Ean Kessler

BACKGROUND
Art Form: Story Telling
Experience: Rutgers BFA Acting graduate
Nationally produced playwright. (Work published by Vintage Books)
Taught/facilitated with No Joke Theater, State of Mind (UM), Red Willow Learning Center, Lifelong Learning Center, the Missoula Public Library and other organizations
Ean’s plays have been workshopped/developed with Chicago Dramatists, The Playwrights’ Center, and Naked Angels (Chicago chapter)

RAPID-FIRE Q/A
Three words to describe you? Passionate, driven, curious

What was your first arts "aha" moment, including how old were you? I saw a high school production of Death of a Salesman; it was the first time I realized just how three dimensional a character could be. None of the characters were without flaws or strengths--all of them were so deeply human.

Why are you a teaching artist? Storytelling is woven into our very DNA as humans; it's part of what defines our species. At the very beginning people sat around a fire and told stories; and when the world ends, whoever is left, will sit around a fire and tell stories.

In five words or less, why do you love your art form? It's empathy in practice

Finish the sentence: "Because of Arts Ed..." Students can become the fullest versions of themselves.

What does success look like during your residency? Students are able to give voice to their lived experiences and their inner life.

What’s an important life skill you gained through the arts? Confidence

Who is an artist that changed your life? Tom Waits

If you were entering a talent show, what would be your specific talent? Speaking fake French.

Do you have a secret (or not so secret) obsession? My dogs, Samson and Wilson.