Tommy Waltz | TEDxDirigo
This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Tommy Waltz, MSW describes his innovative practice working with people experiencing homelessness in Portland, Maine. Drawing from his 10 years of professional theater experience in New York City, Mr. Waltz merged creative arts, including improv, with social work practice.
Tommy Waltz is a clinical case manager with Preble Street’s Anti-Trafficking Coalition (Portland). Mr. Waltz is a recent Master of Social Work graduate from the University of Southern Maine, where he gained immediate recognition for innovation in merging creative arts with social work practice. He recently spoke at the University of New England’s Arts & Social Justice panel, and is a featured as the “improvisation director” in the article, “Setting the Stage: Role Play in Group
Work” (Lazar, Social Work with Groups). Mr. Waltz cites his 10 years of professional theatre experience in New York City as the ultimate motivator for all facets of his work. He maintains his theatrical skills through his ongoing work on the greater Portland theatrical stage. He recently enchanted audiences in his performance as the sensual emcee in Cabaret (Mad Horse Theatre & Razer Entertainment), and marched off to Little Round Top in Maine State Music
Theatre’s production of Chamberlain.