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Artistic Vision

I believe that art education is one of the most valuable resources in providing a rich learning experience for young people today. I am dedicated to teaching young artists in order to enhance their confidence in their art and to cultivate their own artistic identity in today’s society. 

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Teaching Philosophy

The foundation of my teaching philosophy is that theatre is an art form that allows itself to be a pipeline for all forms of performance. As a theatre artist who is currently involved in the performance aspect of theatre, I bring a passion and a presence to the classroom that allows students to discover and express their own passions in various art forms. I am overjoyed with any opportunity to express my enthusiasm about theatre and hope to spark an appreciation of the arts among college students. 

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Professional Teaching Experience

As a private instructor of vocal, acting, and piano since 2019, I provide weekly coaching sessions to students ranging from six-year-olds to adults. I offer them various performing opportunities in the community, with two showcases every year. For the past five years, I have led a performance ensemble, programming and choreographing song sets for recitals and community performances. Furthermore, I have accompanied students in a range of events, including recitals, contests, college auditions, and other performance opportunities. I have also assisted pupils with auditions for college theatre and music departments. Students from my studio have competed in various musical and theatre competitions across the United States and in Japan, with several earning recognition and three securing full-ride scholarships in multiple colleges and universities' theatre and music departments.

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Academic Teaching Experience

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Da Vinci International School 

Instructor of Theatre

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Acting

Explores foundations of acting and script analysis based on methods of Konstantin Stanislavsky. Focuses on acting exercises, discussion, and how these activities can improve communication, create flexibility, and introduce the actor to important interpretive and interpersonal skills.

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Acting for Musical Theatre

Investigation and application of the fundamental principles of singing - acting. Students learn to make expressive behavioral choices utilizing their voice, face and body while singing. Song analysis is taught as a tool to identify and produce successful and effective behavioral choice-making that demonstrates specificity, clarity, emotional truth, variety and intensity in performance. Technique is developed through study in exercises and repertoire.

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Voice for the Stage

Advanced study in vocal control; breathing, projection, pronunciation, articulation, dialect, vocal range and pitch; emphasis on speaking classical language; attention to the International Phonetic Alphabet.

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Kennesaw State University

Instructor of Theatre

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Theatre in Society

This interactive course examines the role of theatre in society through the study of dramatic works and performance events within their cultural and historical contexts. Course assignments promote understanding of the creative process and develop skills in critical analysis, global perspectives, and collaboration. Attendance is required at live performances, including some events with paid admission.

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University of Souther Mississippi 

Instructor (Graduate Assistant) of Theatre

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Theatre Appreciation

The purpose of this course is provide the tools for an understanding and informed appreciation for the philosophies, structures, procedures and concepts of Theatre. The class will explore dramatic structure, theatrical production, design, performance, direction, collaborative process, and cultural context.

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Acting for Non-Majors

This introductory acting technique course is designed specifically for non-theatre students who are interested in learning the basics of acting. The course will use modern scene studies and improvisation exercises to help students develop their acting skills, including: Voice and body awareness, character analysis, scene analysis, improvisation and storytelling. Students will learn how to create believable characters and tell stories in a variety of acting settings, including stage, film, and television. The course will also focus on developing the student's confidence and self-expression.

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Voice Over

This course will introduce skills necessary for voiceover acting. The student will engage in finding voice acting scripts and creating characters. The course will explore the student’s vocal instrument in the areas of pitch, range, tone, articulation and flexibility. In addition, they will learn studio terminology, audition skills and personal branding with a focus on today’s market industry of voice acting.

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Voice for the Actor

This course will introduce the facets of vocal production, speech and language skills necessary for an engaging performance onstage. Through explorations and text work the student will learn healthy vocal production, elements of clear speech for the stage, and warm-ups for improving vocal range and expressiveness. Emphasis will be placed on producing a truthful, centered voice.

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Non-University Teaching Experience

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Torri Station Army Base, Okinawa, Japan 

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Education Counselor

 

Managed social media and technology for the education center, developing and implementing marketing strategies and representing the center to the media. Provided individual guidance to soldiers on choosing educational paths that would benefit their careers and post-service lives.

Researched information, created PowerPoint presentations, and facilitated briefings on commissioning, education, and general services. Analyzed and collected data to award soldiers based on GPA, degrees earned, and general technician score improvement.

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Da Vinci International School (Okinawa, Japan) 

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High School & Middle School Teacher​

 

Musical Theatre Program

Designed and implemented a musical theatre program for high school and middle school students, teaching them to analyze musical theatre songs, read music, and perform. Instructed students in group numbers, vocal warm-ups, physical wellness for the voice and body, and acting through song.

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Acting Program

Developed and delivered an acting program for high school and middle school students, focusing on voice, body, character analysis, and improvisation. Led students in group, pair, and solo exercises, including analysis, rehearsal, memorization, and performance. Facilitated improvisational activities to help students apply their acting skills in a creative and dynamic setting.

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Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre 

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Teaching Artist

Fostered artistic growth in aspiring performers through dynamic theatre workshops and personalized acting/speech coaching sessions, culminating in successful monologue development and competition preparedness for 250+ students. Designed and led engaging workshops on vocal projection & preservation, physical storytelling through movement, and foundational musical theatre techniques. Shared expertise as a judge for the esteemed August Wilson Monologue Competition, evaluating performances and providing constructive feedback.

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Harlem Theatre Group

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Acting Coach

Helped actors choose materials for showcase and auditions, guided them through script and character analysis, and coached them through their monologues in preparation for their showcase. Coached actors on a variety of acting techniques, including voice and body awareness, scene analysis, improvisation, and storytelling. Helped actors develop their confidence and self-expression.

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Midsummer Musical Theatre Experience

 

Director/Educator, Elementary/Middle School 

Director/Educator/Coach

Casted/directed the show “We Are Monsters,” for the two-week performance camp for children aged 7-12. Led auditions, selected the cast, and directed all aspects of the production, including blocking, character development, and scene work. Supported the cast in developing their skills and confidence, and helped them to create a polished and cohesive performance. Taught improvisational technique, storytelling, and musical theatre through creative theatre games to children aged 5-18. Selected games appropriate for the age and skill level of the students, and tailored the games to the specific topics being taught. Created a safe and supportive environment for students to learn and grow through theater.

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Young Actors Mentoring Program 

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Acting Mentor and Coach

Co-founded and led the Young Actors Mentoring Program at Albany State University, which provided coaching and training to students involved in their respective theater clubs at various high schools in the Albany area. Individually coached students on monologues, dances, and songs, and provided them with audition material and preparation assistance. Mentored students by helping them to develop their theater skills and confidence.

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Workshops

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Love-it Productions Theatre Workshop 

Provided acting workshops for high school students, covering a variety of topics including improvisation, the RASA box emotion technique, theater games that highlighted voice, movement, and character development, and audition readiness. Created a safe and supportive learning environment where students could explore their creativity and develop their acting skills. Helped students to develop their confidence and self-expression through theater. Prepared students for auditions and performances, helping them to choose appropriate material and develop their stage presence.

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Savannah Stage Company Voice Workshop 

Led the cast and crew of The Wizard of Oz through a series of vocal warm-up exercises based on the Lessac Kinesensic Voice Training method. These exercises helped the performers to develop their vocal range, strength, and flexibility. Worked with individual cast members to help them solve specific vocal problems, such as vocal fatigue and fry. Using the Lessac vocal technique, I helped them to identify and correct the underlying issues that were causing these problems.

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University of Southern Mississippi Health Department Vocal Projection Workshop  

Presented a lecture on healthy vocal projection to an undergraduate class in the Health & Science department. Discussed the importance of vocal projection for both personal and professional use. Taught students specific vocal techniques to help them project their voices without straining. Emphasized the importance of keeping the body healthy and happy in order to maintain a healthy voice.

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The Free Southern Theatre Showcase Voice For the Working Actor Workshop 

Led students through a series of vocal warm-up exercises and techniques designed to improve their vocal range, strength, and flexibility. Guided students in applying these techniques to their assigned texts, helping them to develop their vocal performances and create believable and engaging characters. Provided feedback to the director on specific actors and their vocal performances, suggesting ways to help them achieve his desired outcome.

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Albany State University Graduate School Workshop

Presented on how to find and apply for theater graduate school programs, including topics such as choosing the right programs, writing personal statements, and preparing for auditions and interviews. Answered questions about upcoming theater conferences, such as the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC), Unified Professional Theatre Auditions (UPTA), and the University/Resident Theatre Association (URTAs). Led a talk-back session with students to share my experiences in graduate school and provide career guidance based on their individual goals and needs.

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Certifications

  • Lessac Practitioner 

  • Hand to Hand Combat 

  • Broad Sword 

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Education and Honors

Master of Fine Arts - Performance - Acting

    University of Southern Mississippi

Bachelor of Arts - Speech & Theatre

    Albany State University

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  • KCACTF Irene Ryan Regional Semifinalist (16’)

  • USM Graduate School Hall of Fame (15’)

  • Three Minute Thesis Competition Semifinalist (15’)

  • Outstanding Graduate Student (15’)

  • KCACTF Irene Ryan Nominee 

    • Clybourne Park 14’

    • By the Way, Meet Vera Stark 15’

  • Dr. Walter Washington Award of Scholastic Excellence (15’)

  • University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagle Award for Outstanding Female Graduate Student (15’)

  • Langston Hughes Artistic Excellence Award (14’)

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Notable Literary Accomplishments

  • Co-Author

    • Children’s Play The Kingdom of Goodness and Manners

    • Available on Amazon (Fall 16’)

  • Writer

    • Creative Project on The Matchmaker, Dolly Levi

      • Research on Thornton Wilder,  the Historical Context: Economics, women during the time period, social class, matchmaking, script analysis and character analysis.

References

Robin Aronson- robin.Aronson@usm.edu, Monica Hayes- monica.hayes@usm.edu, Sean Boyd- sean.boyd@usm.edu, John Warrick- john.warrick@usm.edu 

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