Teacher Appreciation Week: Meet Dann Dunn

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we are celebrating and thanking our amazing Gulfshore Playhouse Education team. Today we meet Dann Dunn, Artistic Associate, who has created and maintained professional works as a Director/Choreographer, Associate, Dance Captain, Educator, Producer, and Live Events Coordinator around the world!

Q & A with Dann Dunn

Why does Theatre education matter? 

Theatre Education is a perfect way to build community, a component of the arts that Gulfshore Playhouse holds near and dear to its heart. The artistic relationships that are built through education continue to blossom over the course of a lifetime, while allowing the theatre to be a safe and inclusive space for growing young performers.

What do students gain from their involvement in theatre at Gulfshore Playhouse? 

Whether a student continues to pursue theatre as a career or as a hobby, the arts provide invaluable life lessons that help us to grow not only as artists, but as humans. In addition to socialization, public speaking, and teamwork, the arts give us the ability to express ourselves by feeling the confidence to form our unique emotions, thoughts, and experiences. The Arts give us an opportunity to create in a personal way, sharing a world as only we see it, in addition to compassionately witnessing the world through the experiences of others.

What is the goal of Gulfshore Playhouse Education?

The goal of educational theatre at Gulfshore Playhouse is to understand that every person brings something unique and special to a collaboration, and form our educational approach to reflect that. In addition to providing premiere education in acting, singing, and dancing, we strive to provide a professional, yet relatable, experience for students of all ages while providing a safe and inclusive space for students to feel like they have the chance to grow without judgement. We are truly working to build confidence on AND off stage.

Why do you love being an educator at Gulfshore Playhouse? 

I love being an Educator at Gulfshore Playhouse because of the organization’s unwavering support and commitment to Arts Education and each and every student that walks through its doors.

What is the best part of being involved in theatre education at Gulfshore Playhouse? 

The best part of being involved in theatre education at Gulfshore Playhouse is watching the artistic and personal growth of the students over the course of a program. Whether it is an hour-long class or a week-long camp, it is incredible to see how quickly a student begins to exude confidence, take ownership of their craft, and have fun with their peers while learning a new skill!

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Dann Dunn will be directing the Teen Summer Program in The SpongeBob Musical this summer, with performances running July 20-23, 2023. Video auditions are currently being accepted. To submit your video, please email Steven Calakos (scalakos@gulfshoreplayhouse.org), Director of Education, your video audition, headshot and resume attached.

Dann also regularly directs and choreographs main stage shows at Gulfshore Playhouse and will lend his talents to both Winter Wonderettes (Director) and She Loves Me (Choreographer) during the 2023-2024 season.