Artist.
Professional Actor, Dancer, Singer, Songwriter, Musician,
Director, Playwright and Choreographer.
“The performing arts, and expression through them, are as necessary as breath. Without them there is no life.”
From a young age performance art, its training and community resounded with Desirée and helped shape who she is today. That space where one no longer exists as an individual but becomes a part of the whole, a conduit for the synergistic energy binding the artist, the audience, and the art…binding the form to life itself…that is what she loves.
Music & Songwriting
A native of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina and influenced by the roots music of that region, her style of writing is a fusion of folk, blues, and classic rock. Desirée writes of life and love with a raw honesty that makes the universal themes resonate on a very personal level.
A natural lyricist, she easily conveys universal themes in a way that tugs at the heart strings and leaves the audience wondering whether it was her secrets or theirs that had been shared. Melodious blends of powerful belts and lofty high notes mirror the range of emotion conveyed in her songs.
Stay tuned for music releases.
Photo by Tim Robinson Creative
Music Updates
For information on Desirée’s new EP, “Hometown Eulogy", and her recent appearance on the podcast, Washington City Limits, click Project Updates.
Stage & Film
After spending 13 years in a youth program with the state theater of NC, Flat Rock Playhouse, under the direction of Betsy Bisson, Desirée attended Appalachian State University where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Dance Studies, Philosophy, and Religious Studies with a minor in Theater Arts. She was in the inaugural class to receive both Dance and Religious Studies degrees. As a member of the Actor’s Equity Association, Desirée has performed with professional companies in Shakespeare productions, musical theater, classical dramas and outrageous comedies. In recent years her performance focus has shifted to immersion theater and film.
In addition to performance, Desirée has adapted children’s books for stage, and written skits and plays including the hilarious Dingbatters Series co-written with David Tweedie. While Desirée has directed and choreographed for universities, festivals, schools, churches, as well as children’s, professional and regional theater companies, she is particularly proud of her work with Ocracoke Alive, including directing and choreographing Julie Howard’s musical “A Tale of Blackbeard.”
UPDATES: For news and information on her recent film project, Being Dead, and other projects, please click “PROJECT UPDATES.”
Photo by Carol Bullard
Ocracoke Alive, Inc.
A 501c3 nonprofit with the mission to enrich the Ocracoke Island community by encouraging and sponsoring cultural, artistic, educational, and environmental activities including the production of plays, musicals, musical events, exhibits, schools, workshops, and festivals. This organization’s work is especially dear to Desirée’s heart. For more information or to donate, please visit www.ocracokealive.org.
Photo by Eakin Howard