As a Director, Derek specializes in Theatre for Young Audiences. His passion for directing began when he directed The Laramie Project for his Senior Project in High School. Part of the project was to contribute back to the community and proceeds of all ticket sales went toward The Matthew Shepard Foundation. This school project inspired him to found Fearless Theatre, a company in Chicago that highlights the perils and pitfalls of the teenage odyssey. Part of the mission of the company was to raise awareness for charities that were related to the themes in the play. As a Director, Derek wants to inspire audiences young and old to follow their dreams, feel empowered, and stay young at heart.
Educational Theatre: Chem Class with the NYU Youth Ensemble, Girls LIke That, Anon(ymous) for the National High School Institute Theatre "Cherubs" program. Welcome to the Laborhood with Northlight Educational Theatre. A Midsummer Nights Dream, with Portland Actor's Conservatory's Summer Program. Under Pressure: our stories from lockdown, (devised production) Just Jack: A Virtual Fairy Tale Talk Show and The Game (writer and director) with Acting Out: Brooklyn.
Director: Dear Mr.Zinn for NYU Tenement Library, Dog Sees God : Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead with Fearless Theatre, Acorn Theatre, and multiple one acts for Gi60 the International One Minute play Festival at Brooklyn College.
Educational Theatre: Chem Class with the NYU Youth Ensemble, Girls LIke That, Anon(ymous) for the National High School Institute Theatre "Cherubs" program. Welcome to the Laborhood with Northlight Educational Theatre. A Midsummer Nights Dream, with Portland Actor's Conservatory's Summer Program. Under Pressure: our stories from lockdown, (devised production) Just Jack: A Virtual Fairy Tale Talk Show and The Game (writer and director) with Acting Out: Brooklyn.
Director: Dear Mr.Zinn for NYU Tenement Library, Dog Sees God : Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead with Fearless Theatre, Acorn Theatre, and multiple one acts for Gi60 the International One Minute play Festival at Brooklyn College.
CHEM CLASS (a walking play) by Jennifer O'Grady | NYU Youth Ensemble (2022)
ANON(YMOUS) by Naomi Iizuka for the NHSI Cherubs Program at Northwestern University (2019)
GIRLS LIKE THAT by Evan Placey for the NHSI Cherubs Program at Northwestern University (2018)
"In" from CARRIE THE MUSICAL (choreographer & director) for the NHSI Cherubs MT Program at Northwestern University (2018)
DOG SEES GOD: CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGE BLOCKHEAD by Bert V. Royale at Fearless Theatre (2013)
READ: Interview ND Insider: "Teen years tough on 'Peanuts' characters" by Andy Hughes
READ: Interview ND Insider: "Teen years tough on 'Peanuts' characters" by Andy Hughes
GONE IN 60 JR: International One Minute Play Festival (2018) Brooklyn College, NY
Gi60 has been around since 2005. It provides writers the opportunity to get their work seen world wide. Gi60 has a youth division called Gi60 Jr. where young actors are part of the festival. Playwrights from all over submit their scripts to be produced. Below are a handful of selected One Minute plays from the festival.
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MARCHING by Alex Bernstein, NJ
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BLACK HOLE by Asher Wyndham, MN
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MCINTOSH by Steven Hayet, NJ
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HAVE YOU SEEN MITSY by Allie Costa, CA
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