Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Damian Grzeskowiak

Stanley,USA

Summary

Dynamic educator specializing in English, Theatre, and Performing Arts. Expertise in curriculum design and classroom management, with a proven track record of directing over 65 productions that enhance student engagement and community support. Skilled in Arts coordination and public speaking, fostering excellence in artistic initiatives.

Overview

40
40
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

High School English/Theatre Arts Teacher

Marcus Whitman Central School District
Rushville, NY
09.2001 - 06.2025
  • Taught English 10–12, ENG-101, ENG-103, THE-104 (Gemini-FLCC), Public Speaking, Broadcast Journalism, Yearbook, Theatre I/II, Drama Literature, and Shakespeare.
  • Designed and implemented curriculum for multiple new courses
  • Mentored new teachers in the English department.
  • Co-led the design and planning of a new high school auditorium.
  • Director of Fine and Performing Arts
  • Oversaw budgeting, grant writing, social media, and scheduling for performing arts events
  • Arts-in-Education Coordinator (Middle and High School)
  • Coordinated guest artists, field trips (NYC, Stratford Festival, Shaw Festival, RBTL), and theatre festivals
  • Advisor and Artistic Director for the Marcus Whitman Theatre Department-Directed over 65 productions
  • Advisor of the International Thespian Honor Society, Troupe #7112.
  • Visual Designer/Guard Director, Marching Wildcats Field Band (2019–2023)
  • Previous class advisor.

Drama Club Director

Newark Central School District
Newark, New York
01.1998 - 01.2003
  • Directed rehearsals to enhance performance quality and actor development.
  • Organized castings for upcoming productions, conducted auditions and selected performers.
  • Created detailed schedules for each rehearsal, including scene blocking and technical aspects of the show.
  • Collaborated with production team to design effective stage settings and lighting.
  • Mentored emerging actors through personalized coaching sessions and workshops.
  • Coached performers on how to interpret their characters' feelings accurately through body language and expressions.

Student Teacher

Fairport Central School District
Fairport, NY
10.2001 - 12.2001
  • Taught AP Humanities, Drama, and Advanced Theatre
  • Designed unit plans, observed and assisted in AP Humanities and Shakespeare
  • Developed engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse student needs.
  • Implemented classroom management strategies to maintain a positive learning environment.
  • Supported students with special needs by adapting instructional materials accordingly.
  • Evaluated student work, provided feedback, and tracked their progress over time.
  • Coached students for college auditions
  • Volunteered for theatre productions

Student Teacher

Newark Central School District
Newark, NY
09.2001 - 10.2001
  • Taught four sections of English 9R
  • Designed and assessed units on short stories, Romeo and Juliet, and vocabulary
  • Assisted in assessing student progress and providing constructive feedback.
  • Collaborated with teacher to plan and achieve instructional goals and objectives.
  • Observed teachers in classrooms to improve skills and communication.
  • Developed deeper understanding of teaching strategies with increasing responsibility for student learning.
  • Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
  • Directed and advised Drama Club

Substitute Teacher

Phelps-Clifton Spring Central School District
Phelps, New York
01.1997 - 10.2001
  • Collaborated with teachers to support lesson plans and instructional goals.
  • Provided classroom instruction outlined in teacher's lesson plans.
  • Managed classroom behavior using established school policies and procedures.
  • Adapted teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and needs.
  • Provided individualized assistance to students requiring extra support.
  • Provided notes and reports on school day activities to primary teacher.
  • Requested as substitute teacher based on excellent referrals and trusted performance.

Artistic Director

Blue Gill Productions
Palmyra, New York
06.1997 - 04.1999
  • Hired performers, directors, and support personnel in preparation for organization's productions.
  • Supervised administrative tasks related to production operations.
  • Organized performance schedules and designated each performance's theme, visual elements and guest artists.
  • Oversaw all creative aspects of the production process.
  • Created and maintained budgets for each production.
  • Resolved conflicts among creative personnel when necessary in order to keep projects running smoothly.
  • Summer Theatre Sessions Director
  • Supervised daily activities for teens to ensure safety and engagement.
  • Directed rehearsals to cultivate artistic vision and enhance performance quality.
  • Coordinated with technical teams for sound and lighting setups during performances.
  • Oversaw set design, ensuring alignment with production themes and aesthetic goals.
  • Developed production schedules to ensure timely progress through various phases.

Drama Instructor

The Norman Howard School
Rochester, USA
01.1997 - 03.1999
  • Co-developed Theatre Arts curriculum and Co-designed Performing Arts Center
  • Directed student performances
  • Organized field trips and guest artist programs
  • Supported mainstreaming of learning-disabled students into theatre programs
  • Adapted curriculum materials to meet the unique requirements of each student.

Education Director

Downstairs Cabaret Theatre
Rochester, NY
01.1996 - 01.1997
  • Developed educational programs that increased audience engagement at theatre.
  • Coordinated workshops and events to promote arts education in community.
  • Managed intern and student programs, fostering professional development.
  • Directed summer youth shows, showcasing talent and creativity.
  • Liaised with schools and colleges to build partnerships for educational initiatives.
  • Oversaw volunteer recruitment and training for educational programs at theatre.

Associate Teacher

Michael Harney Acting Studio
NYC, NY
01.1992 - 05.1996
  • Trained in Meisner Technique
  • Facilitated workshops focusing on scene study and character development.
  • Developed personalized acting techniques for diverse student skill levels.
  • Guided students in vocal exercises to enhance performance delivery.
  • Analyzed scripts to help students understand character motivations and themes.
  • Helped build confidence levels among less experienced performers.
  • Advised actors on how best to portray emotions authentically through their performances.
  • Discussed character development with actors as well as ways to emotionally connect with the audience.
  • Provided support during difficult times by offering motivation and reassurance.
  • Preserved a positive atmosphere by motivating students to reach their highest potential.
  • Encouraged students to take risks and think creatively.
  • Provided feedback to help improve performance skills.

Assistant to Chair

SUNY New Paltz-Theatre Department
New Paltz, NY
01.1985 - 01.1989
  • Coordinated theatre productions and events for the department, enhancing overall engagement.
  • Managed schedules and calendars for staff and faculty meetings to ensure timely communication.
  • Oversaw logistics for guest speakers and workshops, facilitating successful program execution.
  • Performed administrative tasks including filing documents and entering data into databases.
  • Greeted visitors, clients, and guests professionally to create welcoming environment.
  • Handled incoming calls, faxes, and inquiries from students and vendors efficiently.
  • Collected and organized data for reports and files to support departmental operations.
  • Assisted as an Assistant Teacher for Introduction to Theatre and Stage Management classes.
  • Box Office Manager for McKenna Productions

Education

Master of Science - Curriculum, Instruction, And Assessment

Walden University
Minneapolis, MN
12-2006

Post-Baccalaureate Certification - Secondary English Education (7–12)

Nazareth College
Rochester, NY
04-2002

Bachelor of Arts - Theatre Arts Directing/Acting

SUNY New Paltz
New Paltz, NY
01.1987

Associate of Arts - Theatre

Community College of The Finger Lakes
Canandaigua, NY
12-1985

Skills

  • Curriculum design and implementation
  • Classroom management
  • Educational leadership
  • Student engagement and collaboration
  • Figurative language analysis
  • Adaptation to learning styles
  • Collaborative learning strategies
  • Public speaking and presentation
  • Theatre production and directing
  • Acting techniques and audition preparation
  • Technical direction in stage, lighting, and costume design
  • Performance evaluation methods
  • Arts administration and coordination
  • Promotion of arts education

Accomplishments

  • Member of Alpha Psi Omega (National Theatre Honor Fraternity)
  • Member of Educational Theatre Association
  • Member of New York State Theatre Educators Association
  • Award winning Director for HS Theatre Productions (ELENBI and RBTL-Stars of Tomorrow)
  • IMPACT Award through RBTL for dedication/commitment to the Arts in the Community (2022, 2023
  • Teacher of the year (2012) Marcus Whitman High School
  • Co-Founder of The River Ensemble and Face Value Productions (NYC)
  • Published a “How To” manual/resource guide for Summer Theatres in the Hudson Valley Region

Affiliations

  • DIY Projects
  • Literature
  • Cooking
  • My Labrador Retrievers

Certification

  • NYS Certification-Secondary English (7-12)

References

References upon Request

Directing Resume upon Request

Acting Resume upon Request

Timeline

Student Teacher

Fairport Central School District
10.2001 - 12.2001

High School English/Theatre Arts Teacher

Marcus Whitman Central School District
09.2001 - 06.2025

Student Teacher

Newark Central School District
09.2001 - 10.2001

Drama Club Director

Newark Central School District
01.1998 - 01.2003

Artistic Director

Blue Gill Productions
06.1997 - 04.1999

Substitute Teacher

Phelps-Clifton Spring Central School District
01.1997 - 10.2001

Drama Instructor

The Norman Howard School
01.1997 - 03.1999

Education Director

Downstairs Cabaret Theatre
01.1996 - 01.1997

Associate Teacher

Michael Harney Acting Studio
01.1992 - 05.1996

Assistant to Chair

SUNY New Paltz-Theatre Department
01.1985 - 01.1989

Master of Science - Curriculum, Instruction, And Assessment

Walden University

Post-Baccalaureate Certification - Secondary English Education (7–12)

Nazareth College

Bachelor of Arts - Theatre Arts Directing/Acting

SUNY New Paltz

Associate of Arts - Theatre

Community College of The Finger Lakes

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