Denise Koek
About
I am an Actress (SAG-AFTRA,) a published Writer, an Acting Coach, and a Public Speaking Tutor with an extensive background in Improv Comedy. (I trained at The Players Workshop of the Second City.) I've made my own Short Films (most recently "Bubbe's Place,") co-created a kids' cooking show called "Uncle Chef," written numerous articles, edited four books and taught Improv Comedy and Acting to people of all ages. I also have a Substitute Teaching Credential, issued by the state of CA. My upbeat energy enables me to engage a student’s interest, in the course of our lessons. If you believe that lifetime learning should be a dynamic and fun experience, contact me!
Teaching Style
I am extremely collaborative and I'll always try to meet you where you are. Together we can determine your optimal style of learning. I will then attempt to gear your chosen style to what I perceive to be your level of ability. (And then we will enhance that ability!)
Curriculum
My style of Acting instruction is most heavily influenced by the Stanislavski method, but I endorse and utilize many other techniques. For example, I find the Kinesthetic Recall approach to be extremely effective. And, as an Improv practitioner, I am heavily influenced by the traditions and methods of Viola Spolin--the creator of children's improvisational Acting games--which later evolved to become modern Improv. When I tutor Writing, I come at the process as an Editor, helping my pupils to revise and streamline their essays or scripts in order to make them as powerful, expressive, and direct as possible.
Credentials & Affiliations
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Theater and Drama, a Certificate in Improv from The Player's Workshop of the Second City, and a Substitute Teaching Credential issued by the state of California.