Tonight I had the pleasure of being a guest of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, the nation's first school of acting (Est. 1884!). I spent the evening with as an auditor for mock auditions with 25 talented young actors finishing up an Audition class. I look forward to seeing these artists join the ranks of AADA alums like Robert Redford, Grace Kelly, Paul Rudd, Jessica Chastain, and Cecille B. DeMille!
Joining the staff of The Playwrights Realm
I'm thrilled to be joining The Playwrights Realm as Artistic Associate this month. I've long admired this unique, playwright-centric organization and the unique and meaningful ways in which they help writers write (and make a living doing it!). Among other duties, I'll be producing the annual INK'D Festival of New Plays, featuring works by The Realm's 2016-17 Writing Fellows; producing multiple internal readings and development processes; and spearheading logistics related to the creation of an exciting new open submission program (more details available this spring!).
Directing for the Fordham University-Lincoln Center Studio Series
This fall I'll be working with a very talented--and very funny--young musical theatre writer, Billy Reece, on his new musical political satire, Wally Weasel's GOP Jamboree. I'm looking forward to diving in to this fantastically over-the-top mash-up of political extremism, family dysfunction and American theme park culture with Fordham University-Lincoln Center students and staff! Tickets and more information HERE.
Teaching Directing at Kent State University's Porthouse Theatre International Academy
I'm excited to have been invited to return to Kent State University July 26-28 to lead a directing workshop for South Korean students taking part in the Porthouse Theatre International Academy. I led brief 3-hour session last summer, and I look forward to having an expanded 3-day period to work with these amazing young artists!
Throughout the three-week program, PITA students will experience life on an American college campus; take classes in dance, acting, directing and voice; strengthen their language skills through ESL classes; and and observe rehearsals of a Porthouse Theatre production. I'm so pleased to be a part of this unique experience.
Doctors in ACTion
I'm excited to be continuing "Doctors in ACTion," a program I created in collaboration with CWRU and University Hospitals for 1st year medical interns, beginning this Wednesday.
Each spring for the past four years I've had the opportunity to work with 30-40 young doctors from across the country--and the globe--as part of their clinical skills training. Using activities ranging from simple sound-and-movement exercises to Viewpoints we explore how the terms, ideas and techniques we use in theatre can help the interns be more present and open; be more capable, holistic, “extraordinary” listeners; use simple scene analysis techniques to help respond to impulses and successfully accomplish their "objective" in any situation; and employ empathy as a part of effective communication.
I always love blending the Arts and Science in this way. It's such a unique collaboration, and like all good collaborations we all come away surprised and inspired by each other.