Director ~ Choreographer ~ Coach

Though I have enjoyed a long career in front of the curtain, I have also spent many years as a director, choreographer and coach – working with young theatre artists and adult theatre professionals in a myriad of different learning arenas. The opportunities to translate my professional experiences into workshops for students of all ages has in turn shaped my professional career, and I welcome the chance to further develop my teaching potential in a variety of situations.

CLICK HERE to download my Director/Choreographer/Admin CV

1999-Present             Director/Choreographer/Author, Kids & Yiddish, National Yiddish Theatre, Folksbiene, NYC

Kids & Yiddish 2003-Farmisht and Farfetched!

  • 1999:      “Kids & Yiddish – A Musical Adventure”
  • 2000:      “Kids & Yiddish 2000”
  • 2001:      “Kids & Yiddish 2001: A Space Mishegas”
  • 2002:      “Kids & Yiddish – The Mazldike Mystery Tour”
  • 2003:      “Kids & Yiddish – Farmisht and Farfetched”
  • 2004:      “Kids & Yiddish – The Mishegas Continues…”
  • 2005:      “Kids & Yiddish – Unplucked”
  • 2006:      “Kids & Yiddish – Bagels and Yux”
  • 2007:      “Kids & Yiddish – An Ode to Oy!”
  • 2008:      “Kids & Yiddish – Puttin’ on the Shmaltz”
  • 2009:      “Happy Birthday Kids & Yiddish:  A Perfect Tsen!”

Annual Off-Broadway family show whose mission is to teach Yiddish language and Jewish Culture to youngsters using Pop Culture, traditional Jewish melodies and folk references.  In addition to the Adult performers, the cast has included children and young adults ranging in age from 9-22.

2008               Instructor, Vocal Program, KlezFest London, England, UK

Faculty member for ‘Tumbala’ – London Yiddish Song School division of The Jewish Music Institute (JMI), based at SOAS, University of London. Co-teaching with Shura Lipovsky, responsibilities include teaching and coaching Yiddish theatre and folk songs to both professionals and highly motivated amateurs.

2006              Choreography/Musical Staging, “Memories of the Yiddish Theatre”,  One People – Many Voices, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles, CA,

Staging, Choreographer and Performer in a concert featuring maestro Gerard Schwarz, leading the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Choral Society of Southern California and world-renowned soloists. Worked with Leonard Nimoy, Theodore Bikel, Bruce Adler and mezzo-soprano, Elizabeth Shammash. Co-conceived with Neil Levin of JTS.

2006               Director, ESN! A Klezmer Cooking Show, JCC Manhattan, NYC

Worked with Adrienne Cooper, Lorin Sklamberg and Frank London on this musical, interactive, improvisational culinary experience.  Direction and musical staging created in the unpredictable environment of a working kitchen as the Actors trade stories and cook their favorite Jewish recipes.

2002-Present            Instructor, Vocal Program Coordinator, Klez Kanada, QC, Canada

Faculty member at Canada’s premiere Yiddish Folk Music Festival.  Responsibilities include teaching and coaching Yiddish Song and Yiddish Theatre.

2005-Present            Founder, Director and Coordinator, Loyf Tsunoyf, Klez Kanada, QC, Canada

The “Loyf Tsunoyf” is an annual 5K Run/Walk, that raises money for the KlezKanada Scholarship Fund.  Funds are raised through direct donations and sponsoring of participants,  including walkers, runners and musicians. 

2003-Present           Theatre and Song Instructor, Living Traditions/Klez Kamp,  NYC

Faculty member at the original Yiddish Folk Arts Program in the United States.  Responsibilities include teaching and coaching Yiddish Song and Yiddish Theater.  Students range from age 15-Adults

2003-2004                 Instructor, Social Justice & Yiddish Culture,  Camp Kinder Ring, NY

Developed and taught programs combining Yiddish Culture with Social Action.  Curriculum included songs, storytelling, research and art projects for campers ages 8-18.

1999-2001                 Assistant Director, Naked Boys Singing, The Actors’ Playhouse, NYC

Worked with Director Robert Shrock on an original musical revue that has played in dozens of cities around the world, and is currently being filmed for theatrical release.

1994-Present            Instructor, Guest Lecturer,  Guest Performer:  Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts, NY

Taught movement and theatre dance, as well as choreographed 4 musicals for theatre students, ages 8-18.  Lectures and workshops have included subjects ranging from Experimental Yiddish Theatre to classic Broadway.

1989              Choreographer, Starting Here, Starting Now:  Cider Mill Playhouse,  Endicott, NY

Worked with Director Jeffrey Martin on the Maltby/Shire Musical, starring Walter Willison, Yvette De Botton and myself.

1989              Assistant Director, Hollywood Opera, The Ballroom, NYC

Worked with director Sara Louise Lazarus on an original revue show that ‘musicalized’ Hollywood classic films.

1988              Choreographer/Assistant Director, Starting Here, Starting Now, Centenary Stage Company, NJ

Worked with Director Sara Louise Lazarus on the Maltby/Shire Musical

1988               Assistant Director, Picking Up The Pieces: The Songs of Skip Kennon, Eighty-Eights, NYC

Worked with Director Sara Louise Lazarus on an original revue show highlighting the music and lyrics of BMI Workshop director, Skip Kennon

1987               Choreographer, She Loves Me, Yale University, New Haven, CT

Worked with Director Sara Louise Lazarus on Yale University’s annual undergraduate musical at The Dramat.

1987               Choreographer/ Instructor, Stage Door Manor:   Henry Sweet Henry, Sweet Charity, Pirates of Penzance

Stage Door Manor is a Summer Theatre Camp for professional, semi-professional and amateur students.  Teaching responsibilities included Theatre Dance, Period Dance and organizing evening theatre activities for students ranging from 7th – 12th grades.  Working with Director, Michael Larsen

1985-1988               Choreographer, New Hyde Park High School, NY: Barnum, The Boyfriend, Sweet Charity, Fiddler on the Roof

Choreographer for the annual musical at a public school with students ranging from 7th thru 12th grades.  Worked with Director, Michael Larsen.

1982           Choreographer,  Cider Mill Playhouse, Endicott, NY:  Celebration!, A Little Night Music

A Little Night Music - Cider Mill Playhouse, 1991

Choreographer for the 1982 Summer season at a Summer Stock company in Upstate New York.  Worked with directors Tom Kremer and Richard G Smith, respectively.