TeachingArtistBios

Originally from Champaign, IL, Natalie earned her degree in Musical Theatre
from Ball State University. After graduating, Natalie moved to New York City
where she worked as an actor and teaching artist. She continued her
training in improvisation with the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre and
Freestyle Repertory Theatre. Natalie performed for three years as an
ensemble improviser for Freestyle Repertory Theatre, reaching more than
75,000 students each year through performances, workshops and
residencies in New York City, New York State, New Jersey and
Connecticut.

In 2005, Natalie toured with Cathy Rigby and the cast of Peter Pan,
facilitating the StudentsLIVE educational workshop, “You’re Flying”. For
StudentsLIVE, she also conducted pre-show master classes for the
Broadway productions of Rent, Phantom of the Opera, Hairspray and
Spamalot. She has also been an acting and improvisation instructor at the
Beginnings Theatre Workshop, in upstate New York and a creative
movement instructor for Wingspan Arts.

A highlight of Natalie’s own educational experience was the Master’s
program in Educational Theatre at New York University. While at NYU she
had the opportunity to study mask, physical theatre and the work of
Augusto Boal in San Juan, Drama in the Classroom through a partnership
with the Unicorn Theatre in London as well as Community-Engaged theatre
in Dublin.

In Chicago, Natalie continued to work towards her commitment to enriching
education through drama as the Education Director for Victory Gardens
Theatre, as a teaching artist for Skyline Studios and Beacon Street Theatre
and as a performer.

Natalie is excited to bring her enthusiasm for the arts, education,
community building… and parties to Class Act interactive education and
events!