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Theatrical PortfolioRachel Damon
Rachel Damon Professional Biography
Rachel Damon has been working in the theatre since she first appeared as a Lost Boy in Peter Pan at the age of 6. She has been involved in over sixty productions in the course of her career, serving as the director for over thirty of these productions. Rachel is a director, drama teacher, stage manager, scenic designer and actress. She is a graduate of Colby College in Waterville, ME with degrees in Theatre and Dance and American Studies. She has performed at the Drill Hall Theatre in London, England as well as many venues in Maine. She worked in the education department at the National Theatre Museum in Covent Garden, London, UK, and studied with the head of musical theatre at the Royal Academy of Music as well as professors from the Central London School of Speech and Drama. She has been the Artistic Director of the Chebeague Children’s Theatre for the past eleven years. Rachel taught theatre at The Landmark School in Prides Crossing, Massachusetts. She is currently the director of the drama department at Allen Academy in Bryan, Texas.
Allen Academy Drama Department Director
! Responsible for creating a dynamic drama program. ! Wrote the scope and sequence, created curriculum and taught a variety of
electives including: Middle School Drama, Drama 1, Drama 2, Technical Theatre 1, Technical Theatre 2, Musical Theatre, Film Theory and Analysis.
! Revised the curriculum and taught the Speech/Communication Applications Class
! Implemented Lower School Drama Club and Middle/Upper School Drama Club.
! Produced, directed and designed an all school musical with 60 students in grades 1-12, a Lower/Middle School Musical with 30 students in grades 1-8, and a Middle/Upper School Musical with 35 students in grades 6-12.
! Served as the Middle School academic advisor for 6th and 7th grade students.
! Coordinator and sponsor for TAPPS Academic Speech Competitions. ! Sponsor of the Allen Academy Dance Crew. !Allen Academy is the oldest private school in Texas.
Spring Showcase: Upper School
Disney's The Aristocats Kids: Lower School/ Middle School
Thoroughly Modern Millie: Middle School/Upper School
Bugsy Malone Jr: Grades 1-12
Haunted House Makeup for Fall Fest
Picasso at the Lapin Agile: Freshman Drama Class
Monty Python and The Holy Grail: Middle School Drama Class
Scenes from Grease: Upper School Drama Class
Words from Allen Parents.....“I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you formally for what was a fantastic experience for Aleksanderand Katarina as actors in the Aristocrats! It was their first experience with the theater and the way you coached them through the whole process was just wonderful to watch. They and their friends eagerly await next year’s production! As a volunteer on the marketing committee whose goal it is to increase enrollment, I also wanted to thank you for assisting us with that process. I have never seen so many happy parents and grandparents in one room before! Everybody was amazed at what you were able to do with 30 inexperienced kids in 5 short weeks. This is exactly the kind of opportunity parents who choose Allen are looking for!”
Hege Kalaouze- Lower School Parent
I am sorry I did not speak to you personally on Saturday night or Sunday after the performance, but I want to thank you for the extraordinary effort you put into the production.! I know you will say that it is your job and you do it for all the students, but it still takes extraordinary people to be willing to put in that kind of effort.! I am especially appreciative of the experience, and even better the challenge, this has been for Lucas. We enjoyed the performances of all the students.”
Liska Lusk- Upper School Parent
“I can't tell you how much your support means to Jessica and the de Jong family. This whole process has been quite the ordeal for us; in fact I had no idea what we were in for, but we are at the end of the road and it feels great! ..I want you to know, she was accepted to!8 of the 9!of the colleges she applied for (we haven't heard the final verdict of the 9th yet!) thanks to your hard work and dedication. She has had a wonderfully successful audition process as well and is excited about her "next step."
Jennie de Jong- Upper School Parent
"Ms. Damon-- I was very disappointed to hear that you will not be returning to Allen next year. Donald was very impressed with the productions he saw and we both thought you did a fantastic job with the younger kids with ArtistoCats. I know Dawson has enjoyed having you for advisory as well and we appreciated your advocacy for the kids. Our loss will be someone else's gain."
Patsy Deere- Middle School Parent
Words from Landmark Parents....."I just wanted to thank you again for all the work it must have taken to mount The Royal Family and to congratulate you on the fine production we saw on Friday and Saturday.!!Most of all we wanted you know how grateful we were to see our son Kidd, so happy.!! He has undergone a sea change over the last 15 months and your support and guidance has given him a sense of himself and a feeling of belonging to something truly successful he never experienced before coming to Landmark. There are no words to express the gratitude Janey and I feel." Ken Campbell- Parent
"We really appreciated your flexibility in meeting with us in November instead of at the parents' weekend.! It enabled us to see your wonderful production of The Royal Family without the expense and time off of work for another trip.!!! Kidd really loves theatre (learned at Landmark!) and is particularly fond of working with you.! His new found confidence is breathtaking and he had quite a struggle between the winter play and swimming!! As I said when we met, I hope that you will not hesitate to contact us for any reason.! Thank you so much."
Janey Campbell- Parent
“This is a tardy but no less heartfelt thank you for being able to see the spark in Kidd and for working with him so well this year.! We had
some incredible teacher conferences on May 9th while we were in town and they, across the boards, told us how much he had opened up and become more self-confident this year.! A few of them even used the word, leadership.! We know that this is no coincidence and can’t thank you enough.! We are sorry that you are leaving Landmark, but know that where you end up, many will benefit.”
Janey Campbell- Parent
"The reviews are in, and The Royal Family was a smash hit!!!The actors did a terrific job with!very complicated dialogue and scenes, and the magnificent set and costumes left the audience wondering if they had been magically transported to a Broadway show!"!
Linda Darveau- Parent
“Dear Ms. Damon and your awesome drama class- All I can say is wow! You guys are really gifted! You did such an outstanding job and it was so much more than I expected. You were funny, creative, lyrical, and still did a great job of conveying the idea, essence of perseverance in a way that was enjoyable. You are all truly awesome. I received many compliments about the assembly and I hope you did too because you were so much a part of why it was so good! Thank you!” Sincerely,
Mr. Bill Ferguson- Chaplin
Landmark Stage Company Theater Director/ Language Arts Tutor
! Responsible for directing and designing three theatrical productions: a fall drama, winter entry for the Massachusetts Drama Guild One Act Play Festival, and spring musical.
! Created curriculum and instructed a beginning acting class and an advanced acting class
! Received intensive training in diagnosing language based learning disabilities and in creating strategies to ensure student academic achievement.
! Taught four one on one language arts tutorials for students with a broad range of language based learning disabilities, ex. dyslexia, dysgraphia, auditory processing disorder and written expression disorder.
! Member of the residential life staff living in a dorm with 18 high school girls.
!The Landmark School is internationally recognized as a leader in the field of language based learning disabilities.
Anything Goes
All In the Timing
The Royal Family
Words from Administrators.....“Rachel Damon is a talented, professional, and well-organized drama director .Rachel has a good grounding in technical theatre, production, and direction. She has the ability to multitask and met her commitments in a responsible, professional fashion. She is enthusiastic about her work and relates well to students. While Rachel is not a diva, she is serious about her work and, in turn, expects that her actors and colleagues will respect the required commitment.”
Phil Deely, Head of School Allen Academy
"I want to express my deep appreciation for the work you have done here at Landmark. Juggling all your duties were a challenge that you met on a consistent basis. Your case managers have sung your praises and the theater productions were superior. I wish you the best of luck in your search for a new venue. Thank you again for your good work."
Henry Willette, Academic Dean Landmark School
“Her students have varying decoding and comprehension levels and Rachel is responsible for designing and implementing curriculum that will both teach and interest them. This can be a challenging task, which Rachel handles extremelywell. She is well prepared for and delivers the lesson in a meaningful, structured manner that allows her students to benefit from what is being taught. She provides ample opportunity for students to demonstrate what they are learning and adapts readilyto their further needs. Rachel is a kind person who is able to relate to her students in an understanding but not condescending manner. She is encouraging and supportive when making corrections and consistently treats her students in a mature, adult fashion. I highly recommend Rachel for any position that would capitalize on her considerable teaching strengths. Her knowledge, understanding, and willingness to invest extra effort would make her an asset to any teaching staff.” Gail Kent, Academic Case Manager Landmark School
Words from Colleagues....."Rachel established high standards of effort, commitment, and responsibility for participating students. She selected a challenging period comedy for the fall season, and used creative acting exercises to help strengthen students’ skills in diction, movement, timing, character exploration, and other key performance elements. Rachel drew on her extensive knowledge of theatre history and American cultural history to inform the students’ understanding of the plays and their characters. Under her direction, Landmark’s actors had opportunities to practice acting with a new, greater degree of rigor and complexity...I can speak highly of Rachel’s skills as a collaborator. Rachel took an early interest in the work of the costume shop, providing a clear, innovative, and achievable design vision for each production, while allowing the students and meto explore and ultimately decide what pieces would best express our design perspective. Rachel was particularly supportive of students in their creative work, so she took care always to praise and encourage their efforts. The appreciate on of a director is invaluable for a student who is learning to costume, and Rachel provided this affirmation for our students again and again,”
Kathryn Ginn, Colleague Landmark School
"Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed The Aristocat's show on Friday night. The cast selection was genius! The costumes were colorful and cute! The play was adorable and at the perfect pace to keep it alive! The lights and sound were great too! Congratulations to you and the rest of the cast. Thanks again for such a wonderful production!"
Bobbie Jill Lively, First Grade Advisor Allen Academy
Chebeague Children's TheatreArtistic Director
! Created a summer theatre program for students ages 6-9. ! Responsible for producing a full-length musical (choreograph, direct, design
and build each show) for children ages 6-18 each summer. ! Created adaptations of musicals to suit cast’s talents, as well as complete
publicity for production including audition notices, program and posters. ! Highlights include: Thoroughly Modern Millie, Alice in Wonderland, The
Music Man, Into the Woods, Annie, Oliver!, Peter Pan, Bugsy Malone. ! Chebeague Island is an un-bridged island off the coast of Maine.
42nd Street
Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr.
Disney's Alice in Wonderland Jr.
The Music Man Jr.
Into The Woods Jr.
Peter Pan
That's Entertainment
Words from Students.....“i just wanted to say thanks for being such a fun, energetic director and putting so much time and work into the show. CCT would never be the same without! you!!!!”
Tess Hinchman- Lower School Student
"Thank you so much for the opportunity to be in “Hamlet.” I honestly had such a wonderful time day after day. I feel really privilegedthat you asked me to be a part of it. I know sometimes Opheliahad a little too much to say for herself, but I hope in the end I did you proud. You did amazingjob pulling us together. Thank you for all of your hard work.”
Sarah Shlek- Actor
"Thank you so much for being our director! I can’t wait to do it again next year!” Abby and Sadie Dutton- Middle School Students
"Thank you for helping to make Bugsy Malone a fun and memorable show! I really enjoyed playing an English reporter using the accent tapes that you gave me. At first I was worried that I would not be able to speak with it in time, but you have been encouraging and instructive every step of the way. Thank you for helping me getmy feet wet in the world of acting and reminding me that everyone has a special part to play.”
Laura Ginn- Upper School Student
"You are a marvelous director and you put together a great show! It has been such a fun experience, and I shall miss it! Thank you! “Tara Studly- Actor
"Thanks for a great experience with Powder and Wig. I’m sure you’ve roped me and Geoff in! You’re the best!” Cindy Meadow- Actor
"Thank you so much for such a wonderful college theatre experience. You are in inspiration to me in the future!” Brandon Brankin- Actor
"Thank you for taking me on as Robert. You don’t have to thank me for covering, it has truly been a pleasure.” Aaron Stepka- Actor
"It has been a pleasure. You made the show what it was, and I believe that was great!”Geoff Meadhal- Actor
Marisol
Return To The Forbidden Planet
An Ideal Husband
Scene Shop Work Call
Directing Experience Year Title Author Producing Organization 2010 Spring Showcase Adapt.Rachel Damon Allen Academy Theatre, TX 2010 Disney’s The Aristocats Kids Richard Sherman Allen Academy Theatre, TX 2009 Thoroughly Modern Millie Dick Scanlin Allen Academy Theatre, TX 2009 Disney’s Cinderella Kids Al Hoffman Chebeague Children’s Theatre, ME 2009 Thoroughly Modern Millie, Jr Dick Scanlin Chebeague Children’s Theatre, ME 2009 Grease Jim Jacobs Allen Academy Theatre, TX 2009 Monty Python and the Holy Grail Adapt. Rachel Damon Allen Academy Theatre, TX 2009 Bugsy Malone Paul Williams Allen Academy Theatre, TX 2008 Picasso at the Lapin Agile Steve Martin Allen Academy Theatre, TX 2008 Return to the Forbidden Planet Bob Carlton Chebeague Island Players, ME 2008 Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. David Simpatico Chebeague Children’s Theatre, ME 2008 Anything Goes Cole Porter Landmark Stage Company, MA 2008 All in the Timing David Ives Landmark Stage Company, MA 2007 The Royal Family George S. Kaufman Landmark Stage Company, MA 2007 The Music Man Jr. Meredith Wilson Chebeague Children’s Theatre, ME 2006 The Love List Norm Foster Chebeague Island Players, ME 2006 Into The Woods Jr. Stephen Sondheim Chebeague Children’s Theatre, ME 2005 Peter Pan J.M. Barrie Chebeague Children’s Theatre, ME 2005 Marisol* Jose Rivera Department of Theater, Colby College, ME 2005 An Ideal Husband Oscar Wilde Powder and Wig, Colby College, ME 2004 That’s Entertainment! Adapt. Rachel Damon Chebeague Children’s Theatre, ME 2004 It Had to Be You* Adapt. Anna Sullivan Drill Hall Theatre, London UK
Boy Gets Girl Rebecca Gillman Two Gentlemen of Verona William Shakespeare
2003 Dog Lady Maria Sanchez Scott Workshop Performance, Colby College, ME 2003 Sex Lives of Superheroes Stephen Gregg Workshop Performance, Colby College, ME 2003 The Philadelphia David Ives Workshop Performance, Colby College, ME
Directing Experience Year Title Author Producing Organization 2003 Bugsy Malone Jr. Paul Williams Chebeague Children’s Theatre, ME 2003 The Laramie Project Moises Kauffman Powder and Wig, Colby College, ME 2003 Words, Words, Words David Ives Powder and Wig, Colby College, ME 2003 15 Minute Hamlet Tom Stoppard Powder and Wig, Colby College, ME 2002 Oliver! Lionel Bart Chebeague Children’s Theatre, ME 2001 Annie Thomas Meehan Chebeague Children’s Theatre, ME 2000 A VonTrapp Adventure Rebecca Marr Chebeague Children’s Theatre, ME 1999 Miss Hannigan Returns Rebecca Marr Chebeague Children’s Theatre, ME 1998 Alice in Storybookland Rebecca Marr Chebeague Children’s Theatre, ME
Stage Managing Experience 2005 Marisol Jose Rivera Department of Theater, Colby College, ME 2004 Buried Child Sam Shepard Powder and Wig, Colby College, ME 2003 Faust, a Masked Telling Tavia LaFollette Department of Theater, Colby College, ME 2003 Politian Edgar Allan Poe Powder and Wig, Colby College, ME 2002 Wait Until Dark Frederick Knott Powder and Wig, Colby College, ME 2002 Picasso at the Lapin Agile Steve Martin Powder and Wig, Colby College, ME 2001 Bedrooms and Corridors Noah Charney Powder and Wig, Colby College, ME 2001 Marisol Jose Rivera Greely High School, Maine One Act Festival 2000 The Sound of Music Rogers,Hammerstein Greely High School, Cumberland ME 2000 Close Ties Elizabeth Diggs Greely High School, Maine One Act Festival 1999 Fiddler on the Roof Jerry Bock Greely High School, Cumberland ME 1999 April Fish Ted Pezzulo Greely High School, Maine One Act Festival
Scenic Design Year Title Author Producing Organization 2010 Disney’s The Aristocats Kids Richard Sherman Allen Academy Theatre, TX 2009 Thoroughly Modern Millie Dick Scanlin Allen Academy Theatre, TX 2009 Disney’s Cinderella Kids Al Hoffman Chebeague Children’s Theatre, ME 2009 Thoroughly Modern Millie, Jr Dick Scanlin Chebeague Children’s Theatre, ME 2009 Bugsy Malone Paul Williams Allen Academy Theatre, TX 2008 Picasso at the Lapin Agile Steve Martin Allen Academy Theatre, TX 2008 Return to the Forbidden Planet Bob Carlton Chebeague Island Players, ME 2008 Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. David Simpatico Chebeague Children’s Theatre, ME 2008 Anything Goes Cole Porter Landmark Stage Company, MA 2008 All in the Timing David Ives Landmark Stage Company, MA 2007 The Royal Family George S. Kaufman Landmark Stage Company, MA 2007 The Music Man Jr. Meredith Wilson Chebeague Children’s Theatre, ME 2006 Into The Woods Jr. Stephen Sondheim Chebeague Children’s Theatre, ME 2005 Peter Pan J.M. Barrie Chebeague Children’s Theatre, ME 2005 An Ideal Husband Oscar Wilde Powder and Wig, Colby College, ME 2004 Oleanna David Mamet Powder and Wig, Colby College, ME 2004 Buried Child Sam Shepard Powder and Wig, Colby College, ME 2004 That’s Entertainment! Adapt. Rachel Damon Chebeague Children’s Theatre, ME 2003 Politian Edgar Allan Poe Powder and Wig, Colby College, ME 2003 Bugsy Malone Paul Williams Chebeague Children’s Theatre, ME
Workshops and Training !Colby College: BA in Theatre and Dance (Magna Cum Laude, distinction in major, Dean’s
List every semester) ! Royal Academy of Music: Voice and Movement with Karin Robinowitz (Head of Musical
Theatre Department) !Central London School of Speech and Drama: Physical Theatre with Caroline England ! The University of London: Contemporary British Theatre with Robert Gordon !The National Theatre Museum, UK: Stage Makeup, Acting, Directing, Edwardian Toy
Theatres, Marionettes, Shakespeare, Costuming, Theatre History, London’s West End ! Direction: Laura Chakravarty Box, Anna Sullivan ! Stage Management: Julie Gerry ! Theatre History: Laura Chakravarty Box, Richard Sewell ! Taking Shakespeare’s Word For It!: Richard Sewell ! Directing Shakespeare: Shenandoah Shakespeare Express ! Stanislavsky Method Acting: Joylynn Wing, Anna Sullivan ! Physical Theater: Caroline England ! Puppetry: Tavia LaFollette ! Storytelling: Mike Dasiey ! Commedia del Arte: Avner Eisenberg, Julie Goell ! Improvisation: Joylynn Wing ! Stage Combat: Richard Hedderman ! Theatrical Design: James Thurston ! Costume Design: Jen Caprio, Anne Kenney ! Accents: British Accent (RP), American Southern Accent, New York Accent
“Rachel is charismatic, articulate and energetic. She brings ambitious projects to successful conclusion. Rachel is a rock of reliability: both the faculty and the students know they can depend on her…Rachel’s organization, creativity, and keen instincts in the theater arts allow her to be multitalented in this field. These natural instincts and creativity show up in her directorial work as well. She is uninhibited and adventuresome in her role as a director, laying a foundation of security and trust in which her cast members feel confident in the choices she makes as a leader..Rachel is a gift to the world of theater… she is truly unique and her passion and enthusiasm and impossible to ignore.”
- Tavia La Follette, Professor
