Experience Theatre Arts

Theatre Diva Productions

Founded in August 2015 by award-winning theatre professional and educator Desirée Dabney, Theatre Diva Productions is a powerhouse for developing confident, dynamic performers and empowering theatre educators. Specializing in private acting and singing lessons, educational consulting for performing arts schools and programs, and mentorship for theatre teachers and directors, the company has helped over 100 students discover their voice, own their craft, and step boldly into the spotlight—and has provided mentorship to over 50 theatre teachers, helping them grow their programs, strengthen their directing skills, and better serve their students.

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Under Desirée’s expert guidance, students have gone on to earn leading roles in school, community, and professional productions, gain acceptance into top-tier performing arts programs, and win awards for their performances. Parents and educators often credit Theatre Diva Productions with unlocking a level of talent, discipline, and self-assurance in their students they had never seen before. Whether working with a beginner finding their first monologue or a seasoned performer refining an audition for Broadway, Desirée fosters an environment of high expectations, creative risk-taking, and unwavering support.

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Desirée brings her extensive professional experience—as an actor, singer, director, producer, theatre educator, and activist—into every session. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from Shenandoah Conservatory, a Master of Teaching from the University of Richmond, and is pursuing a doctorate in Education Curriculum. In addition to her personal accolades—including the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award from Shenandoah University, Style Weekly’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2023, and NBC12’s Distinguished Black History Tribute—she has made history as the first Black woman to develop theatre curriculum for the Virginia Department of Education.

Student & Educator Success Highlights

• Former students have been accepted into prestigious programs such as NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Boston Conservatory, Shenandoah Conservatory, and Elon University.

• Students have received lead and featured roles in regional theatre, film, and national touring productions.

• Several have earned scholarships and performance awards at the state and national level.

• Over 50 theatre teachers mentored through Theatre Diva Productions have gone on to direct award-winning productions, grow their school theatre programs, and develop new courses in acting, musical theatre, and playwriting.

• Many mentees credit Desirée’s coaching with helping them secure promotions, directing opportunities, and recognition from state and national arts organizations.

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Theatre Diva Productions is not just a training company—it’s a launchpad. Desirée’s students and teacher mentees leave with more than sharpened skills: they leave with confidence, professional readiness, and the belief that they deserve to be seen and heard. Her mission is clear: to create a stage where every artist, especially those from the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community, can shine unapologetically.