Meet Drée.
Actress. Improviser. Mom of two. Founder.
I'm Andrée Vermeulen — Drée — and I live in Los Angeles with my husband and two young kids. I've spent my career as an actress, comedian, singer, and writer. I trained at the UCB Theatre in New York City, where I eventually became a House Performer. I then moved to Los Angeles, continued performing at UCB LA, and went on to work in TV, film, and animation.
But when I became a parent, something clicked. I had spent years learning how improv makes you a better collaborator, a better listener, a better communicator. And I started to wonder: what would it look like to bring that to kids — not to create little performers, but to give them tools for life?
Yes, And! Kids is the answer to that question. It's not an acting class. It's a play-based class that uses improv games to help children build confidence in themselves, their ideas, and their ability to notice and connect with the emotions of others.
Your kids don't need to be theatre kids to be here. They just need to be kids.
You're in good hands.
Drée's background is the thing that makes this program special — and the reason parents feel confident sending their kids.
Training
B.A. in Theatre Performance with a minor in Musical Theatre, Marymount Manhattan College, New York City
Improv
Trained at UCB Theatre NYC. UCB House Performer. Continued performing at UCB Los Angeles.
Professional work
Actress, comedian, and voice performer in TV, film, and animation. See her full credits on IMDB.
View IMDB →Parenting philosophy
Drée's approach is rooted in the work of Dr. Becky Kennedy (Good Inside), Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson (The Whole Brain Child), and Janet Lansbury (RIE).
What educators say
Drée sparked an incredible excitement for improv in our kindergarten students! They were always thrilled when she came to lead a class. She is as talented a teacher as she is an improviser, bringing creativity, energy, and warmth to every session.
Our students listened with wide-eyed wonder as Drée introduced new activities, and she had a remarkable ability to make every child feel brave enough to take risks and participate. Through play, Drée helps students develop essential skills, including listening, body awareness, emotional awareness, and collaboration. Her classes are joyful, engaging, and empowering, and the impact she has on young learners is truly special.
Katie Cohelan, M.Ed.
Dree brings such a calm, focused energy into the room, creating an instant connection with every student. She makes learning so incredibly fun that the kids stay fully engaged from start to finish. They absolutely love body movement, the music, and having a safe, joyful space to be silly while learning to understand their feelings. She is truly wonderful!
Maria Brown, Educator · The Waverly School