Daily Inspiration: Meet Sina Hirsch

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sina Hirsch.

Hi Sina, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started teaching improv, voice, and stagecraft back in 2014. The improv was through The Jeffco School District as an enrichment program. My intention was to teach improv as a life skill rather than just a performance art. I specialized in middle school kids, because they seem to be the forgotten age group. We focused on short-form, because it strengthened skill such as team work, creativity, and flexibility in thought and action. The kids couldn’t get enough, and begged for more classes. So I decided in 2016 to create an improv troupe comprised of only teens between the ages of 14 years old to 18 years old. I have been several iterations of this troupe, including during COVID, when we performed via Zoom. I treat the kids like adults, and I don’t censor the topics that they use during rehearsals and performances, because they need the outlet, and they want to been seen and heard as people, not just ‘kids.’ In 2022, when we found a permanent performance space. I decided to make the troupe a professional troupe, that pays the actors. It gives the young actors a chance experience being tangibly rewarded for their efforts. They don’t make much, but they do get paid if they participate in the monthly shows. I don’t charge actors in the troupe. There is no tuition. If they audition and are cast, there is a $75 administration fee that covers the ticket venue and their T-shirt. There are no other costs.

As voice and stagecraft teacher, I focus on the connection of the student to the piece they are learning/performing. I want them to know that they can use lyrics or dialogue to express very real emotions that they have, even if the fictional circumstances aren’t in their wheelhouse. It’s how I teach genuine performance delivery rather than just words on a page. I also treat each of my students as a person, so lessons are not traditional in the sense that I give them a piece, and then they learn it. We start lessons off by talking about their week, how they are feeling about school, friends, etc., and then we ease into the meat of the lesson.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road in any way! Kids are inconstant. They don’t communicate well when they want a change or need something new. I’ve had to accept several students just ‘disappearing’ without a word. It is disheartening, but, I have others that need me and my programs. So I forge ahead, and keep things stable. I personally invest so much into each and every kid that I work with, that it does become emotionally draining. But I know there is greatness in each and every one of them, and I believe it is my job to be there when they need me, regardless of communication, dedication, or desire to continue.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I started my company, Stages: A Practical Theatrical in 2011, and has been growing the company since. I have been active in the performing arts since childhood, and has remained active in the theatrical community. I started performing professionally in my 20s. I took break to have my two wonderful kids, and started becoming involved in the Denver theater community again in 2014.I I perform and direct shows throughout the Western Suburbs, and teach students of all ages the wonderful worlds of theatre, voice, and performance. In addition to directing a teenaged improv troupe, I direct an adult troupe, The Loose Screws, as well. I am a huge supporter of the arts, and currently sits on the Board of Directors for The Elemental Theatre Company. She is working on a long-term project called Voices, which is a program designed to create awareness and support for Suicide Victims and their families.

What sets me apart is my belief that all my students, no matter what creative art they are learning from me, can use the skills I teach to become more confident, stronger, more capable human beings. I teach confidence and kindness of strict performance. I teach the students that the characters they are trying to portray are actually real people with similar thoughts and feelings, which allows the students to identify traits within themselves.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I have no idea. I have worked with numerous families and kids over the last 10 years. Most people support what I do, because I really try to put the needs of the students first. I have donated costumes to several shows, and only ask that they are returned to me dry cleaned. I offer my time freely to anyone who truly needs it. Same with music and monologues. I haven’t collaborated much, with exception of The Elemental Theatre Company, since I am on the board. Usually I just make myself available to the projects that need/want me to be a part of them.

Pricing:

• Voice/Stagecraft Lessons – $70/hr.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stagesimprov.com