Education
Eric approaches his teaching by leavening the liberal arts approach to theatre education in dramatic literature and history with extensive practical training and production activity to deliver the most well-rounded theatrical practitioner. Combining theoretical exploration with the ability to put those same theories on their feet is key, and so the rehearsal hall and production space are best melded as seamlessly as possible with the classroom. The goal is to prepare students to create their own opportunities in an industry that, all too often, suffers a dearth of them.
Further, Eric takes a multidisciplinary approach in the classroom, setting history, literature, and stage practice in their wider social and political contexts. This was the primary focus when Eric founded the Theatre and Society in Prague Study Abroad Program at Armstrong Atlantic University, for which he was featured in Southern Theatre Magazine. This is a program he has restarted since he began teaching at Kent State University.
Though always eager to direct in the department's season, Eric believes in student artistic leadership at the earliest levels, and gladly mentors student directors and producers in developing their own work, style and ideas. It is through active and regular application that lessons are truly learned.
As a director and acting teacher, Eric uses improvisation, somatics, and movement-based technique to supplement Stanislavski-derived approaches. The goal is a playful and imaginative theatre with actors who are equipped for the dangerous and extraordinary conversation that great theatre always is. Ideally, they
will always be pleasantly surprised by their talent.
Eric is a certified teacher of the Alexander Technique, with his research interests centering around the integration of the Technique with actor training, embodied mindfulness, and overall student wellness.
