I describe my primary pedagogy with the phrase access through release.
Examples include the physical (release of abdominals for fuller access to breath); the emotional (release of habitual tension and mannerisms to access deeper connection with the material and scene partner); and the critical (release of expectations or self-doubt to make space for unexpected discovery.) Such release can help students develop a clearer understanding of the story, their own points of view about it, and how to execute it most effectively for the audience. My classes pair text-based analysis (contextual research, given circumstance, action/tactic, and beat-shift) with rigorous embodied, somatic exercises (borrowing from Yoga, Viewpoints, Fitzmaurice Voicework, and movement-based études to explore theme, character, and relationship, which I learned from Moscow Art Theater faculty). I require deep work from students, but I also operate with a trauma-informed lens and meet them where they are.
I see planning, rehearsal, and performance as ongoing modes of research for the theatre artist. These pair with more traditional research into historical and literary-theatrical context. The work is practical and interdisciplinary. I am interested in Queering theatre in content and form, and the depiction of gender and sexuality; rhizomatic devising as a means of producing singular, 'unfixed' events; investigating classical theatre’s potential and limitations for 21st century students and audiences; and depicting grey zones--areas of political, human, or moral ambiguity.
Current and recent teaching/educational work include:
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Adelphi University, Adjunct Professor (Psychological Acting II/Chekhov) and Guest Director (A Taste of Shakespeare: One-Twelfth Night and Midsummer: Tedious & Brief.)
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Northern Illinois University School of Theatre and Dance, Instructor (Areas of Performance and History/Literature/Criticism)
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Chicago Shakespeare Theatre/"Short Shakespeare!", Choreographer, Romeo and Juliet, directed by Mikael Burke.
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Northwestern University/National High School Institute ('The Cherubs'), Core Faculty (Voice, Movement, Acting, Dance, Text Analysis, Shakespeare)
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Northwestern University, Choreographer, Violet, directed by Mikael Burke
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The Theatre School at DePaul University, Guest Director, Pink Milk, written by Ariel Zetina
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College of Staten Island, Adjunct Assistant Professor (Intro to Acting)
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DreamYard Art Center, Teaching Assistant (Acting, Movement, Shakespeare)
PRIVATE COACHING
I also have experience coaching private clients, as well. Whether you're preparing for upcoming auditions or current productions, or looking for executive presence and public speaking coaching, I can help. Interested in taking a deep dive? Send me a note through the CONNECT page and let's get to work!