Meet P.S. ARTS Teaching Artist, Jeremiah Ripley who works at Helen Keller Elementary and Wilson Elementary in the Lynwood Unified School District. Find out what inspires Jeremiah and learn about his teaching practices through the interview below.
Tell us about yourself and your art discipline.
My name is Jeremiah Ripley, and my students call me Mr. Jeremiah! I am an actor, writer, and theatre arts educator in Los Angeles. I am originally from Wheeling, West Virginia. I have been teaching theatre/acting for seven years and have been acting in theatre for 25 years. I teach theatre because it brings me so much joy and has taught me so much about myself and other people. I strive to share that joy and understanding with every student!
What does your current teaching setup look like? What are some tools that are essential to your classroom these days?
My current setup is back in person, which I am so happy about! I am ready with the home studio when needed, but it is so rewarding for me and the students to get to experience the magic of theatre in person!
Share a “magic moment” you experienced teaching in the last year.
A “magic moment” I experienced was watching a very shy student volunteer to lead a game. I love watching young actors gain the confidence and excitement to stand up in front of the class and be seen and heard by their peers.
Who is an artist(s) you are currently inspired by?
I am currently inspired by the numerous theatre artists and theatre companies in the greater Los Angeles area, especially by Deaf West Theatre. The work they do is always fresh and exciting and as they say, they are “setting the standard for bold and inclusive entertainment.”
How has teaching for P.S. ARTS shaped your practice as a Teaching Artist?
P.S. ARTS has helped me focus in on my main objective as an educator, which is to bring out the inner storyteller/artist that I know is in all of us.
Thanks, Jeremiah! To learn more about other amazing Teaching Artists at P.S. ARTS, click here.
