TEACHER TUESDAY: DAVID O’ROARK

Since 2001, David O’Roark has served as director of WC’s robust theatre arts program. He currently teaches Beginning Acting and Theatre classes at the Upper School.

How would you describe your teaching style? “I have a unique teaching experience. Typically, the theatre class gets to be very active. We jump around, sing, tell stories, and play games.”

What is the most challenging aspect of your work? “The most challenging aspect of my job is to get students to try new things and break through their fear of failure or embarrassment. During the course of the class, we will laugh with each other and at ourselves. We will try to put past our comfort zones and learn new things about ourselves–maybe talent we didn’t even know we had.”

What is the most rewarding aspect of your work? “One of the main parts of my job is the after school program during which we prepare for four Upper School theatre productions each year. The most rewarding thing is when the kids get a chance to perform and they are able to affect an audience through laughter or other kinds of emotionally cathartic ways; sharing emotions is a very powerful thing.”

How do you incorporate faith and learning? “One of the most effective ways that Jesus taught people was through story-telling. He helped people understand the world around and above them through story where they all could relate to a common experience. We want to help people understand life in the same way.”