SEASON 7 COMING SOON!!!!

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

Nov. 6, 2024

7.11 A Conversation with Talya Klein

This week Jimmy talks with California theatre professor Talya Klein. She talks about her work as an acting professor, the difference between being uncomfortable and unsafe, and intimacy work.

Oct. 30, 2024

7.10 A Conversation with Shelley Bajorek

This week Jimmy talks with Michigan teacher Shelley Bajorek. She talks about the power of supportive caregivers, world premiere productions, and student leadership.

Oct. 23, 2024

7.09 A Conversation with AMHC's Amanda Edwards

This week Jimmy talks with Amanda Edwards from the Association of Mental Health Coordinators. They talk about what a mental health coordinator is, what trainings AMHC offers, and teacher wellness and self-care.

Oct. 16, 2024

7.08 A Conversation with Elizabeth Patterson

This week Jimmy talks with Maryland theatre teacher, Dr. Elizabeth Patterson. She talks about theatre and social justice, the universality of the work we do, and planting trees we’ll never see.

Oct. 9, 2024

7.07 A Conversation with Deb Baldwin

This week Jimmy talks with Season 3 guest Deb Baldwin about her new book, “We’re Live! Radio Theatre #101! Check out THED Talks social media this week for a book giveaway!

Oct. 2, 2024

7.06 A Conversation with Calista Weis

This week Jimmy talks with South Carolina theatre teacher Calista Weis. She talks about starting a new program, COVID kids, and the impact of a moment for a child.

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You will receive an email every time a new episode is released as well as other great content from THED Talks Podcast!

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…

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About the Host

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

Reviews

The absolute best!

"THED talks is always informative, always interesting and so very human. It reminds me exactly why I love being involved in teaching theatre and keeps me company when I need a boost!"

Annalise | Feb. 13, 2024

Thank you!

"I am a brand, new tech theater teacher, and your podcast. Helps me feel less alone in the world. Thank you thank you thank you!"

Kimnegrete | Jan. 17, 2024

Thought provoking and joy filled

"This podcast never fails to make me smile and consider new ways of approaching my work. Dr. Chrismon and his guests help the world of theatre education feel smaller and more connected. I listen to ne…"

Emmamme | Feb. 10, 2020

Thank you!

"There are very few inspirational educational podcasts for drama teachers, to be honest this has been only one I found. Sound quality is good, and the pacing is excellent. The interviews are inter…"

KiKee Di | July 3, 2019

Inspiring and Useful

"I’ve never really been a podcast listener until recently. I have really been inspired by all of the podcast so for. I have listened and even responded to the podcast. Yes, I know they can’t hear me b…"

TheatreTitus | May 1, 2019

"Informative, fun and interesting. If you are a thoughtful person you will enjoy listening and also, if you are not a thoughtful person, you should listen just to hear the pleasant and soothing tone o…"

Heather Michelle | April 17, 2019

Amazing Resource!

"Listening to ThedTalks is all the wonderful things about visiting a colleagues classroom without giving up your lunch hour. Start listening right now!"

r_s_walker | Feb. 20, 2023

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