Born in Tehran, Iran and adopted by two wonderful American parents, we moved to Northern Virginia a year and a half later. There, I began acting at 11 years of age at Glen Echo Summer Camp and continued to do so throughout my undergraduate career at James Madison University (JMU), where I developed a passion for directing.
After graduating from JMU with a B.A. in Theatre and English, I had the amazing opportunity to study the Practical Aesthetics Technique with David Mamet and William H. Macy in Burlington, Vermont. I then pursued my theatrical dreams in Atlanta, Georgia, studying improvisation with Whole World Theatre Company; started XYZ Theatre Company in Washington, D.C.; and subsequently, moved the company to New York City.
Tired of leading the romantic life of a starving artist, I began to re-examine my life’s goals and decided that since I was already coaching friends for professional auditions, why not do it for a living? I applied for and was accepted into the graduate directing program at Temple University, where I received an M.F.A. After graduating, I remained in Philadelphia, participating in various Philly Fringes, adjunct teaching, and writing an original show that was geared for young artists entitled Bras and Beaters, which premiered at Fergie’s Pub for the Philly Fringe Festival in 2006.
Since moving from Philadelphia, I have taught in higher education for almost 20 years. While teaching, I direct both academically and professionally. Presently, I am the Head of Acting/Directing at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith.
After graduating from JMU with a B.A. in Theatre and English, I had the amazing opportunity to study the Practical Aesthetics Technique with David Mamet and William H. Macy in Burlington, Vermont. I then pursued my theatrical dreams in Atlanta, Georgia, studying improvisation with Whole World Theatre Company; started XYZ Theatre Company in Washington, D.C.; and subsequently, moved the company to New York City.
Tired of leading the romantic life of a starving artist, I began to re-examine my life’s goals and decided that since I was already coaching friends for professional auditions, why not do it for a living? I applied for and was accepted into the graduate directing program at Temple University, where I received an M.F.A. After graduating, I remained in Philadelphia, participating in various Philly Fringes, adjunct teaching, and writing an original show that was geared for young artists entitled Bras and Beaters, which premiered at Fergie’s Pub for the Philly Fringe Festival in 2006.
Since moving from Philadelphia, I have taught in higher education for almost 20 years. While teaching, I direct both academically and professionally. Presently, I am the Head of Acting/Directing at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith.