About
Since I was in high school I've been acting. I moved to Chicago about 7 years ago to study at the Second City, of which I'm a proud graduate. If you haven't heard of the Second City, I would suggest that you look them up. They specialize in using realistic acting to portray comedy. My work has always centered around realism and I was very comforted to see this principle being taught at an internationally-renowned comedy Institution. Realism is my strength. Realism will help you with any genre of performing. Realism will help you know yourself, and it will help your audience know them selves. Take my classes and let's get real.
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Just like a chef enjoys tasting their food as they cook, I enjoy the surprises that come out of lessons. A vast majority of a lesson can be planned and predicted, but the best things are those that are unpredictable. I find no success in a lesson until I provide my student with the ability to surprise me.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Depending on a student's skill level, I will discuss the fundamentals. If it is clear that they understand the fundamentals the most important thing for me is to assess what the student would like to accomplish. I like to attack student goals with fervor and focus. A lot can be gained from Theory, but really each individual student is far more important than Theory. As far as I'm concerned, every student has something new to teach me. They will be given this opportunity.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
In Des Moines Iowa at the 7-Eleven theater competition I received awards for audience Choice twice, judges Choice twice, Best in Show twice, best performer once, best writing twice, and won the overall competition three times. I then moved to Kirksville Missouri where I studied theater at Truman State University. There I also founded the independent performance and art coalition to help students produce their own work. Through it I produced and directed over 10 creative projects. After this I was an apprentice at downstairs Cabaret Theatre in Rochester New York. After this I moved to Chicago to study improv and comedy at the Second City. I was added to the Ensemble for under the gun theater, and did three shows a week there for a full year. I am the original Creator director and producer of MASHterpiece Theater, ImprovOpoly, #GrindMe, Action Jackson, and The Adaptation Game.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge 50 for an hour lesson, 70 for an hour and a half, or 85 for two hours.
How did you get started teaching?
In college I took two courses. One of them was youth directing where I got to work with a high school to direct their one act play for speech contest. The second was a psychology of Theatre class which included a teaching element. I worked with a Kindergarten class to help them perform a classroom version of The Three Little Pigs. My life was definitely influenced by good teachers, and my independent acting instructor was no exception. I like to think I bring that to my students.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with students as young as two to three years old, though I would not recommend that for independent acting classes. I have also coach students as old as 18 and 19. My age range is wide.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I have a friend who studies film directing at Columbia, and this year she was kind enough to feature me for a documentary project. She focused on my work, and featured the fact that I was recovering from a medical issue. I'm extremely fond of this omage and respect.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
The only way and acting instructor is worth your time is if they help you find material and monologues to perform, and assess your goals. Without those two things the entire class can feel like a waste of time.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Why do you want to act? Are you interested in enough in acting to make an investment? If you are willing to make that investment, what do you expect to get out of it?