About
I am a firm believer that every student has a natural set of gifts and abilities (even some that they're not aware of). I look to identify those gifts, and I craft my lessons around those things that they already excel at so I can help them cultivate other skills more effectively. My lessons are less about the answers I can give a student and more about how I can give a student the tools to help them find the answers that already lie within them.
Firstly, as a professional performer, I realize that I have the greatest calling in the world. Whether I'm acting on stage in front of 1,500 people or whether I'm doing an improv set for an audience full of rowdy college kids or whether I am salsa dancing, I'm always blown away by how fortunate I am to be able to use my gifts to bring light to those around me. AND I GET PAID TO DO IT (most times anyway). I absolutely love creating bridges between different minds, different hearts, and different walks of life, and I wouldn't change it for the world.
I find the same level of enjoyment when I can help people discover their own unique set of gifts and talents. When a student finally understands a syncopated rhythem step or when a student finally unlocks a moment of simple, deep emotional truth in an acting scene, it just pumps me up! It's lovely when we can all learn to shine in ways we never imagined!
Highlights
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Karynn B.
Fayez M.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I'm very flexible in my teaching. I love to work with anybody and everybody regardless of "skill level". So in the beginning of a process, I see where a student is and I go from there. Every student has talents and gifts that come naturally to them. I work hard to craft my lessons around their abilities and communicate in a way that helps them achieve the goals that they set for themselves.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a B.A. in Theatre & Performance Studies from Kennesaw State University with a focus on acting and musical theatre. I have received training in: Acting (Theatre, TV/Film), Improv, Clowning, Dance (Tap, Hip hop, Ballroom). I perform professionally all around Atlanta from the Alliance Theatre to voiceover work to Dad's Garage Improv Theatre to commercials. I would say much of my training and education comes from simply doing it professionally.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I don't have a standard pricing. That is something that I enjoy negotiating with each new student based on their needs. I believe that every student should only pay for what they're needing to learn, and some things are easier to teach than others so my prices reflect that.
How did you get started teaching?
I've always loved to work with kids so I first started being a teaching assistant at the Alliance Theatre. From there, I discovered that there is always a demand for fun, dedicated teachers so I figured I could have my cake and eat it too.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with all types of students from three year olds learning stage combat to full grown adults learning how to speak publicly for the first time and everybody in between. I've worked with performers and non-performers, and I've worked with a variety of different special needs as well. I like to think no student is beyond my reach.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find someone who is willing to meet you where you are but also challenge you in healthy ways. You want someone who is not only looking to push their own knowledge on you but someone who is willing to listen to your needs and identify your gifts and expand them.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1. What are my specific goals? Short term? Long term?
2. What are my strengths? (hint: everybody has something)
3. How much time do I have to achieve my goals?