About
I specialize in youth training in voice & drama. I have been teaching & directing kids ages 5-18 for ten years. I am the Artistic Director of Imagine Works Youth Theatre that is partnered with the Off-Broadway Players Theatre. I am passionate about arts education and my students receive top-quality training. I am always looking for new and current material for young performers. I also help with middle & high school and college auditions.
I have studied voice and drama for nearly 25 years, and have performed in professional productions in NYC and Philadelphia. I studied at NYU Tisch, Stonestreet Film/TV Studio, and I also have a Masters in Childhood Education.
My website is www.imagineworksonline.com
I love watching my young performers grow and discover new aspects of their talent (and themselves!). It is always exciting when a student reaches a new level of skill. I take tremendous pride in my students. It is incredibly important to me to not only be an instructor and director, but also a mentor into the performance industry.
Reviews
Sam M.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I first always begin with a discussion about their past vocal or acting history. I like to know what styles and genres you enjoy performing. Then we do a vocal & physical warmup for 10-15 minutes. I like to hear your range and see what we specifically need to focus on first. I encourage new students to work with me on something they already know- a song or a monologue. This way you are comfortable with the material already and we can just get to work on perfecting it. After a few lessons when I start to get to know you, I begin to pull material I think would suit you. My goal is for my students to have a large portfolio of material they can utilize for any audition, showcase, class or performance.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
NYU Tisch School of the Arts
Muhlenberg College
Stonestreet Studios Film & TV Conservatory
Masters in Childhood Education
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lessons at my apartment:
$35 for a half hour (only for kids ages 5-7)
$50 for an hour (kids ages 8-18)
Lessons at your apartment (additional $10 for travel):
$45 for a half hour (only for kids ages 5-7)
$60 for an hour (kids ages 8-18)
How did you get started teaching?
When I was 13, I created a not-for-profit traveling youth theatre company. I began directing these variety shows with my friends and fellow performers. I discovered then how much I enjoyed directing. I continued running this not-for-profit until I graduated college.
After undergrad, I worked at a NYC talent agency and felt very unfulfilled. I noticed that my favorite part of the week was always when I would see my theatre students on the weekends. I decided to quit my job and create Imagine Works Youth Theatre and begin teaching & directing full-time. It was the best decision of my life!
What types of students have you worked with?
I only work with children ages 5-18, but these students come from all backgrounds and levels. Some are complete beginners and are just trying out the arts. Some students are very experienced and serious about a future in the industry. Many of my students have been accepted into performing arts high schools in NYC and top theatre universities. One of my students was even one of the Matildas on Broadway!
Many of my students audition regularly for professional work, but many prefer to keep to their school productions and Imagine Works shows.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
This past summer 2017, my students performed "Urinetown the Musical" on a professional Off-Broadway stage. The Tony-Award winning writer of the musical came and worked with my students on the show. My students were incredible and so hard-working. They approached the challenging material like enthusiastic professionals. I have never been so proud of a youth theatre production!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Always make sure the person has current and active experience in the industry. The teacher should also be on top of new works and trends in the industry. If the instructor doesn't "feel right", don't continue to see them. Sometimes it takes time to find the perfect instructor for you.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What do I want to do with this training? Is it for fun or to pursue a career in the industry?
What do I like to sing? What genre of theatre do I like to watch/perform?
What do I specifically want to learn? Technique? Audition skills? Performance skills?