Jon

As a writer, I've always appreciated the words of poet William Butler Yeats, who wrote "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire. In my 30 years as a college professor, I have always attempted to light that fire in my students, giving them the desire to learn and empowering them to do so. I am a playwright/director living in Manhattan, and work as Professor of Theatre and Film at Long Island University's Post campus, where I teach playwriting, directing, film history, introduction to drama, and professional skills for actors. I am also the Director of Graduate Studies, running the M.F.A. in Theatre program. I also recruit both undergraduate and graduate students for the theatre program. In the process, I read dozens of college admissions essays written by high school seniors each year, and I'm happy to help students write those essays during tutoring sessions. I am a member of Actors' Equity Association, SAG-AFTRA, and The Dramatists Guild. When not teaching, I enjoy going to see theatre and films, and writing plays and screenplays, and going to all sorts of cultural events, including dance, concerts, and going to museums. I love to travel, and recently spent time in Europe to do research for a screenplay I'm currently writing. Working with students to help them feel successful, to build their self-esteem and confidence, to realize their dreams, is a passion of mine. I look forward to lighting that fire with those I tutor in the future.

going to see theatre and films, writing plays and screenplays, going to all sorts of cultural events, including dance, concerts, going to museums, traveling