What are you currently doing for work and what was the path you took to get here?
I am currently working as a vocational video production and performing arts instructor at Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School. I have worked here for ten years developing the theater and film program. I am the first theater teacher of the school and helped form the performing arts section of the vocational program. I am working to develop the curriculum for the program merging theater and video elements. We are working towards raising funds to build an auditorium for the school. We have formed partnerships with local theaters (notably the Orpheum in Foxboro) to produce our shows and mount our presentations there.
I formed the school's first drama program 9 years ago and we have competed at the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild festival winning awards for our performances. I have directed the shows for the school consistently upping the program each year. I have directed ALMOST, MAINE; THE CRUCIBLE; THE TEMPEST; COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (Abridged); LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS; ADDAMS FAMILY; and am currently working on an exciting venture in conjunction with En Garde Arts in NYC - we are mounting their production of WILDERNESS for the METG festival. We have worked closely with the writers of the show Seth Bockley and Anne Hamburger during the production.
I also continue to perform in local theater productions through Massachusetts and Rhode Island. I have appeared in ARSENIC AND OLD LACE (Jonathan Brewster), FROST/NIXON (David Frost), 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (Vice Principal Panch), A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Bob Crachit and Jacob Marley), THE MOUSETRAP (Detective Trotter), COMPANY (Peter), FARRAGUT NORTH (Paul Zara), and THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT (El-Fayoumi).
How did your education in COLA prepare you for life after college?
My time at UNH helped develop me as an instructor providing me with multiple opportunities to grow as a teacher and build my subject matter knowledge. The education program within the theater department and through the education department gave me the foundation I needed to succeed. In addition, my theater education gave me a well-rounded look at all areas of the theater and the experience to continue pursuing outside theatrical experiences.
What person or course most influenced you while at UNH?
I have three people to thank - David Kaye, David Richman, and Raina Ames. Each of them helped develop me in areas, without which, I could not have done what I have done today. David Kaye developed me as an actor and director; David Richman developed my book knowledge of theater; and Raina Ames taught me how to teach these materials and think outside the box.
What advice do you have for students interested in your field?
Take every opportunity you can and try every experience at campus. There is so much for you there and you don't want to regret not taking every chance.
