“Language alone protects us from the scariness of things with no names. Language alone is meditation.” -Toni Morrison
Teaching
When Lois began her teaching journey, our country and its classrooms functioned in a more cohesive manner. Students attended high school wanting to learn, with a dream of going to college and get out in the world to fulfill their dreams. Students still have those same dreams, but they are harder to attain in 2019 than they were in 1998 due to the reduced funding in K-12 education and the shift in the economics of learning.
"I consider myself blessed to be a Teaching Artist. I have worked with students and teachers in 41 states with The Acting Company, and just love teaching teenagers. They touch my heart."- Lois
Lois has lead workshops for teens in schools and libraries across the country and abroad for The Acting Company. In 2018 she added workshops for adults, which she has taught in community outreach programs on college campuses including Sarah Lawrence and Vassar College.
The Creative Self (Exploring the Creative Process)
Vassar College Lifelong Learning Institute
Fall 2023
FRIDAY ON-CAMPUS LAST 4 WEEK COURSES
124 Raymond Ave., Box 160, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604
1:45 PM – 3:00 PM / Limit 16
Imagination is the gateway to the soul. Stimulating the imagination is life-affirming. Creativity
opens us up to our endless possibilities, no matter our age. Through the creative processes and
personal experience an individual can experience how every moment lived is a creative moment,
how every moment lived is an inspiration. When an individual explores their inner and outer
landscape, the exploration creates a deeper understanding of life. Through sound, movement,
process-oriented writing exercises, discussion, and active imagining one taps into their creative
self. The creative process taps into the infinite.
Bring writing materials and wear comfortable clothing.
Workshops
What if You're Not Who You Think You Are?
When an individual explores his or her inner landscape, the exploration creates a deeper understanding of life.
The Creative Self
Through varied creative processes, reflection, and interpretation, participants can understand how every moment lived is a creative moment & how every moment is an inspiration. Through process-oriented exercises, active imagining and personal journeying one changes his or her life by tapping into their creative impulses. Through the creative process we can touch that which is infinite in ourselves.
Participants should bring writing materials and wear comfortable clothing.
The imagination is the gateway to the soul. To stimulate the imagination and to open up the channels of creativity is as important as anything else in a person’s life.
All workshops can be adapted for teens or adults.
Each topic can be customized to suit your group.
Each is designed as an 8-week course, to take place, ideally, two times per week - but may be re-arranged to suit your requirements.
For more info and availability please contact me.
“In 22 Years I’ve Never Seen Anything Quite Like It”
SECED, UK, 2013
When musician, writer and performer Lois Walden visited an inner city London school to engage with 24 shy and introverted students, Karen Sullivan was uncertain about the impact she would have. But the experience left her – and the students –mesmerized.
A small group of 24 students is gathered in the library at George Green’s School on the Isle of Dogs. After a period of fiddling with hair, averted gazes, rustling and whispering, their attention is caught by the tiny, tousle-haired American woman in the centre of the room.
Her energy is dynamic and pervasive, and she is asking them to provide her with a definition of feeling. Read more.