My name is Grace Parker, and I am a theatre educator, actor, and writer based in New York City. As a teacher, my primary goal is to inspire my students to become more empathetic, insightful, and confident human beings. I value growth over perfection, and commitment over talent. I have years of professional experience in the theatre industry as an actor and playwright, and many years of teaching experience as well. I am passionate, driven, and detail-oriented, and am motivated by a keen desire to bring joy to the lives of my students.
I have a deep knowledge of the craft of musical theatre, acting, theatre history, scene/monologue coaching technique, and dozens of dynamic exercises and theatre games. The foundation of my work focuses on awareness of the body and voice as any actor’s primary tools, with a strong learning background in Stanislavsky Technique, Meisner Technique, Linklater Voice, Louis Colaianni’s speech and dialect work, stage combat, singing, and dance. My first love was musical theatre, and if I know one thing for sure, it is that musicals do indeed “brush the dust off our souls” and give kids the permission to be their full selves in a way no other art form can. I am able to synthesize all of this knowledge into an engaging curriculum and rehearsal process for young actors.
In the classroom, my teaching style is energetic, fun, yet disciplined. I take great joy in inspiring play, fun, and exuberance in the work, while also drawing clear boundaries with my students in terms of what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior. I require a high level of focus and commitment from my students. I believe that shame is never an effective teaching tool, and that the best way to foster growth is to recognize progress and strengths. My superpower is my emotional intuition and sensitivity, which I bring to every student interaction.