Bryan sits down with St. Louis Theatre Educator, Michael Musgrave-Perkins (he/him) to talk about being outed in high school, growing up in the South and Mid-West, and providing safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ students on a high school campus.
Join us for an insightful conversation with Michael Musgrave-Perkins, the dynamic chair of the theater department at Grand Center Arts Academy in St. Louis, Missouri. Michael's journey from touring actor to passionate educator is a captivating story, filled with valuable life lessons. His innovative teaching methods aim to provide students not just with theatrical skills, but with useful tools like public speaking and problem-solving abilities. Being a proud queer teacher, Michael also co-sponsors the school's Gender Sexualities Alliance, supporting students through the complexities of their own unique journeys.
Coming out is a deeply personal experience for each individual. Michael bares his soul, sharing his own journey of self-discovery, the ups and downs of coming out, and the impact of relationships with family during this time. He emphasizes the importance of therapy in understanding oneself and the need for patience and grace for teenagers grappling with their sexual identities. His insights provide a sobering look at the challenges faced by queer people, particularly during the difficult period of the early 2000s.
Teaching theater and maintaining a safe, inclusive space for all students to express themselves is central to Michael's educational philosophy. He reflects on the importance of setting boundaries as a queer teacher and his experiences co-sponsoring with a drag performer at his school. Michael explains how he ensures that students can explore their characters without exploiting personal traumas. His exciting endeavor of introducing a student drag show at the academy and his advice to queer teachers on tackling difficult topics in classrooms bring a fresh perspective to theater education. So, tune in to hear Michael's enlightening take on teaching, self-discovery, and making theater an empowering tool for all students.
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