About
Hello! I am a director, teaching artist, actress and singer. I've been working in the theater, helping others understand the craft and learn since the 1990's. It is my intention to work with you to gain confidence, feel good about exploring the world to bring texture and creativity to your performances. Whether you're preparing for an important audition or this is your first experience with acting, I can help you achieve at a higher level.
I truly love the craft of performance, working together with others to create special moments for audiences. Helping students learn how to bring the most to their characters is very important to me.
Highlights
Specialties
Experience level
Acting venue(s)
People in group
Acting focus area(s)
Students goals
Acting type(s)
Student's age
Reviews
Regina M.
Tina M.
Daria
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When working with a new student, I make sure to discuss what the student has in mind. What are the goals of the student? Then the classes are themed so that the building blocks of acting are explored for the student. The student will learn to build a character, improvise, and learn the ins and outs of stage movement, diction, projection and voice. Of course it is impossible to explain all that will occur in coaching sessions.
If the student is preparing for an audition I can help with selection of appropriate material and then mastery of the audition process. I understand the audition process from both sides of the table, which is very helpful to students.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My teaching and directing experience is listed. This experience is not focused on my performance resume. I have performed many years in plays and musicals.
Actress:
MAC Radio Show Series - Media 2022
Not Your History - Virtual 2021 (Director/Actress)
Suddenly - New York City 2019
Salamander - Philadelphia Fringe Festival September 2018 - New Work
Lansdale Catholic HS: Theter Director
Doane Academy: Theater Director / Curriculum Writer / Course Instructor
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation: Director, Set / Costume Design & Construction, Curriculum Development/Lead Teacher STEAM Venice Island Performing Arts Center
BuildaBridge International: Lead Therapeutic Teaching Artist
Philadelphia Arts in Education Partnership (PAEP): Teaching Artist
PA Council on the Arts - PAEP Artist - Directory of Pennsylvania Artists In Education
Off Book Productions: Founder, Director, Writer, Producer, Teaching Artist
Graeme Park: Historic Interpreter, Educator, Summer Camp Director, Actress
Sandy Run Middle School: Theater Director, Theater Business Manager, Costume/Set Design
Princeton University, Bryn Mawr College Curriculum Writer/Instructor-Summer Institute for the Gifted (SIG): Broadway Beckons, Improv 101, Script to Screen
Big Apple Musicals Actress: Singer, Assistant Director, Dramaturge/Coach
Temple University: Teaching Artist, Director, Theater & Playwriting Instructor
School District of Philadelphia: Philadelphia Teaching Fellows (2004)
Cheltenham Arts Center: Teaching Artist
Writer/Reviewer B-Sharp Productions (current) Stage Magazine (2011-2015)
Phila. Fringe Festival-Director, Creative Consultant, Dramaturge & Coach
Jazzyone Productions-Director/Acting Coach/Dramaturge/Actress
The Hedgerow Theater Musical Direction, Choreography, Performer, Creative Advisor
The Theatre School -PhiladlephiaTeaching Artist, Assistant Producer, Stage Manager
Rick Trow Productions: National ToursI have been proactive in continuing my education.
Reading Specialist Certification Training-La Salle University,
M.Ed.-Arcadia University, School of Education Elementary Education Certification - Masters of Education with Distinction
BA-Temple University, School of Communications & Theatre
University of Alabama-BFA Acting Candidate
The Actor’s Studio-New York City
Penn State University-Main Campus
Society Hill Playhouse, Philadelphia
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My pricing system is based on an hourly rate. My travel time is added and a gas allowance.
How did you get started teaching?
I have been working with others as a theatre instructor since my years at the university level. I always knew it was important to me to help others achieve at their highest creative level. When performers around me were achieving at a high level my performances were also enhanced.
Once my own children were old enough to explore acting, I enrolled them in various programs. Nothing quite went into the depth of the craft the way I wanted to approach it. So, I began my own theatre company, OFFBook Productions. I've worked with hundreds of students over the years as teaching artist, director, coach and mentor not only in my own programs but also in schools, and at local theatres. It brings me great satisfaction to see my students succeed at a high level of creativity.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with acting students as young as 4 and as old as 89. This is a craft which calls to many for various reasons. I get that. Some people want to explore acting for personal enrichment, and others have a goal to be successful in the arts. I truly enjoy helping students determine what goals are within reach and how to go about achieving those goals.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
One theatre related event was the comment I got from a student who told me that I helped her develop a confidence she never knew she had. She was in a show I directed and a student of mine. Though she is not choosing to pursue theatre as a career, she will continue to look for places to perform, or be a great audience member, and knows that now theatre is a part of the rest of her life. That makes me so happy.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Teachers need to have patience, a great sense of humor and help students become fearless performers.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should ask teachers the questions that make them feel comfortable and confident that they have hired the right person. The questions should br process and student focused.