And I'm not just saying that because I live with him.
My introduction to Sean came as my Improv teacher at The Groundlings. Completely intimidated but brave for just long enough to register for my first Improv class, I chose Sean as my teacher not knowing anything about him other than the headshot staring back at me from the "theatre company" wall of photos. One of the best decisions I've ever made, and one that changed the course of my life forever. Not only because I credit Improv for being the key to unlocking my creativity, but because I also had the pleasure of spending 15 consecutive weeks with one of the best teachers I've ever learned from. Oh and several years later Sean also became the man I am spending my life with.
So this isn't going to be the post where I gush on about Sean the man that I live with, although I'm sure Sean would approve ~ { those posts are usually saved for anniversary days} It will be the post where I will gush on about Sean as a teacher ~ however in honor of Sean I will keep it brief, as he is a man who appreciates brevity especially in writing.
As I continue to expand into my new role as a teacher these days, defining and refining the kind of teacher I want to be, I can't help but reflect on the teachers in my life who had the greatest impact, the ones I most admired. And Sean is always one of the ones at the top of that list. {Well fine, he's at the top of the list}
Improv is not so easy to teach, because believe me when I say everyone shows up feeling mostly awkward and nervous to this first day of class. Since speaking in public is up there in people's top fears, you try performing with no "net", meaning no script, in front of a live audience on stage and you'll know what I mean. Oh and do that while hoping to get laughs, because it is comedy after all. But one of Sean's greatest gifts is his ability to completely support you, to make you feel utterly safe and accepted while you try this completely scary, yet exhilarating art form.
Not to mention, he is a genuine, thoughtful, wise, kind teacher who brings inspiring ideas and intelligent comedy to each and every class. And sometimes he is also quite funny.
And why exactly am I writing all of this? ~while still teaching Improv over at the Groundlings, Sean recently launched his own private sketch comedy writing classes, and well, quite simply, I'm super proud of him and his entrepreneurial spirit.
Having just opened registration for a new session beginning September 15, I'll let him explain all the details over at his brand spanking new web page. Right now he is teaching locally here in L.A. but he is planning on expanding this class to one that will also be online...so if you've had dreams of writing comedy, don't know where to begin exactly and probably aren't going to move to L.A., Chicago or New York to attend some of the best schools to learn it, or maybe you are but you still want to learn from one of the best, this might be your chance!
