TDM Instructor Spotlight: Andrew Gitchel

This week's TDM Instructor Spotlight features production manager, technical designer, and art-making facilitator Andrew Gitchel! Andrew works as TDM's Director of Production, but is also teaching TDM 156G: Production Process for Live Performance this semester.

What have you enjoyed about teaching in TDM?

I truly enjoy the engagement with students in the classroom. My typical interactions happen in the theatre or studios or in the shops during production, so its great to see them in this new light.  Everyone brings such a varied experience to the conversation, and it’s great to hear about students perspectives in these forums.

Andrew Gitchel, a Caucasian male, with glasses, brown hair and beard, facing into the wind, aboard a boat.
Tell us a little bit about your class! 

TDM 156G: Production Process for Live Performance is a foundational course that covers all aspects of production work from production and stage management through all the different production methodologies for the design elements. The goal here is to give a wide breadth of understanding of the production process for all forms of performance, so that students will be better equipped in their future collaborations.

A photo of TDM's production of The Owl Answers
What do you do as an artist? What’s an upcoming project you have that you’re excited about?

My art is facilitating art. I bring years of experience, skilled communication styles, and a hearty laugh to a collaborative project, and help other artists manifest their creative dreams. I am always excited to work with students on their TDM Honors Thesis Projects.  To be a part of a young artist’s creative journey is really one of the biggest reasons I chose to be involved in educational theater.

A photo of the TDM production of Three Americanisms
What’s something you’re excited about happening in the arts community right now?

I really appreciate the increased sense of care that is being foregrounded in every aspect of art-making, both in the arts community at large and at Harvard. We are so often concerned with the storytelling of the human experience, that we forget about the humans actually telling the story. This is critical work for everyone and is essential to having a sustainable model for the future. With the recent negotiations/strikes between film studios and unions, we see the need to continue this humanistic approach to art-making.

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