Jean Bahle started teaching at Hope in 1994 as an acting instructor. She has taught beginning and more advanced acting classes, Play Analysis and Play Writing, and Intro to Theatre.

Jean has been involved with the arts in West Michigan for about 40 years, primarily as an actor, director and teacher. As an actor, she’s appeared in over 50 shows, working withHope Summer Repertory Theatre, Grand Rapids Civic and Circle theatres, and most prominently with Actors’ Theatre. She directed for Actors’ Theatre, Aquinas College, Grand Rapids Community College and Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids, as well as for the theatre department here at Hope.

She is more convinced than ever that the study of acting is essential work for young people to discover/develop their authentic selves.

Areas of expertise

Jean has conducted workshops in both acting and writing, and has been, and continues to work as, a freelance talent in radio, TV, film and audio books. She has worked with adults and young people in applied acting skills for other careers — communication, education, business, etc.

Other interests include:

• Environmental issues
• Food systems
• Liberal religion

Education

• B.A., education with a major in English, University of Michigan

琼还参加了研究生的自学课程:在伦敦与国家剧院(National Theatre)的密集讲习班，在纽约的独立课程，以及在佛蒙特州(Vermont)和其他地方的作家讲习班和静修活动。

Honors, Grants & Awards

Over the years, she has received grants for special theatre projects which included guest artists and workshops for young people. Additionally, she has received a grant for a one-woman show and has won a number of Grand Awards (Grand Rapids theatre) for acting and directing.

• Norma Brink Lifetime Achievement Award (Grand Rapids), 2015
• YWCA Tribute Award for outstanding work in the field of the arts, 1996

Outside the college

琼属于一个作家团体，这个团体已经开会约30年了;她正在写一本散文集和一本青年小说。她是喷泉街教堂的董事会成员。她和她的丈夫在北密歇根有一个“生态发展”项目，重点是小的足迹和50%的土地保持保护/未开发。