New episodes every Wednesday!
THED Talks

THED Talks

THED Talks is a podcast for theatre teachers and theatre education students. Dr. Jimmy Chrismon, Theatre Education professor at Illinois State University, brings you stories and interviews from experienced K-12 theatre teachers, current theatre education majors, and professors of theatre education that will warm your heart, renew your faith in teaching, and provide resources to better your practice in your theatre classroom. Pour the coffee, relax, and join us for heart-warming conversations and practical advice from practitioners making a difference in students' lives each and every day!

Recent

Jan. 15, 2025

7.21 A Conversation with Pamela Vogel

This week Jimmy talks with Texas teaching artist Pamela Vogel. She talks about her InterACTive classroom she has that goes in depth with performance, immersive theatre, and discussions about heightened texts through the play…
Jan. 8, 2025

7.20 A Conversation with Danny Yuska

This week Jimmy talks with Illinois theatre teacher Danny Yuska. He talks about the community that theatre creates for students, finding balance, and the Illinois All State Production of The Prom.
Jan. 1, 2025

7.19 A Conversation with Mary Beth Frank

This week Jimmy talks with Indiana theatre teacher and professor Mary Beth Frank. She talks about the beat cycle, taking care of our kids, and utilizing processes to make things run smoother.
Dec. 25, 2024

7.18 A Conversation with Lauren Pilling

This week Jimmy talks with SC theatre teacher Lauren Pilling. She talks about early career lessons learned, theatre competitions, and learning how to not doubt yourself.
Dec. 18, 2024

7.17 A Conversation with Susannah Wagner

This week Jimmy talks with NC theatre teacher and teaching artist Sussanah Wagner. They talk about their work as a props artisan, being “village people,” and teaching in a military town.
Dec. 11, 2024

7.16 A Conversation with Floyd Rumohr

This week JImmy talks with teaching artist and author Floyd Ruhmor. He talks about using developmentally appropriate pedagogy for students ages 9-12, his work with young people, and his new bookStage It: Making Shakespeare C…

Recent Blog Posts

Shining the Spotlight: Strategies for Increasing Faculty and Staff Attendance at School Productions

School productions are a culmination of students' hard work and dedication, and having faculty and staff support adds tremendous value to the overall experience. However, engaging faculty and staff members in attending school productions can sometim…

Tackling Sensitive Conversations: Addressing Body Odor Issues in Theatre Class and Productions

As theatre teachers, creating a safe and respectful environment is paramount. However, addressing sensitive topics like body odor can be challenging. While body odor is a natural occurrence, it can impact the experiences of both the individual and t…

Behind the Curtain: The Unseen Effort of Theatre Teachers Who Make It Look Easy

In the world of theatre education, there are some teachers who effortlessly command the stage, making their job seem easy and seamless. However, behind their seemingly effortless performances lies a vast amount of planning, preparation, and dedicati…

About the Host

Jimmy Chrismon, EdD Profile Photo

Jimmy Chrismon, EdD

Creator and Host

Dr. Jimmy Chrismon is a theatre educator with 17 years of experience in the public schools of North and South Carolina. He currently teaches full time as an Associate Professor of Theatre Teacher Education at Illinois State University. He was an adjunct theatre faculty member at Winthrop University and Central Piedmont Community College. He has acted, directed, designed, and produced professionally for 25 years. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre Education from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte where he was a North Carolina Teaching Fellow. He received his Master of Education Degree in Theatre Education from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He received his Doctor of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Gardner-Webb University. He has also worked for The Children’s Theatre of Charlotte and The Lake Norman School of the Arts. He received the 2022 Johnny Saldana Award for Outstanding Professor of Theatre Education from the American Alliance for Theatre and Education. He has published articles in notable journals. His research includes effective theatre teachers, intimacy direction, wellness practices for theatre teachers, and trauma-informed practices in theatre education. He is a consent forward artist, an Intimacy Director., workshop leader, and guest speaker He currently resides in Bloomington, Illinois.
Dr. Chrismon’s acting credits include: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Lonely Planet, Doubt: A Parable, Company, The History Boys, Godspell, Shadow Box, The Baltimore Waltz, Tick, tick..Boom… Read More