We’d love to introduce you to one of our incredible TBG teaching artists, Dinanda Klaassen! Read our interview with her below…
—
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
DK: Oooh, so many things! When the class and I are in “the playground.” I often talk about the playground metaphor in my acting classes. It’s amazing when students are themselves and are playing freely. That makes me feel like a happy child.
I also love to get to know my students. It’s amazing to me how kind and supportive everyone is. My students are a constant reminder of how much I love acting and scene work.
As a teacher, I am constantly figuring out how I can help the students in the best way. I love that process. I absolutely love to observe a scene and think: What is the best tool I can throw them? It’s almost like a puzzle that you get totally lost in, in a good way.
What is a TBG tool you love to use in your own acting journey?
DK: To give myself something to do. Because it changes everything in an effortless way.
What is a project that you’ve been a part of that you are proud of?
DK: To be honest, I am proud of my journey in immigrating to the States and that I’ve created a full, creative life here surrounded by a great community of friends, my husband, and my in-laws. I’ve always dreamed of living in two places, and now I do. It’s not always easy, and of course I miss my family and friends in The Netherlands a lot. But I know I made the right choice to follow my heart and dreams.
The last project I worked on that made me proud was Sonnet Café, which I directed in collaboration with Barefoot Shakespeare Company. Shakespeare is where all my passions come together, and it was amazing to create something that was always in my mind to do.
—
To take a class with Dinanda, try 1-Week Kids Acting Camp (ages 6-9) starting 6/24, 1-Week Kids Musical Theatre Camp (ages 6-9) starting 7/1, or 1-Week Tween Improv and Sketch Comedy Camp (ages 10-13) starting 8/5.
Check out TBG’s full schedule of classes!