Creative Tutor
About
I am a passionate filmmaker, screenwriter, and actor with 5+ years of teaching experience at non-profit educational programs, tutoring centers, and mentorship programs.
I am a classically trained actor who has trained with some of the best voice, text and acting teachers in both the US and United Kingdom. I have worked professionally on productions such as Little Women and HBO's The Deuce.
As a screenwriter I have placed in the Austin Film Festival Screenwriting Competition.
I currently work professionally as a freelance filmmaker, directing and editing music videos and short films.
I love to share my broad experience with students just beginning their journey as artists. My philosophy as a teacher of the arts is that it is absolutely imperative to encourage young artists to trust their impulses. In many ways being creative is the opposite of what students learn in school. School is all about right or wrong. I teach young artists to get out of that right-wrong logic brain and into the space of play and exploration where great art happens.
I offer an array of services for actors, writers and filmmakers.
For actors: monologue work, scene study (groups of 2 or more), voice work, text analysis, exercises to free up the body and mind.
For filmmakers: filmmaking principles (composition, lighting, camera movement etc), editing, color grading, film analysis, exercises to free up creativity.
For writers: screenwriting/playwriting principles (character, exposition, conflict, structure), script analysis, exercises to free up creativity, workshopping.
I am a hands on teacher focused on experiental learning. I get actors on their feet, filmmakers behind the camera, and writers on the page. I believe that the best way to learn is by doing.
I look forward to hearing form you and I am excited by the possiblity of working with your child.
Best,
Simon
I believe that as an artist I have a responsibility to pass on knowledge to young artists. I love what I do and it is an absolute joy to share my passion with students.
More than any of the techical skills a student may learn, I believe the most valuable thing I can teach young artists is to enjoy the process, to play, to explore, to make mistakes and learn from them. Seeing students let go of that logic brain and really enjoy the work without worrying about how good it is a reward in itself.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I do introductions, a fun ice breaker and then outline goals with a student. I craft each session on a students individual needs. Then I lay out a 4 week curriculum based around the students goals and make adjustments on a weekly basis based on the evolving needs of the student.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a BA in Film and Theater from Wesleyan University.
I am a classically trained actor. I have trained at the Shakespeare Academy at Stratford, and the British America Drama Academy in London.
I have taken screenwriting courses at Wesleyan University, Gotham Writers and The Writers Rock.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge a sliding scale of $80-$120 based on budget. It is important to me that this is as accessible a service as possible and I am usually willing to work something out if it is within my capabilities. If you are interested in my service but unable to pay my rate please reach out anyways, I am always open to discussing this and being as accomodating as I can.
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching in 2014 when I worked at DC reads, a tutoring center. Since then I have worked as a mentor for the city of Cambridge, operated a tutoring center in Middletown, CT and worked as a summer teacher in Providence, RI.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with a broad range of students and age groups from many different backgrounds. The majority of my work has been in non-profit tutoring and educational centers, where I have worked with students ranging anywhere from 6-19.