Educator Testimonials
“As I reflect on the week and on your masterclass I can’t help but acknowledge how grateful I am every time I get to learn from you. Though we bring in guests for our students, I’m always selfishly aware that I get to play student on these days, too. So, thank you for not only sharing your wisdom with them, but with me.
Our students left your class excited, with a renewed sense of possibility and rejuvenated for the year ahead. Thank you for demystifying this overwhelming college-audition-process and reiterating that their own unique lived experience really is what is wanted. (And thank you for touching on ‘overdone material’!!)” ~ Charles Swan-(Director of Musical Theatre) “I love welcoming Kaitlin Hopkins to Dreyfoos School of the Arts to work with our theatre students. Her wealth of knowledge and ability to bring the absolute best out of these young artists is inspiring and infectious. My students are glued to her every word as she coaches their artistic choices on a piece, opens their mind to new ways of thinking, and eases their stresses about the college audition process. I am so thankful Kaitlin has been able to share her invaluable experience with my students for the past four years.” ~ Michelle Petrucci (Dean of Theatre, A. W. Dreyfoos School for the Arts) 
“Sitting in that classroom, it is truly magical to witness what Kaitlin is able to unleash in young artists. With mindfulness and affection, Kaitlin helps spur a remarkable transformation, and one that reveals the authenticity of each student’s true self.”
~ Mary Anna Dennard (Founder) 
“As a Director and Owner of Musical Theater College Auditions (MTCA), a team of working artists and educators preparing high school students for college auditions, I have enthusiastically hired Kaitlin multiple times to work with our students. Each and every time, it is a huge success. Students rave after each experience with her. One of Kaitlin’s greatest strengths is her ability to personalize the experience with every student she works with. She focuses on the individual. Many educators offer the same exercises and adjustments to each student; Kaitlin, on the other hand, digs in personally and figures out the root of what that specific young artist needs to strengthen and layer their work. Without fail, each student walks away with tangible next steps that can be applied to their development. Kaitlin and I see eye to eye on many areas of the arts. One of them being individuality, and the vital need to celebrate it! How beautiful is it that Kaitlin, can be such a strong voice to so many young artists as they begin their careers? Show business needs more voices like Kaitlin’s: not focusing and harping on "type" so much, but instead seeking and rewarding authenticity.”
~ Leo Ash Evans (MTCA Director) 
“My students and I adore Kaitlin, both as a teacher, and a person! She carries with her a sense of knowledge and compassion that you know instantly you can trust her with your talent and you’ll be glad when you do! Her innovative approach to teaching GETS RESULTS that are easily replicated again and again. I always learn something from watching her teach! She is a constant source of inspiration.”
~ Josh Wechsler (Director Pre-Professional Company Director ZACH Theatre) “I am inspired every time I observe Kaitlin’s classes! Kaitlin offers an open, creative space where Actors are free to make mistakes and be vulnerable. Through her knowledge and expertise, she has the ability to effortlessly guide individuals to connecting honestly to their work. Most importantly, she is wholeheartedly invested in her students’ process and successes.” ~ Jen Young Mahlstedt (Resident Choreographer & Pre-Professional Company Director ZACH Theatre) 
“Kaitlin Hopkins is more than just the "real deal" she is in a word Stellar. Imagine bringing in a master teacher to work with your students that can speak on the craft of performing from every single angle? From student performers of both stage and screen, from Hollywood to New York Kaitlin will make you and your students feel like you have been given a fresh outlook on everything arts related. The worst part of having Kaitlin Hopkins come to work with your actors is that it can't last forever. Her very specific education on mental health of young performers is something I have never experienced with any other educator. Kaitlin works hands on with a caring tone, but she is not afraid to give corrections and push students even in a one time workshop. Upon working with Kaitlin you can tell right away why Texas State Musical Theatre is one of the top programs in the country. I highly recommend bringing Kaitlin in for both a student and parent workshop. You will leave feeling inspired and invigorated because Kaitlin's passion for the arts and arts education is infectious and impossible not to catch.”
~ Heather Biddle (Head Theatre Director JJ Pearce High School) 
“I have known and admired Kaitlin for nearly fifteen years since we first worked together on a pre-Broadway workshop in New York City. In recent years, I have come to know Kaitlin the intrepid entrepreneur, Co-Founder of Living Mental Wellness, and visionary educator and head of Texas State's Music Theatre program. My respect and admiration for this trailblazer has only grown tenfold in that time. I continue to stand in awe as she balances a full time commitment to arts education and mental health awareness, all the while running what is arguably one of the most illustrious music theatre programs in the world. Somehow, Kaitlin manages to do this all with grace, humor, confidence, and kindness. She is simply the best!”
~ Matthew Scott, Actor/Creative Education Director, Broadway Dreams Foundation 
“Kaitlin’s work with our students has been incredibly effective. She is a captivating, fun, and efficient master teacher. Her broad experience and intuitive approach is beneficial for young performers hoping to sharpen their skills and understand themselves as performers in a more in depth way."
~ Jordan Bryant (North East San Antonio Performing Arts High School) |
