter
The Atlanta History Center
10.2019 - 05.2021
KS3/KS4/KS5 English Teacher
Boyd Elementary
09.2019 - Current
Master of Fine Arts - Acting
The Actors Studio Drama School
09.2013 - 05.2016
Drama, Dance, and Singing Teacher for KS3/KS4/KS5
BK Kids
09.2013 - 10.2019
Graduate Teaching Assistant
The Actors Studio Drama School
09.2013 - 05.2016
Operations Intern, House Manager
The Auditorium Theatre, Chicago Cultural Center
01.2013 - 05.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre Arts - Concentration in Performance
LaGrange College
09.2008 - 05.2012
Actor/Theatre Performer
Off Broadway Theatre
05.2004 - Current