Positions
Biography
My first acting teacher was Olympia Dukakis. Then to Boston University’s School of Theatre for a BFA in directing. I learned craft and beliefs there that have stayed with me ever since. Outside of school I directed other shows, founded a theatre company, formed an improv comedy group, taught creative dramatics and got my first paid acting job. Summers I did stock or went to New York to study and work. Arena Fair Summer Theatre in Ohio became a home for me because we all worked, ate, slept and played together. Three shows at once. The second season there I was Artistic Director. After college I got married and worked in theatres. Petosky Playhouse in Michigan, then Pioneer Memorial Theatre in Salt Lake City. While in Utah I directed in Park City. The show was a success so they asked me to stay on, but I left for the Front Street Theatre in Memphis. After a couple of years bouncing around the country it was time to have kids. However, my lifestyle seemed wrong for raising children. I took a job out of theatre to make money, but something was missing. So I got Franklin Pierce College to give me their theatre for a summer program. That grew into the New Hampshire Shakespeare Festival in Manchester. I was back doing what I loved. Unfortunately, that also ended my marriage. California here I come. I directed a lot of theatre and won some awards. I became Viola Spolin’s assistant. She is still my model of a great teacher. Guy Stockwell also asked me to teach with him. Some of their students asked me to start my own classes, but it was wrong to steal students from the people who had helped me. I took a job at different acting school. The Ensemble Studio Theatre became another home for me. It was all about The Work. We supported and respected one another. In six years there I ran workshops, directed plays, acted and served on the Board of Directors. I taught acting on my own and at USC; directing at. UC Riverside; plus workshops and seminars all over.