About ginny
Hi, I'm Ginny!
I’m an educator, arts administrator, and working artist currently serving as the Theatre Director at Goodpasture Christian School. My greatest passion is teaching and investing in the creative potential of my students.
My Story
I grew up just south of Nashville in Franklin, TN. I performed in my first musical in high school and it changed my life. Since then, my passion for theatre propelled me into many roles on stage, behind the scenes, and in the classroom. I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre at Lipscomb University while working professionally at the Boiler Room Theatre, which led to a career in companies across Middle Tennessee as a teaching artist, performer, director, and stage manager.
Just after college, I worked at Nashville Children's Theatre for three years as the Administrative Coordinator, Grants & Admin Manager, and Development & Education Associate before moving on to use my administrative skills at the Opryland Hotel and Convention Center and, most recently, Premise Health as an administrative assistant and receptionist.
Now, I live in Franklin with my husband, Zach, and puppy, Daisy, and am pursuing a master's degree in Curriculum & Instruction to achieve licensure for Theatre K-12. I currently serve as the Theatre Director at Goodpasture Christian School for Grades 6 - 12.
What I Believe
I believe that the classroom and rehearsal hall should be places where kids feel safe to make mistakes, try out bold new ideas, and embrace who they are.
All kids are unique, with varying personalities and different levels of comfort in a classroom. My primary concern is to meet my students where they are and respect their varying levels of comfort with performance work. I work to instill a sense of security and understanding in the room so students can learn to be comfortable in taking risks and extending their comfort zones.
I believe students deserve a robust arts education regardless of talent or skill level.
In the arts, there will always be varying levels of talent and proficiency of the particular form of art. My expectations are not for a student to be or become “talented.” My main expectation is for my students to participate fully and contribute to the activities and discussions.
I believe in the power of “yes, and!”
One of the main concepts of improvisational theatre is the power of “yes, and!” and it is one of the main concepts I hope to instill in my students. The ability to say “yes!” to challenges allows them to explore their own capabilities and gain the full benefit of new experiences. The power of “and!” encourages students to contribute to the team and to think about others when they make choices.
I believe theatre should be a whole-child experience.
Theatre cannot be fully explored and understood on paper—it is an experience. Hands-on activities and teamwork are important for reinforcing and exploring new concepts. Students should learn to engage thoughtfully and positively with their own bodies and feelings, treat each other with respect at all times, and utilize constructive criticism in each activity. A quality theatre education helps kids regulate their emotions, develop confidence, and see themselves as part of a community.
I believe everyone belongs in the theatre.
I work to increase the equity of my artistic community. All people, children and adults alike, are welcome in my creative spaces. I unequivocally support the LGBTQIA+ community and seek to be an inclusive and safe space for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, and people of all ages, abilities, religions, and gender identities. Discrimination, inequitable treatment, or bullying of any kind is not tolerated in my workplaces. I also have training in working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Down Syndrome and invite students of all ability levels and sensory needs to join my classroom.
What I Teach
I teach all areas of theatre for children and youth aged 6-18. I have experience teaching musical theatre, acting, technical theatre, movement, and dance, as well as art and theatre appreciation.
I’ve worked with organizations such as, the Nashville Children's Theatre, Metro Nashville Parks & Recreation, Street Theatre's ClassAct Dramatics, the Martha O'Bryan Center (Nashville After Zone Alliance), Bailey Middle School (NAZA), John Early Middle School (NAZA), Franklin School of Performing Arts, and Scales Elementary School.
In addition to providing high-quality musical theatre training, I specialize in working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and have completed training through the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center's Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders. I am also currently learning American Sign Language!
Why I Teach
Theatre educators changed my life. I grew up as a cripplingly shy child who couldn’t communicate or stand up for herself. Theatre gave me the communication skills and confidence to assert myself and be a team player. I am overjoyed to have that same opportunity as a professional. My greatest wish as an educator is for my students to appreciate art of every kind and to grow as individuals. Teaching theatre is a privilege and I know each of my students has the potential to achieve things beyond their wildest expectations.
The benefits of theatre arts do not end in the classroom or rehearsal hall. Theatre and arts education is proven to positively impact a child’s entire life, with many important skills that are applicable to everyday life.
Some of these benefits include:
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Increased confidence and leadership skills
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Higher capacity for empathy
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Critical thinking and creative problem-solving
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Improved emotional regulation and self-discipline
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Team-oriented attitude and improved communication skills
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Self-exploration and self-love
Regardless of whether a student leaves my class with a passion for pursuing theatre, I want every student to leave my class with skills they can use for the rest of their life, as well as an appreciation and enjoyment of theatre and all other art forms.
Directing
I’ve been directing productions for children ages 6 -18 for my entire professional career.
In addition to directing children, I also have experience directing and performing in theatre for young audiences, including contributing to performance art consortiums with TRIAD to create sensory-friendly performances in the Middle Tennessee Area.
As a director, my goal is to give students opportunities to try new things and shine. I do my best to make sure every child has a purpose and feels heard and appreciated. Whether behind the scenes or in the spotlight, I make sure my kids know they are integral to the success of our show and that I am proud of their work. It’s a priority for me to set students up to succeed by providing them with solid training, plenty of room for mistakes, and choosing responsibilities that will stretch their abilities without overwhelming them.
