Hello everyone, Ms. Hillman here with some important tips for being a teenager in 2014...

I realize that social media is an important part of your everyday life. But, please be fully aware that every single thing you post on social media can be viewed by others. This means words, images and anything else that can be posted. 
It just hangs out there forever in that big media cloud in the sky and you cannot take it back!

So, please be careful when you are posting things online. For your own sake and the sake of others. 

Taking photos and videos of people without their knowledge or permission is invasive....especially in the arts. Sometimes we have special moments in class/during shows, lectures, performances, rehearsals and those moments should be left to our memories. It doesn't need to be documented. If you would like to video or photograph someone's performance/rehearsals, you need to ask them if it is okay. This goes for all of our CAPA strands. It is the respectful and right thing to do. Do not post unless permission is granted. Please. 

While I am at it...let's all focus on our communication skills. Talking to people...actually face to face...is a lost art and it is such an important skill to have. We must get back in the habit of communicating our feelings to each other without the use of a keyboard or a video camera. TALK to each other, even if it is uncomfortable at first. This way of communicating is mature, respectful and will help you as you navigate the world in the present and future. Trust me. 

Listen, I know being a teenager is rough sometimes...but it can also be some of your best years. Just treat people the way you would like to be treated (thanks Mom!) and live in a way that makes you proud to be you. We are all in this together and mistakes will be made....but growing from those mistakes are what this life is all about!

Lecture has been completed. :) DING.


Theatrically Yours with Love, Ms. Hillman