Rachel Hirshorn-Johnston, Associate Professor of Voice & Speech and Head of the Acting/Directing program, is beginning her seventh year at Texas Tech University. In addition to teaching at Texas Tech, she also works as an actor and vocal coach for regional theatres throughout the United States, especially Ford’s Theatre in Washington, DC among many others.
David Priebe spent this summer developing a unique program that has its roots in the theatre classroom. Using Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed as a tool for recovery, especially to stimulate critical conversation and encourage conflict resolution, Priebe discovered creative means to help heal those struggling with addiction.
As we begin the new academic year, we are so grateful that we can support live performance, that we have an administration who appreciates the arts, and that we can explore the best means of educating our students. In other words, while we may be isolated in West Texas, we truly introduce our students to best practices the world over.