Julia

Experience

• Reading, Writing, and Maths for primary school students.

• English, Writing, History, History of Art, and Drama for secondary school students.

• 7+/8+ English & Maths and prep school entrance exams.

• 11+ English & Maths: ISEB and independent school entrance exams.

• GCSE and A Level English, Drama, and History of Art exams, especially AQA.

• English, Drama, and History of Art at degree level.

• Acting and Musical Theatre at all levels.

I have ten years of experience as a tutor in London, New York, and Chicago. I have prepared girls and boys for the 7+/8+ and 11+ exam at a range of competitive day schools (Highgate School, Kings College School, St. Paul’s School).

I currently teach part-time in higher education, at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. I have taught full-time in higher education in the past.

My fiancé is a Classics and Ancient History teacher at St. Paul’s School, formerly taught at James Allen’s Girls’ School (JAGS), and attended Westminster School from age 8. Our dialogue about teaching practice has kept me up to date with the academic standards and culture of this calibre of schools.

I am also a professional acting, singing, and public speaking coach. Parents often report that my sessions have built students' confidence and increased their participation in class.

Biography

• MFA in Theatre Directing from Birkbeck College, University of London.

• BFA in Drama and BA in History of Art (Double Major) from Tisch School of the Arts, New York University. Honours Programme and Founders Day Award.

• High scorer (99th percentile in the US) on the SAT, ACT, SAT Latin Exam, and Calculus, English, European History, American History, and History of Art AP Exams (US A Level equivalent).

• Arts Council England Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa.

• Current Teacher and Audition Panellist at London drama schools: Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Guildhall, Mountview, ArtsEd.

I was born in Chicago, attended university in New York, and moved to London in 2014. I attended academically rigorous state schools in the US. At the primary and secondary level I was an all-rounder, graduating from high school as a National Merit Scholar, which meant my academics were ranked in the 99th percentile across all American graduating students. I was a high scorer on all the US university entrance exams, including 5 AP exams (US A Level equivalent), the ACT, the SAT, and SAT subject tests.

At New York University I double majored in Drama and History of Art and was invited to join the Theatre Studies Honours Programme. The Honours Programme requires that students complete additional academic work, culminating in a Master's level thesis. I graduated with a Founders Day Award, equivalent to a UK 1:1 degree.

Between graduating from NYU in 2011 and moving to London I worked as a freelance theatre director and costume designer and tutored students in New York City. I moved to London in 2014 to start my Master's degree in Theatre Directing at Birkbeck, University of London. I graduated in 2016 with Merit and soon after received a Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa.

I work as a tutor, theatre director, and acting coach, with special expertise in musical theatre and Shakespeare. I have directed for the Royal Shakespeare Company, The Old Vic, and in the West End.

Alongside tutoring I teach at several major London drama schools: The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Arts Educational Schools (ArtsEd), and Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. I also serve on entrance audition panels for these institutions.

Personal Approach

Having tutored a great number of high-achieving students in London, New York, and Chicago, I have learned how to listen closely to find a student's individual learning language. I work to shape an environment that allows students to own their abilities and encounter challenges with curiosity. I enjoy designing lessons that touch on topics students are passionate about and work with parents to establish a plan for achievable goals. Games and humour always play a part. Parents have described me as patient, perceptive, and fun.

I am especially experienced as a writing tutor for UK Y7-13 (US grades 6-12). My time spent working with playwrights as a theatre director has developed my ability to identify a writer's interests and help them build their unique voice. These tools can help develop even the youngest of writers.

The skills I have mastered as a theatre director in textual analysis, collaboration, and creative problem-solving are all based in advanced reading comprehension and clear writing and speaking. I am passionate about sharing these tools with young people. I am confident they will continue to use them throughout their lives.

What I do when I am not tutoring

When I'm not directing or teaching I enjoy singing, swimming, and going to art and history museums. I love live music and see theatre almost every night of the week.

Testimonials

''Julia tutored my 9 year old daughter for a year and it was a great success. She was professional, punctual, kind and interesting - my daughter really enjoyed the sessions. She has a lovely manner and is always polite and fun. My daughter's confidence really grew in that time and we couldn't recommend Julia enough.'' (Mother of 10-year-old preparing for the 11+)

“We believe that the sessions with Julia were positive for [our son] and we would definitely consider her for future tutoring needs. She had good energy and a clear approach to the lessons, [our son] felt he was making progress with her.” (Mother of a 10-year-old preparing for the 11+)