Don Amerson has a demonstrated long term passion for education and the arts. He began his journey by earning a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University, majoring in Social Science. He earned a Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan, specializing in forming and managing non-profit organizations. Cementing his arti
Don Amerson has a demonstrated long term passion for education and the arts. He began his journey by earning a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University, majoring in Social Science. He earned a Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan, specializing in forming and managing non-profit organizations. Cementing his artistic commitment, he obtained a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre for the Young from Eastern Michigan University.
In California, Don Amerson has helped shape young minds and nurture talent across different institutions and communities. As an Adjunct Professor at Santa Ana College, he teaches Theatre Arts, instilling in students a deep appreciation for dramatic literature and acting methodologies. He has been a stalwart educator at the Orange County School of the Arts, teaching a myriad of subjects ranging from Acting to Mask to Theater History, fostering creativity and critical thinking among his students. His illustrious career at South Coast Repertory began in 2012. He is proud to teach a high level of skills while keeping the environment fun and light.
Not content with traditional classroom settings, Don has extended his reach far and wide. From serving as an Executive Board Member of the California State Thespians to coaching aspiring actors at the Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles, Don has left an indelible mark on many local and state programs. His dedication to using theater as a tool for social justice is evident in his work, whether it's facilitating workshops on political theater or directing productions addressing issues of intolerance and discrimination.
Beyond teaching, Don Amerson has excelled in theater management and directing, bringing to life countless devised productions that resonate with audiences on a profound level. As the President/CEO of Drama In Action, he spearheads initiatives aimed at fostering artistic expression and community engagement. His directorial ventures, such as "Enemy/Flint" and "Sadako and a Thousand Cranes," showcase his commitment to using theater as a vehicle for social change and empowerment.
Penelope Pauley inspires fun and play in kids of all ages through theatre and Shakespeare. Over the years she has created student-led productions including: A Comedy of So Cal Errors, Three Week Macbeth, Greek Myths Reimagined, and Hamlet: To Be or Not to Be a Zombie. She continues to hold after school acting classes, improv workshops and
Penelope Pauley inspires fun and play in kids of all ages through theatre and Shakespeare. Over the years she has created student-led productions including: A Comedy of So Cal Errors, Three Week Macbeth, Greek Myths Reimagined, and Hamlet: To Be or Not to Be a Zombie. She continues to hold after school acting classes, improv workshops and individual audition coaching.
As an actor, she has performed in Eli Daughdrill’s Faith (now streaming on Amazon), Sharri Hefner’s Barriers and Rachel Carey’s Good Thoughts. Penelope wrote, coached and spoke publicly in the personal development field for over a decade.
Penelope creates imaginative, inclusive and collaborative spaces for kids because connected, self-assured people make a kinder and brighter world.
Cynthia Karim has been a Production, Design and Special Effects Makeup teacher for 23
years at the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA). She and her crew (students)
design and work most of the productions in the Music and Theater, Classical Voice, Ballet
Folklorico, Acting and Integrated Arts conservatories. Her art experience includes be
Cynthia Karim has been a Production, Design and Special Effects Makeup teacher for 23
years at the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA). She and her crew (students)
design and work most of the productions in the Music and Theater, Classical Voice, Ballet
Folklorico, Acting and Integrated Arts conservatories. Her art experience includes being
an Art Docent Coordinator for Placentia/Yorba Linda Unified School District for 15 years
where she wrote and planned the Art History lessons for The Renaissance, Impressionist,
and Japanese and Modern Art periods. She has taught numerous Special f/x workshops
to Girl Scouts of Orange County for the past 20 years. She has worked as a professional
makeup artist as a licensed Esthetician since 1975. She attended Westminster College
and the University of Utah, and earned her Special effects Makeup Certification from
Paramount Studios, Hollywood. From 1990-2000 she worked in Children’s Theatre
focusing on stage makeup and hair, costume design, scenic design, props, and stage
management. She has worked in various design capacities for Fullerton Civic Light
Opera, Claremont College, Whittier College, Cal State Dominguez Hills, and various L.A.
and Orange County High Schools. She has also done photo shoots and PSAs with the cast
of Saturday Night Live and MadTV
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