D. Menken Speaking And Acting Lessons
About
I find being in front of people fascinating! Hearing and seeing others’ reactions can be entertaining for a performer, presenter as well as the audience! I have studied and taught communications for several years. My main goal is to help others understand communications more and to help them use that understanding to share joy, facts, skills and more in the most comfortable way for them.
Acting has always had a special place in my heart. Whether you’re performing in front of a large audience for a play, recording a video for YouTube, or getting ready for an important company presentation, you are acting! You are organizing your tone and thoughts to persuade others when you speak and move.
During my high school years, between the years of 2002 – 2004), my passion was being behind the camera. Learning what I could in editing and sound to help the actors bring a script to life. This continued in my college years at Collin County Community College and the University of Texas at San Antonio when I received the opportunity to direct plays and films as well as perform Shakespeare with other aspiring actors.
Ten years later in 2014 to present, I’ve had the ability to help Boy Scouts with Theater, Communications, Movie Making and Public Speaking Merit Badges at my local council as a registered counselor.
I continue to learn more about these specific areas of study, as you can never learn enough!
Skills & Abilities
- Administration and Preparation for Adult and Youth Educational Development
- Public Speaking
- Theater and Film Acting
- Video Editing and Directing
- Podcast Writer, Editor and Publisher
- Communications Training and Development
Multimedia Training Experience
- Collin County Community College Class Study Skills Video: Writer, Director, Camera, Editor Actor (2004)
- McDonald's Crew Training Video: Asian Chicken Salad - Actor (2006)
- Boy Scouts of America Scout Leader Training Video- Actor (2016)
- Communications Course Demo Video: Writer, Director, Camera, Tech, Editor, Actor/Speaker (2017)
- DMenken Events Webinar Course Description Video: Writer, Director, Camera, Tech, Editor, Actor/Speaker (2017)
- Embracing 30 Health Podcast and DM VlogBlog Travel Podcast (2016-present)
My LinkIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desiree-menken-7b9990bb/
Highlights
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I prefer to meet a student in person or at least skype for our first meeting in order for them to have the opportunity to let me know what they wish to learn more about and I have the availability to ask them how they've developed in their skill. This meeting would last 30 min - 1 hour. It will give both of us a good idea of expectations and if I am a good fit for them.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have taught Boy Scout Theater, Public Speaking, Movie Making and Communications Merit Badges for 4 years. I have 3 years acting and directing in college expereince at Collin County Community College and the University of Texas at San Antonio. I currently publish YouTube vidoes and podcasts for travel, education and communications.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Public Speaking Lessons - $25 per hour
Acting Lessons (Ages 11-15) - $25 per hour
Acting Lessons (Ages 16 and up) - $40 per hour
Theater and Film Directing Lessons - $30 per hour
Communication Skills Lessons - $50 per hour (For groups and conferences only for 5-10 participants; if more participants, please email me)
How did you get started teaching?
I have enjoyed teaching others new skills in communications since high school. It is a great job watching other people grow! I love celebrating others' successes!
What types of students have you worked with?
Ages 11 and older. My students have varied from young kids to older business professionals.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently had the fun opportunity to be a participant in a dinner theater/murder mystery show. I was picked out of the audience and won best actress for my humorous character reactions!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find out who they are and always meet in a public or well known place to you. When you working with a paid individual, you should always consider safety! This can be great advice for communications and acting as well as any other skills a student may higher a tutor for.
Specifically for acting and communications, when hiring a tutor, remember that all acting and communications teachers have a great range of experience! Learning from more than one tutor is a great way to expand your knowledge of skills and productive habits when preparing to present or act in front of many people.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are your main goals in acting? This question may have many answers once you begin to examine it. Your teacher needs to know what direction you would like to go before they start you in a chosen direction.
Why do you enjoy being in front of others? If you want to get better at being in front of people, you need to have a spark of interest in public speaking. Public speaking is one of the top fears in the world! Everyone has a bit of fear when it comes to public speaking, but having a tutor to help you control this fear and learn from it is a bit plus!
What lessons are free and what are charged? Talking about money is never easy, but once this is established both parties can feel more at ease with how the lessons will continue. Some, if not most, tutors give free consultations or first meetings to get to know thier students. I feel this is the best way for both to learn about eachother! But, there are some who do prefer to begin charging at the first meeting. Make sure these guidelines are clear before getting too involved.