March 17, 2013 To Whom It May Concern, I have known Bryan Curran for four years as he has pursued

his undergraduate degree in Theatre Education at Emerson College. In my capacity as faculty member and head of undergraduate Theatre Education, in the department of Performing Arts, I have had the opportunity to serve as his advisor and to work with Bryan as a student in four classes. These classes involved performance and directing work, written work, and curriculum design and implementation. Bryan excelled in each area. Bryan is a bright, engaged, inquisitive student. He is committed to expanding his understandings, both in theatre education and the world. Of the hundreds of students and advisees Ive known at Emerson, Bryan has distinguished himself through his motivation to learn and his drive to gain everything possible from his college experience; it is unparalleled. A conscientious and creative learner, he contributes effectively in both small and large group work. He is an energetic, thoughtful, humorous presence in class and was a valued member of the community. Bryan has strong leadership skills and states his opinions without apology, yet can allow less forthcoming class members the opportunity to participate as well. Each of the classes Bryan took with me included academic work and work in performance and directing. He has impressive skills in both areas. The careful preparation and committed participation that mark his academic work are equally apparent in his theatre work. Generous with his fellow performers, he is able to share his ideas without insisting on them. As a director, he is firm yet collaborative. Bryan directed Charlottes Web for the student group Kidding Around. His approach to this challenge demonstrated his usual commitment to excellence and attention to detail. He incorporated drama techniques from his methods classes as part of the auditioning and

rehearsing process, and created a strong community among his cast members which was central to the success of the final production. Bryans passion for theatre and wealth of knowledge about theatre are clear in the outcomes of his projects. Bryan is also very self-motivated. He approached me about auditing my graduate class in playmaking, and became a central and outstanding member of the class. He brought his artistic vision and ability to work collaboratively into a somewhat fractured graduate community and facilitated the positive function of the class. His final play was among the best in the group. Bryans ability to shape his vision into a plan and to follow through to an excellent outcome has been characteristic of his approach throughout his college career. Finally, Bryan has a deep interest in, and commitment to, the issues facing students of color, and the challenges of addressing diverse student needs in our current educational climate. His commitment to multicultural education and diversity informs his teaching, and he brings a variety of strategies into the classroom to facilitate learning by all students. He is talented in the area of curriculum design, and he inspires all students to achieve to their fullest potential. Further, he skillfully utilizes a range of behavior management strategies to create a positive classroom climate that is supportive to learning. Bryan Curran is a bright, passionate, committed educator. His motivation, collegiality, and impressive skills, both academic and theatrical, will make him an asset to any learning community. I recommend him highly. Sincerely,

Bethany Nelson Head of Undergraduate Theatre Education Department of Performing Arts