MARIANNE DONNELLY
702-956-7333
www.coraconnection.com/md
mdonnelly00@gmail.com
Living-History Actress, Janis Joplin Impersonator,
Event Producer, Writer (scripts and news)
Multidisciplinary performing artist providing quality family entertainment with
strong educational content in a creative dramatic style. Shows and
workshops are developed for schools, libraries, fairs, festivals, promotions,
bookstores, conventions and private functions. Themes include humor,
history, nature, respect, sharing and caring. Songs, stories, movement,
magic, games participation and select cultural touchstones are woven into
rich theatrical experiences that delight ages three through adult. Exquisite
costumes enhance the vibrant, joyful performances. "A joyful riot…"
according to the Boston Globe
EDUCATION
Harvard Graduate School of
Education, MA
Master of Arts in Educational Media
1984
Central Michigan University, MI
Master of Arts in Business Administration
1981
Park College, MO
Bachelor of Arts in Social Psychology
1978
Children's Theater Association of
America
Certificate in Creative Drama in a Developmental
Context
1988
WHAT I DO
Las Vegas Weekly Tribune Online writer, arts reviewer, researcher, photographer
Book in Progress: "I Wear Their Courage: women trailblazers I have become."
2011-present
Absolutely Affordable Family Entertainment
1995 - present
Established my own family entertainment company, in addition to working for Party Solutions and Urban Circus
Boston (agencies) for 25 years, providing shows performed by myself as well as a select group of local
performing artists. Marketing, public relations, scheduling, and developing new material for diverse populations
are some of the skills used daily.
EDUCATOR
Teach Creative Dramatics workshops at Weston, Brookline, Boston and Cambridge sites for young people.
These include sections on diaphragmatic breathing, movement, voice production, memory skills, theatre
directions, makeup, costuming, balloon twisting, magic and more.
Artist-in-Residence with Very Special Arts, MA
l986 - l995
Delivered several workshops, residences (ranging from one week through twelve weeks) and performances for
special needs classrooms and festivals. Worked closely with teachers to design assessable activities using both
dramatic and visual arts techniques.
PRODUCER
Storytelling
Tellebrations.
2002, 2003
Arranged site, publicity, funding, beneficiary, and tellers for one of
the annual National Storytelling Association worldwide weekends of
benefit storytelling in Cambridge and Boston venues.
Annual Boston Monarch Butterfly Migration Celebration
2001-2010
Obtain permits from City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department for the Parkman Bandstand and host a
participatory family festival that includes educational displays about the life cycle and challenges for the monarch
butterfly. Build a network of scientists, butterfly experts, musicians, dancers, and storytellers who will participate
in this all acoustic annual celebration. The event continues with Stephen Baird and Friends of Jamaica Pond.
Children's Stages at Cambridge River Festivals
l986 - 1988
Coordinated logistics, hospitality, volunteers and entertainers for the Cambridge Arts Council as a paid
contractor.
Rainbow Sky Children's Show
l988
In collaboration with Continental Cablevision (Cambridge, MA) produced original, magazine-format, regularly
aired shows. Nutritional, multicultural and tolerance themes were subtly delivered with exciting on-air guests,
local school children, claymation and video insets. Designed format, selected talent, coordinated releases and
transportation of children, wrote and recorded theme song and hosted each show. Post production surveys
proved positive.
Earth Day Cambridge Celebrations
l990 - 1992
Produced citywide environmental education events serving thousands of people annually with forty
environmental displays, three stages of music, youth activities, and roving entertainment. Recruited and retained
a corps of volunteers, helped raise limited funds, obtained permits, designed program, coordinated print and
radio publicity, organized related seminars. Worked closely with the City of Cambridge Department of Public
Works, City Council and School Department. Received a Letter of Commendation from the Massachusetts
House of Representatives for these years of volunteer community service.
PERFORMANCES
Historical Portrayals
l988 to Present
Beyond Little Women is a carefully researched portrayal of writer and activist Louisa May Alcott.
Emphasizing her suffragist and abolitionist involvement, Civil War nursing experience and unique
childhood Louisa is accurately and passionately brought to life. Curricula-linked (now Common
Core) learning guides and workshops available for history, social studies and literature.
How the West was Fun with Calamity Jane dispels myths about the westward movement as well as
Martha Jane Cannary. Drawing from travel diaries and railroad history this informative and poignant
show involves audiences in western capers, songs, strikes and successes. Special segments
available for grades K-9.
Pith, Pluck and Pen: Nellie Bly, Reporter brings this brilliant turn-of-the-century reporter, factory
owner and world traveler alive. Geography, history and journalism classes will find substance to
draw from. Currently I am a news reporter and this completes the work on this character.
Janis Joplin: Piece of my Mind. A lively historically based script with songs about this American
Rock & Roll legend. Stories from her biographies, events from her time in 1960's, first-hand
research, accurate costuming, vocalizations and movement bring Janis and the deeper 60's history
to life.
Seasonal Portrayals
l988 to Present
Integrating mythology and customs of the seasons from around the world I have developed a
popular cycle of costumed characters:
Pumpkinette the Harvest Lady: revels in the harvest season from September through November
with stories and songs of abundance. Inspired by folk customs from American early settlers, Native
Americans and Old Celtic harvest lore this joyful show is popular in New England libraries, schools,
festivals and Halloween celebrations.
Frostina the Winter Lady: continues the seasonal cycle with influences from Alaskan, Russian,
French and Japanese winter myths and celebrations. Quincy, MA “First Night” (New Year's Eve
celebration) has dubbed “Frostina” the Official Merrymaker and Greeter since 1996.
Acorn the Merry Elf/Leprechaun: is a winter/spring character with an original sharing and caring
story Acorns Three as aired on WBCN radio and enjoyed at “Brunch with Santa” celebrations in
local Boston four star hotels: shows include jigs, songs and Celtic inspired stories.
Silver the Clown: is a favorite at birthday parties, corporate functions. Everyone loves the magic,
face painting, balloon animals and games. Professionally dressed in a costume that children are
not afraid of.
APPEARANCES
Ready to Go Channel 7
Evening Magazine Channel 4
Kid's America N.P.R. radio
Channel 5 City Line
Children's Museum of Boston
Museum of Science
Museum of Our National Heritage, Lexington
Copley Plaza Hotel
Charles Hotel, Cambridge
Additional appearances have included hundreds of New England libraries, schools and festivals. I was also onair intern "voice" WBCN-FM Boston MA radio, public service announcements for 'Boston Sunday Review'.
Additional responsibilities included script preparation and guest profile research.
RELATED EXPERIENCES
Academic Administrator
1975 - l982
Managed accredited off-campus sites for colleges serving continuing education populations. Registrations,
counseling students, selecting faculty, coordination of local logistics such as book deliveries, classrooms,
supplies, and overseeing secretarial support. Coordinated closely with home campuses to ensure maintaining
accreditation standards. Designed an effective arrearage collection system. Wrote local policy and procedures
manual. Hired local staff. My entertainment career was limited to weekend coffeehouse and library
performances.