MEPA Experience- What I Learned

 If you were at this year’s MEPA Experience what did you come away with?  Here’s my answer:  First, I learned a process to use when putting together a show.  Start with a working title and run my idea through a series of tests to see if it’s a great idea or merely a good one.  Good ideas may only produce good results and my kids deserve better.  I learned that in critique I can ask judges to watch for a certain effect that I’m particularly proud of.  In fact, the judges encourage it.  I learned that when tearing down my setup after my unit performs, maybe the best thing to do with my cords is to let them be swept up in my floor.  I talked to (not e-mailed) friends and colleagues in the activity and also made a couple of new friends.  This is only a fraction of what I learned from some of the best minds in the activity.  Most of all, I learned that regardless of what I think I know, there is a huge wealth of knowledge that exists outside of the walls of my school and I’m going to have to go out in search of it.  Other directors are going to educational days armed with pad, pencil, and handouts and if I don’t go, I’m allowing others to gain an edge on me.  People I spoke to had very good reasons for not attending but for all of those times I said no to an event like this, I wonder what I missed?  How many friends didn’t I make?  The educational side of this entry is this:  I have found as a teacher that the best way to get better at what I do is not to read articles or watch DVDs although that’s important too.  It’s talking to other people who do what I do.  Don’t miss the opportunity to talk to some of the best in the business next year and don’t forget that you have as much to offer to us as we do to you.  See you next year! 

Talk Back:  What did you learn from the experience this year?  Post your comments below.