Doreen, a true native of the Windy City, was born and raised within the vibrant metropolis of Chicago, Illinois, where she was the youngest sibling of three sisters to a skilled marble setter father and a dedicated medical technologist mother. Her early years were shaped by her attendance at an all-girls Catholic college preparatory school, which was formerly a historic Lithuanian convent, where she cultivated a profound passion for the performing arts.
As her educational journey progressed, Doreen's innate talent and enthusiasm for the stage led her to join a cover band, where she honed her vocal skills and sang alongside the group for an extended period. However, her aspirations and ambitions soon drove her to pursue a more formalized education in the performing arts, ultimately leading her to enroll at a renowned top-tier theater conservatory.
Doreen's journey in the world of performing arts took an unexpected turn when she decided to leave the conservatory to pursue further education at the prestigious The Second City Training Center. It was there that she not only honed her craft but also caught the attention of the Touring Company, who eventually offered her a spot as a performer.
As she continued to grow as an artist in Chicago, Doreen earned her Equity card by taking on a significant role in The Steppenwolf Theater Company's production of "El Salvador". This marked a significant milestone in her career, as she shared the stage with the accomplished actor Ted Levine.
In addition to her work in the theater, Doreen also pursued her academic interests by earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from Columbia College. This rigorous program of study allowed her to deepen her understanding of the art form and refine her skills as a performer.
Under the guidance of the renowned Del Close, Doreen had the opportunity to perform at ImprovOlympic, where she was able to apply her skills in a unique and challenging environment.
Doreen's journey to Los Angeles was preceded by an extraordinary odyssey, wherein she embarked upon a solo bicycle ride from St. Paul, Minnesota to Chicago, with the intention of raising awareness about AIDS, thereby utilizing her physical prowess to contribute to a noble cause.
Prior to this remarkable adventure, Doreen had already gained experience in the theatrical world, having shared the stage with esteemed actor James Denton in a production of "Mariposa" by the renowned playwright Jeffrey Leiber, at the Strawdog Theatre.
Upon her arrival in the City of Angels, Doreen decided to explore the realm of stand-up comedy, while also sharing her expertise in the art of improvisation, thereby honing her skills and broadening her artistic horizons.
In addition to these endeavors, Doreen was able to secure several television appearances and national commercial bookings, thereby further solidifying her presence in the entertainment industry and showcasing her versatility as a performer.
Doreen's academic endeavors did not cease after a few years, as she embarked on a new path, obtaining an Associate of Arts degree in Graphic Design and distinguishing herself as the Class Valedictorian, a testament to her academic prowess. Concurrently, she ventured into the realm of stage direction, skillfully guiding productions to success. Furthermore, she took the initiative to found her own business, aptly named The Recognized Actor, a venture that showcased her entrepreneurial spirit.
