TEACHING STATEMENT:
“Acting still means action. Whether teaching acting, or acting improvisation, I find that improvising and theater games are an important tool with which to approach and prepare for the demands of acting in general, and scene study in particular. Both require the actor to step out of his or her comfort zone and get to the basics: what am I doing? Am I actively engaging my partner? Am I using my imagination to create character and place? Awareness and practice lead to options and better choices, but first, we have to actively listen!”
BIO:
May 2018, created and directed ETCHED IN AMBER, a play based on Lithuanian poetry in Vilnius and Kaunas. Continues to perform and develop SAND & SILENCE, a solo work about her experiences while performing in the Middle East, in Saudi Arabia, Israel, Iran and Afghanistan. While appointed Artistic Director with the HB Ensemble, directed two productions: RICKHARDT and Brecht’s MR. PUNTILA AND HIS MAN MATTI. Other plays directed at HB Playwrights Foundation: VALPARAISO, FREUD’S LAST SESSION with Fritz Weaver and Matthew Conlon, CAGED VISIONS, based on prison poetry. Currently working as director and actor with playwrights to develop new works through staged readings and workshops. Performance Labs include Commedia dell’Arte’s THE THREE CUCKOLDS, works by Shepard, Brecht, Pinter, Mrozek, and Jarry. As a member of the Emerging Artists Theater, directed numerous workshops and short plays. Former member of the New York Theater Workshop’s Usual Suspects, and the Women’s Project Directors Circle. Worked with the following theater companies: EAT, Abingdon, Rattlestick, CAP 21, Wings, Vital, and the Independent. Directed a broad range of plays from Mrozek’s TANGO to a musical version of Sheridan’s THE RIVALS. Directed Shepard’s FOOL FOR LOVE at the Kamerni 55 Teatar in Sarajevo, Bosnia. Some acting credits include the role of Claire Zachanassian in THE VISIT, directed by Amy Wright, and Renevskaya in THE CHERRY ORCHARD, Toby in GINGERBREAD LADY, Isabella in MEASURE FOR MEASURE, Helen in TROJAN WOMEN. Acting tours include Europe, most Middle East countries, including Israel and North Africa. Appeared in concert at Lincoln Center with Lena Horne and the Boston Pops at Carnegie Hall. Co-founder of the Morse Mime Theater with Richard Morse. Studied with Uta Hagen, Warren Robertson, Larry Moss, and Richard Morse. BA in Theater from Smith College.