I am a German-American singer/actress/producer/director and coach. I speak German and English fluently and accent-free. I coach adult singers, actors, dancers and public speakers in accessing a greater level of freedom on the stage and authenticity in their work. I am a German tutor of all adult students. I am also skilled in translation and coach German for singers and actors who have German material in their repertoire.
Born in Germany, I came to the U.S. at a young age and grew up on Long Island. Thereafter I lived in Arizona and Texas for many years and am now based in NYC. My second home is in Berlin and I maintain close connections to my European homeland and continent. I have traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe and perform around the world.
I have a BA degree from the University of Arizona where I majored in International Relations and minored in Music. I have studied voice with Myra Lerner, Jeanette Walters, Gina Ducloux, Carlo Faria and Jeannie LoVetri and acting with Tovah Feldshuh and Jessica Kubzansky. I conduct master classes in stage performance for singers and actors and in the art of self-managing one's artistic career. I have been endowed the world's only scholarship in cabaret performance at a leading NY university. Drawing on my experience as an entertainer comfortable before an audience, I have also coached people in public speaking.
I enjoy writing and I write extensively.
I enjoy teaching and tutoring. I believe in a warm, friendly, easy-going and accessible approach. I bring professionalism, commitment and reliability to my role as tutor and insist that students bring these qualities to the table as well. I take teaching seriously and believe that we learn best in an open and relaxed environment where we feel safe and can have a great deal of fun. My students have taught me a lot about myself and my craft.
Here's what's been said about my teaching:
AS TEACHER:
I received an in-depth approach to the method of performance through the use of space, time, movement and storytelling. - Nicholas G., dancer, Port-of-Spain
With each of the participants I could see you working so closely that at times some broke into tears or burst into laughter. You helped us draw closer to each other. - Supratik B., public speaker, New Delhi
You've really left an amazing impression at Post. People are still talking about it. Many people agree with me when I say that it was the best convocation we've had since all of us have been here. - Andrzej K., music major, Long Island University
I learned how to make a song my own. - Sibyl, singer, Chicago
AS DIRECTOR:
Karen has a fantastic eye for theatre and detail. Working with her on my cabaret debut taught me so much about intimate theatre and about my own strengths and instincts as a singer and actor. -Kim S., cabaret artist, NYC
It is your skill as a director that has given us the confidence to be ourselves in this new, intimidating, high-stakes environment. - Jennie L., singer-lyricist, NYC
A master singer herself, she helped guide me towards what is most true in myself - on stage, live and in the present moment. - Rebecca F., singer-playwright, NYC
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