By the end of each day, I was exhausted.
By the time dinner rolled around, my brain was mush, and I was running on fumes. To make matters worse, my body had decided that 3:00 or 4:00 a.m. was now the perfect time to wake up every morning.
Nevertheless…
Today was another incredible day.
My drama teachers are simply amazing.
I continue to be inspired by the ferocity they bring to the stage. Watching them reminds me of when I first discovered theater in middle school. My drama teacher had performed on Broadway, and she would often sing for us or tell stories about her life in New York. It meant so much to all of us that she was willing to share that part of herself and show us what was possible.
I see that same spirit in the teachers here at the Tennessee Arts Academy.
All teachers deserve praise. They deserve better pay, more recognition, and more appreciation for the work, heart, and sweat they pour into our children every single day.
But I think arts teachers possess something especially unique.
They don’t just teach a subject.
They teach people how to create.
They have an abundance of talent, but more importantly, they know how to pass that talent on to someone else. The inspiration they provide echoes far into the future.
I’ve always believed that almost every acceptance speech for an Oscar or Tony can be traced back to a middle or high school drama teacher who took the time to ignite a student’s imagination.
If I were ever given the chance to stand on the Oscar stage, I would ask one question:
“If you’re here because there was a middle or high school drama teacher who instilled in you a love of theater… raise your hand.”
You and I both know what would happen.
Almost every hand in the room would go up.
Without hesitation.
I’d give my right kidney for the chance to ask that question, just so the world could see how profoundly a single drama teacher can change a life.
After our morning classes, we headed to lunch. Waiting for us was an artist creating paintings…
…using cake frosting.
The sheer talent gathered at this conference is mind-bending.
There was also a silent auction filled with artwork that I desperately wanted to bring home.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t figure out how to fit a painted Lady guitar into my suitcase.
I also enjoy being married.
From there, we visited the campus art gallery, where students were exhibiting their own work and speaking with teachers about their artistic process.
I’ve said this many times over the years: our kids make incredible art.
These young artists proved it once again. Watching them proudly stand beside their work and discuss it with educators from every artistic discipline was one of the highlights of the day.
That afternoon, we had the privilege of hearing artist Joyce J. Scott speak about her life and creative journey.
Her stories were filled with love, pain, resilience, and some of the sharpest humor I’ve ever had the privilege to witness.
“Inspiring” simply isn’t a big enough word.
If you’re unfamiliar with her work, I highly encourage you to spend some time with it.
After our final classes, a few of us slipped away to explore Nashville.
Our first stop was Midtown Cafe, where we had one of the best meals of the trip. Our waiter was also an artist and teacher who worked with both adults and young people. He was incredibly funny, and by the end of dinner he had our entire table smiling.
The food?
Phenomenal.
After dinner, we wandered down Broadway to soak in the energy of downtown Nashville.
Sadly, I had forgotten to pack my tube top, denim mini skirt, and white cowboy boots, so I never quite blended in with the crowd.
Maybe next time.
From there, we visited Nashville’s full-scale Parthenon before heading back to the hotel.
One thing has become crystal clear this week.
I’ve made friendships that I know will last a lifetime.
Tomorrow, I’ll be helping my participants apply everything they’ve learned about Shakespeare to short-form improv games before we all gather for the Bravo Gala.
I still can’t get over what an extraordinary week this has been.
