Dan is a working artist, author, and educator.

A highly analytical collaborator, Dan helps artists discover their unique voice.

Over the past 20 years, Dan has mentored thousands of students across the U.S. in classical and contemporary theatre techniques and performed in hundreds of individual shows on international, national, and regional stages.

Currently, he is a lecturer at SUNY Fredonia in the Department of Theatre and Dance. He also hosts Buffalo Rising's WNY Soundstage podcast.

  • The University of Texas at Austin ‘13

    M.F.A. – Acting, emphasis on Teaching Speech

    Thesis: “Both Hands” evaluated the acting process undertaken in The Edge of Peace by Suzan Zeder, voicing a deaf actor, at the Seattle Children’s Theatre

    Full Scholarship and Teaching Assistantship, Three-year inter-department collaborative MFA focused on:

    • Acting Methods: Stanislavski, Meisner, and Practical Aesthetics

    • Movement: Viewpoints, Pilates, and Feldenkrais

    • Speech Methods: Cecily Berry, Patsy Rodenburg

    • Creation of New Work Methods: Anne Bogart, Steven Dietz, The Rude Mechanicals

    State University of New York at Fredonia ‘06

    BFA – Acting
    BA – English with a Minor in American Studies

    Coursework included acting, speech, directing, make-up design, theatre history, costume design, composition, creative writing, comparative literature

  • Member, National Alliance of Acting Teachers
    Actor’s Equity Membership Candidate (50 points)

  • Dominic Orlando Playwriting Award Nomination 2023
    The Actor Center, Membership Nomination 2022
    Artie Award nomination for Outstanding Ensemble in a Play, Puffs 2022
    Artie Award nomination for Outstanding Ensemble in a Musical, Nunsense A-Men! 2020
    B. Iden Payne nomination for Best Ensemble, The Edge of Peace 2013
    New Hampshire Theatre Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, Epic Proportions 2012
    New Hampshire Theatre Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, Shipwrecked! 2011
    SUNY Fredonia President’s Award for Theatre 2006

  • Local Matters Events
    Witches Ball Planning Committee & Talent Management, 2021 – present
    New Year’s Eve Affair, Talent Management, 2021 – present

    Parallel 45 Theatre Company
    Member, Season Selection Committee, 2020 - present

    O’Connell & Company Productions
    Board of Trustees, Education Chair, 2019 – present