Candice Heidelberg-Denison
Norfolk,VA
Summary
Creative and knowledgeable communication studies and theatre educator with 15+ years of experience. Detail-oriented and organized planner with talent for developing individualized and group lesson plans and experiential learning and progressive instruction. Committed to promoting intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth of all whether it be in a classroom or public setting. Consistently recognized for clear and positive student-centered approach and communication with diverse peoples. Perceptive educator with solid record of accomplishment in attaining and surpassing targets during 15+ year career. Stays on top of trends in education to maintain modern, efficient systems meeting the needs of individuals and groups. Solid relationship-builder with decisive approach to solving problems.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Education Manager
Virginia Stage Company
2023.08 - Current
- Tour manage GreenBeats Live! community partnered children's tour
- Managed 10+ community events, from creation to completion
- Camp Administrator and Teacher for VSC Spring Break and Summer Camps
- Liaison to partnering schools in efforts to build long lasting relationships
- Answered phones and maintained school records for enrichment & education departments
- Supported and ran student matinees through conception, organization of performance agreements, and day of event responsibilities
- Aided in creating and editing marketing materials for education department programming print materials, social media, and website
- Attended continuing education and professional development workshops to enhance skills
- Designed and implemented educational programs such as mainstage production study guides
- Designed content for original education workshops to teach in schools and community
The Governor's School For The Arts - Vocal Music Instructor
The Governor's School For The Arts
2021.09 - Current
- Attended department meetings and collaborated with other fine arts teachers
- Evaluated and graded students' class work, performances, projects, assignments, and papers
- Adapted teaching strategies to remain inclusive to diverse learning styles
- Held after-school meetings and rehearsals in preparation for shows
- Planned lessons to reflect group and individual student needs utilizing creative instruction
- Engaged in corrective and disciplinary action when appropriate
- Familiarized students with basic concepts of musical theatre such as vocal style, acting methodologies, and performance skills including choreography
- Coordinated with departmental employees to maintain continuity of music lesson objectives, planning and execution
- Developed strong working relationships with teachers, parents and students to propel school and departmental vision and goals
- Prepared students and directed live Cabaret performances by creating an exciting and appropriate program with diverse vocal students.
- Created performance classes that informed students of current expectations regarding stage make-up, backstage theatre protocol, etc. for student operas.
The Hague School - Theatre Teacher
The Hague School
2019.07 - Current
- Exposed students to diverse content to build perspective of theatre within the Harkness teaching methodology
- Enhanced the art department with innovative methodologies and collaborations
- Prepared students to create their own creative play scripts
- Developed lesson plans surrounding the history and culture of theater.
Young Audiences Arts For Learning - Educational Arts Performers 'A Spoonful of Blues'
Young Audiences Arts For Learning
2016.06 - Current
- Co-created curriculum to use 'The Blues' in teaching math, history, and social studies concepts
- Created lesson materials, visuals, and digital presentations to support performance
- Led group performance, and guided presentation throughout
- Organized and guided activities for students, including vocal skills practice, research and memorization tasks within a 50-minute performance
- Set up visual aids, equipment and displays to support performance
- Documented student/teacher behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable positive change during future encounters.
The Hurrah Players - Camp Educator/ Teacher
The Hurrah Players
2015.09 - Current
- Began primary teachings of the Meisner technique to enhance students understanding of Acting
- Differentiated arts instruction to meet needs of diverse learners of elementary through secondary age
- Developed and implemented creative, engaging musical theatre and overall performance lesson plans to keep student attention virtually and in person
- Modeled creative acting styles and techniques encompassing varied history genres and performance techniques
- Evaluated student assignments and projects with corrective comments to guide future growth
- Implemented effective classroom management techniques to provide safe, calm learning environment
- Planned lessons to reflect group and individual student needs utilizing creative instruction
- Met with parents to resolve conflicting educational priorities and issues
- Enhanced academic programs with innovative methodologies and collaboration
- Encouraged students to perform well and learn from failure.
The Governor's School For The Arts - Theatre/Film Department Instructor & Director
The Governor's School For The Arts
2021.09 - 2023.06
- Prepared students for live performances by creating and running a structured rehearsal schedule
- Mentored struggling students with individualized approach to enhance learning
- Encouraged students to perform well and learn from failure
- Developed strong working relationships with teachers, parents and students to propel school and departmental vision and goals
- Modeled creative acting styles and techniques encompassing varied history genres and performance techniques
- Planned diverse theatre lessons to reflect group and individual student needs utilizing creative instruction
- Implemented effective classroom management techniques to provide safe, calm learning environment
- Adapted teaching strategies to remain inclusive to diverse learning styles
- Exposed students to diverse content to build perspective in drama pedagogy.
Norfolk State University - Adjunct Theatre Instructor
Norfolk State University
2022.09 - 2022.12
- Taught History of Drama and Play Production courses
- Encouraged students to perform well and learn from failure
- Modeled creative acting styles and techniques encompassing varied history genres and performance techniques
- Facilitated learning with aids, technology, and equipment to stimulate higher-level thinking
- Evaluated student assignments and projects with corrective comments to guide future growth
- Adapted teaching strategies to remain inclusive to diverse learning styles
- Planned lessons to reflect group and individual student needs utilizing creative instruction
- Exposed students to diverse content to build perspective in drama pedagogy.
Zeiders American Dream Theatre - Director
Zeiders American Dream Theatre
2019 - 2022
- Directed the original Works In Progress production of The Blood Don't Lie (Summer 2019) and the full play The Blood Cycle for The Proteus Festival (Fall 2022)
- Directed work of actors to create a cohesive artistic environment
- Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals with actors and crew
- Remained highly composed and calm in very fast-paced, stressful, and constantly changing environments to provide optimal leadership and achieve desired results
- Coordinated schedules and activities for all rehearsals
- Set calendar for actors and crew
- Alleviated issues between actors to keep project on track and avoid delays
- Collaborated with original playwright to bring forth a comprehensive vision of the productions.
Todd Rosenlieb Dance - Academy Administrator
Todd Rosenlieb Dance
2015.08 - 2016.03
- Engaged successfully with diverse peoples within the organization, incl
- Employees, customers, vendors, and board members
- Made decisions affecting daily operations such as overseeing purchasing and weekly teaching calendar
- Aided dance company, teachers, and customers through regular communication and assistance
- Employed proven problem-solving techniques to resolve issues quickly and effectively
- Adapted to workflow changes and implemented continuous process improvements to overcome obstacles
- Successfully juggled multiple projects simultaneously to aid executive leaders
- Managed agendas and calendars, boosting productivity and improving organizational initiatives
- Troubleshot employee concerns and recommended corrective actions to resolve issues
- Targeted new customers to grow geographic reach and increase revenue
- Completed forms and reports to facilitate admission, transfer or discharge
- Collected, validated and distributed information to employees
- Computerized office activities, maintained customer communications and tracked records through delivery
- Managed payroll, transactions, invoicing, and budgeting to decrease financial inconsistencies
- Aided colleagues, managers and customers through regular communication and assistance
- Screened and transferred incoming calls, took down messages and transmitted information and documents to internal personnel.
Rocky Mountain Highschool - Summer School Speech Teacher
Rocky Mountain Highschool
2013.06 - 2014.07
- Created and implemented curriculum and lesson plans to cover required material
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning
- Developed and implemented activities to reinforce learning concepts
- Prepared quizzes, tests and examinations to gauge how well students were learning
- Graded examinations and assignments fairly
- Communicated frequently with parents, students and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies
- Reviewed curriculum and devised alternate approaches to presenting lessons to increase student understanding
- Led summer program groups of up to 30 students learning about ELA/Speech
- Built positive relationships with students, parents and team members to achieve smooth and productive program experience.
Central Academy - ELA High School Teacher
Central Academy
2013.08 - 2014.06
- Evaluated students' academic and social growth, kept appropriate records and prepared progress reports to gauge performance
- Developed creative lesson plans within the given English Language Arts objectives of the school district
- Fostered positive and pleasant classroom culture while maintaining learning development goals
- Created engaging lesson plans, fostered culture of discovery, and provided well-organized classroom structure to help students succeed in program
- Developed communicative relationships with students and parents to support learning in an alternative educational environment
- Used computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment to supplement presentations
- Inspired academic success based on belief that all students can achieve excellence, regardless of background
- Supplied supplemental, one-to-one teaching instruction for at-risk or struggling students
- Distributed and collected classroom materials such as worksheets, quizzes, and tests
- Utilized organized, methodical, and technical approach to teaching concepts
- Conferred with parents and administration about student progress
- Developed positive rapport with students of various and diverse backgrounds
- Monitored student growth and academic process in English language arts
- Talked with students in need of extra attention and made plans to assist with concerns.
Meridian Joint School District No. 2 - Substitute Teacher, K-12
Meridian Joint School District No. 2
2013.01 - 2013.06
- Led interesting and diverse group activities to engage students in course material
- Instructed classes of up to 35 students on principles and strategies of ELA, History, ELL, Vocal Music, Special Education
- Encouraged independent thought, good judgment and expression of original ideas
- Partnered with permanent teachers to implement original objectives within various subject matters.
McCollum High School - English Teacher
McCollum High School
2010.09 - 2012.06
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics
- Administered assessments and standardized tests to evaluate student progress in British Literature
- Cultivated relationships with parents for complete support network
- Worked with administrators on behavioral issues to support the needs of all students
- Helped students develop important learning skills and good study habits useful in trade school or college education
- Completed in-service and additional training to maintain professional growth
- Kept the classroom organized, clean, and safe for all students and visitors
- Planned coursework to introduce students to important British literature
- Served as languages department member and attended meetings to develop and update course curricula
- Planned dynamic lessons to increase student comprehension of books and literary concepts
- Established appropriate deadlines and provided complete instructions for reading assignment and homework
- Worked with other teachers to support struggling, special education, and general education students and aided in providing thorough help to rectify comprehension issues
- Led interesting and diverse group activities to engage students in course material
- Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
The Evergreen State College - Admissions Counselor
The Evergreen State College
2006.08 - 2007.06
- Explained institution's fee structure, amenities, courses offered and facilities to prospective students and parents
- Traveled nationally to introduce college objectives and offerings to potential students
- Assessed student interests and skills and provided strategic information about pursuing suitable courses
- Reviewed admissions applications and evaluated student credentials
- Developed and implemented specific recruitment projects and completed routine reports pertaining to recruitment
- Compiled academic reports and drafted official letters
- Conducted academic advisement services for students on a recurring basis to maintain educational progression
- Maintained student database and electronic records for each student contact
- Educated students on course selection to align with career goals
- Assisted students in selecting courses to align with interests and abilities
- Answered student inquiries and resolved problems related to curriculum and course prerequisites
- Mentored students, offering advice and support on topic selection, appropriateness, and academic value
- Advised students individually and in groups on academic programs for individual interests
- Provided comprehensive support services encompassing career and personal goals of student.
Tacoma Community College - Outreach and Recruitment Advisor
Tacoma Community College
2005.07 - 2006.07
- Operated and maintained applicant tracking and candidate management systems for incoming students
- Generated candidate pool of secondary students through strategic placement of advertisements, high school visitations, and various events
- Followed up with applicants sourced via educational specific pipelines, events, and college fairs
- Developed and deepened relationships with area secondary school representatives to meet with students for recruitment
- Developed recruiting strategies to identify diverse college candidates
- Maintained filing system of current, prospective, and future students.
Education
Master Of Fine Arts - Acting
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA05.2022
Bachelor Of Arts - Communication Studies
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle, WA06.2006
Skills
- Successful collaboration within diverse settings.
- Flexible & Adaptable work ethic.
- Excellent team building skills.
- Ability to teach core content accurately and creatively to diverse student populations.
- Encourages in-depth critical thinking of subject matter.
- Compassion
- Multitasking abilities
- Planning and Coordination
- Supervision
- Relationship building
Certification
- English (6-12), Communication (6-12), Literacy (K-12), Exceptional Child Generalist (K-12) Idaho Education Credential, 5/21/2013, 8/31/2016
- Special Education (EC-12), English Language Arts and Reading (8-12) Texas Educator Certificate, 06/03/2011, 1/31/2017
Memberships Affiliations
- Member of the Advisory Board at Todd Rosenlieb Dance, Norfolk, VA
- Member of the Advisory Board at The Hague School, Norfolk, VA
- Member of the Celtic Cross Society of St. Patrick's Catholic School, Norfolk, VA
Work History Additional Info
- Holds after-school meetings and rehearsals in preparation for shows.
- Directed all African-American interdepartmental cast in August Wilson's 'The Piano Lesson'.
- Directed Lauren Gunderson & Margot Melcon's 'The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley'.
- Attends department meetings and collaborates with other fine arts teachers.
- Presents production ideas and determines creative scenarios for production and delivery.
- Remains highly composed and calm in very fast-paced, stressful, and constantly changing environments to provide optimal leadership and achieve desired results.
- Enhances academic programs with innovative methodologies and collaboration.
- Evaluates student assignments and projects with corrective comments to guide future growth.
- Evaluates and grades students' class work, performances, projects, assignments, and papers.
- Presents production ideas and determined creative scenarios for production and delivery.
- Works flexible hours across evening and weekend hours.
Timeline
Education Manager
Virginia Stage Company
2023.08 - Current
Norfolk State University - Adjunct Theatre Instructor
Norfolk State University
2022.09 - 2022.12
The Governor's School For The Arts - Vocal Music Instructor
The Governor's School For The Arts
2021.09 - Current
The Governor's School For The Arts - Theatre/Film Department Instructor & Director
The Governor's School For The Arts
2021.09 - 2023.06
The Hague School - Theatre Teacher
The Hague School
2019.07 - Current
Young Audiences Arts For Learning - Educational Arts Performers 'A Spoonful of Blues'
Young Audiences Arts For Learning
2016.06 - Current
The Hurrah Players - Camp Educator/ Teacher
The Hurrah Players
2015.09 - Current
Todd Rosenlieb Dance - Academy Administrator
Todd Rosenlieb Dance
2015.08 - 2016.03
Central Academy - ELA High School Teacher
Central Academy
2013.08 - 2014.06
Rocky Mountain Highschool - Summer School Speech Teacher
Rocky Mountain Highschool
2013.06 - 2014.07
Meridian Joint School District No. 2 - Substitute Teacher, K-12
Meridian Joint School District No. 2
2013.01 - 2013.06
McCollum High School - English Teacher
McCollum High School
2010.09 - 2012.06
The Evergreen State College - Admissions Counselor
The Evergreen State College
2006.08 - 2007.06
Tacoma Community College - Outreach and Recruitment Advisor
Tacoma Community College
2005.07 - 2006.07
- English (6-12), Communication (6-12), Literacy (K-12), Exceptional Child Generalist (K-12) Idaho Education Credential, 5/21/2013, 8/31/2016
- Special Education (EC-12), English Language Arts and Reading (8-12) Texas Educator Certificate, 06/03/2011, 1/31/2017
Zeiders American Dream Theatre - Director
Zeiders American Dream Theatre
2019 - 2022
Master Of Fine Arts - Acting
Regent University
Bachelor Of Arts - Communication Studies
Seattle Pacific University
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