Dr. Tanya Dean

Technological University Dublin Conservatoire, 

163-7 Rathmines Road Lwr, 

Rathmines, 

Dublin 6

Phone: +35312205413 E-Mail: tanya.dean@tudublin.ie

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing as a reference for Sarah Slevin, I taught Sarah in several classes in the National University of Ireland Galway, during my employment as a Lecturer in the Drama, Theatre and Performance Department.

It is a pleasure to write a reference for a student like Sarah, whose diligence and graciousness always made her a welcome addition to any classroom. 

As a student, Sarah was always conscientious and hard-working; she was always thoroughly prepared for each class, met every deadline with exactitude, and her dedication quietly raised the level of commitment across the cohort as a whole. 

What was particularly impressive about Sarah was the way she always treated her studies as an opportunity not only to learn abstract ideas, but to grow and develop as a writer, a collaborator, and a citizen. 

I remember in one creative class, we explored a technique called the Liz Lehrman Critical Response Process, designed to help collaborators give and receive critical feedback in order to develop their creative practice; where the other students were non-committal about the system and politely indulged it as an abstract in-class exercise, Sarah asked intelligent and searching questions about the system’s merits and challenges. 

A few weeks later, she told me that she had successfully employed the system in a semi-professional context, using it in her role as a stage manager on a Dramsoc show in order to foster positive and productive collaborations.

This kind of thing is exactly what makes Sarah such a rewarding student to teach; she never treats learning as a duty, but as an exciting and worthwhile opportunity to grow.

As a writer, Sarah has always displayed a fascinating with different forms, both creative and journalistic. This can be seen through her insightful blog, ‘Let's talk theatre’ where she offers thoughtful and lucidly-written insights into life as a theatremaker. 

Her experience in theatre has also given her excellent project management skills, a confident presence as a performer, and a talent for public speaking. 

In addition, throughout her time at NUI Galway Sarah always had insightful and generous criticisms to offer her classmates on their creative work, and always took genuine pleasure in their successes as much as in her own.

She was well-liked by both students and staff for her ever-pleasant manner, adaptability, and ability to work well with anyone.

If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact me. Many thanks.

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Tanya Dean