Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
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Dawn Farrell

Hometown

Summary

Dynamic Performing Arts Supervisor with a proven track record at Oak Lawn Park District, adept at inspiring teams and curating exceptional productions. Skilled in budget management and artistic vision, I foster collaboration and creativity, ensuring impactful performances that engage audiences and elevate community arts initiatives.


Professional dance artist with strong track record in choreography, showcasing creativity and innovation in performance design. Adept at leading diverse teams, fostering collaboration, and adapting to evolving needs to ensure successful productions. Skilled in various dance styles, movement techniques, and performance staging, with keen focus on achieving impactful results. Reliable and flexible, consistently delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Performing Arts Supervisor

Oak Lawn Park District
09.2000 - Current
  • Artistic Vision and Curation: Conceptualize themes, select repertoire, and ensure the artistic quality and coherence of productions.
  • Production Oversight: Collaborate with directors, choreographers, designers (set, costume, lighting, sound), and performers to bring the artistic vision to life.
  • Leadership and Talent Management: Hire, supervise, and evaluate artistic and technical personnel, fostering an environment for artistic excellence and experimentation.
  • Administrative and Financial Management: Develop and manage budgets and oversee the financial health of productions and the organization.
  • Community and Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate relationships with patrons, sponsors, community leaders, and other cultural organizations.
  • Marketing and Promotion: Assist in developing and implementing strategies to promote performances and engage audiences.
  • Reporting and Advocacy: Report to the Board of Directors and act as a spokesperson for the organization's artistic purpose.

Choreographer

Reavis High School
08.2017 - Current
  • Designed original choreography for diverse performances, enhancing artistic expression and audience engagement.
  • Collaborated with production teams to integrate dance elements into theatrical productions, ensuring cohesive storytelling.
  • Mentored emerging choreographers, providing guidance on technique, style, and creative processes to foster talent development.
  • Conducted workshops and training sessions to improve dancer skills and techniques, promoting continuous learning within the company.
  • Established strong relationships with dancers to cultivate a supportive environment conducive to creativity and collaboration.
  • Led rehearsals effectively, maintaining focus on goals while encouraging team dynamics and individual growth among performers.
  • Adapted choreography as needed based on performer abilities or technical limitations of venues.

Community Theatre Representative

Illinois Theatre Association
08.2021 - 08.2023
  • Working with other Board members to determine membership needs, and making suggestions as to how to best serve ITA's constituency.
  • Working with your Co-Representatives to produce 4 activities/events per year consisting of one major event, one minor event, and two/three outreach events to the division’s membership.
  • Contributing to ITA's eFollowspot as requested.
  • Contributing to ITA's website by posting job announcements, audition announcements, performances, and interesting discussion topics
    • Supporting other Divisions of the ITA by collaborating with them on events, assisting with special projects or tasks as requested, and/or attending events as availability allows.

Choreographer

Mother McAuley High School
08.2015 - 11.2019
  • Designed original choreography for diverse performances, enhancing artistic expression and audience engagement for both Fall Musical and their Show Choir; Mac Melody.
  • Collaborated with production teams to integrate dance elements into theatrical productions, ensuring cohesive storytelling.
  • Mentored emerging choreographers, providing guidance on technique, style, and creative processes to foster talent development.
  • Conducted workshops and training sessions to improve dancer skills and techniques, promoting continuous learning within the company.

Dance Instructor

Elmhurst College
02.2007 - 05.2008
  • Developed and implemented diverse dance curricula for college age groups and skill levels.
  • Evaluated student progress through assessments, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
  • Enhanced class efficiency by introducing innovative teaching techniques and tools.
  • Cultivated a positive learning environment that encouraged creativity and self-expression among students.
  • Planned routines for recitals and performances.
  • Utilized different styles of teaching to accommodate students of all capabilities.
  • Planned, prepared, and delivered lesson plans introducing students to dance techniques and ballet positions.

Education

No Degree - Musical Theatre Performance

Roosevelt University
Chicago, IL
05-2002

High School Diploma -

Queen of Peace
Burbank, IL
05-1998

Skills

  • Leadership: Inspire and lead diverse teams of artists and technicians
  • Communication: Effectively convey creative ideas and provide feedback to collaborators
  • Creativity & Vision: Possess the ability to interpret a script and translate it into a dynamic and cohesive performance
  • Organizational Skills: Manage numerous details and a complex production process effectively
  • Analytical Skills: Critically analyze texts and make decisive choices to support the production's artistic goals

Accomplishments

Tap Choreographer – Featured Work (2018 ITA All-State Production of Big Fish)
Invited to showcase original tap choreography for the Illinois Theatre Association’s prestigious All-State production of Big Fish, a collaborative performance involving top high school talent from across Illinois.


Oak Lawn Park District - Erica Heilmann Theatre
2000-Present
Participated in an IPRA (Illinois Park and Recreation Association) Award-winning community theatre program for 25 years. Contributed in various capacities including performance, choreography, production support, and community outreach, helping to build a vibrant, inclusive, and artistically rich local arts environment.



Timeline

Community Theatre Representative

Illinois Theatre Association
08.2021 - 08.2023

Choreographer

Reavis High School
08.2017 - Current

Choreographer

Mother McAuley High School
08.2015 - 11.2019

Dance Instructor

Elmhurst College
02.2007 - 05.2008

Performing Arts Supervisor

Oak Lawn Park District
09.2000 - Current

No Degree - Musical Theatre Performance

Roosevelt University

High School Diploma -

Queen of Peace

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Dawn Farrell