Hey! I'm Derek. Maybe we know each other?
I've been performing, directing, absorbing, and creating theatre for most of my life, then I made this website, and now you're here. Our paths have officially crossed. Feel free to click around and don't hesitate to reach out.
I've been performing, directing, absorbing, and creating theatre for most of my life, then I made this website, and now you're here. Our paths have officially crossed. Feel free to click around and don't hesitate to reach out.
2023
What a year, huh?
Lemon, it's spring.
The year so far has been like Alexander Hamilton - nonstop! From a strict January diet, to a February back injury, to March's work travel, and April's rehearsals, it has been go GO GO! On top of all that I somehow managed to produce a new script for The Hat Theater Collective's inaugural production: The Ballad of Old Manatee. This original play with music tells the tragic love story of some of Manatee County, Florida's earliest northern settlers, James Vanderipe and Sarah Lee. The Reverend Edmund Lee, Sarah's father, outlived James and Sarah's untimely death and chose to bury James away from her, where he still rests in The Lonesome Grave. But why did Rev Lee come to that decision? Find out in this historical drama running Fridays and Saturdays, April 21 - May 6.
Also, I'm in it so, you know... come see me!
Lemon, it's spring.
The year so far has been like Alexander Hamilton - nonstop! From a strict January diet, to a February back injury, to March's work travel, and April's rehearsals, it has been go GO GO! On top of all that I somehow managed to produce a new script for The Hat Theater Collective's inaugural production: The Ballad of Old Manatee. This original play with music tells the tragic love story of some of Manatee County, Florida's earliest northern settlers, James Vanderipe and Sarah Lee. The Reverend Edmund Lee, Sarah's father, outlived James and Sarah's untimely death and chose to bury James away from her, where he still rests in The Lonesome Grave. But why did Rev Lee come to that decision? Find out in this historical drama running Fridays and Saturdays, April 21 - May 6.
Also, I'm in it so, you know... come see me!
2022
RENT - Manatee Performing Arts Center
What's up? Nothing but the rent... and while I wish mine would go down, at least I'm part of a bad ass show! In MPAC's blackbox space, Danae has directed this production to be intimate, heartfelt, and in. your. face! With only 100 seats, 14 cast members, and minimal set/props, this production of RENT focuses on the ensemble story-telling of a love-fueled rock opera.
What's up? Nothing but the rent... and while I wish mine would go down, at least I'm part of a bad ass show! In MPAC's blackbox space, Danae has directed this production to be intimate, heartfelt, and in. your. face! With only 100 seats, 14 cast members, and minimal set/props, this production of RENT focuses on the ensemble story-telling of a love-fueled rock opera.
The Players Centre New Play Festival
I'm thrilled to announce my newest play, Gin Rickey, will have its first reading at the Player's New Play Festival!! Of all the submissions, four are picked to be assigned a director and read aloud by a cast. The judges will pick one play to be produced in full the following season. *fingers crossed* The Fest will last 4 days, and tickets can be found at The Player's website. More info can also be seen here from the Herald Tribune, and you can read more about Gin Rickey, and other plays here.
I'm thrilled to announce my newest play, Gin Rickey, will have its first reading at the Player's New Play Festival!! Of all the submissions, four are picked to be assigned a director and read aloud by a cast. The judges will pick one play to be produced in full the following season. *fingers crossed* The Fest will last 4 days, and tickets can be found at The Player's website. More info can also be seen here from the Herald Tribune, and you can read more about Gin Rickey, and other plays here.
Tuesdays with Morrie
A beautiful story, an honest production, and an incredible experience. I had the pleasure of working with Sarasota-star, Don Walker (of Don and Jenny Walker!) as Morrie. Katherine Michelle Tanner's direction was nuanced and intricate. We had an outstanding, while short-lived, run.
A beautiful story, an honest production, and an incredible experience. I had the pleasure of working with Sarasota-star, Don Walker (of Don and Jenny Walker!) as Morrie. Katherine Michelle Tanner's direction was nuanced and intricate. We had an outstanding, while short-lived, run.
28 Plays Later
Again, I competed in a February playwrighting challenge - write 1 play every day. The prompt arrives via email, and you have 36 hours to submit. I'm so pleased (also exhausted, but mostly pleased) to say I completed the challenge for a second time! Will one of these plays grow into a full production? We'll see...
Check out some of them under Original Scripts.
Again, I competed in a February playwrighting challenge - write 1 play every day. The prompt arrives via email, and you have 36 hours to submit. I'm so pleased (also exhausted, but mostly pleased) to say I completed the challenge for a second time! Will one of these plays grow into a full production? We'll see...
Check out some of them under Original Scripts.