Artist Statement
As a produced playwright, published writer and award-winning performer, I create a container of sharing and trust to inspire community building and experiential learning. I also foster a creative atmosphere for my participants, encouraging freedom to express themselves. My goal is to empower life skills and instill confidence wrapped with a sense of fun through learning.
I am the writer/performer of the critically-acclaimed off-Broadway one-man play Blood Type: RAGU (presently touring). I have also acted in theater, television, and can be seen in the SAG award-winning films Figs for Italo and Brooklyn in July now available on Amazon Prime. My writing exercises have been published in the book, From Medusa to the Sky, and analyzed in the book, From Wiseguys to Wisemen written by Prof. Fred Gardaphe. I am a Westchester Council Arts Award recipient recognized for my contributions as an arts educator, actor and playwright within the county, and the winner of two United Solo Awards as Best Comic Actor and Best Comedic Script for my solo performance work.
Educational Background
B.A. in Theater Arts/Educational Theater - SUNY Empire State College; William Esper Acting Studio 2 years program. Teaching Artist training workshops: Elders Share the Arts, Irondale Ensemble, SPARK Family Arts Forum, Artsgenesis Teachers & Artists Institute, Community-Word Project.
Teaching Artist Experience
My 20 years as a Teaching Artist, has given me the experience facilitating over 1,000 residencies working with youth and adults in schools, libraries, health care facilities and prisons. I am also experienced using theatre, filmmaking, improvisation and creative writing as a tool to teach across the curriculum. As a Staff Developer, I have trained educators to enhance techniques on how to bring creativity into their teaching lessons. I have also served for eight years as the resident stage director for the award-winning drama program at St. Joseph Regional High School in Montvale, NJ.
