Born in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana, he began his journey in Lloyd Neck, Long Island, where he spent his formative years. Later, he ventured to Yale University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1962. Following his undergraduate studies, he continued his academic pursuits at Tulane University, graduating with a Master of Arts degree in Theatre and Speech in 1967.
In addition to his academic achievements, he was a co-founder of The American Shakespeare Theatre's Center for Theatre Techniques in Education, a pioneering institution dedicated to the development of theatre techniques in education. Furthermore, he had the opportunity to attend the renowned playwriting class of Herbert Berghof in New York City, where he honed his craft and gained valuable insights from a master of his art.