Having Mama Dye as a teacher, director, mentor, and friend was exactly what I needed after the craziness of Covid. She is the perfect mix of being down-to-earth, fun, wise, earnest, and stern. Dona Dye is still my all-time favorite teacher, and I’d highly recommend her regardless of your prior experience or training.

I was the assistant/ technical theatre teacher at Lago Vista during Dona Dye’s tenure at Lago Vista ISD. We had a wonderful experience and have been friends ever since. She has since directed a full day clinic for our one act contest play, which was a blast. It is still apparent that we both are about having kids be involved in the process, not just be a tertiary piece of the equation.

Having had the pleasure of working alongside Dona for over 25 years as both a friend and a colleague, I can confidently say that her professionalism, passion, and deep commitment to the arts are unmatched.
As a theater director, teacher, and UlL coach, Dona has a rare gift for not only bringing out the best in student actors but also for fostering a collaborative and nurturing environment with directors.
Her ability to communicate effectively with all involved - especially with young actors - is one of the many qualities that set her apart. She has an intuitive understanding of how to guide students to grow both as performers and as individuals, always encouraging them to push past their limits in a supportive and constructive manner.
She excels in offering tailored guidance to bring out the best in a production, from the vision of the show to its execution on stage. Her expertise and insight are invaluable in creating performances that leave a lasting impact on audiences.
I am honored to recommend Dona Dye as a theater consultant for anyone looking to elevate their productions.  I have no doubt that Dona will continue to make a profound difference in the lives of students and theater professionals alike. 

Dona was my theater teacher and forensics coach in high school 1998-2001. My work with Dona helped me gain confidence and learn to express myself more fully and clearly. Her love for the material and for her students is palpable. It was during a spring break trip with Dona that I realized I wanted to live in NYC, and I've been here for 16 years. While I no longer act onstage, I'm still an avid theater-goer -- 27 shows last year!

If you are looking for someone with the expertise and experience to help you grow past where you are and come into what you could be, look no further, you've found the best. And the bonus is you'll have a wonderful time getting there. But don't just take my word for it. Ask any of her students or friends who have had the benefit of her goodness.

MamaDye was my teacher for my last semester of high school, and it was an overwhelmingly positive experience! Dona pushed me to achieve great things in the short time we worked together. She allowed me to grow as a performer and in my personal identity. I’m very passionate about my industry, and Dona only enhanced that passion. I am graduating from college this year with a BFA in acting and musical theatre and Dona gave me the courage to start on that journey. She is an empathetic teacher. I truly felt like she always saw me in a very authentic way and knew what I needed before I did.

Dona has a fantastic eye for theatre, a kind heart, and a real talent for making performances pop. Dona reviewed a script for me and provided valuable, realistic, and honest feedback that improved the script. Moreover, she maintained communication with me throughout the rehearsal process and eventually celebrated with me about the success of the performance. I have always trusted Dona with my theatrical work because of her capacity for exceptional advice, support, and mentorship.

Dona was my first mentor and coach. I came into acting very late comparatively speaking to my fellow actors, but I was never made to feel like a “Rookie” or “Green.” See, that’s the secret about Dona. She sees the “thing” in you before you do. I borrowed her confidence in me, and within a year, I was accepted to every university and conservatory theatre program I applied to! Even during my conservatory education, I used Dona’s “Nike” attitude and 4 years later, I had my first national tour and my Equity card. Ten years later, I am still living in NYC, making enough money to support a great life! I often look back on the two years spent with her as my teacher. I remember “aha” moments, freedom to make mistakes, and attention to the details to “set up” a scene for success. Actors aren’t born. They’re made. Dona Dye makes actors.

I loved working with Dona! I was an elementary Theatre Arts teacher, and as the High School Director, Dona would bend over backwards to make sure that my Title One students would get to have amazing theatrical experiences! Many of my students had never had a live theatre experience. Her willingness to put on shows for us during her very busy opening weeks was an amazing experience for all!

Positive is too small a word to describe my experience with Dona Dye. She was my theatre teacher for 4 years and was the most influential figure in my life. She was the strong, no nonsense, warm, compassionate, loving role model I needed. My biggest takeaways from studying theatre with Dye was the discovery of raw, unencumbered empathy. When you find the why, you find the heart. Applying this to people and relationships outside of a script has made me a better artist and a better person. Dona Dye was a gracious shepherd in my discovery of that and it has given me a more tender perspective when navigating the volatile temperaments of a film set.

My daughter was a student of Dona's in high school beginning in 2012. As a parent, I could see how supportive and welcoming ‘Mama Dye’ was of all her students, giving them the confidence to explore their acting to the deepest level. Dona gives honest, constructive feedback to her students and brings a wealth of life experiences.

As a former student of MamaDye, I had the luxury of falling in love with the theatre in a way that has left a permanent impact on my life journey. She handles her craft with a passion that instills lifelong habits on the stage, through the lens, and into day-to-day life itself. I fell in love with the stage because of the meticulous detail and overall care that MamaDye exhibited. I hold a BA in Film and if it weren’t for the incredible practices, tricks, ways to dive deep into a script, I wouldn’t be as successful as I am. I wouldn’t have gone to the school that I did. I wouldn’t have landed gigs and stood out in rooms the way I do. It’s not because I’m some magical unicorn (aren’t we all?), it’s because I was thrown in front of a woman at 13 years old, who exhibited true, undeniable passion and love for her craft, that was so contagious, I followed suit. I continually reflect on my high school years with MamaDye, and I am inspired and proud to be one of her piglets!

Dona Dye was my high school drama teacher, and her classes were the foundation of my acting career. Her classes consisted of not only acting techniques, but she also encouraged her students to find and hone their own methods by trying different approaches. Before my professional acting/modeling career, I was able to use the skills I learned in class to improve my presence and adaptive skills in the corporate world. Currently, I am a full-time actor and commercial model fully repped in Los Angeles and New York, and I still use the movement and warm up work I learned with Dona to stay on top of my game. I am proof that pigs can fly!

In my sophomore year, I moved to a new city and new school knowing no one but I was immediately welcomed into the Theatre department. Dona Dye cast me in my first show that Fall as one of the leads. She worked with me to ensure I knew my lines, remembered blocking and helped me open up to become a bigger, brighter version of myself. She was the type of leader who noticed everything- good, bad, etc. She created a very safe place where anyone could come during lunch, after school, or just when they needed a friend. I have witnessed her mentor MANY students over the years.

I live and work in NYC and am an avid theatregoer.  Dona helped me appreciate the hard work that it takes to be brave on stage and give yourself to an audience night after night. The lessons she showed me have helped me in my professional career with public speaking, storytelling, and capturing an audience. 

If I was writing a gratitude list of the most influential people in my life, Dona Dye would make my top 5! I am lucky to have continued a friendship with her.