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Maya Buffomante as a Teaching Artist and Director

My journey into educational theatre officially began in the summer of 2022 when I joined BAM Theatre Company as an intern. While that was my formal entry into the field as a theatre professional, my love for both education and theatre has been with me for as long as I can remember. I got my first job working with kids at a childcare center when I was 15, but honestly, some might say my teaching and directing career started way earlier—around age 8—when I was busy directing my friends (and absolutely forcing them to participate) in dramatic neighborhood skits and thrilling iMovie videos. Just as my love for theatre was ingrained in me at a young age, so was my passion for education. Using theatre as a tool for learning is what truly inspires me.

After my time at BAM Theatre Company, I expanded my work as a teaching artist in Madison, Wisconsin. I started as an intern with Children’s Theatre of Madison and quickly moved into the role of Head Teaching Artist for their summer camps and after-school classes. My teaching didn’t stop there—my main focus has been Musical Theatre and Singing classes, but I also worked as the after-school music teacher at Verona Area Community Theatre, where I eventually went on to direct their summer productions.

Along the way, I’ve directed pieces for short play festivals, working on both original works and scripted plays. I also assisted in directing a student-written, full-length play centered on social and cultural awareness, and I continue to direct freelance projects whenever I can. All of this reflects my versatility and my deep commitment to the craft.

At the heart of everything I do is a dedication to creating spaces where young people can find their voices, build confidence, and engage with the world through the power of theatre.