The arts and education world in Maine is a little quieter this week as friends, students, and colleagues grapple with the heartbreaking loss of Justin D. Stebbins. Justin wasn’t just a theater guy or a teacher—he was the kind of person who could walk into a room and instantly make everyone feel like they belonged. He lived by the simple, powerful motto “No day but today,” and he spent his life making sure every one of those days counted for the people around him.
Originally a kid from Virginia Beach, Justin eventually found his true home in Westbrook, Maine. Over the years, he became a fixture in the local theater and dance scenes, not just because of his talent, but because of his heart. Whether he was under the stage lights or working behind the scenes, Justin had this rare gift for lifting others up. He didn’t just want to be the best performer; he wanted everyone on stage with him to feel like a star.
When he wasn’t in a rehearsal studio, Justin was hitting the books with an incredible drive. He was a triple-alumnus of the University of Southern Maine, eventually earning his PhD in Public Policy and Educational Leadership. He also spent time at Bates College, always looking for new ways to understand the world and make it a better place. For Justin, education wasn’t about titles or certificates; it was about human connection and finding ways to empower the next generation of thinkers and creators.
In the classroom, Justin was more than an instructor—he was a mentor. He served as an instructional coach at Scarborough Middle School, where he used his deep knowledge of teaching to help other educators thrive. His students saw him as a safe harbor, a teacher who listened with patience and led with kindness. He believed that a classroom should be a place where every voice mattered, and he worked tirelessly to make that a reality.
The dance community, in particular, is feeling a deep void where Justin used to be. One of his close friends recently shared how much his encouragement meant, describing him as the very core of their dance family. He had a way of teaching the most difficult steps with a level of patience that made even the most nervous beginners feel confident. To those who danced alongside him, he was more than a coach; he was a brother and a friend who never let anyone give up on themselves.
Justin’s philosophy on life was rooted in a deep sense of gratitude and optimism. He often told his peers and students how honored he was to work with them, always looking toward the future while staying grounded in the present. He treated life as a gift and encouraged everyone he met to create boldly and love without reservation. It’s no wonder that many of his closest friends have used the word “angel” to describe the impact he had on their lives.
While his passing has left an immeasurable hole in the hearts of the Maine arts and education communities, his legacy is visible everywhere you look. It’s in the confidence of a student he mentored, the grace of a dancer he coached, and the inclusive spirit of the schools he helped shape. Justin Stebbins lived a life defined by compassion and humility, and while he may be gone, the light he sparked in others will continue to shine for a very long time.
The post The Theater World Mourns Justin Stebbins: A Teacher and Artist Who Changed Lives appeared first on Tripplenews.
The post The Theater World Mourns Justin Stebbins: A Teacher and Artist Who Changed Lives first appeared on Voxtrend News.