Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Sheehan.
Diana, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been a professional actor and singer for the last 30 years. We relocated to Dallas from New York eleven years ago when my husband got recruited for a job at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Until fairly recently, I continued my performance career in Dallas working for such theatres as The Dallas Theatre Center, WaterTower Theatre and Casa Manana. I have also created and performed a number of cabaret shows based on the Great American Songbook. ATT&T Center for the Performing Arts and Sammons Center for the Arts has produced my work.
Over the years, I have taught acting classes locally at Park Cities Studios and currently for the Dallas Children’s Theater. I also direct for the Children’s Theater and offer special workshops throughout the year to support students auditioning for professional training programs. I am now primarily focused on teaching and coaching both students and professionals. I find the work really fulfilling and energizing.
In addition to teaching acting, I volunteer at Equest Therapeutic Riding and enjoy making jewelry, gardening, and keeping chickens. We have two wonderful children who are away at college.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Relocating to a radically different part of the country was not without its challenges. I adopted a “fake it til you make it” attitude, said yes to every event I was invited to and made sure I made something happen for myself professionally in the first six months of being here.
Of course, every working parent is challenged. I remember being mid-Act 2 of a production of ALL MY SONS at WaterTower when my then middle-school-aged son texted me to say he had no way home from his sports practice. Relying on “the kindness of strangers” got us through that evening. And the pace of the second act really picked up!
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I love working one on one with actors. I really enjoy helping actors find their way to owning their work and feeling empowered in the audition room.
Working with teens is especially gratifying. I am amazed by how hungry they are to play, to laugh and to be unplugged. A lot of what we work on has to do with listening and being present. I am always delighted to see exhausted teens leave my class exuberant.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Intentionality. Everything we do is a choice. Artists make choices.
Contact Info:
- Website: DianaSheehan.com
- Phone: Education Office Dallas Children’s Theater 214-978-0110
Image Credit:
Mark Oristano
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