SelahCohen.com

Direction for Events, Screen, and Stage

Image: Small theater, empty seats and light on behind curtain.

 

Direction Biography

Selah Cohen breathes life into stories to compel and engage. Her aesthetic began to develop in childhood as she was immersed in world-class ballet, operas, symphonies, and accompanied her mother on tour with the national orchestras of Mexico. She has 30 years of experience in the entertainment, fine arts, performance, and education arenas, and performed in, directed, co-produced, and has written productions since 2005 including Hidden: Your Purpose Unveiled (2014, 2018, 2019), an original musical production she wrote, directed, and co-produced. Miss Cohen activates the artistic genius of others during production collaborations with approachable ease, efficiency, and encouragement for noticeable results. She toured the United States as technical staff and worked in stage, fashion, film and television in California, Colorado, and Texas. She  traveled to Spain and Mexico as a director, and is able to act, direct, perform, present, and interpret presentations and projects for audiences of any number in fluent Spanish. Miss Cohen’s design, directing, and production work has been viewed online in over 30 countries. She studied musical theater with Katherine Adkins and technical theater with Cabrillo College Theater Department Chair William "Skip" Epperson. Online projects include Stirred Not Shaken, an online panel discusion on influence during the CO-VID 19 pandemic featuring professional creatives for the Living Arts Tabernacle online creative faith community. She writes, hosts, and produces the Sensory Bible Experiences and The Chosen Creative Podcasts.

 

Testimonials

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Selah for nearly 5 years during which time her dedication, hard working attitude, easy going disposition, and absolute integrity have consistently impressed me. She is a pleasure to work with, has a wide range of skills and has always over-delivered on any given assignment. Personable and wise, assiduous and enthusiastic, she makes every collaboration a joy. I look forward to any opportunity to work with her. Selah's work with us ranges from creative collaboration on projects to providing makeup and wardrobe on a film production set, to providing Spanish translation and voiceover. - Robbie Repola, CEO IMS Productions
 
 

"We were very pleased with Selah's exceptional work during the tour. She performed her duties well beyond expectations. She made sure all of her work was very organized, documented, and well thought out. Her department as a result, was never an issue of concern during the course of the tour."  -- Scott Herbst, Production Manager

 

"It's not often that I've been able to work with someone who has the ability to share their creativity in such a way that it not only enhances, but restores those around them, but Selah Cohen is someone who does. Under her direction, an incredible script was transformed into a life-changing and powerfully impactful production that transported every person watching into another time. Her writing has the ability to touch the deepest parts of your heart and mind. Selah is able to relate to so many people because of her personal and professional experiences, yet has such humility and sensitivity because she's in a constant state of learning and growing personally, spiritually and professionally. She has the remarkable ability to tap into the gifts and talents of whoever she's working with and open up hidden reservoirs of creativity that may have been lying dormant, all while providing a safe environment to do so. The excellence in which she accomplishes her goals and tasks is remarkable and noteworthy, but more than that it's a very rare and cherished ability that is lacking and very necessary today. To say that I would jump at the chance to work with her is an understatement; it would be a complete honor to be under her guidance and direction again." -- Vanessa K., Principal Actress and Singer

 

"I have known Selah Cohen for well over a decade and worked with her for several years. She worked closely with me in large productions, church services and outreach events. Selah always conducted herself with grace, poise and professionalism. She is well organized and administrated all the projects I gave her in a timely and professional manner. I found her to be creative and willing to tackle large projects. Her appropriately assertive personality got the job done with grace and results." --Rev. Dana Bryan, Senior Pastor

 

"The praise times were great! So were the workshops; they were nicely varied and the topics were extraordinarily free. And it was wonderful to get to know so many creatives, who both believe in God with our whole hearts and embrace creativity on every level, including challenging the status quo." -- Luci Stanley, Mordecai Network and Infuse 2010: A Creativity Encounter Attendee
 

Selah is a true professional, a fun, creative, and a dynamic speaker, whether you are in need of a keynote speaker, or a workshop leader. She is the perfect choice for a memorable and outstanding event. I enjoyed her original musical about Queen Esther, which she also directed. When it finished, I was on my feet, clapping and saying one word: BRAVO! Simply, BRAVO! - Alma Hall, Author
 
 

Credits

Sensory Bible Experiences, Living Arts Tabernacle (The Chosen Creative), Selah Cohen Websites (various years - present, Content Creator, Podcast Host, Producer) Online

The Acts One Man Play by international Christian performer Rich Swingle (2020, Acting and Costume Coach) Online

Hidden: A Sensory Bible Musical Audio Experience (2019 Playwright. Lyricist, Director, Producer) Dallas, TX

Regather 2019 Creative Artist Online Conference (Director, Producer, Presenter) Dallas, TX

Scenes from Hidden: Your Purpose Unveiled for Gateway Church Performing Arts Night of Scenes (2018  Director, Choreographer) Dallas, TX

Sensory Bible Experiences, Living Arts Tabernacle, and The Vibrant Presenter (Founder and Director 2016 - present) Dallas, TX

Hidden: Your Purpose Unveiled (2014, Writer, Director, Lyricist, Co-Producer) Interntional Minsitry, CO

Various Event Presentations (2010-2014 Head of Decor, Director, Voiceover) International Ministry, CO

Fall for the Arts (2009, Concept, Producer, Director) Denver, CO

Infuse 2010: A Creativity Encounter (2010, Producer, Director) Sensory Bible Experiences, Englewood, CO

The Bethlehem Experience (2002, Instructor and Director) Montevista Christian School, Scotts Valley, CA

Shoreline Church (Drama Ministry Director) Santa Cruz, CA

Santa Cruz Bible Church (Drama Ministry Director, various projects and ministry in Mexico and Spain), Santa Cruz, CA

 

Masterclass Courses Completed:

Martin Scorsese Teaches Filmmaking

Helen Mirren Teaches Acting

Ron Howard Teaches Directing

Aaron Sorkin Teaches Screenwriting

Natalie Portman Teaches Acting

Shonda Rhimes Teaches Writing for Television

Danny Elfman Teaches Music for Film

Christina Aguilera Teaches Singing

Robin Roberts Teaches Effective and Authentic Communication

David Mamet Teaches Dramatic Writing

Ken Burns Teaches Documentary Filmmaking

Mira Nair Teaches Independent Filmmaking

Jodie Foster Teaches Filmmaking

James Patterson Teaches Writing

Dan Brown Teaches Writing Thrillers

David Baldacci Teaches Mystery and Thriller Writing

 

Other Courses, Groups, and Programs

NYU Tisch School Performing Arts Essentials Online Course Participant

Arts and Entertainment Ministries Catalyst Program

Word Weavers International

The Greenhouse Arts and Media Spotlight Workshop

John Truby, Writing Stories That Sell

Dallas Jenkins (The Chosen) Directing Masterclass

Aaron Burns (Beyond the Mask) Production Workshop