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Susan Dunn, Entertainer

Susan E. Dunn

mailto:SusanDunnMusic@Honey.Toast.Net

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TEACHING-

Upper Darby Summer Stage 2004 – present. Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, Upper Darby, PA. Apprentice teacher, Acting and Improvisation: Children 11-13 learned the art of stand-up comedy, stage combat, script reading and analysis, creating scenes, and a variety of creative improvisations which allowed the children appropriate freedom of expression, teamwork, poise, and confidence building, and of course, having a fun and memorable time.

Delaware County Community College- Media, PA Summer 2004- “Mounds of Mess” children’s art teacher. Children enjoyed making messy projects using a variety of materials to explore and create. Projects were then taken home to keep.

Rodney Robb's The Actors Center, Baby Boomers casting Agency 257 N. 3^rd Street, Philadelphia, PA. Spring 2001- 2004- Musical Theater teacher-

Children and teenagers enjoyed learning music and dance to Broadway show tunes as well as more challenging pieces from stage and radio. Students performed several recitals to sell out audiences. The children enjoyed not only music and dance but also learned script reading, audition prep, improv, and developed confidence through performing, receiving positive feedback and constructive critiques from staff and peers, and learned to nurture their inner talents by bringing out the best they can be in a loving and professional environment.

Springton Lake Dance Academy: Musical Theater teacher 2004. Children and teenagers learn vocal selections as well as audition prep, and script reading allowing students to critique their peers in a safe and encouraging environment.

Media Dance Center: 2000-2002- Tap dance teacher to children 10 and under. Music theater teacher to children 7-15. Also worked toward end of year recital. Created a fun, encouraging, and safe place where children can express themselves through acting, use of props, and using their imaginations to tap into their funny side, serious side, or other areas they wish to challenge themselves. Students were encouraged to try without forcing them to perform in front of the class if they felt timid or not ready.

Sweet-Arts studio- voice coach winter/Spring 2000-01- Created private voice lesson plans for children and adults. Taught jazz and tap dance as well as Broadway style dance and music to children of all ages. Beautiful sets were created with use of lighting, sound effects, props, and costumes. Children 7-17 were taught a variety of theater concepts through improv, dance, song, stage combat, acting, script reading, role playing, and theater games. and were divided as per their experience and ages. Adults were in groups of 8-15 and read from script, created their own scenes, and learned to perform in groups, interacting with others on stage, theatrical terms, and enhancing their own natural ability.

Independent voice and acting coach for all ages. (Since 1999-present)

TV & Radio-

Commercials: Floors USA, Scott Honda.

Industrial: GlaxoSmithKline.

Public Service Announcements: NBC10, two PSA’s

Performed on WWAC TV53 in Atlantic City, NJ in front of live studio audience. Sang original song, played keyboard, and was interviewed. (Have video)

Original song "Wildwood Nights" was played on two radio stations in South New Jersey.

PUBLICATIONS- Featured in a variety of newspapers, magazines, and publications (available upon request).

PIANO- Nordstrom pianist, King of Prussia Mall, King of Prussia, PA approx. 1 year and a half. Received four customer service awards for outstanding performing and customer satisfaction. Susan has impressed audiences at many fine restaurants, including Hilton’s Inn at Penn, The Saloon in South Philadelphia, The Moshulu, and many fine hotel lobbies, and country clubs in several counties. There are also countless retirement, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities in addition to senior adult day, wedding receptions, and many private parties performed where references can be given. Excellent and almost unlimited repertoire, beautiful touch, highly professional, reasonable rates.

Musical Therapy Specialist for geriatrics and disabled. (1993-Present)

Vocalist/Emcee 2004-Present

Resident Master of Ceremonies and vocalist for the Marple Newtown Community Band (www.mncb.org), performing 4-8 concerts per year. Susan narrates and emcees all of the band’s concerts, which currently include at least one work per concert in which she sings classics on stage with the band. To view a youtube video of her performing with the band, please click on this link, which was excerpted from a recent MNCB concert.

THEATER Productions-

Celebration Theater- Lansdowne, PA 19050 Fame

The Barnstormers Theater, Ridley Park, PA 19078

Media professional Theater

Upper Darby High school Summer Stage, Upper Darby, PA 19082

Ridley High school, Morton, at Bucks County Playhouse. Received Excellence in acting award at Bucks County Playhouse Theater competition.

Colonial Playhouse, Aldan, PA 19018

Penn State University- Performed nightly at Hard Rock Cafe type restaurant called The Silver Screen Grille, singing, dancing, and playing piano. Worked around State College playing piano at hotels, restaurants, and on and off campus venues through a booking agent.

Temple University- Assisted with summer project in Film and Video College. Learned much about film, editing, news casting, comedy, and wrote most of the original music for background of film project. Acted in three short skits. Approx: 35 minutes. (Have video)

SPECIAL SKILLS/TRAINING-

Theater schools: Barnstormers Children’s Theater 1984-87, Upper Darby Summer Stage; 1985/86, Dramatic Arts and Advanced Acting Classes, Ridley Senior High school, 1986-89 Movement, Musical Performance Penn State University. Dramatic Studies, Delaware County Community College. On-camera class and teleprompting with Rodney Robb @ Baby Boomers casting agency.

Piano- Pianist since age 6, professional since 1991. My style is best described as elegant, diverse, and beautiful including all types such as light Jazz, Broadway classics, easy listening favorites, and everything in between 1920 until today. I have a very large repertoire and can usually satisfy all requests. I can accommodate sing-a-longs for all occasions or become light and elegant background music for that perfect touch to your next event.

Experience also as an accompanist for auditions, Musical Director for several musicals. Earned several awards for piano.

Vocal Training: Penn State Univ. 1991 Voice major (Opera), The Barnstormers Children's Theater, Ridley Senior High School Jazz Ensemble front line and chorus, District Chorus, accompanist for local theaters and private voice students. Vocal Range- Alto-1-Soprano-1. I speak Italian and can do imitations and accents easily!

Dance: Tap, Jazz, ballet, Swing, Ballroom, Broadway style, country line dancing. I also teach tap (to children under 12)

Art: Art lessons for several years, various mediums including charcoal, oil, acrylic, and watercolor. Experienced cartoonist. Very skilled in arts and crafts, doll making, jewelry making, wreaths, hats, etc. Learning to perfect art as a therapy for the dementia patient.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION- Ridley Senior High school International Thespian Society Award, Best Actress Award of Ridley Senior high and Junior High 1986 and 1989. The David Miller Memorial Award for Outstanding dedication and enthusiasm for ITS 2103, Four Customer service awards at Nordstrom Dept. store for outstanding piano performing and professionalism. (In 1998/99).

Playwright- Enjoy the works of Susan Dunn, from many one-acts and small scenes to full scale musicals with original music. Plays can be written upon request and subject matter.

* References for Teaching, piano work, theater experience and performance, dance, and vocal experience available upon request. Several videos of Susan’s piano concerts are available along with a press kit and CD of piano samples. (serious inquiries only)

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