Phone: (252) 357 - 0720 (no known extension 😬)

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre (UNCC) Graduate Certificate to Teach Theatre in NC K-12 (UNCC)

James Shafer

"To grow as a theatre artisan and to inspire artistry in every student"

I have taught Theatre Arts in the NC Public School System for 10.5 years (2013 to 2023)

Theatre is "organized storytelling to entertain" and I couldn't be happier to share my passion and knowledge of this art form with young minds - I have THE BEST JOB EVER!!!

This is my second year at Gates County High School (23-24)

In my first year at GCHS (22-23), my classes and Playmakers (the club established for dramatic performance) performed six major performances (A Christmas Celebration!, Selections from Spoon River Anthology and Silence, The Comedy of Errors, The Cherry Orchard, A Night of Fairy Tales, and A Night of Poetry) and toured the elementary schools and Gates House with the one acts from A Night of Fairy Tales - it was a GREAT year!!!

In all of my classes and Playmakers we operate under the two ideals: BE RESPECTFUL and BE RESPONSIBLE

I have high expectations for myself and for all of my students/classes. My classes are usually very fun and rewarding, but not without challenge and learning. We succeed because I insist on success. In my workspace there is no such thing as an "easy A," but there is a "well-earned A" and I hope all students experience that!

The academic grade for students in all classes is based on the following criteria:

Journals -25%

Participation - 25%

Tests and Quizzes - 25% (Tests - 15%, Quizzes/Homework - 10%)

Performance - 25%

All students are expected to try. I firmly believe that the best learning (for this subject) happens when students "do" the work - so students will be expected to perform. I will nurture them and help to develop their skills so that not only are they prepared for performance, but that they can perform well. As long as a student tries - they can succeed! A "well-earned A," never an "easy A"

I can be reached via email most reliably. I look forward to working with you this year!!!