Dance Arts Collaborative - Acting Faculty

Dance Arts Collaborative

ACTING FACULTY

Chris Faith
Head of Acting / Coach

Chris Faith received his Masters Degree in Acting from Brandeis University where he also taught acting in the undergraduate program. Some of his performing credits include the following: New York City, The Secret Garden, Off-Broadway, Like It Is, York Theatre... Regionally, Professional Skepticism, Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theatre (name and play published in Best New Plays of 2002 by Smith & Kraus), "Finch" in How to Succeed in Business..., Tulane Summer Lyric Theatre, "Hero" in A Funny Thing..., American Stage Festival, and numerous productions for the University of Missouri Summer Rep. program... Philadelphia and surrounding area, Mr. Faith has received critical acclaim over the years for his performances at such theatres as the Wilma Theater, the Arden Theatre Company, the People's Light and Theatre Company, and the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. The Philadelphia Weekly has named Faith the "Next Theatrical Star," and he has appeared in American Theatre magazine. In addition to being nominated for three Barrymore Awards, given for outstanding achievement in theatre, Mr. Faith has served as co-host of the annual Barrymore Award ceremony. Recently, he performed opposite Broadway star Linda Eder in a production of a new, Broadway bound musical, The Seduction of Sheila Valentine. "Chris Faith brought down the house with every side-splitting action and well-delivered line." — BroadwayWorld.com Chris has shared his love for theater with children for the past 17 years. He has taught acting and musical theater classes and directed children's shows for the award-winning program at SUNY Purchase in New York, the New Arts Center in Newton, MA, and ACTPAC, located in Jefferson City, MO, where he has also directed young performers in community theater productions. Chris proudly serves as co-artistic director of Dance Arts Collaborative.

Mary Jo Hebling
Assistant Acting Teacher

Mary Jo Hebling received her BA in Theatre Arts from Temple University's School of Communication and Theatre. Mary Jo has taught creative drama and theatre arts to students ranging in age from three to twenty three. She was the artistic director and primary teacher for her own Performing Arts Camp that traveled to local schools in Bucks County. She spent a year teaching creative dramatics in Los Angeles, California. She was a Pennsylvania Artist in Residence in 1989-91. In 1995 Mary Jo directed a one act play that was chosen for performance at the National High School Thespian Festival at Ball State University in Indiana. Mary Jo believes that all people grow through performing arts experiences and that these experiences can prepare them for many future goals. She enjoys challenging her students to stretch and find surprising layers of fun, creativity and spirit within themselves.