TEACHING & FACILITATION
HARVARD GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
Darren earned his Masters degree at Harvard University, as part of the Education Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship program with an Arts & Learning concentration. A recipient of the Leadership in Education Award and the Faculty Tribute Award from HGSE, he charted a course of study that will allow him to deepen his work of institutionalizing effective arts-based programs for education and advocacy. He developed a new venture with the Harvard Innovation Lab, and researched topics including political polarization, group dynamics, organizational psychology, constructivism in curricular design, somatic approaches, queer theory, and arts-based learning.
national youngarts foundation
DIRECTOR, PROGRAM DESIGNER, FACILITATOR
For four years, Darren was the co-director of multidisciplinary performances in New York City and Miami. He led extraordinary high school-aged artists from around the country in weeklong intensive programs, consisting of master classes, rehearsals, and workshops. They collaborated across disciplines of theatre, dance, voice, and songwriting to create original performances, which highlighted the students’ individual talents and their collective spirit.
In 2021, Darren and his colleagues designed and facilitated a virtual intensive focused on the creative process. Together, they investigated sourcing inspiration, collaboration, feedback and iteration, and expansive thinking with 40 high schoolers from across the country. This process intensive continues annually.
EXCELLENCE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
TEACHER & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FACILITATOR
In 2026, Darren developed and facilitated a professional development curriculum focused on designing for participation. Working with artists and educators, he is helping to build a yearlong residency that will center artistic and institutional case studies to help educators design learning experiences that center learner agency. This curriculum will be piloted in 13 schools in the ECS network.
During the 2020 - 2021 school year, Darren was one of 24 artists selected for a pilot program called ‘Club Excellence,’ to be implemented throughout the 11 schools in the ECS network in NYC. He devised the curriculum for a month-long course, for grades 5-8. Throughout the school year, Darren led 16 classes of students ranging from remote learning to in-classroom instruction to hybrid environments. The course's materials revealed leveraged theatrical techniques as a conduit for self-expression, investigation of collective and individual identities, effective communication and advocacy.
PACE UNIVERSITY
DIRECTOR
In the spring of 2017, along with tall poPpy, inc. co-founders Jeanine Tesori and Torya Beard, Darren helped build a residency at Pace University, consisting of classes, a Town Hall, and a workshop production of Caroline, Or Change with Pace Musical Theatre students. As Director, Darren worked with the show’s original creators, the students delved into the text to deeply investigate the central questions of the piece, resulting in an impactful experience for the actors and audience alike.
Higher Education LECTURING
GUEST LECTURER, PRESENTER/FACILITATOR
Keynote Presenter
Social Emotional Learning Through the Arts, 2020
Building Community in Arts-Based Learning, 2021
Integrated Arts Conference of New Hampshire
Guest Lecturer
Creating Theatre, Creating Community
Emerson College
Educational Leadership; Theatre & Social Change
Plymouth State University
Facilitator
Town Hall: Agency through Identity and Artistry
Harvard University Smith Campus Center
Pace University
Emory & Henry College
plymouth state university
CHOREOGRAPHER
For 7 years, Darren has worked with the Educational Theatre Collaborative and the Emmy-winning TIGER program, choreographing a total of 10 shows at Plymouth State University. Main stage musicals include Shrek, The Little Mermaid, and Annie. Additionally, he has choreographed several educational shows for young audiences, which tour hundreds of elementary, middle, and high schools throughout New England.