Brand new to Jesuit’s drama stage, this year Ms. Amberly Orr steps in and takes over for Ms. Elaine Kloser in the theater department.
Before arriving at Jesuit, Ms. Orr taught drama classes at Tualatin middle school for five years and a private school for two years.
Even though Ms. Orr officially started teaching about seven years ago, she has taught theater camps since she was only 16 years old.
“I just love seeing them (the students) all working together to achieve one goal, and the joy they get from it is just amazing to see,” Orr said.
When she was younger she was in the famous stage production “Oklahoma.” The teacher that taught her class made such a positive impact on how she views theater that it inspired her to teach.
“I remember thinking that the theater teacher was the reason it was happening. And it was such a great experience for me that I was like, I would love to be in a position where I can create those types of community experiences for other people,” Orr said.
When she is not in the classroom teaching, she enjoys nature and being able to be outside.
“I enjoy outside activities very much for instance, hiking, running, gardening, playing tennis, as well as participating in productions when I can,” Orr said.
An important thing to know about Ms. Orr is that she is excited and eager to make a positive impact on the students of Jesuit as well as the theater department. She wants to help students learn different strategies that will help them in all aspects of their lives.
Full Interview Transcript (Lightly Edited for Clarity):
What did you do before coming to Jesuit?
I got my degree in theater as my undergrad, then I taught at a private school for two years. Then I was able to take a couple years off to get my Masters in teaching. Right before this I taught at Tualatin middle school. And now I’m here at Jesuit!
How long have you been teaching?
In some ways I have been teaching since I was 16 because I used to help out with theater camps, but more officially it has been about 6 or 7 years.
What inspired you to teach?
When I was younger I was a theater kid and I was in a production of “Oklahoma” and it was just a monster of a show with 80 people on stage. It had an orchestra and it was just an incredible experience. Then I realized I wanted to be in a position where I can create those types of community experiences for other people.
What have been your first impressions of Jesuit?
The Jesuit community has been very nice and respectful. I’ve felt really welcomed by everyone here.
What has been your favorite part of teaching here?
Well my favorite thing I have taught so far has been the “Human Knot” (the Human Knot game is where you stand in a circle and grab the hands of someone across from you, then you try and figure out how to unknot your team) This is a team building activity, and it was really cool to see how hard they were working to get out of their knots and the amount of joy from working together to get untangled.
What is your main focus for your students?
My main focuses have been to have my students realize the importance of communication, collaboration, and cooperation. I want to set my students who want to be actors to be set up for success in the acting world. And for the students that don’t want to be actors to be better at public speaking, as well as learning how to share spaces
What are you most looking forward to at Jesuit?
I am really looking forward to the auditions within this year, and getting to create art on this beautiful stage. Also to get to work a bit more with Brandon McCoy with all these plays, as he is the co-director.
What is something the Jesuit community should know about you?
They should know that I’m really excited to be here!
