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Mara Sidmore

Mara has a great blend of humor, intelligence, and the ability to think on her feet. She had good advice and feedback for all of us, and was helpful in giving really constructive criticism and excellent suggestions.
— Judy Brasher, Winsor School
Mara is great! This session was an amazing and life-changing experience. I’m completely excited to take all the things I’ve learned to become a great leader. Thank you!
— Noreen Cooke-Coleman, Success Academy

Mara Sidmore serves as a Facilitator at Inspiring Educators and Facilitator/Design Partner at both IE and the Ariel Group. An educator by training, her career as a professional actor, teacher, and consultant is inextricably linked to early experiences of theatre as a powerful tool for human development.  

From that perspective, she has been training leaders across a wide spectrum of ages, cultures, and industries for over fifteen years. In addition to her consulting work, Mara is currently the Director of Education Programs, Projects, and Partnerships and a Resident Acting Company Member at Actors’ Shakespeare Project.  A classically trained actor and certified teacher, she has taught theatre to just about every age group in public and private schools, at universities, and in various other educational settings.  

Mara served on the Theatre Faculty at The Winsor School for six years, and was also on the faculty at Boston Arts Academy, The Boston Conservatory, and Bentley University.  Mara was the Drama Coach for Emmy Award winning children’s television series ZOOM and Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman at WGBH Boston, where she coached the various casts during a total of ten seasons. 

Ever seeking to broaden the definition of theatre education, Mara also worked for five years as the Artistic Director of The Bok Center Players, an interactive theatre program at Harvard University sponsored by the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, and commissioned by the Vice Provost’s Office for Faculty Development and Diversity to develop and deliver original, interactive diversity training programs. Mara holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Gordon College and an MFA in Acting from Harvard University’s Institute for Advanced Theatre Training at the American Repertory Theatre/Moscow Art Theatre School.  She also studied theatre and/or education at Northwestern University, Shakespeare & Company, and Yale University.

Mara was so kind, understanding, light-hearted, and helpful! She helped push us to be better in a loving way. A Captain, Conceiver, Champion, and Collaborator all in one.
— Participant, Lynch Leadership Academy