She earned degrees from Radford University (2014) and Converse University (2022) and has worked on both the administrative, performance, and educational sides of the theater (Asheville Lyric Opera & Opera Roanoke). When she's not watching, rehearsing, or directing a show, you can usually find Erin with her two friendly huskies - Zeke and Aurora- four cats - Binx, Romeo, Thomas O'Malley, and Jorgie - and her husband, Austin!

This is an exciting year for Griffin Theatre as they learn to navigate our beautiful new space, the Valerie M. Barnet Theatre. Griffin Theatre (7th-12th grade students) will take part in two fully produced shows: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (play) & Seussical Jr. (musical). We have also launched the Jr. Griffin Theatre Program (2nd-6th grade students), which will perform Annie Kids in February. 

Theatre extends so much further than the stage. Public speaking skills, problem solving, self-confidence, organization skills, teamwork, these are just some of the tools students are learning in theatre class through what may look & feel to the outside world like "silly theatre games". If you've never seen one of the "hire a former theatre kid" videos, Erin highly recommend looking them up!

Right now, 6th grade theatre students are learning to express emotions and tell stories solely through the use of their bodies. Erin always like to start off the year with a mime unit because it takes the pressure off of having to speak in front of the class. The class gets to learn more about one another, their space, and how to effectively communicate (and sometimes how we accidentally communicate) without ever having to say a word. There have already been a lot of giggle fits, exaggerated movements, and "oh is that what my face is saying?" moments! 

8th grade and upper school theatre students have been prepping for the dramatic storytelling in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow through scene studies and characterization breakdown. They start class each day with a focused exercise to help build trust and collaboration within the group. You may have seen them laying on the patio outside of the theatre working on focused, deep breathing and releasing post-long-weekend tension. Don't worry if you hear some of the theatre kids chanting "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog". They're just practicing!

The Jenga activity during inservice week inspired Erin to buy two sets of Jenga blocks and write "Get To Know You" & "Act It Out" prompts. She used these blocks as sub plans in the beginning of the year  to motivate students to start breaking down barriers with one another.  Most of the blocks had questions or prompts, but some said "Phew! You're safe" and the student just got to play normal Jenga on that turn. To Erin's great surprise, the kids were extremely upset with her over the "safe" blocks because they wanted a question or task! Her sub even let me know that they went through the stacks and pulled all of the safe blocks out. Erin shared that this has become a great tool to have on hand on the occasion we end up with an extra five minutes at the end of class.