Darleen Hampson

FUN FACTS

How long have you been working with Stagelight?

Since 2015

What do you love most about your job?

I love the interaction between students, teachers and parents. Watching these children grow in confidence, skill and relationships is essential to their well-balanced development. There is a true appreciation for what we do here at Stagelight. There are expectations of personal responsibility for each student’s growth. Challenging them to “reach for more” as singers, dancers and as friends…is a privilege.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

As a family, we are all about the theatre and movies! My adult kids are musicians and actors – producers and performers. We go to live shows and movies – or cuddle up with blankets, pillows and popcorn for home viewing together. I also love swimming, bike riding, playing volleyball and reading mystery/crime novels.

What are 3 fun facts about you?

1. I sew

2. I am GrandmaDee with six grandchildren

3. I have been a Worship leader and Pastor for 30+ years

Why did you choose to pursue a career in your field?

I have wanted to be a teacher since I was in Kindergarten. I used to go to rehearsals with my Dad to watch and play while he was directing and/or performing. I started piano lessons at 6 years old – and sang my first solo at 9 years old. My sisters and I sang together in churches in Indiana and when we moved to a Pennsylvania. We started at 10, 8 and 6 years old through our teens! I used to make “homework” papers for my brothers and sisters and make them do them so I could “grade them.” I sang in choirs from 3rd Grade through college – and am in a Community Chorus even now. I have also been a Director, Music Director. Set Designer, Prop Master and/or Costume Director for more than 40 musicals and plays.

If you weren’t a teacher, what other job could you see yourself pursuing?

My first love is singing and acting. I would have loved to grow up with something like Stagelight Studios!!! Without that opportunity, I have always been a very active participant and leader in my church. I also love painting, sewing and craft projects I have been an piano accompanist for many middle school and high school choirs and played in the pit for many school and community musicals. I also enjoy Administrative office work (10 years as a Temp Office Worker) and writing curriculum.

What’s your favorite musical, movie, and/or show?

I first saw Fiddler On the Roof when it first toured across the US – in an outdoor Theatre in Indianapolis – and was hooked for life. It has always been my favorite to see live and remember our huge family going to see the movie upon its release on Thanksgiving Day 1971!

Musical Theatre Song & Dance, Group Vocal, & Private Vocal

With a BA in Music Education K-12 from Anderson University (Anderson, IN), Darleen has taught privately, in public schools, private schools, churches and community theaters. Professionally, she spent two summer seasons as a theater director at New York’s Long Lake Camp for the Arts, and worked on set for the producers of Gordon Family Tree the Movie; filmed in Los Angeles/Arkansas. Darleen is a performer (actor and singer) onstage and in worship; teaches private voice and piano lessons; is a credentialed classroom teacher; does production work in private and public schools and is Founder of Creative Components (www.creative components.com).

“I believe in my students’ ability to sing ANY style of music – for the rest of their lives – once they are properly trained with good technique and vocal health habits! With that belief and personal experience, I work hard to make sure that each student develops vocal strength and their best sound through grounded instruction in breathing, projection, confidence, preparedness and musicianship.” – Darleen Hampson

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