Performing Arts

"Imagination is more important than knowledge.  Knowledge is limited.  Imagination enriches the world" Albert Einstein

A recent study completed by IBM asked CEO’s to rank series of qualities based on what they think is the most important skill to possess in the next five years. Overwhelmingly, creativity was voted number one. When we discuss ‘creativity’, we must remember that we are not just talking about the Creative or Performing Arts. Creativity is crucial, no matter what your occupation.   People in all walks of life - business, education, law, medicine - all need to develop their creative potential and learn from each other. People with the imagination to come up with good and new ideas, in order to solve new problems, are necessary in every area of our society. Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, Steve Jobs. These individuals were pioneers in their fields and have had a tremendous impact on how each of us live our day to day lives. And they couldn’t have done that without creativity. 

Creativity allows individuals to think instead of remember. 

It was late last year when I first heard about the Creative Ambassador’s Initiative run by the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) in Sydney. The same NIDA that was recently voted in the top 10 greatest Drama schools in the world. Now in its 3rd year, the initiative brings together a small group of teachers from all around the country to learn, share and empower one another. Participating in a number of practice lead sessions with a variety of practitioners who are Industry Professionals and specialists in their field.  I was incredibly humbled to be chosen as a Creative Ambassador in 2019.  

In Week 1 of this term, I flew to Sydney to begin what was one of the most difficult yet exhilarating weeks of my life. Performing Arts departments tend to be on the smaller side so getting the opportunity to join in a room with a group of fellow drama teachers from all different school contexts was incredibly valuable. One thing was evident from the very beginning. It didn’t matter what part of the country you came from, whether you taught in state, catholic or independent systems. We all shared the same passion for creativity and all face similar challenges on a day to day basis. Part of the week was spent looking at our individual school contexts with a new lens. Examining the ‘creativity culture’ at our schools. 

I returned to Killester with a plethora of strategies and skills to not only introduce throughout our Performing Arts curriculum but as a whole school approach. I look forward to working with Staff and Students to introduce these to our school in the future. 

Thank you to Killester College for allowing me the time to go and participate in this incredible development program.

Jenna Cronin, Performing Arts Learning Area Leader