Teaching Artistry With Courtney J. Boddie

In Act 1 of this moving two-part arc, we met Charles Moore—alumnus and now Director of Programs and Operations at Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA)—who shared his remarkable journey from a childhood without parents, to his incarceration at age 34, and how he transformed 17 years behind bars into a life rich with education, creativity, and connection. That first episode explored the healing power of the arts and how they can foster purpose, growth, and community even in what could be the most isolating of environments. Act 2 picks up right where we left off, diving even deeper into Charles’s journey. We learn that he’s been part of RTA for over 20 years, and that transformation was made possible because, as Charles puts it, “somebody believed in me.” He opens up about reentry into society, and how the arts played a crucial role in re-learning essential life skills. The conversation expands to spotlight arts programs for incarcerated individuals across the country, and turns toward legacy—what Charles hopes

In Act 1 of this powerful two-episode arc, Teaching Artistry with Courtney J. Boddie welcomes Charles Moore, an alumnus and now Director of Operations at Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) for Episode 77: “Transformations of a Credible Messenger“. Charles shares his extraordinary journey—from an early childhood spent with family but without his parents, to the challenges of finding work, and ultimately, to his incarceration at age 34. What could have been a story defined by isolation became one of profound transformation. Over the course of his 17-year sentence, Charles turned to education and the arts to rebuild his sense of purpose and to find a vibrant, supportive community. This episode is equal parts deep and inspiring, shining a light on the power of human resilience and the role the arts can play in redemption and healing.

In Act 1 of this 2-episode arc, we were introduced to Tricia Patrick, Director of Education at Ford’s Theatre, as she shared her journey of artistic discovery and self-reflection. She took us through the winding path that led her back to the arts, illustrating how moments of exploration, uncertainty, and personal growth ultimately deepened her understanding of why the arts matter. Through her story, we explored the power of looking back—how embracing the many chapters of our lives helps us refine our purpose, strengthen our creative practice, and bring greater depth to our work as educators, artists, and leaders in the field. Act 2 picks up right where we left off, shifting the focus to the broader impact of theater—not just as an art form, but as a means of fostering essential life skills, interpersonal, and community connection. Tricia unpacks the challenges of access—or lack thereof—to theater, interrogating why it is often undervalued compared to other disciplines and making the case for its immense perso

In Act 1 of this 2-episode arc, "Manifesting Our Creative Chapters," we are thrilled to welcome Tricia Patrick, Director of Education at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. Tricia’s story is one of artistic discovery and self-reflection, rooted in a deep love for the arts that began at a very early age. She takes us on a journey through her life, exploring how an initial spark of passion for the arts led her to navigate diverse paths and career focuses, only to find herself returning to her creative roots with renewed purpose. Along the way, Tricia reflects on the importance of looking back on the many chapters that shape who we are—how embracing our personal histories not only informs our identities but also enhances our ability to engage, educate, and inspire through the arts. This episode invites listeners to consider the cyclical nature of passion and purpose, and how our ever-evolving narratives can deepen our connection to the work we do.

In Act 1 of "Embracing Complexities," we explored Indi McCasey’s expansive journey as a performer, teaching artist, arts administrator, and community catalyst. We unpacked the regional nuances of arts education, the power of data-driven innovation, and how the arts can break free from the constraints of curriculum-based teaching to create more liberatory learning spaces. Through it all, Indi highlighted how teaching artistry skills serve as a bridge across disciplines, shaping their approach to leadership and community engagement. Act 2 picks up right where we left off, diving deeper into Indi’s personal journey of self-discovery through the arts. They share the transformative impact of discovering drag, how it helped them explore the complexities of gender, and the ways community played a vital role in embracing identity. Courtney and Indi also discuss the profound influence of different art forms in shaping Indi’s perspective and sense of self. This episode is an honest and expansive conversation about ide

We are back with our 75th episode, and can’t wait for you to hear it. In Act 1 of "Embracing Complexities," we sit down with Indi McCasey, whose multifaceted journey spans roles as a drag performer, circus artist, teaching artist, arts administrator, and now Executive Director of the Ithaca Public Education Initiative. Indi shares their insights as a community catalyst, exploring how teaching artistry skills translate across diverse professional landscapes. Together, Courtney and Indi dive into themes and topics like regional differences in arts education ecosystems, the liberatory potential of arts-based learning, and the many ways data can drive innovation in education. From the challenges of curriculum-based teaching to the intricacies of NYC's geography—yes, really—this episode celebrates creative approaches to teaching, learning, and community.

In Act 1, we met Hassiem Muhammad, an actor, teaching artist, and multidisciplinary creative, as he reflected on his early discovery of the arts and the experiences that shaped his creative journey. From the mentors who guided him to the unique pathways he’s forged as an artist, the conversation explored how the arts became a powerful force for self-expression and transformation in his life. It was an inspiring dive into the roots of artistry and the passion that drives creative individuals to pursue their craft. In Act 2, we pick up right where we left off and venture deeper into the questions that every artist faces. Is an artist ever truly satisfied in their work? How and when do we as artists know when it’s time to move on? Hassiem shares his perspectives on the intersection of artistry and education, reflecting on his work with a range of organizations and how their approaches have challenged and shaped his practice. The episode also unpacks the impact of his work, exploring how creativity manifests in t

What do The Karate Kid, Hogwarts, and Fame have in common? You’ll have to tune into Episode 74 to find out! In "Run Your Own Race," Courtney dives into an inspiring conversation with Hassiem Muhammad, a dynamic actor, teaching artist, and multidisciplinary creative whose passion for the arts has shaped every aspect of his journey. In Act 1 of this two-part episode, Hassiem reflects on the moments that ignited his love for creativity, the mentors and experiences that guided him, and the unique pathways he’s forged to cultivate his artistry. With humor, heart, and plenty of insight, this episode highlights how the arts can open doors to self-discovery, self-confidence and drive.

In Act 1, Nehprii Amenii took us on a journey through her experiences as a New Victory LabWorks artist, emphasizing the importance of artistry, childlike wonder, and fostering harmony in the classroom. She reflected on her connection to the Alvin Ailey company and shared what it means to truly see and embrace the unique possibilities of art. Through these stories, Nehprii inspired us to rethink the role of creativity in our lives and the power of living in harmony with others. Now for Act 2: What kind of artist are you in this moment? What is your purpose as an artist? These are two big questions swirling their way through Act 2, which picks up right where we left off. In this portion of their chat, Courtney and our guest dive deeper into Nehprii’s fascinating career in puppetry and how it shapes her creative voice. As she reflects ever-so-briefly on what fuels her artistry—the pressing fear that our humanness is disappearing—Nehprii explores the essence of being an artist, how we define artistic worth, and

In Act 1 of Episode 73: “One Hundred Percent Whole,” we welcome the one, the only, the radiant Nehprii Amenii—an educator, Teaching Artist, curriculum developer, theater director, playwright, puppeteer, and a self-proclaimed “creator of things.” Nehprii shares her journey as a New Victory LabWorks artist, exploring how her repeated invitations to the program helped shape her work both within the program and elsewhere. In their conversation, she and Courtney delve into the importance of centering artistry and maintaining a sense of childlike wonder as adults. Listeners will also hear Nehprii’s unique approach to fostering harmony within the classroom and her inspiring connection to the Alvin Ailey company, which deepened her understanding of what it truly means to be an artist.

In Act 1, we explored some jaw-dropping stats on arts access in New York City, the transformative power of the arts on emotional well-being, and why the arts deserve a place alongside core subjects like history and social studies. Our guest, Judith Insell, shared her insights on how the arts can be an economic engine and an accessible career pathway. If you missed it, be sure to catch up on that conversation! In Act 2, we get personal. Judith takes us on her own artistic journey, from discovering her passion for music at a young age to attending the prestigious LaGuardia High School and Manhattan School of Music. Through a series of serendipitous events, she found herself gigging professionally and stepping into arts administration by the age of 24. Judith reflects on the reality of supplementing her career as a musician with teaching and how her experience as a practicing artist has shaped her unique approach to arts administration today. This is a powerful exploration of the intersection of artistry and lea

Get ready for a mind-blowing conversation as Courtney sits down with the dynamic Judith Insell, Executive Director of Bronx Arts Ensemble, in the first act of this two-part series. In this episode, it's all about stats, stats, and more stats—showcasing the eye-opening numbers around the lack of arts access for kids across New York City. Judith and Courtney, you’ll learn, believe that the arts should be advocated for in the same ways that subjects like history and social studies are, and they pose the question: Could and should people in positions of influence declare arts a core subject? Spoiler: the answer is YES! But their chat doesn’t stop there. They unpack how the arts uplift emotional well-being, acting as a crucial tool for human connection and mental health. Plus, Judith brings the heat with insights on how the arts are an economic powerhouse and an exciting, accessible, viable career pathway. This episode is filled with passion and advocacy for an art-filled future for young people, and you won’t wan

In Act 1, we explored Betsaleel (Bets) Charmelus’s insights on transforming learning spaces, the importance of introducing novelty in education, and the critical role of trauma-informed practices. Bets challenged us to rethink how we prepare young people for a world that isn’t trauma-informed, emphasizing that the real impact comes when educators model resilience and adaptability. These foundational ideas set the stage for a deeper conversation in Act 2, where we shift focus from the classroom to Bets’s personal journey and the systemic challenges he’s faced. In this episode, Bets shares his trajectory into his current role as CEO of ArtistYear, offering a candid reflection on the racism he has witnessed within the arts education field and in society at large. He discusses the difficulties of owning his hard-won position and title in a world that often seeks to either undervalue Black leaders. Bets also tackles the complexities of being a Black leader in a time when Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belongin

In Act 1 of this two-episode arc, Courtney engages in a thought-provoking discussion with educator and facilitator Betsaleel (Bets) Charmelus. In their discussion, Bets emphasizes why it’s essential for educators and facilitators to radically change traditional learning spaces. By altering the energy in these environments, we can create room for creative thinking and innovation, ultimately empowering students to think outside the box. Bets also delves into the significance of introducing novelty in a measured, incremental way during facilitation. He highlights how these small shifts can have a profound impact on student engagement and learning outcomes. The episode also explores the creation of spaces in which kids feel safe to take risks, fail, and learn from those failures—spaces that encourage exploration and experimentation as key components of the learning process. A core theme of this episode is the concept of trauma-informed practices in education. Bets challenges the notion of preparing students for

Welcome back to the second part of our special episode​, the first of which was recorded live at the Face to Face 2024 Conference in New York City. In our last episode, we ​featured an insightful discussion with James Miles, also known as Fresh Professor, about the transformative power of hip-hop in education. James shared his mission to reshape the perception and treatment of children in the U.S. education system, highlighting the importance of teaching methods that resonate with how kids learn and the crucial role of collaboration. ​I​n Act 2, Courtney continues her engaging conversation with James Miles, delving into audience comments and questions from the live session. Together, they explore topics such as the challenges of standardized testing,​ the importance of parental involvement in education,​ and how hip-hop can bridge generational gaps and serve as a catalyst for human connection. Join us as we continue to unpack these vital ​t​opics and more, and their impact on education and community.

In this special episode, recorded live at the Face to Face 2024 Conference in New York City, Courtney J. Boddie has a panel discussion with James Miles, also known as Fresh Professor. With a rich background as an artist and educator, James brings over two decades of experience from New York City to Seattle, where he now serves as an Assistant Professor at Seattle University and Creative Economy Manager at the Seattle Office of Economic Development. In this discussion, centered on the transformative power of hip-hop in education, James reflects on his mission to change how children, particularly those who resemble him, are perceived and treated in the U.S. education system. James also notes how hip-hop culture can bridge the gap between students and curricular content, offering a relatable and engaging learning experience. James highlights the importance of teaching methods that align with how kids actually learn, being a positive influence in all educational spaces, and the crucial role of collaboration. Ad

Our newest episode, Episode 69: "Building Intentional Queer Spaces,” features Adam Odsess-Rubin, whose many roles include Founding Artistic Director of National Queer Theater (NQT). In their conversation, Adam offers a glimpse into NQT’s programs, including DREAMing Out Loud; Write it Out!; and Staging Pride Queer Youth Theater, a program that offers free acting classes for Queer and Trans youth that culminates in devising original works. At the heart of these programs, Adam notes, is Queer activism through community-engaged arts programming. The heart of this thoughtful conversation shines when Adam states, “I’m looking for community,” he says and continues by reflecting, “I’m that queer artist that needed a home.” Their conversation continues as they discuss: creating supportive spaces for Queer youth to be creative and build community; how, within current systems, administrative practices can’t always act in concert with the support systems created for meaningful community engagement; and the friction that

Our newest episode, Episode 69: "Building Intentional Queer Spaces,” features Adam Odsess-Rubin, whose many roles include Founding Artistic Director of National Queer Theater (NQT). In their conversation, Adam offers a glimpse into NQT’s programs, including DREAMing Out Loud; Write it Out!; and Staging Pride Queer Youth Theater, a program that offers free acting classes for Queer and Trans youth that culminates in devising original works. At the heart of these programs, Adam notes, is Queer activism through community-engaged arts programming. The heart of this thoughtful conversation shines when Adam states, “I’m looking for community,” he says and continues by reflecting, “I’m that queer artist that needed a home.” Their conversation continues as they discuss: creating supportive spaces for Queer youth to be creative and build community; how, within current systems, administrative practices can’t always act in concert with the support systems created for meaningful community engagement; and the friction that

In Act 2 of Episode 68: “Pockets of Light,” Courtney continues her conversation with multidisciplinary artist Jerron Herman. What sticks from Act 1 of this episode are the internal themes of personal and professional growth, and disability justice through disability artistry. What’s new and exciting about Act 2 is Courtney and Jerron’s deep discussions centered on art-making by and about disabled communities through a disability justice lens; Jerron’s invitation to identify one’s authentic curiosity about this work and considering ways one might enter deep conversations that explore disability justice; what solidarity means in the context of building bridges from one community to the next; and we have been indoctrinated to believe that capitalism (an oppressive presence in our lives) is the only way to exist and how, together, we can move toward a more liberated society, deeper thinking and move beautiful art-making.

Our newest episode, Episode 68: "Pockets of Light,” features multidisciplinary artist Jerron Herman. In their conversation, Courtney and her guest discuss their time together at New Victory, when Jerron was just starting out in the arts world. The episode continues by exploring Jerron’s position at the intersection(s) at which his artistry currently lives and continues to evolve. This leads Courtney and Jerron to discuss personal and professional growth and their respective trajectories into their current positions/careers—for Jerron, this is an emphasis on disability justice through disability artistry.