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Heidi Brown

 

 

E-mail:  [email protected]

 

 

ACADEMIC DEGREES

 

2000 – 2003               Temple University                                                                         Philadelphia, PA

Master of Fine Arts – Department of Speech Communication & Theater

n     Emphasis:  Theater :  Acting

n     Cumulative G.P.A.:  3.89, summa cum laude

 

 

1988 – 1992                Western Washington University                                              Bellingham, WA

Bachelor of Arts

n     Major:  Spanish

n     Minor:  Musical Theater and Psychology

CERTIFICATES

 

2003 – present           State of New Jersey                                                                     

n     Certificate of Eligibility:  Spanish – Department of Education, State of New Jersey

n     American Council On the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL): Oral Proficiency

    Certificate – Rating of Advanced – Spanish

 

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

 

2003 – 2004               Bayonne Board of Education                                                               Bayonne, NJ

Spanish & Drama Teacher – Gifted & Talented School –Public School #14

n     Spanish Language:  This course addressed the New Jersey World Languages Core Curriculum Content Standards using the three modes; Interpretive, Interpersonal and Presentational.  Students were evaluated using Performance Based Assessments to address the Multiple Intelligences.  Lessons were based on thematic subjects, which enhanced student’s comprehension of basic vocabulary and conversation.

 

n     Hispanic Culture:  Classes included several Interdisciplinary lessons in order to expose students to the culture of Hispanic communities.  By exposing students to several different themes, they broadened their communication skills both orally and in writing.  Lessons incorporated and engaged other disciplines in order to make the connection between all the disciplines and World Languages and to ensure that the students were introduced to culture by doing research and discussing their findings.

 

n     Acting:  Students developed a method of using the written script, constructing their character and analyzing scenes and beats.  Through the use of various warm-up exercises, improvisations, scene and monologue study, students were able to perform fearlessly and believably.

 

n     Shakespeare Language, Literature and History:  4th through 8th grade students read and analyzed, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.  Students were encouraged to ask and answer open-ended questions regarding the textual and historical meaning of the play, the characters and the world Shakespeare lived in.  In production, students used Shakespeare’s words with certainty and ease.  They expanded and expressed their imagination freely and with self-assurance.  Students also utilized various vocal and speech exercises to communicate their messages clearly.  Basic stage combat routines were also used during scene conflicts, adding realism to the play.

 

2000 – 2003               Temple University                                                                          Philadelphia, PA

Graduate Assistant – School of Communications & Theater

n     Acting For Non-Majors:  This course introduced the basic elements of the actor's craft. The overall objective of the course was to lay a foundation for the acting process.  This included working on releasing tension, developing powers of concentration, promoting spontaneity, exploring a systematic approach to preparing a role for performance, and building confidence as performers.  During the semester, students learned the fundamental theories and techniques of modern acting based on the principals of Stanislavsky and Uta Hagen. Explorations involved the whole class, large or small groups, pairs, or individuals. The second half of the semester, students prepared monologues and scenes.  The first half of the semester, students each presented four different Basic Object Exercises.

 

 

 

2002 – 2003               Temple University                                                                          Philadelphia, PA

Graduate Assistant – School of Communications & Theater

n     Movement for the Actor:  This course focused on training the actor’s physical instrument through various movement exercises.  Students began each class with a warm-up that included stretching, strength building exercises (including palates) and yoga.  Students built up their instrument using various improvisations and floor exercises.  Students gained flexibility and strength through these exercises.  Students discovered freedom of movement and expression as they gained experience working in a theatrical space. 

 

 

 

2002 – 2003               Temple University                                                                          Philadelphia, PA

Graduate Assistant – School of Communications & Theater

n     Vocal Production: Students improved their vocal instruments in this class as they learned several exercises in relaxation, breath support, projection, pitch, and articulation.  Students were introduced to the Fitzmaurice method of de-structuring and structuring, developing their ability to relax, support the breath and project the voice without strain or improper use of the body.  Using the Laban technique, students learned to use language and their voices in a variety of ways, breaking old vocal patterns and discovering new ways of using text.  Students also used various articulation and nasal resonator exercises to sharpen their placement and diction.

 

 

 

2000 – 2003               Temple University                                                                          Philadelphia, PA

Graduate Assistant – School of Communications & Theater

n     One-Act Production: Assisted students in reviewing and selecting plays for their final class project.  This class researched, analyzed and performed one-act plays at the end of the semester.  Students were required to read several plays at the beginning of the semester in order to find a challenging two or three-person play.  Once they selected partners and plays, students rehearsed and designed their entire play.  Students met twice a week in class to run-through their play.  Students also produced their own sets, props, costumes, sound.  At the end of the semester, students presented their plays in a week-long, reparatory series for the faculty, students and friends.  Through this class, students were had the opportunity to fully experience performing in a play.

 

 

 

2003 – 2004               Temple University                                                                          Philadelphia, PA

Graduate Assistant – School of Communications & Theater

n     Theater Business: Lead business unit in Theater Business course.  Demonstrated how to use the latest Microsoft software including MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Publisher and MS FrontPage to graduate students.  Assisted graduate students with publicity layouts and cover letters to directors, casting and talent agents.  Built showcase web-site and cross-trained graduate students to construct their own web-site to post headshots, resumes, publicity and production photos.


PRIVATE COACHING

 

2000 – 2004               Temple University                                                                          Philadelphia, PA

Acting Coach – School of Communications & Theater

n     Undergraduate URTA coaching:  Privately coached undergraduate students preparing for

    URTAs.

n     One-Acts: Coached students in a week long intensive of rehearsals in order to prepare them for

    the annual One-Act series.

n     Private coaching:  Assisted graduate and undergraduate students with auditions, scene work

    and musical theater auditions. 

 

 

2003 – 2004               Public School #14 – Gifted & Talented School                               Bayonne, NJ

Acting Coach

n     Private coaching:  Taught grammar and middle school children acting technique and audition

    preparation.  Coaching also included vocal and physical work.

 


TRAINING

1999 – 2000           Herbert Berghof Studios                                                                 New York City, NY

n     Advanced Acting – one year (Salem Ludwig)

 

1992 – 1995          Temple University                                                                                  Philadelphia, PA

n     Acting (stage) – three years (Kevin Cotter)

n     Acting (commercials/soaps) – one year (Denise Taylor)

n     Acting (film) – one year (Donna Snow)

n     Textwork  – three years (Jan Silverman)

n     Voice – three years (Donna Snow)

n     Singing – two years (Joe Goodrich), one year (Bill Mayo)

n     Speech – two years (Jaqueline Rowen), 1 year (Stanton Davis)

n     Alexander technique – one year (Donna Snow)

n     Yoga – three years (Donna Snow)

n     Dance – three years (Kathy Garinella)

n     Improvisation – three years (Kevin Cotter)

n     Stage Combat – two years (John Bellomo)

n     Shakespeare – three years (Jan Silverman)

n     Theater Business – one year (Donna Snow)

n     Theater History – two years (Joe Leonardo, Doug VanderYacht)

n     Make-up (stage/camera) – one year (Neil Bierbower)

n     Mainstage Productions – three years (Dan Kern, Jan Silverman, Madi Dedefano, Deborah Block)

 

1988 – 1993     Western Washington University                                                           Bellingham, WA

n     Acting – three years (James Lortz, Maureen O’Reilly)

n     Musical Theater – three years (James Lortz)

n     Singing – two years (Robert Viens)

n     Dance – two years (James Lortz, Nolan Dennet)

n     Voice – one year (James Lortz, Maureen O’Reilly)

n     Theater History – one year (Tom Ward)

n     Directing – one year (Dennis Catrell)

n     Make-up – one year (James Lortz)

n     Summerstock Productions – two years (James Lortz)

n     Film Critique/Analysis – one year (Perry Mills)

n     Spanish Film – one year (John Underwood)

 

1992 – present      Private Singing                                                         Seattle, WA & Philadelphia, PA

n     Classical/Musical Theatre – twelve years (Luisa Sauter, Julianne Patrick,

    Sherrie Brookfield-Jordan, Bill Mayo)

 

1976 – 1996           The Dance Studio                                                                                         Seattle, WA

n     Tap – fifteen years (Sandra Jackson)

n     Jazz – three years (Jerry Tassin, Kim Gokle)

n     Ballet – three years (Sandra Brown, Kim Gokle)

 

1994 – 1996            Westlake Dance Studio                                                                               Seattle, WA

n     Turns – one year (Kim Gokle)

n     Jazz – one year (Sheri Lewis)

 

1995         Elizabeth’s Dance Dimensions                                                                                 Bellevue, WA

n     Tap – one year (Mayme Paul-Thompson)

 

workshops

2004              The Essential 55                                                                                                      Bayonne, NJ

n     Classroom Management – Ron Clark – Disney Teacher of the Year, Author,

    Educator, Public Speaker

 

2004              Staff Development for Educators                                                                           Bayonne, NJ

n     Multiple Intelligences – Betty Hollas

n     Comprehensive Strategies That Work – Betty Hollas

n     Differentiated Instruction – Jim Grant

 

2004              Enriching Curriculum For All Students                                                             Bayonne, NJ

n     The Schoolwide Enrichment Model – Joseph S. Renzulli, Director –

    The National Research     Center on the Gifted and Talented

 

1999              Vice President/Actors Equity Association                                                    Los Angeles, CA

n     Musical Theater Auditions – Carol Swarbrick

 

1999            Jay Binder Casting                                                                                           New York City, NY

n     Musical Theater Auditions – Jay Binder

 

1999            Grey Advertising                                                                                               New York City, NY

n     Film Acting/Commercials – Arista Batronis

 

1996              Walker/Walker Studios                                                                                             Seattle, WA

n     Commercial Auditions – Heidi Walker

n     Acting for the Camera – John Vreeke (Northern Exposure, Asst. Director)


 

 

ACTING EXPERIENCE

 

Theater

Production                       Role                                                                                     Director

Theatre Under the Stars

 

Grand Hotel                       Hildegard Bratts/Cortesan                                      Bruce Lumkin

The 5th Avenue Theater

 

Grand Hotel                       Hildegard Bratts/Cortesan                                     Bruce Lumkin

The Village Theater

 

Kiss Me Kate                     Bianca                                                                     Steve Tomkins

 

Anything Goes                  Bonnie                                                                    Francelle Fuller

 

On The Town                     Diana Dream                                                          Steve Tomkins

 

The Bootlegger                  Bar Maid                                                                 Steve Tomkns

 

Unsinkable Molly Brown  Pregnant German Woman                                   Steve Tomkins

 

Eleanor                                German Woman                                                     Steve Tomkins

The Queen Julianna Theater

 

The Fantastiks                    Louisa                                                                  Michelle Gillette

Eastside Musical Theater

 

Oklahoma!                           Laurie Williams                                                     Shawna Avery

Star Café

 

The Fantastiks                   Louisa                                                                   Michelle Gillette

Tacoma Musical Playhouse

 

A Chorus Line                   Cassie                                                                       John D. Rakes

 

West Side Story                Maria                                                                        John D. Rakes

Bellevue Opera

 

Pirates of Penzance           Mabel                                                                      Shawna Avery

Bellingham Theater Guild

 

West Side Story                 Maria                                                                            James Lortz

           

 

 

Temple University

 

Dancing At Lughnasa     Maggie                                                                             Dan Kern

 

House of Bernarda Alba  Martirio                                                                    Jan Silverman

 

Broadway                             Billie                                                                       Deborah Block

 

Cloud Nine                           Edward/Betty                                                    Madi Desdefano

 

Hamlet                                   Ophelia                                                                     Kevin Cotter

 

Our Town                              Stage Manager                                                             Dan Kern

 

The Bacchae                          Chorus                                                                      Dan Boylen


 

Western Washington University

 

Sound of Music                          Maria                                                                    James Lortz

 

Oklahoma!                                 Laurie Williams                                                     James Lortz

 

Uncommon Women & Others    Kate                                                              Dennis Cattrell

 

Once Upon A Mattress               Lady Mable                                                       James Lortz

 

Anything Goes                           Angel                                                                   James Lortz

 

A Chorus Line                            Bebe                                                                      James Lortz

SHOWCASES

 

 

MFA Thesis – New York City

 

MFA Thesis – Los Angeles

 

MFA Thesis – Philadelphia

                                       

COMMERCIALS

 

 

PA P.S.A. – Non-Smoking          Town Lady                                                              

 

All-Star Game                            Fan                                                                          

 

Boys & Girls Club                      Member                                                                   

                      

INDUSTRIALS

 

 

MSN Training Video                  Executive                                                                 

 

All-Star Game                            Fan                                                                          

                             

REVIEWS

 

 

Broadway in Bellevue                  Lead Singer                                                              

 

McNeil $2Billion Celebration       Lead Singer                                                              

 

NY2000 – Foxwood Casinos      Dancer                                                                     

 

directing experience

Public School #14 – Gifted & Talented School

 

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” – full production, 4th - 8th grade

Newark Art Museum

 

“Kids Forever” – Musical Review, 2nd - 9th grade


 

Related experience

MUSICAL DIRECTOR

 

Grapes of Wrath                        Western Washington University                                   

 

Vinegar Tom                              Western Washington University                                   

CHOREOGRAPER

 

Grapes of Wrath                        Western Washington University                                   

 

Vinegar Tom                              Western Washington University                                   

 

RECITALS

Temple University

 

Graduate Singing Recital

 

“Tap” Dance Recital

 

Graduate Singing Recital

 

“West Side Story” Dance Recital

 

Organizations & Affiliations

 

The Association for Theater in Higher Education (ATHE)

Voice and Speech Teacher’s Association (VASTA)

Actor’s Equity Association (AEA)

New Jersey Education Association (NJEA)

 

committees/administration

2003 – 2004            Public School #14 – Gifted & Talented School         Bayonne, NJ

n     Discipline Committee

 

n     Drama Club Director 

 

2000 – 2003           Temple University         Philadelphia, PA

n     MFA Theater Graduate Student Representative – Acted as liaison between MFA students, faculty and staff.  Participated

     on various committees.

 

n     Gala Fundraising Committee – Organized and planned bake-sale to raise money for the annual Gala in order to reduce ticket

     prices for students.  Managed all publicity, reserved space, and recruited volunteers.  

 

n     Showcase Budget Associate – Developed and proposed budget for entire showcase.

 

n     Showcase space/facilities – Coordinated space for New York showcase.

 

TECHNOLOGY PROFICIENCIES

 

Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Internet, E-maill

 

PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES

 

Available upon request

 

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