Student and Parent Reviews
“This course has been the most accommodating and enjoyable that I have taken in the four years I have gone to UCSB. I absolutely loved learning from Grace!”
— Student from THTR 182M
“I really loved this class! Grace is an excellent teacher and she created an environment that was not only educational but fun too!! I appreciate how understanding she is, and also how easy to reach. The subject material was also super interesting and I loved that we got to learn about musicals.”
— Student from THTR 182M
“It's extremely clear that Professor Kimball knows what she is talking about and is very knowledgeable about theater. She is always open to answering questions and considering others' opinions.”
— Student from THTR 182M
“I really appreciate how straightforward Professor Kimball was from the very beginning of the course. The material was extremely organized, assignments were due on the same day every week, and instructions were clear. Additionally, she gave great feedback on assignments. An issue I'm having in other classes is that I'm not sure why I got points off or what I could've done better. Oppositely, Professor Kimball shows that she cares about what we write and genuinely wants us to succeed.”
— Student from THTR 182M
“Grace makes you feel welcomed... She is an amazing teacher and makes everyone feel included and heard. I always felt like I was supported this quarter.”
— Student from THTR 194A
“I really enjoyed the class I had with Grace. I feel like she structured the class really well and allowed us to express ourselves creatively in a safe space. I genuinely had a great time this quarter and I’m glad I joined her class.”
— Student from THTR 194A
“Professor Kimball made it very clear [that,] if we ever needed to talk to her about something[,] she's there for us. I've never had an instructor as approachable as she is.”
— Student from THTR 5
“Grace clearly knew the material and was happy to share her expertise with the class. Her feedback was always fair and constructive. I liked seeing the performance she directed.”
— Student from THTR 5
“It was very obvious that Professor Kimball was highly invested and enthusiastic about the material. I would even argue that she would enjoy the class as much as we did!”
— Student from THTR 5
“Grace was a great instructor, very empathetic but still made sure the work got done.”
— Student from THTR 194A
“I really appreciate how involved Grace let us be with the directing process. Grace listened to our suggestions and let the actors and production team participate in creating the production.”
— Student from THTR 194A
“Not only has this course inspired me to learn more about Shakespeare, I also felt like I stepped into the world of directing, finding out that it indeed is possible to pursue it as part of my future, especially with mentors such as Grace.”
— Student from THTR 194A
“Grace is obviously super knowledgeable about theater history and Shakespearean history. I always enjoyed hearing her comments on the material, and it was really cool that she could reference these things.”
— Student from THTR 194A
“Grace sees the details of this subject in a way that enables students to learn in a more in-depth fashion, which was great in the context of acting and directing in a Shakespeare-inspired play.”
— Student from THTR 194A
“[Grace] remained consistently enthusiastic during sections throughout the quarter. When responding to questions, either in person or by email, she was quick to respond with as detailed an answer as possible, making sure the students fully understood. She was efficient at grading assignments within a reasonable amount of time and with constructive feedback. Per feedback always encouraged students to have confidence in their abilities and to continue improving them, and she advocated for individual creativity on assignments.”
— Student from THTR 1
“Grace is an excellent TA. She was clearly very knowledgable and passionate about the material presented, and always created an atmosphere in section that was fun and supportive. I really enjoyed the activities Grace put together as they were fun, but also helpful in gaining a greater understanding of the materials. Grace was always incredibly helpful, and I really appreciated the weekly emails that she put together.”
— Student from THTR 1
“Grace is amazing! She helped the students understand the concepts more than the lecture did. Very engaging and fun while also covering the necessary topics.”
— Student from THTR 1
“[Grace] is extremely approachable and always provides positive feedback. She sets a very chill and supportive environment. The class gives students a lot of freedom in their work, and I have been recommending to everyone to take this class.”
— Student from THTR 5
“I could ask her anything and she would have the answer to it. She also responded to emails quickly which I appreciated.”
— Student from THTR 5
“She was very passionate about what she teaches! I could tell because she would always give feedback on my performances which is rare for a professor or TA of any kind to do.”
— Student from THTR 5
“I want you to know that you’ve helped [my student] a lot and made an impact on her. She loved English because of you and I truly appreciate all your help… Thank you for [being] who you are!”
— Parent of a Ninth Grade Student
“You helped me [come] out of my shell Sophomore year. My writing was nowhere near as good as it is now and I owe it to your guidance. You always knew exactly what to say… Know that you are an amazing teacher and that many students, like myself, are grateful. Thank you for your encouragement!”
— A Graduating Senior
"Thank you so much for all of the nice things you’ve said about my writing. I know that it has definitely improved in your class this past year. Every lesson and unit you’ve put together for this class has been so enjoyable… Any school is lucky to have you. My class certainly was."
— A Ninth Grade Student Moving into Tenth Grade Honors English
“Thank you for helping me grow as a student, and introducing our class to some fantastic literature. Your classroom was a safe space for me to work and hang out in and I really appreciate it.”
—A Ninth Grade Honors English Student Moving into Tenth Grade Honors English
“You were one of the best teachers I’ve had… Your class was always something I would look forward to… You were one of the few teachers that students could actually feel comfortable confiding in and you always made your classroom a safe place… I’m glad I got to spend my freshman and sophomore years with a role model like you. You are an amazing instructor and person.”
— A Tenth Grade Student
“I wanted to let you know how much I admire you. Your coursework was interesting and challenging, your class slides (in addition to being beautiful) were informative, and there was never a question about what was expected… You were inspirational. Your class was by far the best part of [my student’s] freshman year, and that was because of you!”
— Parent of a Ninth Grade Student
“Please know what a GIFT you were to our daughter… as her freshman high school Honors English teacher… You are a gem.”
—Parent of a Ninth Grade Honors Student
“I need you to know that you have greatly impacted my life. At the beginning of the semester, I was terrified but you were so down to Earth and understanding, and your class felt like a safe place. You are by far the best English teacher I have ever had, and I wish I could have been taught by you longer. Just know, from the beginning of my time in your class, you made me feel safe and heard.”
— A Ninth Grade Student Moving into Tenth Grade Honors English
“Oh my God, where do I even begin. I just wanted to say that you were so helpful, patient, loving, caring, funny, and so nice to just be around. The atmosphere in your class was just bright and enchanting. On the first day of school, when I came into your class, I was like, ‘This is going to be a great year.’ I was just so blessed to have you.”
— A Ninth Grade Student