With a broad background in several disciplines, my teaching includes a variety of acting pedagogies at each level. I firmly believe no two actors work exactly the same way - we all respond to different inspirations and we each eventually create our own personal technique. So, instead of one path, I offer an "a la carte" approach.
My career as an educator is easiest to describe in two phases: my years in New York City and those in Wisconsin.
My career as an educator is easiest to describe in two phases: my years in New York City and those in Wisconsin.
New York City Teaching
Almost as soon as I began my professional acting career, I discovered my passion for teaching. Areas of specialty include: acting, directing, stage combat, movement, mask work, period movement, comedy, public speaking, Shakespeare, Chekhov, Moliere and professional theatre development.
I spent 17 years in New York City teaching privately and at many great NYC institutions, including Juilliard, Brooklyn College, Wagner College Marymount Manhattan, and AMDA - where I created their stage combat program. (See my New York City Teaching page for more.)
I spent 17 years in New York City teaching privately and at many great NYC institutions, including Juilliard, Brooklyn College, Wagner College Marymount Manhattan, and AMDA - where I created their stage combat program. (See my New York City Teaching page for more.)
Other schools and programs where I have taught outside of the Big Apple have included:
I have also taught numerous workshops & lectures across the nation for high schools, drama programs, seniors groups, colleges, professional theaters as well as regional and national festivals.
- Binghamton University (MFA)
- Virginia Commonwealth University (MFA)
- University of South Caroline (MFA)
- National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts, DC
- University of Wisconsin-Parkside
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
I have also taught numerous workshops & lectures across the nation for high schools, drama programs, seniors groups, colleges, professional theaters as well as regional and national festivals.
Wisconsin Teaching
In 2003 I moved from NYC to the Midwest to head the acting program at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Ten years later, I became the Head of Acting at Marquette University. My success as a teacher is measured by my students' successes; they consistently find work in the field after graduation. (See my Wisconsin Teaching page for more.)
Stage Combat Workshop at Binghamton University, photo by Jonathan Cohen
