True Story returns this week after a two week hiatus. We loved having The Alternative Arts Collective in the space, and we're thrilled to be back!
Who is the storyteller for this weeks True Story? Actress and Mesa Verde High School drama teacher Deni Scofield! She has developed an incredible program over at Mesa Verde and has nurtured a stronger arts program throughout the San Juan Unified School District. When she's not teaching, and directing she's onstage, having just performed this summer in MacBeth, at Chautauqua Theater.
We have a chance to ask her a few questions!
Who inspires you, who is your role model?
Hmm…that’s quite a list, so I’ll try to narrow it down to just a few. First one! My 100 yr old grandma. She lived on her own until she was 96 and could beat me in a mean game of pinnacle untilshe was 100. She died today and that sassy, spit and vinegar lady will be dearly missed.
My second person is Walt Disney… a creative genius who didn’t know the meaning of the word “box”. He had the heart and soul of a dreamer and knew how to dig in and immerse himself in the love and joy and laughter and life.
My third is Robert Redford….just because he’s freakin’ sexy and…nope, enough said!
What do you enjoy most about your job?
As a teacher, I find an incredible amount of joy and satisfaction in knowing that I’m making a difference in the lives of my students…and I get to do it with teaching something that I love, THEATRE! I get to have an impact on their lives and watch my students develop and grow as human beings. I get to be creative and inventive and sensitive…even when I don’t feel like it. It’s a challenge at times, but the fun and delight outweighs any of that yucky stuff!
Do you ever get starstruck?
See above comment (think Sundance) oh, and the Duke aka John Wayne. Loved that guy…once tried to win a free lunch with John. Cried when I didn’t win!
What do you do when you’re not working?
Reading plays (and sometimes writing them), walking my dogs, and celebrating life with friends!
What work are you most proud of?
Well, as a writer I am most proud of Clippings, my first published play. As a director, the sheer number of plays I’ve put on with my students over a 24 year period, and as an actor, I would have to say this summer’s TAAC production of MACBETH…the role of HECATE was immensely AWESOME!