Gabriella Headley

Theatre is home


I believe in creating a welcoming classroom environment where students are encouraged to take risks and explore through song, dance, and dramatic text. I believe in engaged learning where students are active participants in the classroom, experiencing theatre in a fun and interactive classroom setting. 

I give responsibility and ownership to students so they take pride and pursue excellence in their education. I utilize positive reinforcement and identify students’ strengths before giving constructive notes in class and rehearsal. I believe in a collaborative rehearsal process where actors, technicians, and the creative team work cohesively to create an influential piece of art. 

I hold to the motto that quality instruction results in quality theatre. I value professionalism, and believe that it is never too early to begin teaching best practices and industry standards to students of all ages.

 

Positions Held

  • Graduate Teaching Assistant Mentorship, The University of Central Florida

    • Musical Theatre Techniques

    • Musical Theatre Styles

  • Guest Lecturer, The University of Central Florida

    • Musical Theatre History for Theatre History I

    • Careers in Performance for Theatre Survey

  • Middle and High School Theatre Director, The First Academy

    • Introduction to Theatre, Advanced Acting, Musical Theatre, Technical Theatre, Public Speaking, and Middle School Theatre

  • Fine Arts Intern, The First Academy

  • Director/Choreographer, Assistant, & Lead Teaching Artist, CFCArts

  • Acting Coach & Private Lesson Instructor, Star Productions

  • Teaching Artist, Florida Repertory Theatre

  • Adjunct Faculty for Community Programs, Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center

  • Theatre Education Intern, Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center

  • Musical Theatre Teaching Artist, WinShape Camps

  • Administrative Intern, American Alliance for Theatre and Education

Presentations

  • “Mary Zimmerman as a Total Theatre Artist”

    • Comparative Drama Conference, 2024

  • “Small, but Mighty: Building your Small Theatre Program”

    • Southeast Theatre Conference, 2024

  • “Small, but Mighty: Building your Small Theatre Program”

    • Florida Association for Theatre Education Annual Conference, 2023

  • “Breaking Down the Monologue”

    • Florida Theatre Conference, 2023

Panels

  • “Myth, Image Work, and Devising in the 21st Century”

    • Comparative Drama Conference, 2024

    • Presiding: Dr. Julia Listengarten and Dr. Chloë Rae Edmonson

Publications

  • “A Seat Behind the Table: Paving the Way for Female Directors”

    • ElevAATE, American Alliance for Theatre and Education, January 2023

 
 
 

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