About Me

Hello! My name is Juan Gomez, and I am currently a second-year student in the Theatre Teaching BFA program. As an aspiring educator and artist, my journey in the fine arts has shaped who I am today. I am passionate about theater, sound and light design, and the power of the arts to bring people together. I am excited to continue my education and pursue a career where I can share my love for the theater while making a positive impact in the classroom.

My Journey in the Arts

My passion for theater started early in high school, where I took Theater 1 and 2 and found my love for both performing and the technical aspects of theater, such as sound and light design. These experiences helped me realize how important the behind-the-scenes work is in enhancing what the audience experiences on stage. I was also fortunate to perform in several productions, including the Granite School District's Theater Competition, as well as in the play The Man Who Came To Dinner and the musical Shrek the Musical JR. These experiences have been pivotal in developing my skills as a performer and a creator.

Why I Chose to Teach

I made the decision to pursue a teaching license in the arts because I want to engage with students in creative, hands-on ways. Whether it's helping students design a set for a play or guiding them through a Shakespeare scene to make it relatable and understandable, I believe every student should have the opportunity to express themselves and explore their creativity. I am passionate about finding innovative ways to make theater accessible and exciting for all students, regardless of their background or experience level.

The Importance of the Fine Art's

Being in a space where the fine arts—particularly theater—are often underfunded and underrepresented has only strengthened my belief in the value of the art's. Not only will the fine art's help individual's develop essential life skills such as public speaking, teamwork, and communication, but it also provides a platform for self-expression. As a future educator, I want to advocate for the importance of theater and show how it can be a transformative tool for personal and social growth.

My Mission as a Future Educator

One of my greatest hopes as a future theater teacher is to create a space where students from all walks of life feel valued, heard, and appreciated. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community and someone of Hispanic descent, I understand the importance of representation. I want to create a classroom environment where students feel they can express themselves freely, regardless of their race, religion, background, or identity. I believe that when students feel accepted for who they are, they are more likely to thrive academically and creatively.