Derek has been a Chicago native for over a decade now. His love of theatre started when his mother forced him into a summer theatre program so that he would have something constructive to do. He played the Barrister in The Wizard of Oz, and it was the beginning of the arts bug. Hailing from Perrysburg, Ohio and a graduate of Northwestern University's theatre program, Derek also spent a summer studying in Oxford, England with the British American Dramatic Academy. Besides Chicago dell'Arte, Derek has worked with Promethean Theatre Ensemble and GreyZelda Theatre Group. Favorite roles outside Capitano include Polonius from Hamlet (Lovers & Madmen) and Captain Cully / Ensemble in The Last Unicorn (Promethean Theatre Ensemble). Derek has also walked four companies through the 501(c)(3) paperwork for the IRS, which should entitle him to some sort of statue or demi-godship. You can reach Derek at derek@chicagodellarte.com.

First memory of working with Chicago dell'Arte (a haiku)
Everyone's funny;
Rehearsals hysterical.
Mania for all!

Favorite Chicago dell'Arte moment
It was in Hampstead Hooligan. I was playing the knights getting electrocuted by the fence, and at one point my mask came off as I fell down. The first thing I could think to say was "MY FACE!" and pretend like my actual face had fallen off. I still use that bit to this day.