FACULTY
Peter Andrew Danzig, Founder
Founder, Movement Coach, Personal Trainer and Collaborative Theater Instructor
Peter acquired his B.A. in Theater Arts with a focus on Acting through Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Shortly after graduation, he began working regionally as an actor and vocalist, headlining his own cabaret performances (Dirty Pop, Reflections and Renditions, and An Evening at the Tin Angel with Peter Andrew Danzig) and performing in the many regional houses of Philadelphia. In addition, he began his foray into television appearing on One Life to Live, PAN AM and others, soon becoming a member of SAG and AFTRA. Shortly after he joined the Actors Equity Association. He soon obtained his Arts Management Certificate from University of Massachusetts, Amherst while working for the President's Office at the University of the Arts. That same year he performed at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, opening for Stephen Sondheim. In 2012, Peter was awarded a full scholarship to Villanova University as their Acting Scholar, where he went on to attain his M.A. in Theater with a focus on Acting, Directing and Dramaturgy. While in graduate school, he realized his passion for theater education, fight choreography and physical theater practice and began to develop his company THEATRICAL TRAINER, a movement and conditioning company for actors, dancers and acrobats, preparing them for the intensity and difficulties of specific roles and productions. Currently, Peter is continuing to develop THEATRICAL TRAINER, performing regionally in Philadelphia and New York and has since appeared in television and film. In addition, Peter continues to privately coach actors and artists, runs professional development workshops for actors, works as a teaching artist for various companies and serves on multiple SAG-AFTRA committees. He's a proud Teaching Artist with Arden Theater Company, PAEP, Philadelphia Young Playwrights and Enchantment Theater Company as well as a company member with ArcheDream for Humankind. With multiple certifications in personal training, kinesiology, movement coaching and life-coaching he hopes to inform the landscape of theater practice to further include a stronger connection to the body. For more updates on his work visit www.peterandrewdanzig.com. ACE Certified and Insured.
Founder, Movement Coach, Personal Trainer and Collaborative Theater Instructor
Peter acquired his B.A. in Theater Arts with a focus on Acting through Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Shortly after graduation, he began working regionally as an actor and vocalist, headlining his own cabaret performances (Dirty Pop, Reflections and Renditions, and An Evening at the Tin Angel with Peter Andrew Danzig) and performing in the many regional houses of Philadelphia. In addition, he began his foray into television appearing on One Life to Live, PAN AM and others, soon becoming a member of SAG and AFTRA. Shortly after he joined the Actors Equity Association. He soon obtained his Arts Management Certificate from University of Massachusetts, Amherst while working for the President's Office at the University of the Arts. That same year he performed at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, opening for Stephen Sondheim. In 2012, Peter was awarded a full scholarship to Villanova University as their Acting Scholar, where he went on to attain his M.A. in Theater with a focus on Acting, Directing and Dramaturgy. While in graduate school, he realized his passion for theater education, fight choreography and physical theater practice and began to develop his company THEATRICAL TRAINER, a movement and conditioning company for actors, dancers and acrobats, preparing them for the intensity and difficulties of specific roles and productions. Currently, Peter is continuing to develop THEATRICAL TRAINER, performing regionally in Philadelphia and New York and has since appeared in television and film. In addition, Peter continues to privately coach actors and artists, runs professional development workshops for actors, works as a teaching artist for various companies and serves on multiple SAG-AFTRA committees. He's a proud Teaching Artist with Arden Theater Company, PAEP, Philadelphia Young Playwrights and Enchantment Theater Company as well as a company member with ArcheDream for Humankind. With multiple certifications in personal training, kinesiology, movement coaching and life-coaching he hopes to inform the landscape of theater practice to further include a stronger connection to the body. For more updates on his work visit www.peterandrewdanzig.com. ACE Certified and Insured.
Alex Keiper, Viewpoints and Laban Instructor
Alex is thrilled to be joining the team at Theatrical Trainer! She is a proud UArts Grad ('07) and has been making her living as an actor and teacher in the Philadelphia area for eight years. Recent credits include, La Bete, Incorruptible and Parade (Arden), Down Past Passyunk (InterAct), Proof (Walnut) and Ordinary Days (11th Hour). Most of her teaching experience comes from working with The Arden, where she heads classes/workshops/camps for all age ranges. Most recently she directed and choreographed their Teen Arden Production of 13 The Musical! She also trains adults in musical theater/pop and rock workshops as well as private coachings from her home with her musical counter part, Matthew Mastronardi (UArts '07). Trained in many techniques and aspects of theater, she has discovered a true connection to working with the Viewpoints and Laban Technique. She uses these tools to create both a physical awareness and a freedom for her students. With additional physical training from Steve Pacek (Viewpoints/Laban) and from The Atlantic Acting School's Summer Intensive(Viewpoints/Practical Aesthetics), she is excited to share her knowledge and to help even more artists unlock their own physical storytelling abilities.
Alex is thrilled to be joining the team at Theatrical Trainer! She is a proud UArts Grad ('07) and has been making her living as an actor and teacher in the Philadelphia area for eight years. Recent credits include, La Bete, Incorruptible and Parade (Arden), Down Past Passyunk (InterAct), Proof (Walnut) and Ordinary Days (11th Hour). Most of her teaching experience comes from working with The Arden, where she heads classes/workshops/camps for all age ranges. Most recently she directed and choreographed their Teen Arden Production of 13 The Musical! She also trains adults in musical theater/pop and rock workshops as well as private coachings from her home with her musical counter part, Matthew Mastronardi (UArts '07). Trained in many techniques and aspects of theater, she has discovered a true connection to working with the Viewpoints and Laban Technique. She uses these tools to create both a physical awareness and a freedom for her students. With additional physical training from Steve Pacek (Viewpoints/Laban) and from The Atlantic Acting School's Summer Intensive(Viewpoints/Practical Aesthetics), she is excited to share her knowledge and to help even more artists unlock their own physical storytelling abilities.
Terry Brennan, Parkour, Tumbling and Acrobatics Instructor
Terry is a professional actor, director and the founding artistic director of Tribe of Fools theatre company. He has directed the critically acclaimed Antihero, Two Street, and Armageddon at the Mushroom Village. He wrote, co-directed and performed in the 2011 “Super show” (Philadelphia Inquirer) Heavy Metal Dance Fag and led Tribe of Fools to the finals on TruTV’s hit show Fake Off. Terry has been on 5 national tours with Enchantment Theatre Company and served as company road manager for 3 years. Terry has also worked with The Arden Theatre Company, BRAT Productions, Simpatico Theatre Project, The Berserker Residents, EgoPo Productions and Curio Theatre Company. Terry taught children’s gymnastics for 3 years and served as the head of the gymnastics department at the Kaiserman JCC in Wynnewood, PA. He is an acrobat and parkour athlete and a certified parkour instructor through PPK Academy. Terry currently teaches parkour and children’s circus classes at the Philadelphia School for Circus Arts.
Terry is a professional actor, director and the founding artistic director of Tribe of Fools theatre company. He has directed the critically acclaimed Antihero, Two Street, and Armageddon at the Mushroom Village. He wrote, co-directed and performed in the 2011 “Super show” (Philadelphia Inquirer) Heavy Metal Dance Fag and led Tribe of Fools to the finals on TruTV’s hit show Fake Off. Terry has been on 5 national tours with Enchantment Theatre Company and served as company road manager for 3 years. Terry has also worked with The Arden Theatre Company, BRAT Productions, Simpatico Theatre Project, The Berserker Residents, EgoPo Productions and Curio Theatre Company. Terry taught children’s gymnastics for 3 years and served as the head of the gymnastics department at the Kaiserman JCC in Wynnewood, PA. He is an acrobat and parkour athlete and a certified parkour instructor through PPK Academy. Terry currently teaches parkour and children’s circus classes at the Philadelphia School for Circus Arts.
Arlen Hancock, Fight Choreography Instructor
Arlen Hancock is a recent graduate from the UArts BFA Acting program and has been an avid choreography teacher for four years. Alondside this, he is an actor, cyclist, blacksmith and mask maker. Prievious theater credits include Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Commonwealth Classics, Philadelphia Shakespeare Theater, Plays and Players, InterAct, and The Walnut. Arlen is an Advanced Actor Combatant and is certified by the SAFD in: unarmed, rapier, rapier and dagger, spear, sword and shield, small sword, knife and saber. He has choreographed fights in projects that range from rapier to light sabers, from classical to the avant garde. It is Arlen’s belief that the actor is an athlete. An artist must combine both the creativity and play inherent within them as well as the diligence and discipline of an athlete. His combat training and teaching are intrinsic to these qualities.
Arlen Hancock is a recent graduate from the UArts BFA Acting program and has been an avid choreography teacher for four years. Alondside this, he is an actor, cyclist, blacksmith and mask maker. Prievious theater credits include Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Commonwealth Classics, Philadelphia Shakespeare Theater, Plays and Players, InterAct, and The Walnut. Arlen is an Advanced Actor Combatant and is certified by the SAFD in: unarmed, rapier, rapier and dagger, spear, sword and shield, small sword, knife and saber. He has choreographed fights in projects that range from rapier to light sabers, from classical to the avant garde. It is Arlen’s belief that the actor is an athlete. An artist must combine both the creativity and play inherent within them as well as the diligence and discipline of an athlete. His combat training and teaching are intrinsic to these qualities.
Lauren Fanslau, Associate Movement Coach/ Modern Dance Instructor/Character Development Analyst
Lauren is a graduate of Villanova University’s theatre program (M.A. Theatre, 2014) and works as the Administrative Assistant in the Ira Brind School of Theater Arts at the University of the Arts as well as the Education Manager of the Philadelphia Women's Theatre Festival. While pursuing her Masters Degree in Theatre from Villanova University, Lauren choreographed The Schools for Lies and The Light in The Piazza and served as dance captain for The Drowsy Chaperone and Salomé. She also performed her first full-length solo piece, ReCalculating during the 2014 Philadelphia Theatre Research Symposium and as her final thesis for her graduate degree. In addition to her work at Villanova, Lauren has choreographed works for Allens Lane Art Center, DeSales University’s Dance Team, The Music Training Center, Emmaus High School, Parkland High School, and The Civic Theatre of Allentown, and performs regionally with New Street Dance Group. In 2013, Lauren worked at the Abbey Theatre, Ireland’s National Theatre, in Dublin through a grant provided by the Villanova-Abbey Theatre Exchange and shared her experience during her TEDx Talk, “Theater Beyond Theater." Lauren received her B.A. in Theatre / Education from DeSales University in Center Valley.
Lauren is a graduate of Villanova University’s theatre program (M.A. Theatre, 2014) and works as the Administrative Assistant in the Ira Brind School of Theater Arts at the University of the Arts as well as the Education Manager of the Philadelphia Women's Theatre Festival. While pursuing her Masters Degree in Theatre from Villanova University, Lauren choreographed The Schools for Lies and The Light in The Piazza and served as dance captain for The Drowsy Chaperone and Salomé. She also performed her first full-length solo piece, ReCalculating during the 2014 Philadelphia Theatre Research Symposium and as her final thesis for her graduate degree. In addition to her work at Villanova, Lauren has choreographed works for Allens Lane Art Center, DeSales University’s Dance Team, The Music Training Center, Emmaus High School, Parkland High School, and The Civic Theatre of Allentown, and performs regionally with New Street Dance Group. In 2013, Lauren worked at the Abbey Theatre, Ireland’s National Theatre, in Dublin through a grant provided by the Villanova-Abbey Theatre Exchange and shared her experience during her TEDx Talk, “Theater Beyond Theater." Lauren received her B.A. in Theatre / Education from DeSales University in Center Valley.
Associate Faculty and Collaborators
Liz Filios is a Philadelphia-based actor, singer and
teaching artist. She also works as a composer, music director, and vocal coach.
She studied voice with David Smukler and Judith Koltai at Canada’s National
Voice Intensive, and with Simone Luti and George Shirley in Italy. Additional
studies include The Primitive Voice Workshop with Jean Rene Toussaint, and an
apprenticeship with the Cape Town Opera in South Africa. Liz holds a BFA in
Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan, and has done field research in
Indonesia at the Cudamani Summer Institute. Performance credits include the
Arden, Wilma, Walnut Street Theatre, People’s Light, Theatre Horizon, Bang On A
Can, the Bearded Ladies Cabaret, Inis Nua, Azamara Cruises, Joe's Pub, South
Coast Repertory, The Philadelphia Orchestra and Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
Liz is an Independence Foundation Fellow, a 2-Time Barrymore Award Winner and
the recipient of the 2014 F. Otto Haas Award for Emerging Theatre Artist.
Jenn Rose, Resident Choreographer/ Dance Instructor
Jenn grew up dancing and competing in Allentown, PA and continued to study dance and theatre at West Chester University. Jenn has trained in ballet, modern, jazz, hip hop, tap. She has taught for the Rock School, Ursinus College, Temple University, and is currently teaching at the University of Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Ballet School, and Millennium Dance Complex Philadelphia. Jenn is the founder/artistic director of Loose Screws Contaporary Dance Company and has been commissioned to set new work for Ballet Fleming, Drexel University, 213 Productions, and multiple dance studios throughout the country. Jenn has choreographed over 20 regional theatre productions with a few of her favorites being Spring
Awakening, Little Shop of Horrors, and Avenue X. She is currently performing with Take It Away Tap Company and Loose Screws. Jenn is grateful to be inspired everyday and looks forward for what is yet to come...
Jenn grew up dancing and competing in Allentown, PA and continued to study dance and theatre at West Chester University. Jenn has trained in ballet, modern, jazz, hip hop, tap. She has taught for the Rock School, Ursinus College, Temple University, and is currently teaching at the University of Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Ballet School, and Millennium Dance Complex Philadelphia. Jenn is the founder/artistic director of Loose Screws Contaporary Dance Company and has been commissioned to set new work for Ballet Fleming, Drexel University, 213 Productions, and multiple dance studios throughout the country. Jenn has choreographed over 20 regional theatre productions with a few of her favorites being Spring
Awakening, Little Shop of Horrors, and Avenue X. She is currently performing with Take It Away Tap Company and Loose Screws. Jenn is grateful to be inspired everyday and looks forward for what is yet to come...
Laura Baehr, Choreographer and Arts Exploration for Parkinson's Disease
Laura Baehr is a Philadelphia based performer, teacher, and neuroscientist. She is a member of ArcheDream for Humankind, a mask and dance theater company; you can watch her and the group compete on truTV's new reality talent series "Fake Off"! She is a certified Dance for Parkinson's Disease Instructor and is pursuing her Pilates certification through Drexel University. In addition to her dance endeavors, she studies dementia as a research specialist in the neurology department at the University of Pennsylvania. Laura is committed to using movement practices to strengthen neural pathways in order to promote confidence and quality of life.
Laura Baehr is a Philadelphia based performer, teacher, and neuroscientist. She is a member of ArcheDream for Humankind, a mask and dance theater company; you can watch her and the group compete on truTV's new reality talent series "Fake Off"! She is a certified Dance for Parkinson's Disease Instructor and is pursuing her Pilates certification through Drexel University. In addition to her dance endeavors, she studies dementia as a research specialist in the neurology department at the University of Pennsylvania. Laura is committed to using movement practices to strengthen neural pathways in order to promote confidence and quality of life.
Advisory Board Members
Peter Andrew Danzig, Founder
Jose Aviles, Director of Education Outreach, Arden Theater Company
Chris Balbi, Arts Administration and Marketing Consultant
Ross Beschler, Actor, Teaching Artist
K.O. DelMarcelle, Director of Programming, Dancing with the Student
Justin Jain, Actor, Teaching Artist
K.C. Nocero MacMillan, Associate Artistic Director, Lantern Theater Company
Kate Raines, Photographer, Plate3 Photography
Kristen Schumaker, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Pennsylvania
Robin Stamey, Theater Programs Manager, National Constitution Center, Lighting Designer/Production Manager
Ahren Portratz, Actor
Ed Swidey, Actor, Teaching Artist
Peter Andrew Danzig, Founder
Jose Aviles, Director of Education Outreach, Arden Theater Company
Chris Balbi, Arts Administration and Marketing Consultant
Ross Beschler, Actor, Teaching Artist
K.O. DelMarcelle, Director of Programming, Dancing with the Student
Justin Jain, Actor, Teaching Artist
K.C. Nocero MacMillan, Associate Artistic Director, Lantern Theater Company
Kate Raines, Photographer, Plate3 Photography
Kristen Schumaker, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Pennsylvania
Robin Stamey, Theater Programs Manager, National Constitution Center, Lighting Designer/Production Manager
Ahren Portratz, Actor
Ed Swidey, Actor, Teaching Artist