Donald’s teaching and coaching skills have enhanced the careers of a countless amount of actors that range from four to eighty four years old.  (See Testimonials)

 Donald has been teaching for over twenty years in both Philadelphia and LA. Since he was five years old, he has been a performance artist throughout the US as well as the UK.

He was employed by National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for three years to write, produce and direct musicals for underprivileged children. 

During this time he worked in in collaboration with CAPA, The Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts 

 He has had successful results with students auditioning for graduate and undergraduate studies at NYU, Julliard, AMDA, etc.,

 In recent years…Donald McKenna’s students have had featured roles in:

Film –     “Trainwreck”, “Draft Day”, “Silver Linings Playbook”, “The Departed”             

 TV  –     “Saturday Night Live, “The Following” “The Blacklist”   “Boardwalk Empire”                                               “Mozart in The Jungle”  “Stephen Colbert Show”, “ The Voice”

He founded the elite bi-coastal professional actors’ workshop “Off the Page”. 

Presently, Donald is spending a great deal his time working with actors one on one. Agents and managers often send actors to him with sides to prepare for (and sometimes tape) auditions. After getting the part he works with the actors on developing the characters.

Donald’s unique approach to “Sides” includes scene interpretation and performance preparation that has proven successful time and time again. He has a special curriculum for mastering “Cold Reads”. Whether it is character development, monologues, scene study, or individual needs with specific skills, hair, make up and/or wardrobe guidance, he is able to optimize the actor’s ability to deliver what it takes to book the gig, and/or develop and maintain a character.

He also works with beginning actors, helping them acquire the tools and skills needed to get started in the business. 

He is known for his passion for the arts, his honesty and his dedication to his clients.