“Ladies and Gentlemen, by order of the Fire Commissioner of the City of New York,” is the formal way that the technical crew of a performance space can audibly relay fire and life safety information to the present audience.  Having spent a decade working the back-of-house jobs in community theater, it was my job to announce this segment.  The show begins immediately afterwards.

Consequently, my students over the past 2 decades may have noticed that the way I address my classes, or introduce myself to a group is with the phrase, “Ladies and Gentlemen….”  Perhaps a bit formal, yes;  but does recognize respect for those in the audience, and does capture the attention of those listening.  Also, sets me apart as an educator who approaches his students in a different way than one might expect.

I seek to educate students in a manner in which they are able to understand.