KCC Faculty on Teaching

Q&A with Scott Cally | THEATRE PRODUCTION

 

How did you get into teaching?

I started teaching as a graduate assistant. From my first class, I loved how challenging the work of teaching was and how much I learned along with my students. One of the greatest things about teaching is that it is constantly changing, and you are constantly learning how to be a better teacher. I have been teaching for 22 years, and am still learning how to be a better teacher every semester.

What career did you imagine for yourself when you were in college?

This is the career I imagined for myself when I was in college. I met my mentor as a first-year student, and once I saw what this career could be, I wanted it for myself. As much as he taught me about theatre and design, he also taught me what it was like to work in academia. 

What do you love about teaching?

The students are, by far, the best thing about teaching. Watching them progress through our program and continue to their senior colleges and beyond is incredibly rewarding. This is particularly true of KCC students, who have so often overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges and yet still continue to succeed.

What’s your favorite teaching experience?

As a theatre professor, my favorite teaching experience occurs during the last dress rehearsals before a show opens. The students have rehearsed for two months, followed by a week of tech rehearsals that often are tedious and painstaking. It always amazes me how they take all the work they have done and begin to work as a group to tell their story and create their show for each performance.

In what ways do you bring your professional experience into the classroom?

Whenever I can, I have my students learn using examples from my outside work. I also use the work on our program’s shows in our studio classes so that the students gain experience working on actual creative projects and can see their work on stage.

What advice do you have for current students?

You are the one who has to live your life. There is much more to your education and career choice than how much money you will make. Whatever career path you choose, you will find that your education continues to enrich your life in ways you can’t begin to imagine.