Danielle A. Drakes
THEATRE PROFESSIONAL, WRITER & ADVOCATE
This is Danielle... (a snippet)
"Drakes’s direction will leave you breathless. It is fast-moving and hard-hitting. She seems to have used every inch of her actors’ physical and mental capability to bring the message home to the audience."
Danielle A. Drakes is a multi-faceted theatre professional with extensive experience in performance, directing and arts administration. Drakes has dedicated her career to using theatre as a tool for envisioning a more empathetic and equitable society.
Most recently, she directed Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea at Montgomery County Community College in Rockville, MD. She directed the regional premiere of Kill Move Paradise at Rep Stage (MD). Additionally, she developed and directed the world premiere of the acclaimed Klytmnestra: An Epic Slam Poem. A dynamic retelling of the classic tale written to vindicate a mother slain by her own son’s hand. Her work on Klytmnestra earned her a Helen Hayes nod for outstanding direction.
Ms. Drakes is a two-time recipient of the Theatre Communications Group Leaders of Color award. Her local professional credits include Arena Stage, The Kennedy Center, and originating the role of Elizabeth Keckley in Ford's Theatre's The Washington Post award winning History on Foot.
Currently, Ms. Drakes is splitting her time between the stage and the classroom as a professor at George Washington University, UMBC and Towson University.
Ms. Drakes is a proud member of Actors' Equity Association and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. She received her BA from Goucher College and MFA from The Catholic University of America.
Lectures and Intensives
Devising For Social Change
An in depth exploration of devising theatre that fuels positive social change. Participants receive a guided experience in devising theatre which includes; building and working as an ensemble, tactics for collaborative thought and staging call to action works.
NAVIGATING ISMs & PHOBIAs IN PROFESSIONAL THEATRE SPACES
An interactive conversation on best practices navigating bias in professional cultural arts spaces, specifically theatre. An introspective look at conflict resolution, self-preservation and advocating for equitable growth opportunities.
VOICE PRODUCTION & SPEECH
An intensive on performing complicated text. Participants receive techniques on speaking, memorizing and performing classical and stylized text.