We truly are blessed to have the most talented, most dedicated, and most PASSIONATE team of Drama Educators here in the Capital District! Why not get to know a little bit more about them? Click on your child's teacher to view their teacher page - where you will find photos, bios, fun facts, videos, and more! Want a good laugh? Watch your DKI teachers making fools out of themselves (yet again!) out our 2019 Viral Teacher Video: Drama Kids Teacher Rock the World! Better yet, take a minute to give them some kudos before or after class or show them some love on our Drama Kids Facebook Page. That's the fuel that keeps us teachers going! :) Check out our Teachers in action!
Director and Owner of Drama Kids of the Capital Region "People find this hard to believe, but I was quite the wallflower growing up. I suffered from extremely low self-esteem and struggled with social anxiety. My poor mother had to practically drag me out of the house when it came to participating in after-school activities, or even going to birthday parties and play dates. But it was in my Junior High Drama Club where I began to learn how to cope with that anxiety, and where my confidence was strengthened. I finally came out of my shell - and never looked back! I eventually came to the realization that life is acting - we take on different characters whether we are socializing at a party, giving a speech at a seminar, or teaching a crazy bunch of Drama Kids! Everyone needs a place where they feel they belong and can relax and be themselves...and I was able to find that place in my Drama Classes. The positive atmosphere of exploring my innate talents while learning to work with others in a constructive and creative way was a huge boost to my self-esteem. I am living proof that drama can fundamentally impact success educationally and personally!" BIOGRAPHYDeanna is a proud mother of two – and “Drama Mama” to all her Drama Kids across the Capital Region. Deanna holds a BA in Music Performance and Elementary Education from Vassar College and attended graduate school at the University of Albany where she earned her MS in Literacy and Elementary Education. She has been involved in theatre all her life as a professional actress, director and art educator. A certified NYS teacher, she has twenty years of teaching experience, working with children of all ages. When she found a program that was focused on building confidence, speaking and acting skills in children, Deanna knew it was the ideal match for her talents and passion. She is proud to have made a dramatic difference in the lives of thousands of Capital Region children! Deanna shares her own story of personal development through drama in this article, Deanna's Picture galleryVIRAL TEACHER VIDEOS!
Artistic Director "The Shenendehowa Musical Company was more than a drama club to me. It was a safe place where I could express myself without stressing over popularity contests and judgmental teenagers. I could become someone else on stage, all the while not knowing I was really developing my own personal character. Being involved with theatre in high school gave me the self confidence to pursue whatever endeavors would come next. For me that ultimately turned out to be a career in theatre education, and I couldn't be happier." BIOGRAPHYJillian is thrilled to be celebrating her seventh year with Drama Kids as our newly appointed Artistic Director! Graduating from SUNY Albany in 2009, Jillian earned a BA in Theatre with a concentration in directing and production, as well as a minor in English with a concentration in Shakespearean Studies. After being a part of the local theatre scene for many years as an actor, director, producer, stage manager, dramaturge, and costume/prop master, Jillian feels she has now found her true calling in teaching at DKI. She feels privileged to be helping to guide the youth of the Capital District to confident self-expression through drama. Now she feels she can accomplish that in an even more direct way, by focusing on curriculum development at DKI, as well as playwriting. Little known fact, Jillian writes and adapts the Spring Performance plays with fellow teacher Ellen Cribbs! Jillian is also the proud mother of Jordyn Grace. A Drama Kid since birth! Ms. Jillian's Photo GalleryFUN FACTS ABOUT MS. JILLIANShe has 3 dogs - Cody, Champ & Hamilton Her favorite Disney character is Figment If she weren't a drama teacher she'd be a wedding planner She is a complete shopaholic! Her favorite holiday is Halloween! One word - COSTUMES! Creative Director "My life changed when I started participating in my high school drama club. Even though I was a sociable and talkative young child (often acting out scenes from Disney movies to entertain my family and friends!) I became very closed off when I turned 11. I grew terribly shy, and I was riddled with social anxiety and insecurities. Heck - I couldn't even answer the telephone for fear of speaking to someone new! Luckily, somehow, I got the courage to audition for my high school's production of "Beauty and the Beast" my freshman year -and my confidence did a complete 180! My drama education broke me out of the shell I had created, and made me realize my true potential. It gave me the gift of confidence, self-respect, and lifelong friendships. It also made me the woman I am today - and I am thrilled to now be passing on that gift to the next generation!" BIOGRAPHYKristyn is a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association, a local professional actress, and a graduate of the University of Albany’s Theatre Department. She has been an Arts Educator for over a decade, starting out as stage manager and director of her local community theatre youth program right after high school. When Kristyn found Drama Kids ten years ago, she knew she found a perfect fit. There’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s confidence bloom through drama, and to watch a student shine on (and off!) the stage. After a four-year hiatus, Kristyn has finally moved back to the Capital Region and is ecstatic to get back to teaching Drama Kids! Though to be fair, "hiatus" is a stretch. Distance couldn't keep her away from helping teach online during the pandemic, keep our social media pages a-buzz, and make the three hour trek to help with "Guys & Dolls"! MISS KRISTYN'S PICTURE GALLERYFun Facts about miss KristynShe is a proud and cringey "Disney adult". Glasses and Disney socks are her trademarks. She runs a successful Etsy business, specializing in Christmas ornaments and wedding favors. She is training for her first Marathon. VIRAl TEACHER VIDEOS!
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