Wolfe Performance Training

Assessing the student's experience and abilities is critical to knowing where to start. I spend the first lesson time getting to know the student and building trust while establishing goals and developing a plan. Students learn much better when they have a practical goal to achieve and a performance upcoming. Practical application of techniques is critical in developing confidence, skills and technique. Participation in local productions or presentations is encouraged and facilitated when possible. Along with working toward a student's audition or performance goals outside of the lesson, students are often combined to perform in a local recital. 

Graduate Judson University, Elgin Illinois 

BA:FA Music & Theater- Emphasis in vocal pedogogy and theater craft.

Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership. (MAOL)

TownSquare Players member and board officer since 2011 at the Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock IL, Former president and executive producer for the 50 year old company.

Former Board officer &/or Director at Large: Woodstock Musical Theatre Company, GranDame Productions, Harvard Players. 

Since 1895:

Performance Coach for private lessons and classes.

Stage performer- acting, vocalist, other

Artistic Director for musicals, plays and short film. 

Music-director for stage, choir, ensemble work, competitions. 

Producer for theater and Associate Producer for feature film.

Director, music director, producer and developer for theater workshops working with adults and children. Stagecraft, acting, directing, stage-managing, producing, costuming, music directing mentor and trainer. 

Consultant for theater production and talent development. 

Adjudicator for competition with IHSA. 

Trainer and member of Willow Creek Community Church acting team, Crystal Lake Illinois. 

Drama and music teacher for Christian Learning Center, various local churches and community centers. 

Professional reviewer for Chicagolandmusicaltheater.com. 

Conductor for stage musicals.

Handbell choir director and program developer.

Costume designer and Wardrobe Department Head for feature film, Thrill Ride-released 2017. 

$25 per hour for lessons in my home.

Add $1 per lesson per mile to travel to other locations for private or class lessons.

$19 per hour for class of two or more students in my home, per person. Students split the cost of travel fees to outside locations. Combine lessons with friends to save money!

Fees due at sign up via PayPal, cash or check. Ask about other payment arrangements. Ten percent discount available for 3 prepaid lesson payments. Fifteen percent off for 6 or more prepaid lessons.

One week notice required for refund on cancellations. 24 hour notice for rescheduling. No refund or reschedule available for missed appointments without required prior notice. All rescheduled appointments are subject to instructors schedule.

I have studied singing and acting all of my life. There is no joy better than helping a student go from one level to the next. I love to see motivated faces triumph after working hard. The personal boost in confidence reaches into other aspects of life and improves everything. Confidence on stage or in front of a camera often translates into confidence at school, at work, and in other activities including Athletics. Bringing beginners as well as advanced students to the next level is my passion. Sharing this world with them is my joy.

Worked with children as young as three years old up to folks in their 80s. Amateurs and professionals have a variety of different goals. Every stage of development is exciting for me.

I directed a production of White Christmas in November of 2015 with the TownSquare players at the Woodstock Opera House near Chicago Illinois. Because I desired to give the production an added bonus of young energy, I added children to the cast in a variety of scenes. These children had worked with our youth drama workshops for our company. Not only did being in the production give them opportunities to grow and learn, but they very much invigorated and delighted the other actors and the audience.

Another thing I really enjoy about what I do is discovering talent. Sometimes actors just need to come out of their shells and understand what they're capable of. Giving someone the confidence to trust me and to become vulnerable in an acting situation can be critical to the authenticity of their presentation. Actors who learn this can overwhelmingly find favor in auditions with casting directors. My greatest achievement, in my mind, is giving opportunities to up-and-coming actors who accomplish things they never dreamed of.

Another of my favorite things to do is to tell the truth to experienced actors who need to be refreshed or spit-shined for auditions and competitions.

It's important to find an instructor who has not only been on stage but has been on the other side of the audition table and has worked with the very kind of Productions or situations that you want to be a part of. Having a critical eye but also a compassionate mentoring mentality can go far with people of all ages. Check their credentials and make sure they've had real training as well as years of experience. Check the reviews of former students as well.

Are they interested in helping you find performance opportunities?

Can they deal with special problems or special needs that the student has?

Are they willing to connect you with agencies or other programs?