DEBORAH BENNER
Mobile (917) 685-2904
deborahbenner@gmail.com | deborahbenner.com
Professional Summary
More than twenty-five years of experience and accomplishment as a private vocal instructor, choral and theatre director, and professional musician
Genuine passion and enthusiasm for the development of the human voice
Works effectively with a wide variety of ages, voices, and personalities
Provides unique perspective as an industry insider
Education and Credentials
- University of Virginia, Bachelor of Arts in Drama, 1982
- James Madison University, Vocal Performance Study, 1979-1980
- Member AFTRA, SAG, AEA, NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing)
Teaching Experience
Deborah Benner Vocal Studio
Bethesda, MD
Vocal Instructor/Coach
1984-present
Owns private vocal studio; teaches both classical and music theatre vocal techniques to students ages 5 through 70; helps students prepare for college auditions and professional performance auditions
- Past and current students have performed on Broadway and in national touring companies; have won first place awards at the NATS competition and other distinguished competitions; and have gone on to attend highly respected colleges, universities, and conservatories
Georgetown Visitation Day School
Washington, DC
Instructor, Summer Program Music Theatre Vocal Technique
2006-present
Directs workshop for high-school students; sessions include vocal technique, repertoire selection, and audition preparation
Celestial Voices Choir
Washington, DC
Founder and Director
1997-present
Directs professional treble choir comprised of Washington area’s premier young talent
- Group has performed at high-profile weddings (including that of celebrity Chris O’Donnell) and corporate events; at the White House “Pageant of Peace;” at the Kennedy Center; at auspicious events including the American Heart Association Ball, The Library of Congress National Dialogue on Cancer (with former President Bush), and other reputable community service and fundraising functions
Winston Churchill High School
Potomac, MD
MCPS Substitute Choral Arts Instructor
1997-present
Teaches vocal production, sight-singing, ear training, and theory
Director/Vocal Coach
1998-2000
Directed and arranged vocals for notable Blast from the Past performances
TADA!
New York, NY
Drama Teacher/Director
2001-2003
Taught drama to students grades K-6, both at the TADA! studio and through outreach program at New York City Public Schools (Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan); disciplines included scene study, improvisation, mime, music theatre technique, and production
American University
Washington, DC
Adjunct Professor of Music Theatre
1999-2001
Taught music theatre for Department of Performing Arts with a multi-disciplinary and experiential approach to classes; combined vocal technique, scene study, music theatre history research; gave both written exams and vocal “jury” presentations
Bethesda Academy of Performing Arts
Bethesda, MD
Artistic Director/Musical Director/Vocal Instructor
1986-2001
Directed music theatre productions; taught classes for students ages 3-18; disciplines included creative drama, improvisation, on-camera acting, music theatre vocal technique, and audition technique
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, DC
Vocal Technique Instructor
1998-2000
Trained CIA personnel on proper vocal technique and style for in-house film narration; sessions focused on breath control, inflection, timbre, diction, phrasing, tone placement, and interpretation of written material
The Musical Theatre Center
Rockville, MD
Voice Teacher/Choreographer
1996-1999
Served as director of music theatre vocal department; taught private and group vocal instruction, show tune repertoire, musical theatre scene study, and audition techniques
Greenbelt Department of Recreation/Performing Arts
Greenbelt, MD
Drama Director
1996-1998
Established performing arts program with disciplines in the areas of movement, improvisation, vocal technique, scene study, makeup design, costume design, and puppetry; wrote, directed, and produced original musical production for students
The Newport School
Wheaton, MD
Artistic Director/Musical Theatre Director
1993-1995
Produced and directed summer music theatre productions; formulated budgets, created promotional materials, hired production crews, created costumes; acted as classroom teacher and vocal music specialist; created choral/dance programs