About Acting Up

Acting Up was born during the pandemic.

Prior to COVID-19, I was a full time radio personality with a successful career.

I also had a K-12 Oregon Drama teaching licensure and years of experience in various social service positions.

I  decided to merge my skillsets and combine emotional intelligence components and acting classes to local youth.

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Classes have been my own mashup of confidence building exercises, dramatic role playing games, conflict resolution skill games, practicing communicating assertively, and navigating peer pressure beyond the pamphlets. I offer trauma informed care to students. I recognize and responds to the signs, symptoms, and risks of trauma to better support the individual needs of each of my students.

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During this first year of operation, I have watched shy, introverted kids transform into assertive conversationalists and actors. I have seen isolated, lonely kids connect with other youth through vulnerable, acting exercises and in-depth group conversations. 

I'm truly grateful to share this program with my community. My hope is to inspire Coos County youth to reach for their dreams.

I wish to help students build strong relationships, succeed at school and work, and achieve their career and personal goals. Supporting my community and offering kids and teens a place to grow, expand their confidence, and express themselves is my top priority. We are also a safe, affirming space for LGBTQIA+ Youth. We work to promote self-esteem, increase social connectedness and resilience.

When you walk into the program, right away you feel at ease. We provide a calm, fun, safe, family-like environment that is focused on inclusion, kindness, and non-judgement. 

Recently, we've expanded and added the After school Program to the mix. Now, Acting Up is divided into two separate companies/sectors.

Acting Up, LLC (Acting Classes) and Acting Up Academy (After School Program).

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Acting Up, LLC is my baby company. We provide training for Radio, Film, and Stage. We offer group and private classes. Currently, we have weekly Acting Classes and were filming a student created, improvised web-series called 'Glitch'. This Winter we'll be adding more Acting Classes.

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Acting Up Academy is brand new! It's a nonprofit corporation and my gift to the community.  We provide After School Care for youth 5-17, Five days a week! Youth play fun acting activities, arts/crafts, games/puzzles, books, and engage in short social skill conversations during snack time. Each day, we sit together at the table for about 45 minutes and share in healthy food and conversation.

We aim to fill a critical need in the Coos County Community by offering youth an encouraging and inspirational place to be after school. We serve only organic and healthy meals/snacks.

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The table is set and there is always plenty of delicious options. I take special snack requests and aim to always treat each student uniquely, yet equally.

We offer homework support, mentoring to students, and support for the entire family. 

Make sure to check out our photo gallery and testimonials.

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Thanks for reading!

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-Miss Desireé

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Here's some classes we've had in the recent past.

• Saying No to Peer Pressure & Improv Games

• Conversation Skills & Comedy Acting

• Voice Acting & Audio Production

• Improv Games & Self-Esteem

• Teen Vision Board Empowerment Party

• Leadership & Scene Work

• Character Voices

• Manners & Martians

• Improv Acting & Working As A Team

• Comedy & Conversational Skills

• Dramatic Introductions

• Comedy & Conflict Resolution

• Scene Work & Monologues

• Improv Acting & Affirmations

• Monologues & Mantra

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