Student Testimonials

Much like any other child that loved movies, when I was younger I decided I wanted to be an actress. I realized I needed to take acting classes so I was very excited to find out that the new school I was going to attend offered Theatre as a class. What I didn’t realize was how much work was needed to become even a decent actress neither did I realize I was fearful of the attention that came with being an actress. Not only did three years of working with Mrs. Hanspard help me come out of my shell, but she helped me find a deeper appreciation for theatre than just being a movie star. She believed in me and gave me encouraging but very helpful notes to strengthen my craft and if I didn’t understand how to do something, she was always there to demonstrate it. Although I no longer want to be an actress, she helped me truly find a love for performing and comfort on a stage in front of an audience. Because of her, I am a much better actress now, which has helped me land leading roles in plays that I have done outside of her classroom. 

“Azia Tisdale, former student” 

“Mrs. Hanspard was my very first acting teacher, she also cast me in my very first play ever, “The Straight Skinny”. She made every class and play not only a fun experience but also an amazing educational experience. She is one of the few teachers who helped me realize my dream, and the path I wanted to take in life.” 

Mariah Crawford, former theatre student

I entered Mrs. Hanspard’s class as a shy 6th Grader who was afraid to look people in the eye, let alone step on a stage as anything more than stage crew. Mrs. Hanspard, outside of being a great theatre teacher, taught me how to walk in confidence and to never doubt myself when faced with a new challenge, such as acting. She pulled out and cultivated skills that I didn’t even know I possessed, and I found myself holding multiple lead roles before I went to high school.The lessons that I learned through working with Mrs. Hanspard transcend the scope of Theatre Arts, and apply to me even now as an Aerospace Engineering student. Overall, Mrs. Hanspard has had a huge impact on my life both on and off the stage, and I am truly grateful for having the chance to learn from her.

“Surree Davis-former theatre student”