MARY ELIZABETH BURNS
Chicago,IL
Summary
Versatile drama instructor with a strong background in curriculum design and youth theater direction. Skilled in creating safe learning environments, facilitating collaboration with instructors, and delivering engaging lessons that inspire student growth and creativity.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Actor
Entertainment Events, Inc
New York
03.2004 - Current
- Performs nationally in the award winning one-woman show, Late Nite Catechism.
Youth Theater Director
Center for the Arts of Greater Lapeer
Lapeer, MI
02.2018 - 03.2026
- Directed Youth theater productions and guided students in acting techniques
- Organized and coordinated youth theater performances and events, showcasing student talent and promoting community engagement
- Facilitated auditions, selecting talent for various roles in upcoming performances.
- Taught acting classes, providing constructive feedback to students to improve performance skills
- Developed and implemented Drama curriculum for students ages seven to eighteen
- Facilitated high school arts after school program, emphasizing scriptwriting, filmmaking, directing, and improvisation to foster creativity
- Directed multi generational shows that included youth and adult actors
After School/Summer Camp Coordinator
Chiaravalle Montessori School
Evanston, IL
02.1998 - 08.2017
- Collaborated to create and implement elementary after school programming and Early Childhood summer camps.
Drama Teacher
Chiaravalle Montessori School
Evanston, IL
09.1998 - 06.2017
- Developed K-8 drama curriculum, taught acting classes, and directed four student productions annually.
Instructor
The Second City
Chicago
02.2006 - 03.2009
- Instructed adult classes in sketch comedy writing and improvisation at the Second City Training Center.
Actor
The Second City
Chicago
09.1997 - 09.1998
- Collaborated with ensemble at The Second City National Touring Company, delivering performances nationwide that engaged diverse audiences.
Early Childhood Teacher
Chiaravalle Montessori School
Evanston, IL
09.1991 - 06.1997
- Implemented Montessori curriculum for 24 students, supervised teaching assistants, and maintained records of student progress and parent communications.
Education
Graduate Certificate -
The Second City Training Center
Chicago12-1996
Montessori Teacher Certification -
Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center
Evanston, IL06-1994
Bachelor of Arts - Speech and Performing Arts
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago05-1990
Skills
- Creative lesson design
- Theater experience integration
- Classroom management
- Adaptable teaching methods
- Effectively works with students
- Effectively works with colleagues
- Effectively works with parents
- Effectively works with board
- Oral communication
- Positive learning environments
- Detail-oriented
- Passionate about youth development
Timeline
Youth Theater Director
Center for the Arts of Greater Lapeer
02.2018 - 03.2026
Instructor
The Second City
02.2006 - 03.2009
Actor
Entertainment Events, Inc
03.2004 - Current
Drama Teacher
Chiaravalle Montessori School
09.1998 - 06.2017
After School/Summer Camp Coordinator
Chiaravalle Montessori School
02.1998 - 08.2017
Actor
The Second City
09.1997 - 09.1998
Early Childhood Teacher
Chiaravalle Montessori School
09.1991 - 06.1997
Graduate Certificate -
The Second City Training Center
Montessori Teacher Certification -
Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center
Bachelor of Arts - Speech and Performing Arts
Northeastern Illinois University