With more than 22 years of experience teaching and directing theatrical productions across multiple countries, Craig carries a piece of each place and community into his work. Over time, he has built lasting relationships with countless students and hopes that when they look back on their time with Mr. Z, it’s always with a smile. He believes theatre is deeply personal, and his young theatre-makers learn that creating truly transformational art means tuning into every part of themselves, embracing vulnerability, taking risks, and engaging in meaningful self-reflection.
The Joy of Theatre and Performance
Craig has countless fond memories from teaching and directing theatre, and he still gets chills every time he sees students perform confidently on stage, discover new ways of thinking, or receive well-earned applause. His love for musical theatre began when his grandmother took him to Broadway shows as a child, and that early magic has never left him. Bringing productions to life with his students is now one of the greatest joys of his career. Each show creates its own unique community and offers life-changing experiences for everyone involved.
At Dwight School Hanoi, Craig believes the performing arts facilities are a true gift for young theatre-makers. The flexible Black Box Theatre, fully equipped practice rooms, and dedicated dance and rehearsal studios together create a professional-level environment where students can bring their ideas to life.
Bringing Stories to Life on Stage
He often reflects on Walt Disney’s words, “If you can dream it, you can do it,” because the ability to transform and adapt these spaces feels truly magical. Whether students are blocking a scene, refining a monologue, rehearsing choreography, or working through a musical number, the facilities empower them to explore worlds that exist only in their imagination.
Personalized Learning
Guided by IB philosophy and Dwight School Hanoi’s pillar of Personalized Learning, Craig believes that theatre is a powerful way to honour each student’s individuality. The subject naturally supports this by giving students space to express their unique perspectives, build meaningful relationships, and watch their confidence grow as their hard work comes to life on stage. When students step into theatre, they come alive. Each brings their own lens on the world, and the stage becomes the vehicle that turns their ideas, emotions, and inspirations into powerful shared experiences.
