Irvington Performing Arts Classes

C), Witchhazel (NYC), For I am Nothing If Not Critical (Washington, D.C.), Our Struggle to be Illustrious (Washington, D.C.) Paginas Latinas (Orlando, FL) Orlando the Television Show... on stage! (Orlando, FL)

Most recent directing credits include The Prop Master (NYC), Assassins (Fair Lawn, NJ), Witchhazel (NYC), Dinner With Friends (Arlington, VA), Godspell (NYC), FEARS (NYC), Why Torture is Wrong, and the People Who Love Them (Annapolis, MD), The Rocky Horror Show (Alexandria VA), Superior Donuts (Annapolis, MD), The Producers (Gaithersburg, MD), Pippin (Baltimore, MD), Little Shop of Horrors, Seussical The Musical, Inherit the Wind, Comedy of Errors, Orlando the Television Show… On Stage, and The Land of Counterpane. (For a more detailed list, please visit the productions page.)

Throughout his career, Kris has dedicated himself to directing shows with a natural and realistic approach, making productions accessible to new and seasoned audiences. In the rehearsal process he allow actors to search for the reality in their characters and relationships, always staying within the shows overall vision. Kris truly loves working with actors and designers, and believes in leading a collaborative effort.

Kristofer has taken great pride in sharing his passion and knowledge through workshops, classes, and private coaching. In 2000 he headed workshops and directed theatre for younger audiences with MicheLee Puppets in Orlando, FL. Since then he has served as the Theatre Director for Camp Echo Lake in NY (2004-2008) and is currently the Performing Arts Director at Maine Arts Camp (Since 2011).

y Rock", Gilmore Girls", "Law and Order" and others. Her goal in working with her students is not only to teach healthy vocal technique, but in keeping with her theatre background, her strong belief that "Every song is a scene or monoglogue" leads her to make sure the student know what they are singing or speaking about, and can do so with a clarity of emotion and dramatic intent.
She has a BA in theatre/voice from the University of Kansas where she serves on the Advisory Board For the Department of Theatre and Film and has an MFA from the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program at NYU Tisch School of the Arts where she is a guest lecturer. She is a member of AEA, SAG/AFTRA, AGMA and The Dramatists Guild.
"Mary is able to reach not only those students who are already excited about theater but inspire those who have no previous knowledge of it. To watch these young men and women become more and more accomplished is a marvelous thing. She inspired them all."...Mark St. Germain, Obie winning playwright.

*** Lesson Details ***
In a one hour lesson, we will spend twenty five minutes on vocal exercises designed to teach support and placement. Having performed leads on and Off Broadway, I know that without good technique you can't do eight shows a week, do back to back sets in a nightclub or cabaret or tour as a pop or rock singer. The second half of the lesson is spent on songs. As an acting as well as vocal coach, I focus on dramatics as well as musical interpretation. A singer must be connected to the words as well as the music. I hope to teach you to love singing as much as I do.

*** Studio Equipment ***
casio keyboard, speakers, desk, extensive library of scripts and sheet music, internet

*** Specialties ***
pop and musical theatre singing
college and theatre auditions/monologues and song performance

istic potential in their dancing by helping to combine technique with lyricism, rhythmic dynamics and emotive qualities.

Private lessons can be catered toward each individual. Either for an upcoming audition, feedback on solo or ensemble choreography, to help personalize technical corrections and to help push technique to a higher level, or for non dancers to help understand movement and feel comfortable in a beginning class.

Wedding Singer and previously as The Production Tenor in Singin’ in the Rain and Garvin in Footloose. Other theatre credits include multiple shows at Music Theatre of Wichita, West Virginia Public Theatre and The Connecticut Repertory Theatre, all of which have taught me what it takes to become a successful musical theatre performer in this competitive era.

I love teaching all students, but in particular high school students who are aspiring to attend college as a musical theatre major, non-theatre majors who are new to singing and want a stronger technical background, or actors who are new to the musical theatre scene and are looking to take their talent to the next level. I have a strong knowledge of repertoire ranging from contemporary musical theatre to golden age to opera/operetta. I have performed in musicals, operettas, plays, and have started my own collegiate a cappella group, The Statesmen. At Penn State, I was trained to not only teach musical theatre repertoire, but to include art songs and arias as well which have their own tool in a student's growth and versatility.

Most importantly, I like to have fun in the studio. I have a very open and goofy personality and want you to feel free to be goofy as well. Dare to fail. You may learn more from your voice cracking then you might from singing a beautiful note.

reating a demo reel (video & audio - ask for more details)

g, marketing and branding, and licensing. I'm currently a member of 3 original bands and have continued to do an array of session work on both guitar and bass.

I am endorsed by Lakland basses and am a member of SESAC. I love coffee, chocolate, and like my eggs over medium.