Candice Martinez-Clasby is a passionate theatre artist with a love for travel and a deep connection to her Portuguese roots. Spending her childhood summers in Cascais, Portugal, sparked her love for exploring the world, which she continued through solo adventures in Ireland, Germany, Spain, and Portugal. These journeys fuel her creativity and inspire her artistic work. When she's not traveling or creating, Candice enjoys spending time with her husband and their dog, while making friends across the globe.
Candice Martinez-Clasby is an Associate Professor in the Theatre Arts Department at Fullerton College, where she leads the Musical Theatre, Directing, and Acting for Camera programs. Her career includes experience as a choreographer at El Camino College and as an Assistant Production Manager for the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance at California State University, Los Angeles. She has also served as an Associate Producer with Center Theatre Group and worked on the 2015 Ovation Awards at The Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. Candice holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from California State University, Fullerton, and a Master of Fine Arts in TV, Film, and Theatre Production from California State University, Los Angeles.
As an educator in the Theatre Arts, I believe that acting is not just a craft but a journey of self-discovery and emotional expression. My teaching philosophy integrates acting with mindfulness, journaling, meditation, and movement work, creating a holistic approach that fosters a deeper connection to oneself and enhances performance.
In my classroom, mindfulness is a cornerstone practice that brings students into the present moment, allowing them to fully inhabit their characters and respond truthfully to their environment. By cultivating awareness and presence, students can tap into genuine emotions and experiences, making their performances more believable and resonant. Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing and body scans, help students manage stress, stay grounded, and maintain focus during rehearsals and performances.
Movement work is an essential component of my teaching philosophy. It helps students connect with their physical life, understand their bodies, and express emotions through physicality. By engaging in movement exercises, students learn to embody their characters fully, enhancing their performances with authentic and dynamic physical expression. This practice also helps students develop physical awareness, coordination, and flexibility, which are crucial for any actor.