Think 360 Artist Spotlight: Jane Page (Theatre)

[Think 360 Arts Staff]

Think 360 Artist Spotlight: Jane Page (Theatre)

The seed for theatre was planted in Jane Page at an early age. When Jane was in second grade in Wichita, Kansas, her teacher introduced her to what would soon grow into a love for theatre. “Our classroom was alive with energy and everything turned into a play,” says Jane. “Miss Shirley was ahead of her time. I was able to see the joy that the arts brought into the classroom.”

Since then, Jane has pursued her interest in theatre by completing a Masters of Fine Arts in Directing from Indiana University, directing around the country and in Europe, and joining the Think 360 Artist Roster. Jane established herself as a well-known free-lance director and acting coach, but her real passion lies in creating performance pieces with students that align with classroom curriculum.

“Being in a classroom full of students working together to create something is a very special thing,” she said. “Kids remember when they do things more than when they just hear things. With theatre, there is a sense of celebration, curiosity, and problem solving that results in productive and responsible members of society.”

Jane’s enthusiasm for theatre comes from its unpredictable nature. “I’m inspired by the opportunity to have a whole new community of people and a new project to work together toward in a classroom. No day is ever the same. There is joy in learning and exploring and asking questions and telling stories – which is the basis of theatre.”

Jane’s first classroom residency was in Grand Junction in 1986. She had 30 kids in an open-air classroom with no walls, and little experience with teaching theatre to children. She was surprised to find that she was really good at it. “It was a great adventure. I didn’t know how much I’d like working with kids and teachers.”

In the more than 20 years since then, Jane has completed dozens of residencies through Think 360 Arts and Young Audiences, working in a variety of school settings from elementary through the university level, and with highly gifted students and at-risk populations.

This school year, Jane will do two artist residencies; one at North Star Elementary in Thornton working with fourth grade classes, and another working with fifth grade classes at Stevens Elementary in Wheat Ridge. She will be using theatre to explore African studies as well as Colorado history. Currently, she is also co-directing Fredrick Durrenmatt’s “The Visit” at the University of Colorado in Boulder, which opens October 1 and runs through October 11.

“It feels like a way to give back, of honoring Miss Shirley. Directing kids who have never had a chance or opportunity to do theatre is worth all my time,” Jane said.

She added, “And Think 360 Arts has been a great addition to the quilt of my life.”

Think 360 Arts offers a variety of direct services for classrooms and schools including educational performances, workshop series and artist-in-residence programs. To bring Jane Page or another Think 360 Artist into your classroom, contact Sheila Peck at 720-904-8890 x 107, or at [e-mail].