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"The school of the future, will perhaps, not be a school as we understand it -

with benches, blackboards and a teacher's platform - it may be a library,

a museum, a conversation or a theatre." ~ Leo Tolstoy   

THEATRE EDUCATOR

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Theatre education is often misunderstood, misrepresented and misinterpreted as a “frill” program, an extra-curricular, or a talent contest. On the contrary, Theatre is academic, and is one of the most multifarious and powerful learning processes available as it provides opportunities to interface with every scholastic content area from language arts, to music, history, painting, math, science, sociology, and the list extends. Additionally, everything we do on a daily basis is, essentially, theatrical: we use our voices, faces and bodies; we exchange information; we respond and react; we engage our senses; we think; and we feel. No other course of study can stimulate, inspire and blend so many layers of learning, revelation and transformation the way theatre can.

 

Theatricality has been, and remains, a source of teaching and communication for societies across cultures since the beginning of recorded time. Involvement in theatrical activity can provide invaluable and profound opportunities for successful academic, personal, and artistic growth, development, and awareness for all learning levels, styles, staminas, and intelligences. Whether taught as a singular subject, integrated into an academic classroom to enhance knowledge, or utilized with communities for social exploration and social action, theatre is one of the most effective resources we have for active, experiential, blended and progressive education.

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I believe everyone is born with intelligence, capability, creativity and value. As a Theatre Educator, I have an extraordinary opportunity to cultivate these precious assets inherent to our humanity. Whether I am working with seasoned professionals, supporting career-bound Artists, handing students their first theatrical building blocks, teaching in my content areas, or facilitating arts-integrated curriculum, I utilize the art and craft of theatre to ignite learning, and engage, empower, enlighten, energize, and educate people. I facilitate discovery, honor vulnerabilities, celebrate strengths, and help Learners and Growers of every age and stage find the conviction to embrace their truest Selves, and walk confidently and enthusiastically through life.

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My goal is to develop versatile, balanced, confident, capable performers … and people.

 

My hope is for each student to uncover and practice their full artistic and personal potential.

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Political theatre director/writer/activist, Augusto Boal, stated, “Theatre is a weapon, and it is the people who should wield it.” I am intent on applying my knowledge, skills and energy, and ‘wielding the weapons’ of Theatre, to train, guide and positively impact as many people as I can.

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SPECIALTY AREAS

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-Musical Theatre education and performance 

-Acting / Non-musical Theatre education and performance

-Voice / Vocal education and performance

-Educational Theatre & Drama In Education

-Social/Emotional/Personal explorations through theatre

-Arts-integrated curriculum design and implementation 

-Ice-Breakers & Team Building

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**I can create personalized programming to address your content-specific needs!

**Happy to work one-to-one, and/or with groups of all sizes, ages, and capabilities!

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"Diane does not just deposit knowledge or skills in students' heads; she creates a context for them to learn, and requires them to grapple, risk, collaborate, inquire, discover and challenge assumptions and taken-for-granted truths." - Lynne Rosen, PROFESSOR

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"Diane completely set the groundwork for my love of musical theatre. She is a pioneer for young, aspiring dreamers." 

- Gabrielle McClinton, ACTRESS (PIPPIN, AMERICAN IDIOT, CHICAGO, Broadway)

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"Words seem inadequate as a means to convey how beautifully you have managed to create an environment that inspires and embraces anyone and everyone." ~ CCLO™ PARENT

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"Your dedication is tireless, your talents incredibly brilliant. The invaluable tools I obtained working with you will last a lifetime!" - Alyce Tawil Grossman, FOUNDER, COLY, LOS ANGELES

"I first discovered my love of the stage working with Diane: she instilled the tools I needed as a child to get into a performing arts high school and start my journey to becoming a professional actor." - Andrew Chappelle, ACTOR (HAMILTON and MAMMA MIA, Broadway) 

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"Our daughter has developed a strong work ethic, discipline, passion, confidence, and the self-knowledge necessary for success in life all because of her participation with Diane and with theatre." - Jackie and Keith Elkins 

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"You instilled confidence in me at an early age when I don’t remember getting that kind of support from anywhere else. You are an incredible talent and an amazing force with young artists! It was a blessing to have had you as a teacher and director!" - Natalie Woolams, ACTRESS (TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS, Off-Broadway) 

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"Diane, your processes are nothing short of TRANSFORMATIVE for everyone involved. Your energy is so focused on pulling out the best in EVERYONE. You are truly inspirational and a gift to us all!" - Bonnie Wacker 

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GALLERY

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VIDEOS

A sneak peek behind-the-scenes...

Various projects and processes over the years ...

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