Education & Arts Leadership

Bestock’s educational leadership centers the arts as a tool for civic imagination, collaborative leadership, and cultural transformation. Across universities, theaters, and international programs, she has developed ensemble-based learning environments that empower emerging artists to lead with creativity, rigor, and social awareness.

Areas of Focus

• Youth Leadership Cohorts

• Arts & Civic Engagement

• Ensemble-Based Learning

• Climate & Culture Initiatives

• Directing Pedagogy

• International Exchange

Selected Leadership Initiatives

• Seattle Public Theater Youth Advisory Council

• Seattle Public Theater Youth Board Representative Program

• Penguin Productions Advisory Council

• ACT Theater Young Core Company

• Union Arts Center Rising Leadership Cohort

Teaching & Academic Appointments

• University Teaching & Lecturing
  Adjunct Faculty and Guest Lecturer, University of Washington (2024–Present)
  Guest Lecturer, Seattle University (2022–Present)
  Guest Lecturer, Seattle Pacific University (2018)

• International Scholarship, Residencies & Fellowships
  Fulbright Specialist (2021–2025)
  Visiting Scholar, University of Vienna, Austria (2021)
  Visiting Scholar/Guest Artist, Pädagogische Hochschule Vorarlberg, Austria (2021–2022)
  Artistic Director, Climate Change Theatre Action Festival, University of Graz, Austria (2021)

• Curriculum Development & Pedagogical Leadership
  Creator of original curricula across higher education, K–12, and professional training contexts, integrating theatre with literature, environmental studies, and social impact. Areas of focus include:

  ·       Theater direction and new work development

  ·       Arts leadership and mentorship models

  ·       Theatre for social change and community engagement

  ·       Interdisciplinary learning (arts + science + humanities)