Kimberly Gifford is our Drama teacher. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with Bachelor’s Degrees in Theater Arts and Speech Communication from Oregon State University.
Ms. Gifford has more than 25 years of experience in performance and theatre instruction. This includes stage, independent film, print, national and local commercials, and teaching ages 3 and up. She is the co-founder of Thriving Theatre! and Thriving Improv Theatre!
Ms. Gifford’s Mission Statement:
“I am passionate about the collaborative element of the art of theatre. The opportunity for concomitant communing with an audience and fellow creators is my ultimate motivation for devoting so much of my life to theatre arts. The intense bliss I experience in the presence of an exploring artist expressing her, or his, perspective in my presence takes my breath away. I feel inspired to share my self fearlessly. This is intoxicating and I cannot live happily without those rare wonderful moments of creative intimacy.
As a director I am not trying to create a star, a celebrity, or a showcase for me, or a few participants. There are roles onstage and off that are more, or less, visible. This does not diminish anyone. When handled with grace this allows the presence of the less visible, or invisible, to penetrate the audience’ senses more profoundly than one might expect. The beauty is in the details. It’s thrilling when each participant recognizes his or her own value and unique contribution to the artistic endeavor. Releasing ego can be one of the great struggles in both art and life. Humility and courage are worthy companions in both.
I am interested in moving performer, creator and observer though-out their interior landscape, perhaps to discover, or revisit, vistas and valleys of beauty and wonder. Hopefully, many will be richer for it, in the best sense of the word. Our time here together is short. I want to experience beauty and authenticity with you. Let’s inspire each other.”
In her free time, Ms. Gifford enjoys play-writing, practicing ASL, dancing, and reading. She has also served as a birth and postpartum doula and a wedding officiant.
This is Ms. Gifford’s 20th year with Ashbrook Independent School.