Teaching Young Artists

 The past two summers at KDIA have been an incredibly rewarding experience wearing multiple hats! I've had the privilege of serving as the camp's Choreographer, Music Director, and Head Counselor.  As Choreographer, I led campers in grades 2-8, using movement to tell stories. We explored how emotions translate to dance and how characters can be defined through physicality. This not only improved their dance skills but also helped them understand performance as a whole.  As Music Director, I fostered a love of singing at KDIA. I led vocal technique workshops, ran daily warm-ups to prepare their voices, and collaborated with each group and David Wohl, our songwriter, to create a cohesive musical experience. This summer, I'm thrilled to continue working with the amazing KDIA team! I look forward to building on the skills of our campers and creating another unforgettable theatrical experience for everyone involved. 

 This past season at Debut Theatre Company, I had the privilege of directing a talented group of 8-10 year olds in a one-act play.  It was incredibly rewarding to witness their growth and confidence throughout the process. We focused on essential theatre skills like projection, stage presence, and memorization. We also explored 'cheating out' to ensure everyone in the theatre could enjoy their performances. Beyond technical skills, we nurtured creativity through games and exercises. This helped them develop their characters and even contribute to the design concepts for the show.  The highlight was seeing them take ownership of their performance. They not only memorized lines and executed stage directions, but also confidently embodied their characters and delivered the play entirely on their own. Witnessing their transformation from eager learners to confident young performers on stage was truly inspiring.