About
I spent the majority of my professional career in New York City working in live theatre after beginning my career here in Cincinnati. I was trained at The Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music and went on to act professionally in and out of New York. Highlights of my career include the national tours of Broadway's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and A CHORUS LINE. I also toured Europe several times, most notably with WEST SIDE STORY. Other tours include DREAMGIRLS, 42ND STREET, GOLDEN MUSICALS OF BROADWAY, and spent three years working for a symphony consortium where I performed with over 80 symphony orchestras across the US and Canada ending up in a Carnegie Hall concert of a show entitled SOPHISTICATED ELLINGTON SYMPHONY AND SWING hosted by The Duke's own granddaughter Mercedes Ellington.
As a "legitimate" (non-musical) actor I enjoyed many successes in New York including various off-Broadway theatres. I had done two plays at The Sanford Meisner Theatre (to critical acclaim) when I got a call from the casting director who told me the resident playwrite, who always wrote with actors in mind (ie "Hire a Matt Damon type", or "Hire a Cate Blanchet type") had written a new play with "hire a David Combs type" written in the casting instructions. I was thrilled to premier a new play that had been written for me!
I have also had the privelidge of developing (workshopping) many plays and musicals in New York including being in one of the first readings of THE TRAILER PARK MUSICAL. I spent two holiday seasons at Radio City Music Hall doing the CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR with the world famous ROCKETTES.
I believe my service stands out as I have been blessed to have many professional experiences in the major market and I know what is expected of performers at that level.
I really enjoy my work because it it exciting to see a student to make a breakthrough and find talent and abilities in themselves that they didn't know existed.
I have taught workshops around the country and directed and choroegraphed from New York to Los Angeles and it is always gratifying to see students of mine show up later in a professional setting.!
Highlights
Reviews
Doneisha H.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
With all students, I like to have an initial meeting to see what experience and skills the student brings to the table. With minor students I encourage the participation of a parent at this meeting. Parents can bring information that the student might not think to bring up and have the ability to ask better informed questions in many cases.
This meeting also allows me to asses what would be appropriate material for the student for us to work on moving forward. I can get a better idea of a students goals and interests and better program our study geared toward their particular goals
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I started performing and acting at the age of 11, beginning my formal training at the age of 13.
I studied with many notable teachers in high school and attended The College Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati in the Musical Theatre program.
Once I arrived in New York I continued my study with various private teachers and at The Actors Studio.