Gwendolyn T. Poole
Playwright * Storyteller * Drama Coach * Performer
"Gwen’s talent for writing, directing, acting, bringing different personality types together and developing others is a gift from God." Ernestine Taylor, Executive Coach
"It’s because of Gwen’s dedication and overwhelming desire to challenge the young ones, middle agers and those like me . . . that we succeed in dance and drama. Her enormous energy and constant involvement in the church and community keep us getting better and better."
Walter Brower, Retired Educator
"Ms. Gwen Poole’s liturgical dance and drama ministries are truly anointed. Her works are best described as groundbreaking and innovative." Jackie Phifer, Saint Matthews UMC Parent
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Write scripts for children and adults
- Faith-based scripts
- General theme scripts
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Direct Plays
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Teach drama classes and workshops
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Produce & Perform Monologues
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Coach Actors
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Assist with establishing
- A Drama Ministry at your place of worship
- Your Drama Club
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Present One-Woman Shows
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Storytelling
Gwen has always had an interest in drama from the early days in Virginia clowning around the house entertaining family members, writing her first skit for the church youth group, then joining her high school’s Thespian Club and performing in the spring production. Gwen carried that creative spirit with her to Bennett College where she took a theater course as an elective and loved it.
Gwen picked up another couple of drama classes at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro on the way to attaining her BS in sociology from Guilford College. During those years of marriage, raising two children and working full time, Gwen also found time to write and perform. She was eventually led to establishing the dance ministry followed by the drama ministry at her church. Presently, as Director of the Liturgical Arts Ministry, Gwen continues to write scripts, provides drama coaching and directs their dramatic performances during the year.
Now retired from the banking industry, Gwen enjoys using her dramatic talents to teach others (young and the young at heart), introducing the concepts of theater to those with interests beyond stage performances and implementing programs to assist with healing. She finds it very rewarding when workshop participants begin to open up to the drama exercises and become more confident in stage presence and in telling their stories.
In her most recent dramatic role as Lena “Mama” Younger in Community Theatre of Greensboro’s production of A Raisin in the Sun, Gwen’s talent was embraced by a community of performers as well as an outstanding Director.
Armed with an Associate in Fine Arts (AFA) degree in theater from Guilford Technical Community College, Gwen has expanded her reach into the community. She has directed for the City Arts Drama Center and has had one of her plays produced there. The Plaid Players of Burlington, NC also produced one of her plays. Gwen was commissioned to write an historical drama for a theater group in Winchester, KY and has since written a number of historical monologues based on stories from the African American slavery era, and monologues of men and women of the Bible.
Based on her belief that the elements of drama can be beneficial in everyday life, Gwen has developed the program, Drama for Living, in pursuit to prove just that.
Fellowship of United Methodists in Music & Worship Arts
Virginia Writers Club - Blue Ridge Chapter
Plaid Players - Burlington, NC
Saint James Presbyterian Church
Black Child Development Institute
Caldcleugh Multicultural Center
Guilford Technical Community College
Heritage Greens Retirement Center
Spring Arbor Retirement Center
Trillium Health Resources - Greenville, NC
Laughlin Memorial United Methodist
North Carolina A&T State University
Center for Outreach in Alzheimer's,
Aging & Community Health (COAACH)
Raleigh's Crossroads United Methodist
Saint Matthews UMC Summer STEAM Camp
Our drama experience helps participants . . . .
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Think creatively
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Work collaboratively
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Build self-esteem
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Develop stage presence
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Increase cognitive skills
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Enjoy personal achievement
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Move toward healing and well-being
If you want to increase the impact of your church's drama ministry, learn how drama can enhance your organization, include a dramatic performance in a program you are hosting, or want to enrich the caregiving experience then Drama For Living is for you.
We don’t have a “one size fits all” fee structure. Fees are based on the service provided, number or participants and length of time for the service. For booking arrangement and to discuss your specific needs and fee structure, please contact Gwen Poole at 336-457-1919 or dramaforliving@yahoo.com. We will help you select the Drama For Living program that is right for you.
Copyright © 2017 Gwendolyn Poole All Rights Reserved.