Shannon Brake

Brainstormer, Christian, Connector, Idea generator, Parent, Producer, Writer/Editor

My life has always been centered around education in one way or another. I discovered a passion and for musical theater and drama education. I began to attend shows every chance I could get and wanted to be a part of making the magic of theater happen. I was fortunate to act in a few shows, but I soon realized that directing, producing and drama workshop management was my passion. I became involved with our local community theater and eventually became president and directed or produced all shows. The theater life became my life and those involved became my second family. Since my girls were still young, I was only working part time, I had freedom to devote to show production. I had no previous background in theater, so everything I learned, I learned on my own and through on the job experience. Over the course of my 8 years in theater, I have worked in every area and learned from the ground up. A theater life is rich in valuable and applicable experiences that given me an education rich in texture and substance. Through theater, I have learned how to manage a team, how to solve problems creatively, how to manage other people's money, and how to stay calm and effective under pressure.

I'm passionate about fostering imagination in children through free play and creative dramatics in a child led format. We can take what is in the child's natural world and gently guide them to create.

I have always been fascinated when I observe how the world of theater can act as a metaphor for life. Over the past few years, I have adjudicated several high school performances, and I have noticed that the areas that make a show weak or strong, are often the same areas that make ones life a success or a struggle. When I see a scene that is well balanced in color and proportion, with a bit of dissonance thrown in for a fun flair, I know that the scene was well planned and the array was not left to chance. The concept is true for life as well. Maintaining a balanced life, while allowing for the unexpected bit of tension can allow us to breath and grow. I also look for liveliness in the background characters. When not in the spotlight, do supporting actors seem bored, or zone out? Or do they add to the scene by reinforcing the story? And in life, how do we act in our private lives, when we are not on stage. Do we live the life we profess? These are just two examples, among the many.

Creative dramatics, Drama in Education, education, Faciliation/Group Guiding, Reading & Writing Workshop, Small Group Communication

TED opened a world of adventure for me. I'll be forever grateful to the TED Ed Innovative Educator program for supporting in me, believing in me, and introducing me to new worlds.

I have developed the skill of adjudicating musical theater performances. I have served as a judge for five years for local performances and am often asked to serve as a consult for local theater.