COACHING & education
One of Derek's first high school jobs was as a Teacher's Assistant at Northwest Children's Theatre. It was then that he was struck with another passion: teaching. He has worked as a private acting coach for the last 6 years working with young actors ranging from audition prep for Nickelodeon and Broadway to auditioning for their dream high school and colleges.
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As an educator, Derek's main goals as an educator are:
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to enhance curiosity through collaboration with young people.
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to create life-long learners and supporters of the arts.
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to strengthen the community through theatrical tools.
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to provide a creative space for students to explore their perspectives of the world.
His specialties are Theatre for Young Audiences, Devising, Movement, Solo Performance, Verbatim Theatre, Theatre of the Oppressed, Greek Theatre, and Uta Hagen's Methodology.
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Derek has taught all over the country for Hunter College High School, Waterwell Conservatory (PPAS), Acting Out, Parker-Anderson Enrichment, Chicago High School for the Arts, Northwestern University's "Cherubs" program, Northlight Theatre, Portland Actor's Conservatory, and Northwest Children's Theatre.
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ACTOR
Derek has two decades worth of professional acting experience, starting at 11 at Northwest Children's Theatre. He's a member of the Actor's Equity Association and has been seen on stage in Portland, Oregon at Artists Repertory Theatre and Profile Theatre. In Chicago at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Raven, and Artistic Home. In New York at The Duke, and Lenfest for Performing
Arts. His film/tv experience includes History Channel and Discovery+. Visit his Acting Website here.
Specializing In...
EDUCATIONAL COACHING:
NYC Performing Arts Middle & High School entrance auditions, and College-Conservatory Auditions.
AUDITION COACHING:
Professionally for film/tv, school auditions, interview coaching, and more!
REPERTOIRE COACHING:
For those in search of the perfect monologue or scene for an audition, showcase, or to add to your book.
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CAREER COACHING:
Ready to take your career to the next level? Derek will guide you in preparing for getting out there! Learn to brand yourself, connect to reps, and more.
SELF-TAPING:
Guidance in set-up, equipment, and reader.
ADMISSIONS COUNSELING:
Guidance on the high school or college audition and application process.