What area do you teach?

Theatre

Education/Degree(s)

MFA in Acting from Wayne State University

Your Philosophy of Teaching

As an artist and teacher, I believe in the power of training over talent. That the student that challenges themselves the most will grow and go the furthest. I believe that a cooperative and collaborative attitude is one of the strongest assets a student can possess. Theatre is a craft and discipline is essential. I believe that a student should never be afraid to try, to look ridiculous, to fail, to play, to laugh, to be daring. As a teacher, I strive to teach this philosophy and to teach students tools that they can use for the rest of their lives. The actor needs to understand their instrument – how to ground themselves physically, how to engage the text, to free their voices, to create characters. I encourage risk-taking but provide a safe, inclusive environment where playing, exploration, and trial and error are valued. I truly believe that nothing is a mistake, just an opportunity to learn by assessing what works and what doesn't work. I believe that the discipline of theatre requires communication, problem-solving, creative thinking, self-expression and confidence, skills that make theatre students resourceful, not just in their chosen craft, but in life.

Why did you decide to teach?

I love to teach because I have always had the good fortune to learn from my students. They challenge me, they keep me on my toes, they keep me growing, they make me laugh, they keep me young. I am inspired by their curiosity and their aptitude and quest for knowledge. It's incredibly rewarding to see them grow throughout their Southeast journey. It's a privilege to use my experience to help them apply the skills we teach in our program to create their own path for the future.

Credentials/Career Path

Roxanne Wellington is an Assistant Professor of Acting and Voice at the Jeanine Larson Dobbins Conservatory of Theatre and Dance at Southeast Missouri State University. She has previously taught theatre at Central Michigan University, Oakland University and Wayne State University, specializing in movement and voice. She has presented theatre workshops at ATHE, SETC, and VASTA. Roxanne has also been a proud AEA member for over 25 years and has worked in theatres throughout the U.S., such as the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, and P.S. 122 in New York. Representative roles include Lady Macbeth at the Meadow Brook Theatre, Blanche in A Named Streetcar Desire at Florida Atlantic Theatre, and originating the role of Virginia in The Wilma Theatre’s production of Age of Arousal. She has received Best Actress awards from the Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News, and Ann Arbor’s Wilde Award. Roxanne is a Pilates Method Alliance certified instructor, yoga enthusiast, and passionate humane society member.

Professional Highlight

Detroit Free Press Theatre Award - most versatile performer

Awards/Honors/Recognitions

I was honored to be nominated for an outstanding teaching award at Southeast Missouri State

Organizations with Which You are Involved

• The Humane Society of Southeast Missouri
• The Alzheimers Association

Most Recent/Notable Published Works

Dialect Coaching "A Christmas Carol" for Meadow Brook Theatre (professional regional theatre)

Best Advice for Students

Stay curious.