DeMarco Voice, Speech, And Stage

When I meet a new student in any subject, it is important to understand the student's goals and how close the student is to achieving them.  I would want to know what prior experience and knowledge the student has, so I have an idea of where to begin.  It is also helpful to discover a student's likes and dislikes.  That way, we can choose material that will provide more enticing connections.

Upon learning about the student, I often start with a familiar text. This could be song lyrics, The Pledge of Allegiance, or another text that does not require memorization.

My lessons in acting are grounded in the method my mentor Robert Cohen, and my voice and speech work is based on the teachings of Dudley Knight.  I take a targeted, scaffolded approach to scenes and monologues that allows students to practice working with goals, obstacles, tactics, and expectations.  As a result of our sessions, students are able use the skills they already possess to advance in their field. 

Marquette University: B.A. Theatre Arts

Unuversity of California-Irvine: M.F.A. Acting

National Shakespeare Conservatory

Folger Theatre Classical Acting Workshop

Individual lessons are $40/hr.  Scenes are $25/person/hour.  Suggested lesson time is one hour, but more time can be added if necessary.

As a graduate student at the University of California-Irvine, I taught my own classes in both performance and literature.  I was also a Teaching Assistant Consultant, a role which gave me the opportunity to help coach incoming TAs as they taught their classes.

When I graduated, in addition to working professionally as an actor, I tutored students in test prep for every level from GED to MCAT. After working as a performer for twelve years, I transitioned to education full-time, teaching high school English and Theatre. I have directed several productions and have enjoyed the many opportunities I have had to help actors grow their talents in voice, speech, and performance.

I have taught introductory level acting classes to college students in addition to teaching basic and advanced classes to high school students. I have had the pleasure of seeing a diverse array of students in my classes.  The greatest reward is when these students, who enter with vastly different experiences, come together as a united group of supportive and motivated performers.

 In February, I volunteered to be a make-up artist for my son's middle school production of Tarzan. I worked other volunteer parents to research and create make up designs for the characters.  It was educational and exciting to try and refine both human and animal make up designs.  The finished production was truly something to be proud of.

It is important to find a teacher with a well-rounded set of skills and experiences. In acting, this means that a student from finding a teacher who knows not only acting, but voice and speech as well. The more options the teacher can offer to the student, the more likely it is that the student will connect with a concept that will foster growth.

Students should have an end in mind.  One student might want help a specific piece or role, whereas another is preparing for a broad range of pieces. Also, students should honestly assess themselves. They should consider what they know and what they want to learn, what they already do well and what they want to do next.  This helps students have confidence in what they can do and develop a plan for where they want to go.