AFSA High School / Creative Arts Department

The arts are essential. They teach students innumerable lessons—practice makes perfect, small differences can have large effects, collaboration leads to creativity. The arts also teach children that there are several paths to take when approaching problems and that all problems can have more than one solution.

Research has also shown impressive benefits of arts education on entire school culture—especially student motivation, attitudes, and attendance. Numerous reports discuss the ways that increased access to and involvement in arts education encourage students to stay in school, succeed in school, succeed in life, and succeed in work.

Mr. Andrew Smith

AFSA High School Theatre Specialist

asmith@afsak12.com

Hello! I Grew up in Wasilla, Alaska, Where I Discovered a Passion for Drama by Volunteering at a Local Community Theater. There, I Had the Opportunity to Work with Many Talented Theatre Educators Who Had a Powerful Impact on My Well-being. I Knew Very Quickly That I Wanted to Be an Educator, and Worked Closely with Nonprofit Arts Programs in Alaska After Graduating High School. I Later Received My Bachelor's Degree in Theatre Arts Education with a Minor in English from Brigham Young University. While There, I Specialized in Theatre for Young Audiences, Creating Curriculum for Drama Programs That Performed Plays and Taught Workshops at Elementary Schools Around the State. I Taught K-12 Drama for Two Years in Utah Before Moving to Minnesota in 2021. I Came Here, Following My Wife Who Is Attending Graduate School at the University of Minnesota, but Have Been Shocked at How Much Minnesota Reminds Me of My Roots in Alaska. I'm Excited to Design, Create, and Perform with the Afsa Community!

AFSA High School