Scott Osborne
Brief Biography:
Scott is an Assistant Professor of Theatre at Providence College. A native Texan, Scott’s design and directing work has been seen at theaters across the state, New York and Prague CZ. Film & TV credits include set designer for PBS’s Barney & Friends, TNT’s Dallas and 20th Century Fox’s Second Chance, and art direction for NBC’s Salvation. Scott is a member of I.A.T.S.E. Local 484. He received his MFA in Theatrical Design from Southern Methodist University. Scott teaches courses including Technology for the Stage, Introduction to Design, Introduction to Theater, Dance & Film, Theater Appreciation and Script Analysis.
Area(s) of Expertise:
Theatrical Design
Teaching Philosophy:
I have been recognized for my ability as an instructor to connect with students of diverse backgrounds and varying levels of experience. Utilizing precise, focused, and effective methodologies that honor the creative process, enhance the development of individual skills, and accentuate uncommon artistic abilities, my educational approach seeks to identify strengths and cultivate the imaginations of the budding artists with whom I work. I have high expectations of my students. I trust them to make bold creative choices and think for themselves, encourage their input and nurture their distinct creative spirit. In turn, they are held to a high individual standard and expected to exercise discipline and determination in accomplishing the specific goals laid out within the curriculum.
I am known for my emphasis on preparedness, attention to detail and acute sense of organization. I often tell students that in theater there is no substitute for readiness, no short-cuts, no hiding behind dutiful editing or glossy production value. The theater student is tested every time they communicate with a group of people. Therefore, each developing artist must always be alert, ready and fully present, inhabiting the moment and responding in whatever way is facilitative and necessary to clarify and accurately convey an idea or emotion. It is, likewise, the same for theater instructors. We must be meticulously well-versed in the material as well as remain sensitive and open-minded, ready to reinvent and change course when appropriate. The challenges that the theater professor faces involve providing the momentum and inspiration that continually encourage the student to make informed choices while simultaneously allowing for enough flexibility within the structure of a course to promote self-discovery and foster innovation.
My teaching sensibilities are attuned in ways that seek to accommodate, compel and engage the student, making them think about something from a perspective that they might not have otherwise. This is often facilitated via thorough investigation and by continuing to probe further, even when it feels like the answer may have already been found. The successful methods by which I approach my responsibilities as an instructor are a direct result of particular focus on planning, research, and analysis and hinge on my ability to listen with intent and challenge students, responding with empathy, discernment, and a sense of their full potential as scholars and artists.
One of the most extraordinary aspects of the performing arts is its ability to enter the student’s frame of reference from multiple directions. Every student’s encounter with performance technique is radically different and shaped, to a great degree, by their background and place of origin. All students in my classes are encouraged to contribute equally and without reluctance or regard to cultural classification or whether they feel like what they have to say is valid. Layered, complex stories are told from more than one perspective. I create a collaborative community in my classroom. This is how I have managed to shape and facilitate stable, fair and open forums for the incubation and sharing of ideas across a vast array of human experiences.
Every human being has perceptions and feelings that long for expression and acknowledgement. The theater is a looking glass, a frame through which the student can use to explore their own extraordinary potential in the context of the world at large. When a theater course is elevated to this level of discovery and excitement, it is an exhilarating journey for everyone participating. I am honored to have been involved with such brave and thrilling academic adventures in the past. Therefore, this is the supportive and nurturing environment that I endeavor to create in the classroom.
