Teaching Artist Fellow Interview
Aubrey Felty
L to R: Aubrey Felty, Karen Bain, Gen Zoufal
We recently asked Metro Theater Company’s 2022-2023 Season Teaching Artist Fellow Aubrey Felty about her role at MTC, how she has grown during her time with MTC, her favorite experiences so far, and more.
What does the Teaching Artist Fellow do at Metro Theater Company?
The Teaching Artist Fellow works with the Education Director and Resident Teaching Artist to develop education materials like learning guides for MTC productions and teaches residencies like the company’s flagship education program, Building Community Through Drama, at various schools in St. Louis. Depending on the season, the fellow may also be teaching professional development workshops or exploring drama with young people at an early childhood center! The fellow also gets to contribute to programming such as season selection, fundraising events, and community engagement.
What are some aspects of the job that you enjoy the most?
I love the variety of this fellowship. One day, you might be working with the cast of a new TYA musical on the post-show Q&A, and the next, you’re working with 5th graders to build inclusivity and empathy in their communities. You get to work in so many settings as both an artist and an educator!
How have you grown since working at Metro Theater Company?
Being at Metro has taught me so much about expanding accessibility to arts education. The work of the MTC Education Team is important and crucial to building a supportive community that respects young people. Seeing this in action and working with mission-driven people is so motivating and inspiring. With the help of Karen and Gen, I have become more confident in my teaching practices, curriculum development, and in myself as a person! You get to wear many hats as the Teaching Artist Fellow, play to your strengths, and improve in areas that you want to learn and grow in.
Describe one of your favorite memories at MTC so far.
This season, I was an actor in Say Something, Do Something, which is an interactive forum-style program where students watch a recreated scene where bullying takes place, consider ways to resolve the conflict, and improvise strategies. I played the Target in the scene. After one performance at a middle school, a student thanked us for the performance and gave me an origami crane she made.
Any words of advice you would give a future MTC Teaching Artist Fellow?
There is a flexibility in this fellowship for you to explore things that you are interested and passionate about. If there is something you want to learn more about like sensory friendly performances or Theatre for the Very Young, there is likely a person on staff or a referral to connect with and ways for you to pursue those interests!
The search for the 2023-2024 Season Teaching Artist Fellow has begun! Learn more about the position and how to apply here.
Aubrey Felty in Say Something, Do Something. Photo by Jennifer A. Lin.
L to R: Gen Zoufal, Aubrey Felty, Jacob Cange, Chrissie Watkins. Photo by Jennifer A. Lin.
L to R: Aubrey Felty, Jacob Cange, Chrissie Watkins, Andie Murphy. Photo by Jennifer A. Lin.