For those of you who are newer readers, I was a professor/teacher in two actor training programs for a total of 13 years; first at Boston University’s BFA program, then at the University of San Diego/Old Globe Graduate Actor Training Program. My focus was on Voice and Speech. I have mentored hundreds of students over the years, many of whom I’m still in contact with (yay for social media!) and who have gone on to do wonderful things with their lives. There’s a whole contingent that lives out in Los Angeles, acting, directing, and producing shows like Modern Family, The Fosters, and Grey’s Anatomy. There are many who are based in New York City, and there are lots sprinkled throughout the country; teaching, acting, parenting, living good lives.
I met Rick at Boston University and we moved west when we were hired at USD. Together, we auditioned prospective students every year, traveling to New York, Chicago and San Francisco. We worked well together. We didn’t try to intimidate the actors like many programs did in those days; instead, we were warm and welcoming, quick to put the auditionee at ease. I like to think that warmth and our reputation for kindness helped to draw some of the best actors to our school.
Two days ago, I was tagged in an Instagram post by Brian Hutchison, one of the graduates of the MFA program. I clicked over to see it and this is what I saw:
On the left, Jim Parsons. Next to him is Jack O’Brien, who was the Artistic Director of the Old Globe when I was working there and a big supporter of the MFA program. Next to Jack is Brian Hutchison. And next to Brian is Aaron Krohn, also a graduate of the MFA program.
Up until yesterday when it closed, Jim and Brian were on Broadway in The Boys in the Band. Jack directed the current revival of Carousel. And Aaron is in The Donna Summer Musical. Three graduates of the program on Broadway – indeed, working just a block or two from each other – at the same time.
This little conversation ensued.
“…You chose us all!”
That’s right. I picked each of those guys out of hundreds of prospective students for the MFA program. Rick and I did that. We saw their talent, their creativity, and their good hearts and knew they would be the perfect fit for our small and intimate program.
I chose them all.
Now, I’m not one to talk about my career all that much and I definitely don’t toot my own horn. But I was so moved by Brian’s comment that I stopped for a moment and patted myself on the back. It’s easy for me to forget the impact that Rick and I have had on our former students, especially since I’ve been away from teaching for so long. And Broadway isn’t the be-all and end-all of a career – I’m very clear on that. But this? This is nice. This little moment in time, captured on Instagram, fills me with happiness. I love those guys and I’ve seen them all fairly recently. We keep in touch.
That Brian gets it, that he applauded us for choosing them and training them – well, I can’t imagine anything more satisfying.
Each of them was in a different year of the program but they were consecutive years, so they all know each other. I’m so proud of them. In addition to being talented actors, they are good people.
I haven’t taught for 17 years, but I see the impact of my work every day. And that’s not only as a teacher, but also as a mentor, as someone to talk to, someone who is always there to listen. Much of what I fondly remember is not the actual teaching, but the one-on-one time that I had with all of my students.
What a blessing. I’m feeling very grateful to have been a teacher – to see my ‘kids’ thrive in their careers. What more could I ask for?
Happy Sunday.
What a lovely feeling for you, Claudia. It’s wonderful that you were such a positive part of students’ lives, and vice versa.
Good work!
Thank you Cara!
I imagine a huge part of your success as a teacher where the gifts that you share with us each day on your blog- love, passion, commitment, a keen ear and a sharp eye, and a love for other souls
I think you do still teach- I learn something from you whenever I read the blog- it’s a gift you give to us
Siobhan
Oh, thank you so much, Siobhan!
Halfway through this post…I started to smile…then I started to tear up. You’ve touched many people….you continue to do that, both professionally and here, on the blog. You are a teacher at heart….and your pride of your students is quite evident. Enjoy your day! ;)
Thank you very much, Donnamae!
Such a lovely story! And of course they remember you and the impact you had on their careers. You do have that impact on all of us, here. Still, it’s so nice to be reminded that they know and remember.
Not to interject my own story, but I think I know how you must feel because when our son was about thirteen he gave me a similar complement that I’ll never forget. He had (has) a real talent for the piano, so we bought a piano and arranged for lessons when he was small. Like all kids he’d rather do other things than practice and go to lessons once a week, but we insisted. Then, in junior high, he learned of a band of much older kids across town who needed a keyboard player and he wanted to try out. He wowed them with with his playing. They accepted him immediately and called him “Wonder Boy” after that. He was so proud to be playing with “High School Kids” and one day after practice, when I was driving him home he said to me, “Mom, thanks for making me go to piano lessons!” I have never forgotten that feeling of a job well done.
As a teacher or a parent, we know that they remember our influence, but never expect thanks in so many words. When we get it, it can be devastatingly poignant, huh? I’d like to say thanks for all that you contribute here, too, Claudia! Thank you.
Oh, did you just write that Boys In The Band has closed? Was that a plan or just a way-too-early closing?
Planned. Jim has to get back to Los Angeles to film the new season of Big Bang Theory.
I was thinking as I wrote it that it’s like parents and their kids. So your story makes perfect sense! Good for you.
The IG post definitely brought tears to my eyes, Shanna.
What a joyful post! It’s always good to look back and to see that our life’s work has not been in vain. Some are more publicly successful then others for you but all were touched by your teaching. As others have said, you continue that with your blog. Sharing your life, loves, passions and feelings with us. Thank you for enlightening my life through your blog and your friendship.
Thank you for being here, Linda.
I have said many, many times that you, and Don, have touched so many lives. The world is a better place, due to you.
Thank you so much, Debbie.
What a touching tribute to you, Claudia!
Your kind heart and warmth shine through your blog and stories; thank you for the brightness this brings to my life…over the interwebs of all things.
Thank you, Tisha!
Your heart must feel full today, Claudia. Just as you and Rick made a safe space for those auditioning, you make one here for those of us who are confused and worried by what’s happening in our world today. Thank you.
Oh, thank you for those kind words, Linda.
Just catching up on your recent posts and this one really made me pause. I have always admired those who teach because they are willing to take on such huge responsibility. This post is just one more example of how a good teacher can profoundly impact a young person’s life. Sometimes by even changing the course of their life. You have every right to be proud and pleased to be acknowledged all these years later as that person in these men’s lives. That they did so on a very public social platform makes it even more special. Congrats, Claudia.
I was very moved, Kay. Thank you.
My daughter is in a teaching program, hoping to teach elementary grades in the future. I hope she finds the gratification and satisfaction you found in teaching.
I hope she does too. It’s a very rewarding profession.
What an exciting message and post! Great to be appreciated for your skill and hard work.
Thank you, Gayle.
A teacher’s well-deserved reward. My husband, a retired literature and creative writing professor is proud of so many of his students. Kevin Kwan, author of “Crazy Rich Asians,” is one of the many who have acknowledged John’s impact on their lives.
It’s so satisfying and moving at the same time. Good for your husband, Margaret.
What a lovely validation of your wonderful career. Congrats!!
Thank you, Jenny.
Congrats for sure. So satisfying to look back on a successful career!
Thank you.
Can I just say, with exasperation, that I wish there was one day, just one day, that I can be spared seeing this name in print? Rudy Giuliani.
Good teachers open so many doors for their students. What a wonderful validation that you don’t necessarily need, because you know you were a good teacher, but it is so beyond fantastic when you are acknowledged. There are so many great people who understand that they didn’t get to where they are all on their own, and aren’t ashamed to share their own praises. Great students ~ great people!! And, great teachers!!
Thanks, Chris!
Enjoyed reading about your career. Here’s another pat from me to you.
Thank you.
The only one I am familiar with is Jim Parsons whom I admire not only as an actor but also as a man!…I can only imagine how proud you must be to be given credit for who they are today!….Thanks also for the teaching you have given to us your readers!
Thanks, Nancy.
oh what a joy!
they must feel like your own ‘kids!’ and to have that connection with them that will never be forgotten… just wonderful! and to think of many more who valued your place in their lives!
too bad you can’t have the little cottage where you are with the San Diego climate!
I suppose that’s having one’s cake and eating it too!
kudos to you dear teacher! xo
good grief. I see that I ended every sentence with an ! … can you tell I’m grinning? LOL!
San Diego climate isn’t like it used to be. It’s very hot there and often humid, which was not the case when I lived there!