Erin Degneris a native of Vinton, Iowa. She holds an M.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and Bachelor’s Degrees in both Vocal Performance and Media Studies from Loras College. Before coming to Drake, she worked as an actor, director and choreographer for various professional companies around the Midwest. Some of her onstage achievements have been recognized with two Kennedy Center Irene Ryan Acting nominations for her roles as the title character in Mary Poppins and Mother in A Christmas Story: The Musical. She has performed at venues around the country including the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, and Carnegie Hall in New York City. She teaches acting, voice and movement techniques primarily based in Kristin Linklater, Richard Schechner’s Rasaboxes, and Anne Bogart’s Viewpoints, as well as musical theatre singing, dance and choreography. She remains very active in the Des Moines community, adjudicating for the Iowa High School Musical Theatre Awards, and performing, directing and choreographing for local theatre companies.
