Megan Miller-Sontag
Spring Grove,MN
Summary
Dynamic, passionate theater educator with extensive experience in teaching, directing, and production. Proven ability to develop innovative curricula, lead and engage diverse student populations, and stage impactful theatrical productions. Skilled speech and acting coach, adept in script analysis and multiple areas of technical theater design and construction. Committed to mentoring students in their artistic pursuits and cultivating a vibrant, collaborative arts environment.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Theater & English Instructor
Spring Grove High School
01.2013 - Current
- Teach Theater, Speech, Set Construction and Technical Theater, Arts Exploration, Film Studies, Digital Communications, English/Honors 9–10, AP English, and College-in-the-Schools (C2C) Intro to Literature through SE MN Tech
- Direct three productions annually, including musicals, full-length plays, and one-act competition pieces
- Founded and currently lead the SGHS Drama Club, promoting theater appreciation and organizing student trips to Minneapolis, Chicago, and New York
- Led a three-year Perpich Arts Integration Network of Teachers (PAINT) project, focusing on incorporating arts, diversity, and technology into classroom instruction, particularly in theater arts
- Mentor senior theater students in directing the 6th-grade musical as a capstone independent study
- Developed and implemented online and hybrid learning modules using Schoology, Google Classroom, and D2L Brightspace
- Prior experience with Moodle and Blackboard as well
- Served on arts-focused committees and initiatives, including a partnership with the local cinema through the Activate Rural Grant to support access to arts-based programming
- Designed and led multiple fundraising initiatives to support theater travel and program development
- Coached competitive speech for five years, emphasizing performance-based and public speaking categories
Scenic Designer & Instructor
Independent Contractor
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Designed and built scenic elements for productions at Tigard, Valley Catholic, and Rex Putnam High Schools
- Collaborated with directors and student crews on sound and costume design, stagecraft, and technical execution
Theater & English Instructor
North Marion High School
01.2005 - 01.2011
- Taught Drama I & II, Film as Literature, and a variety of English courses
- Served as English Department Head and Team Leader
- Founded and directed a middle school drama program and summer theater camp
- Directed mainstage and touring plays, fostering broad student participation and community engagement
Education
Master of Arts - Theater Production and Design
Southern Oregon University
01.2012
undefined
Portland State University, Mount Hood Community College, Eastern Oregon University
01.2009
Master of Education - English
University of Minnesota–Twin Cities
01.2005
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
01.2000
Skills
- Musical theatre and play production and direction
- Scenic design, stagecraft, and technical theater instruction
- Knowledge and integration of multiple directing approaches and theatrical styles
- Acting, speech, and movement coaching
- Creative problem-solving with exceptional skill at maximizing budgets
- Script analysis and character development
- Costume design, improvisational theater, theater history, and sound design
- In-person, online, and hybrid course design
- Community-based arts collaboration and fundraising
- Inclusive teaching practices with multicultural and multilingual learners
- Planning and leading education trips and experiences for in-depth, experiential learning
Timeline
Theater & English Instructor
Spring Grove High School
01.2013 - Current
Scenic Designer & Instructor
Independent Contractor
01.2011 - 01.2013
Theater & English Instructor
North Marion High School
01.2005 - 01.2011
undefined
Portland State University, Mount Hood Community College, Eastern Oregon University
Master of Education - English
University of Minnesota–Twin Cities
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
Master of Arts - Theater Production and Design
Southern Oregon University
Similar Profiles
Krisztina KeefeKrisztina Keefe
Paraprofessional at Spring Grove Elementary SchoolParaprofessional at Spring Grove Elementary School
Leah MartinLeah Martin
Lifeguard at Spring Grove Area School DistrictLifeguard at Spring Grove Area School District
Ryan LehmanRyan Lehman
Special Education Supervisor 7-12 at Spring Grove Area School DistrictSpecial Education Supervisor 7-12 at Spring Grove Area School District