AARON MICHAEL ZOOK
New York,NY
Summary
Passionate theatre artist/scholar with a long professional career encompassing performing, devising new work, and teaching creative approaches to complex texts, particularly Shakespeare. Currently researching and developing a pedagogical approach, Radical Text Integration, that seeks to synthesize traditional textual analysis and voice/speech practices with teaching-based dramatic inquiry, movement/collaborative theatre disciplines, Chamber Theatre, and cultural/historical interrogation and mediation.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
42
42
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Company Member/Training Associate
Blessed Unrest
09.2023 - Current
- Led training ensemble in explorations of Radical Text Integration using text from Twelfth Night and Julius Caesar. Coordinated with Artistic Director and company members to incorporate this practice into company's evolving work in Viewpoints and composition.
Artist in Residence
Project Untitled/Sacred Heart University
06.2021 - Current
- Under direction of director Keith Hamilton Cobb and associate director Jessica Burr, engaged in two-year collaborative interrogation of Othello: specifically the play's cultural/historical legacy and the particular problems it poses to contemporary theatre artists seeking to confront and dismantle systems of oppression
- Provided textual analysis and contributed dramaturgical research; offered edits, conceptual/design elements, and original text to evolving draft of ensemble's performance script
- Participated in readings, movement training, and group improvisations
- Engaged in discussions with students and faculty.
Associate Director
Chamber Theatre Productions
08.2012 - 11.2021
- Coached actors in use of heightened text, period styles, movement, and vaudeville/slapstick
- Supervised rehearsals of theatrical adaptations of literature for middle and high school audiences; blocked and directed scenes
- Served as on-set acting coach for video productions
- Assisted Artistic Director and Producer in various aspects of production including casting and technical rehearsals
- Conducted casting calls and callbacks on an ongoing basis in New York City.
Teaching Artist
Smith Street Stage
01.2019 - 06.2019
- Taught introductory Shakespeare class for after school enrichment program (grades 3-5) at The Carroll School (PS 58).
- Researched and selected texts for lessons and created performance scripts of Romeo and Juliet for final presentations
- Led exercises and theatre games.
Acting Coach
Freelance
01.2013 - 12.2017
- Taught approaches to playing Shakespeare including textual analysis and dramatic inquiry. Incorporated principles from Viewpoints, Suzuki, Laban, and Lessac into rehearsal strategies for soliloquies and scenes
- Assisted actors in selection and presentation of monologues for professional auditions.
Career Exploration Facilitator
The Ohio State University
06.2012 - 08.2012
- Coached gifted and talented high school students on strategies for exploring careers in arts and entertainment, including professional development, training/education, public speaking, and play-based approaches to creativity.
Graduate Teaching Associate
The Ohio State University
09.2009 - 06.2012
- Designed and adapted syllabi and curricula
- Instructed undergraduate level theatre courses including Acting Shakespeare, Craft of Acting, Acting Studio I, and Introduction to Theatre.
Education
Master of Fine Arts - Acting
The Ohio State University
06.2012
Bachelor of Arts - English (Creative Writing)
University of Central Florida
05.2001 - 01.2000
Associate of Arts - General Education
Brevard Community College
Melbourne, FL 05.2001 - 01.1995
Skills
Shakespeare
Affiliations
Actors Equity Association (2006 – present)
Timeline
Company Member/Training Associate
Blessed Unrest
09.2023 - Current
Artist in Residence
Project Untitled/Sacred Heart University
06.2021 - Current
Teaching Artist
Smith Street Stage
01.2019 - 06.2019
Acting Coach
Freelance
01.2013 - 12.2017
Associate Director
Chamber Theatre Productions
08.2012 - 11.2021
Career Exploration Facilitator
The Ohio State University
06.2012 - 08.2012
Graduate Teaching Associate
The Ohio State University
09.2009 - 06.2012
Bachelor of Arts - English (Creative Writing)
University of Central Florida
05.2001 - 01.2000
Associate of Arts - General Education
Brevard Community College
05.2001 - 01.1995
Master of Fine Arts - Acting
The Ohio State University
Papers
All the Stage’s a Stage: Metatheatrical Approaches to Shakespeare, 2011, O! What Learning Shakespeare Is!, The Ohio State University
Grants
Alumni Grant for Graduate Research and Scholarship, 2011, The Ohio State University
Conferences
Blackfriars Conference (2023)
Guest artist with Project Untitled, “Untitling Twelfth Night: A Practicum.” Engaged with Mary Baldwin University MFA theatre students and faculty in exploring the historical/cultural mediation of the early modern text and contemporary questions, particularly surrounding gender, identity, and status. Performed text with fellow guest artist and student actors.
Training
TRAINING
Blessed Unrest
Ongoing company training (2014-present)
Viewpoints, Suzuki, and composition: Jessica Burr and Matt Opatrny.
Alison Bomber
Ongoing speech/text study. Shakespeare, heightened/complex text, poetry. (2020-present)
Theatre 9/12 (Seattle, WA)
Master scene study: Charles Waxburg (2018)
SITI Company:
Winter Advanced Training (2013):
Training and Process (staging, dramaturgy, performance): J. Ed Araiza
Viewpoints, Suzuki: J. Ed Araiza, Kelly Maurer, Gian Murray Gianino
Skidmore Summer Intensive (2011):
Viewpoints, Suzuki: Anne Bogart, Akiko Aizawa, J. Ed Araiza, Will Bond, Gian Murray Gianino, Leon Ingulsrud, Ellen Lauren, Kelly Maurer, Tom Nelis, Barney O’Hanlon, Stephen Webber
Movement: Will Bond, Barney O’Hanlon
Speaking: Ellen Lauren
Composition: Leon Ingulsrud
Dramaturgy: J. Ed Araiza
OSU Theatre Training residency (2009):
Viewpoints and Suzuki: Tom Nelis, Stephen Webber
The Ohio State University:
MFA in Acting(2009-2012):
Movement, Composition, Laban, Viewpoints, Suzuki, Mime: Jeanine Thompson
Voice, speech, verbatim performance, complex texts/Shakespeare, acting (contemporary non-realism): Amanda Fox
Acting, directing, Shakespeare, period styles: James Bohr
Script analysis, Acting (Ibsen and Chekhov), devised work: Maureen Ryan
Script Writing: Andy Bragan, Joy Reilly
Solo Performance and Avante Garde: Jennifer Schleuter
Video production and editing: Janet Parrott
Alexander Technique: Dale Beaver
Stage Combat (unarmed, quarterstaff): Robert Behrens
Composition and devising (workshops): Robert Post
Lessac (workshops): Yanci Bukovec
Royal Shakespeare Company:
Movement, Interactive Shakespeare workshop (autumn 2011): Struan Leslie
Speech and text (winter 2011): Alison Bomber
Stand up for Shakespeare intensive training (summer 2010): Michael Boyd, Jacqui O’Hanlon
T. Schreiber Studio:
Acting and scene study: Peter Jensen (2004-2005)
Speech/dialect coach: Page Clements (2004-2005)
Monologue/audition coach: Susan Pilar (2008)
Combat Incorporated:
Stage combat: broadsword certification class (2006)
Commedia dell’Arte (workshop): Jean-Francois Gagnon (2007)
Voice coaches (singing): Adam Baritot (2013 - 2015); Beth Falcone (2004-2006); Eugenia Garrity (1993-1995)
Professional Experience
DIRECTING
BATTLE OF ANGELS (assistant director) 2021 Blessed Unrest
ENCORE! (video feature; associate director) 2021 Chamber Theatre Prod.
ENCORE! (associate director) 2006-2019 Chamber Theatre Prod.
EUREKA! (associate director) 2014 Chamber Theatre Prod.
CLASSICS (associate director) 2012 Chamber Theatre Prod.
AESOP’S FOIBLES 2006 Tuckaberry Productions
KIP, THE ENCHANTED CAT 2005 Tuckaberry Productions
WE ARE BURNING 2004 NYC Int'l Fringe Festival
THE STAR-SPANGLED GIRL 2002 Surfside Playhouse
WE ARE BURNING 2001 Orlando Fringe Festival
CASTING
Chamber Theatre Productions. 2008-2021. Provided New York City casting services for nationally touring productions of Encore!(2008-2017), Classics (2012) and Eureka! (2013-2014).
Regeneration Theatre Company. 2017. Provided casting services for independent production of Kennedy’s Children.
ACTING
NYC THEATRE
BATTLE OF ANGELS (workshop) Sheriff Talbott Blessed Unrest
THE SNOW QUEEN (workshop) Ensemble Blessed Unrest
BODY (workshop) Ensemble Blessed Unrest
LICKSPITTLES, BUTTONHOLERS, AND Stub Boomerang Theatre
DAMNED PERNICIOUS GO-BETWEENS
MEDEASTORIES (workshop) Kreon SITI Company
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Theseus Flux Theatre Ensemble
12TH NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD Orsino Impetuous Theatre Group
ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL Bertram Boomerang Theatre
KING LEAR Edgar Boomerang Theatre
THERE IS A ME WITHIN ME... Man Little Theatre
ARTIST DESCENDING A STAIRCASE Martello Boomerang Theatre
MEASURE FOR MEASURE Provost Astoria Perf. Arts Center
ROMEO AND JULIET Friar Lawrence The Touring Company
ACADEMIC THEATRE
THE LONG NIGHT Gumshoe, others The Ohio State University
THIS ABOVE ALL The Janitor The Ohio State University
BY THE GASWORKS WALL Jimmy The Ohio State University
THE CAMOUFLAGE PROJECT Brian Stonehouse The Ohio State University
OTHELLO Iago The Ohio State University
AIDA Zoser The Ohio State University
THE THREE SISTERS Vershinin The Ohio State University
O PIONEERS! Carl The Ohio State University
PALMER PARK Sol Rifkin The Ohio State University
TOURS
ENCORE! Ichabod Crane, others Chamber Theatre Prod. FREEDOM TRAIN Overseer TheatreWorks/USA
REGIONAL THEATRE
FLOYD COLLINS Homer Collins Phoenix Theatre, FL
CABARET The Emcee Phoenix Theatre, FL
DRACULA Renfield Phoenix Theatre, FL
PRIVATE EYES Julian Phoenix Theatre, FL
1940s RADIO HOUR Johnny Cantone Phoenix Theatre, FL
RUMORS Glenn Phoenix Theatre, FL
JEST A SECOND Bob Phoenix Theatre, FL
COMMUNICATING DOORS Reece Phoenix Theatre, FL
A TALE OF TWO CITIES Charles Darnay Looking Glass Ltd, FL
DR. COOK’S GARDEN Jimmy Tennyson Melbourne Civic Theatre, FL
THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES
THE AMERICAN GIRL REVIEW Uncle Gard, others American Girl Theatre, NYC
KIP, THE ENCHANTED CAT Kip Looking Glass Ltd, FL
THE TORTOISE & THE HARE Jack Rabbit Looking Glass Ltd, FL
HOW THE LEOPARD GOT ITS SPOTS Caveman Looking Glass Ltd, FL
PUSS IN BOOTS Puss Looking Glass Ltd, FL
STUDENT FILMS
THE MISSIONARY The Missionary dir. Rob Christie
WONDERFUL WORLD OF FRANZ KAFKA Woland dir. Ben White
THE KING’S MEN: MANSION Macbeth dir. Ibsen Santos
THE FORGETTING Forgetful Man dir. Aaron Michael Zook
NOIR Gumshoe dir. Aaron Michael Zook
PLAYWRITING
WE ARE BURNING NYC Int'l. Fringe Festival
AESOP’S FOIBLES Tuckaberry Productions
KIP, THE ENCHANTED CAT Tuckaberry Productions
THE LONG NIGHT The Ohio State University
THIS ABOVE ALL (actor/co-deviser) The Ohio State University
THE CAMOUFLAGE PROJECT (actor/co-deviser) The Ohio State University
STAGE COMBAT DIRECTION
ROMEO AND JULIET (2008) The Ohio State University
AIDA (2007) The Ohio State University
ORIGINAL SHORT FILMS
“The Forgetting” (Writer/actor/director/editor) 2012
“Noir” (Writer/actor/director/editor) 2011
Papers
All the Stage’s a Stage: Metatheatrical Approaches to Shakespeare, 2011, O! What Learning Shakespeare Is!, The Ohio State University
Grants
Alumni Grant for Graduate Research and Scholarship, 2011, The Ohio State University
Conferences
Blackfriars Conference (2023)
Guest artist with Project Untitled, “Untitling Twelfth Night: A Practicum.” Engaged with Mary Baldwin University MFA theatre students and faculty in exploring the historical/cultural mediation of the early modern text and contemporary questions, particularly surrounding gender, identity, and status. Performed text with fellow guest artist and student actors.
Training
TRAINING
Blessed Unrest
Ongoing company training (2014-present)
Viewpoints, Suzuki, and composition: Jessica Burr and Matt Opatrny.
Alison Bomber
Ongoing speech/text study. Shakespeare, heightened/complex text, poetry. (2020-present)
Theatre 9/12 (Seattle, WA)
Master scene study: Charles Waxburg (2018)
SITI Company:
Winter Advanced Training (2013):
Training and Process (staging, dramaturgy, performance): J. Ed Araiza
Viewpoints, Suzuki: J. Ed Araiza, Kelly Maurer, Gian Murray Gianino
Skidmore Summer Intensive (2011):
Viewpoints, Suzuki: Anne Bogart, Akiko Aizawa, J. Ed Araiza, Will Bond, Gian Murray Gianino, Leon Ingulsrud, Ellen Lauren, Kelly Maurer, Tom Nelis, Barney O’Hanlon, Stephen Webber
Movement: Will Bond, Barney O’Hanlon
Speaking: Ellen Lauren
Composition: Leon Ingulsrud
Dramaturgy: J. Ed Araiza
OSU Theatre Training residency (2009):
Viewpoints and Suzuki: Tom Nelis, Stephen Webber
The Ohio State University:
MFA in Acting(2009-2012):
Movement, Composition, Laban, Viewpoints, Suzuki, Mime: Jeanine Thompson
Voice, speech, verbatim performance, complex texts/Shakespeare, acting (contemporary non-realism): Amanda Fox
Acting, directing, Shakespeare, period styles: James Bohr
Script analysis, Acting (Ibsen and Chekhov), devised work: Maureen Ryan
Script Writing: Andy Bragan, Joy Reilly
Solo Performance and Avante Garde: Jennifer Schleuter
Video production and editing: Janet Parrott
Alexander Technique: Dale Beaver
Stage Combat (unarmed, quarterstaff): Robert Behrens
Composition and devising (workshops): Robert Post
Lessac (workshops): Yanci Bukovec
Royal Shakespeare Company:
Movement, Interactive Shakespeare workshop (autumn 2011): Struan Leslie
Speech and text (winter 2011): Alison Bomber
Stand up for Shakespeare intensive training (summer 2010): Michael Boyd, Jacqui O’Hanlon
T. Schreiber Studio:
Acting and scene study: Peter Jensen (2004-2005)
Speech/dialect coach: Page Clements (2004-2005)
Monologue/audition coach: Susan Pilar (2008)
Combat Incorporated:
Stage combat: broadsword certification class (2006)
Commedia dell’Arte (workshop): Jean-Francois Gagnon (2007)
Voice coaches (singing): Adam Baritot (2013 - 2015); Beth Falcone (2004-2006); Eugenia Garrity (1993-1995)
Professional Experience
DIRECTING
BATTLE OF ANGELS (assistant director) 2021 Blessed Unrest
ENCORE! (video feature; associate director) 2021 Chamber Theatre Prod.
ENCORE! (associate director) 2006-2019 Chamber Theatre Prod.
EUREKA! (associate director) 2014 Chamber Theatre Prod.
CLASSICS (associate director) 2012 Chamber Theatre Prod.
AESOP’S FOIBLES 2006 Tuckaberry Productions
KIP, THE ENCHANTED CAT 2005 Tuckaberry Productions
WE ARE BURNING 2004 NYC Int'l Fringe Festival
THE STAR-SPANGLED GIRL 2002 Surfside Playhouse
WE ARE BURNING 2001 Orlando Fringe Festival
CASTING
Chamber Theatre Productions. 2008-2021. Provided New York City casting services for nationally touring productions of Encore!(2008-2017), Classics (2012) and Eureka! (2013-2014).
Regeneration Theatre Company. 2017. Provided casting services for independent production of Kennedy’s Children.
ACTING
NYC THEATRE
BATTLE OF ANGELS (workshop) Sheriff Talbott Blessed Unrest
THE SNOW QUEEN (workshop) Ensemble Blessed Unrest
BODY (workshop) Ensemble Blessed Unrest
LICKSPITTLES, BUTTONHOLERS, AND Stub Boomerang Theatre
DAMNED PERNICIOUS GO-BETWEENS
MEDEASTORIES (workshop) Kreon SITI Company
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Theseus Flux Theatre Ensemble
12TH NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD Orsino Impetuous Theatre Group
ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL Bertram Boomerang Theatre
KING LEAR Edgar Boomerang Theatre
THERE IS A ME WITHIN ME... Man Little Theatre
ARTIST DESCENDING A STAIRCASE Martello Boomerang Theatre
MEASURE FOR MEASURE Provost Astoria Perf. Arts Center
ROMEO AND JULIET Friar Lawrence The Touring Company
ACADEMIC THEATRE
THE LONG NIGHT Gumshoe, others The Ohio State University
THIS ABOVE ALL The Janitor The Ohio State University
BY THE GASWORKS WALL Jimmy The Ohio State University
THE CAMOUFLAGE PROJECT Brian Stonehouse The Ohio State University
OTHELLO Iago The Ohio State University
AIDA Zoser The Ohio State University
THE THREE SISTERS Vershinin The Ohio State University
O PIONEERS! Carl The Ohio State University
PALMER PARK Sol Rifkin The Ohio State University
TOURS
ENCORE! Ichabod Crane, others Chamber Theatre Prod. FREEDOM TRAIN Overseer TheatreWorks/USA
REGIONAL THEATRE
FLOYD COLLINS Homer Collins Phoenix Theatre, FL
CABARET The Emcee Phoenix Theatre, FL
DRACULA Renfield Phoenix Theatre, FL
PRIVATE EYES Julian Phoenix Theatre, FL
1940s RADIO HOUR Johnny Cantone Phoenix Theatre, FL
RUMORS Glenn Phoenix Theatre, FL
JEST A SECOND Bob Phoenix Theatre, FL
COMMUNICATING DOORS Reece Phoenix Theatre, FL
A TALE OF TWO CITIES Charles Darnay Looking Glass Ltd, FL
DR. COOK’S GARDEN Jimmy Tennyson Melbourne Civic Theatre, FL
THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES
THE AMERICAN GIRL REVIEW Uncle Gard, others American Girl Theatre, NYC
KIP, THE ENCHANTED CAT Kip Looking Glass Ltd, FL
THE TORTOISE & THE HARE Jack Rabbit Looking Glass Ltd, FL
HOW THE LEOPARD GOT ITS SPOTS Caveman Looking Glass Ltd, FL
PUSS IN BOOTS Puss Looking Glass Ltd, FL
STUDENT FILMS
THE MISSIONARY The Missionary dir. Rob Christie
WONDERFUL WORLD OF FRANZ KAFKA Woland dir. Ben White
THE KING’S MEN: MANSION Macbeth dir. Ibsen Santos
THE FORGETTING Forgetful Man dir. Aaron Michael Zook
NOIR Gumshoe dir. Aaron Michael Zook
PLAYWRITING
WE ARE BURNING NYC Int'l. Fringe Festival
AESOP’S FOIBLES Tuckaberry Productions
KIP, THE ENCHANTED CAT Tuckaberry Productions
THE LONG NIGHT The Ohio State University
THIS ABOVE ALL (actor/co-deviser) The Ohio State University
THE CAMOUFLAGE PROJECT (actor/co-deviser) The Ohio State University
STAGE COMBAT DIRECTION
ROMEO AND JULIET (2008) The Ohio State University
AIDA (2007) The Ohio State University
ORIGINAL SHORT FILMS
“The Forgetting” (Writer/actor/director/editor) 2012
“Noir” (Writer/actor/director/editor) 2011
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