EVENTS, ADULT, YA, ARTS, EDUCATION, LITERATURE, POETRY, LITERACY
David Kener has enjoyed an expansive career in Theatre, Arts and Education, with a significant focus on underserved youth communities. David was just appointed Director, NYC Project Hope for Counseling in Schools. This FEMA funded initiative offers Crisis Counseling and Creative Arts services to students and school communities in the hardest hit areas of Hurricane Sandy.
David worked as an actor for many years following his graduation from The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theater, studying with the legendary Sandy Meisner.” He has appeared on many stages in the US and internationally including The Signature Theater, where he worked with Arthur Miller, and The American Place Theatre, working with Wynn Handman.
While working as a professional actor in all media, he began his teaching artist career and spent many years working in leadership roles for The Creative Arts Team, The Henry Street Arts Settlement, and Colors United. He then held the position of Executive Director of The Leadership Program, creating an arts focused methodology and establishing partnerships with institutions such as New York University and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. His most recent position, held for over fifteen years was as Executive Director of The American Place Theater where he pioneered the Literature to Life Program serving over 20,000 students annually across twenty-five states, working to improve literacy and cultural awareness.
David has recently been a featured writer for The New York Times, penning a weeklong Drama series for the Learning Network on drama strategies using the Times. He now heads up his own consulting firm Education Development Unlimited (EDU) working with mission driven organizations such as Counseling In Schools, where Caring Inspires Success and Power Writers, helping launch powerpoetry.org, the world’s first transmedia mobile poetry community for youth.
David lives on the upper west side of NYC with his wife, the Costume Designer Michelle Matland and his son Marcus, a sophomore at The Beacon High School, where David serves on the Executive Board as Vice President, Arts Liaison.
Website: www.counselinginschools.org