The following is a link to a teaching demo I was asked to put together. It is 30+ minutes divided into two 15 minute segments. Segment 1 is Intro to Acting (Meisner repetition exercise); Segment 2 is Acting for the Camera.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ga9cINvnr-Q&t=298s
Curriculum Vitae
OBJECTIVE
To obtain the position of Assistant Professor at a college or university Theatre Department. To utilize all of my education, professional experience and knowledge in order to give the students all of the tools they need to help them fulfill their dreams.
EDUCATION
M.F.A. in Acting RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
Professional Acting Training Program
New Brunswick, NJ – 1993
B.A. in Theatre POINT PARK COLLEGE
Pittsburgh, PA – 1989
MILITARY SERVICE
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS – HONORABLE DISCHARGE
ADDITIONAL TRAINING
WYNN HANDMAN STUDIO, New York, NY Lifetime Member
PRODUCTION: OFF-BROADWAY
The Brave by Sharman Macdonald (American Premiere) PRODUCER, Atlantic Theatre Company, Goldthread Productions
DIRECTING
Dancing at Lughnasa, Firebox Theatre Company, 2024
A Piece of My Heart, Firebox Theatre Company 2023
Flight, Firebox Theatre Company, 2023
Trifles, Firebox Theatre Company, 2022
Hello, Out There, Firebox Theatre Company, 2022
Picnic, Fayetteville Technical Community College 2018
Golden Boy , Fayetteville Technical Community College 2017
Between Daylight and Boonville, Fayetteville Technical Community College, 2016
Mrs. Walker: Vampire Accountant, Playwrights Theatre of New Jersey, 2006
The Day Jennifer Lou Ellen Mississippi Kerbunkle Changed Her Life, Playwrights
Theatre of New Jersey, 2005
Anya, The Drilling Company NYC, 2004
INSTITUTIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
• WAKE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Raleigh, NC
• NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSTIY, Durham, NC
• EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY, Greenville, NC
• FAYETTEVILLE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Fayetteville, NC
• GREENSBORO COLLEGE, Greensboro, NC
• NEW YORK CONSERVATORY FOR THE DRAMATIC ARTS, New York, NY
• PLAYWRIGHTS THEATRE OF NEW JERSEY, Madison, NJ
• JOHN ROBERT POWERS STUDIOS, New York, NY
• RUTGERS UNIVERSITY, New Brunswick, NJ
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS/AWARDS/HIGHLIGHTS
• Terminal Degree MFA in Acting
• A wide range of possible teaching assignments in actor training and general theatre studies
• Certifying Teacher - Unarmed Combat - Swordplay
• Performed dozens of roles covering wide range of acting demands and styles
• Co-Producer of Sharman Macdonald's 'The Brave', Off-Broadway production at The Atlantic Theatre Company, New York City
• Artistic Director of Bravo Company - dedicated to veterans and their causes
HONORS AND AWARDS/HIGHLIGHTS
• East Carolina University Recipient of The National Society of Leadership and Success
• Created a student playwriting series with year end productions 2016-2017
• 2017 Faculty Innovation Award, FTCC
• Excellence in Actor Training, Adjunct Professor, Greensboro College, 2016
• Voted Newcomer of the Year by the Star Ledger, New Jerseys most prominent daily newspaper for the role of Tim in Dennis Delaney's production of 'Noises Off'
• Nominee for Best Actor in a short film at the Denver Short Film Festival for 'The End of the Road'
• Recipient of Actor of the Year, Point Park College, 1989
• Nominee for Best Actor, 'The Big Doolie' New York Fringe Festival, 2006
EDUCATION
M.F.A. in Acting RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
1993 Professional Actor Training Program
New Brunswick, NJ
Overview: Three-year actor training program focusing on the Sanford Meisner Technique. Three years of vocal training, three years of movement, two years of period style.
FACULTY / Classes: Maggie Flanagan (Acting Techniques, Cold Reading, Scene Study) William Esper (Acting Techniques, Scene Study Acting Styles, Third Year Showcase) Ed Stern (Actor/Director Relationship, Script Analysis, Audition Techniques) Lloyd Williamson (Movement, Period Style Movement) Patricia Norcia Edwards (Voice and Speech Styles) Dana Smith-Croll (Voice and Speech Styles) Peter Nels (Stage Combat) Mai Loughran (Voice) Joe Hart (Acting Ensemble) Lenard Petit (Physical Theatre)
B.A. in Theatre POINT PARK COLLEGE
1989 PITTSBURGH, PA
FACULTY / Classes: Jill Wadsworth (Acting Techniques, Scene Study) John Amplas (Acting Techniques, Scene Study) Don Wadsworth (Voice and Speech, Dialects, Voice-Over Technique) James Prescott (Theatre History, Theatre Criticism) William Duncan (Directing) Mark Thompson (Movement, Clown Work) Angela D’Ambrosia (Guest Acting Teacher, Guest Director)
Workshops: Cecily Berry (The Actor and His Text) Angela D’Ambrosia (Scene Study, Script Analysis)
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
ACTING TECHNIQUE/SCENE STUDY: From students first day of training through the final performance or final day of shooting using principles of Meisner, Stanislavski, Michael Chekhov and Uta Hagen; emphasis on listening and responding, physical actions, independent activities, and emotional preparation; physical and psychological sense memory; character creation through use of bios, journals, collages, pageants, historical recreations (if germane), interviews and improvisation; archetypes and psychological gestures.
SCRIPT ANALYSIS: Including breaking down a script as a whole and from individual characters point-of-view; the given circumstances and how they apply to each scene; identifying the super objective of play and how each individual/department, i.e., director, actor, designer, and marketing must aim to achieve this objective; scoring each scene with an objective that supports the super objective and each beat that supports the objective; each objective and beat is to be scored using action verbs; and applying score to character creation.
ACTING FOR THE CAMERA: Combined Script Analysis/Acting for the Camera class. Syllabus geared toward gleaning script for all clues to character and story; take this information and employ it to flesh out three-dimensional characters to be lived out truthfully on camera. Utilizing Meisner’s moment-to-moment, listen/responding principals. Strong emphasis on scene preparation, the moment before, given circumstance and physical tools i.e. music and personal props; knowledge of master shot, medium shot and close-up; physical and vocal training for camera; acting out of sequence, preserving energy and focus between takes, and using camera as scene partner. Includes elliptical scenes, commercial work (script-in-hand, cue cards and commercial auditioning), film monologues and a final project of students shooting their own film scene.
DIRECTING: Introduction course utilizing Harold Clurmans’ ‘On Directing’, Michael Blooms’ ‘Thinking Like a Director’ and William Balls’ ‘ A Sense of Direction’ students work on breaking down scripts: the importance of finding the ‘theme’ or ‘spine’ of the play, recognizing the objective and subjective elements of directing, the dramaturgy of directing, budget, design and most significantly, how to be a successful leader and collaborator at the same time. (The ABC’s of Directing)
AUDITION TECHNIQUE: Including everything an actor needs to know to get the part; guiding actors from the moment they walk into the casting office through a final thank you letter; choosing material, Michael Shurtleff’s Twelve Guideposts, types of auditions, i.e., monologues, scenes, commercials, callbacks, on-camera; how to handle oneself in the audition room, taking charge of the room, when it’s appropriate to engage in conversation, leaving the room with authority; and writing thank you cards.
VOICE AND SPEECH: Blending the works’ of Edith Skinners’ IPA, Patsy Rodenburgs’ The Second Circle and the visceral, (violent) physicality of Cicely Berry, students’ can identify proper sounds, how to share ideas with their acting partners and to embrace their true voice and use it to bring out the poetry and musicality of Shakespeare and other classical texts.
DIALECTS: Using the IPA, video and recordings to unlock the world of the character; developing and strengthening vocal dexterity, proper voice and tongue placement; regionalisms, age, gender, history, and singing in dialect.
THEATRE APPRECIATION: including needs assessment, evaluation of external sources, selection of training principles and media, customizing teaching programs and revisions, production and distribution of educational materials (scripts, plays, live performances), play production, and public speaking.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2022 -present
INSTRUCTOR, Wake Tech Community College
- Responsible for Teaching Acting I & II, Acting for the Camera. Collaborates with Firebox Theatre Company in leading Continuing Education classes in acting and play production.
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR, North Carolina Central University
• Responsible for Teaching Acting III & IV – Meisner Technique, Advanced Acting (Character Creation, Shakespeare), Voice & Speech, Acting for the Camera and Directing
2017 - Present
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR, East Carolina University
• Responsible for Advanced Acting I & II (Modern Theatre & Shakespeare). Acting for the Camera, Professional Preparation and Production Archivist
2015 - 2020
INSTRUCTOR, Fayetteville Technical Community College
• Responsible for teaching Acting I (Meisner- Repetition through first scene) Acting for the Camera (includes elliptical scenes, commercials, film monologues and final scene filmed and constructed by students.) Directing for the Stage and Voice and Speech.
2016 - 2017
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR,, Greensboro College
• Responsible for teaching Acting III (Meisner- Repetition through first scene) & Acting II - Uta Hagen exercises - Stanislavski Character Creation
2012 - 2015
INSTRUCTOR, New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, New York, NY, the premiere training ground for film and television in the country. Sanctioned by the New York State Board of Regents and National Association of Schools of Theatre as a degree program (AOS)
• Responsible for instruction in Meisner – 1st year, Scene Study, Acting Technique and Acting for the Camera
2010 - 2013
INSTRUCTOR, New Jersey School for the Dramatic Arts, Bloomfield, NJ, New Jersey’s premiere acting school for the beginning actor to the working professional
• Responsible for instruction in Adult Acting, Scene Study, Script Analysis and Acting for the Camera
2006 - 2012
HEAD INSTRUCTOR, Adult Acting Program, JOHN ROBERT POWERS, New York, NY, a large nationwide premiere Performing Arts Academy offering classes in acting and modeling.
• Responsible for managing the Adult Acting Program, Instructor of Commercial Workshop, On-Camera Acting for Film and Television (Soap and Sitcom), Scene Study, Business of Acting and Auditioning for the Camera.
2004 - 2007
ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR OF PLAYWRITING, Acting Teacher/Director, PLAYWRIGHTS THEATRE OF NEW JERSEY, Madison, NJ, a professional theatre nationally known for its artistic and educational programs.
• Responsible for teaching playwriting, acting and directing final showcase. Reported to the Director of Education.
• To create an Acting Program that would augment the school’s reputation for playwriting excellence, developed a 10-week (school year) and 2-week (summer) play program. Emphasis was on listening and responding, character creation, rehearsal process, costumes, props, and learning to think like an actor which culminated in a final performance on main stage. Result: classes became a staple of Playwrights curriculum and the New Jersey school system outreach program; achieved greater attendance and publicity.
2006 - 2008
ACTING INSTRUCTOR, NEW CENTER FOR THE ARTS, Danbury, CT, a performing arts program created to bring professional training to Danbury. Responsible for acting instructing, beginning Meisner Technique, and scene study.
• To compete with New York City Performing Arts, created a professional acting environment, established a program based on merit, acquired costumes, props and set pieces to be used by students during training and showcase. Built a black-box theatre, replete with sound and lighting boards. Solicited professional agents, managers and casting directors to attend final showcase for students that had completed the two-year training program; achieved an increase of 75% in registration from first year to third; rental of black box theatre to local troupes/talent increased revenue and built community relations; select students signed by professional representation.
• 6 adult students appeared in: LAW AND ORDER, THE SOPRANOS, SEX AND THE CITY and the film THE INFORMANT
1993 - Present
PROFESSIONAL ACTOR performing in theatre, film, and television in recurring roles throughout the United States. Credits included The Manchurian Candidate, Law & Order, New York Undercover, One Life to Live, All My Children, Person of Interest, Nurse Betty, etc. Also performed in Off-Broadway and major regional theatres.
1993 - 1994
INSTRUCTOR, MASON GROSS SCHOOL OF THE ARTS, Rutgers University,
• Introduction to Acting, Beginning Voice for the Actor, and Scene Study for non-majors.
INTERESTS
Hockey, softball, weight training, horseback riding, swimming, The Beatles, opera gardening, literature and fishing
ACTING (PROFESSIONAL) MEMBER – SAG/AFTRA, AEA
2024 Anna Christie Mat Burke Firebox Theatre Company
2023 The Dumb Waiter Gus Firebox Theatre Company
2018 And Then There Were None William Henry Blore Triad Stage
2014 Tilt The Unlit Candle Thad Luna Stage Company
2013 Person of Interest Guest CBS-TV
2013 Nurse Jackie Guest Showtime
2010 Law & Order: SVU Guest NBC-TV
2009 Law & Order: Criminal Intent Guest NBC-TV
2009 Tis Pity She’s a Whore Richardetto Baltimore Center Stage
2008 Centennial Casting Doo-Doo Virginia Stage Company
2008 Bootstraps Dougan Luna Stage Company
2006 The Big Doolie Odis ‘Beef’ Midzusky New York International Fringe Festival
2005 Guiding Light The Drifter CBS-TV
-2006
2005 A Moon to Dance By Angelo Ravagli New Harmony Theatre Co.
2005 Law & Order: Criminal Intent Guest NBC-TV
2004 A Mans a Man Bloody Five Arena Stage
2004 Manchurian Candidate PFC. Jameson Paramount Pictures
(With Meryl Streep & Denzel Washington)
2003 Parts Unknown Johnny Chashama Theatre, NYC
2002 Salome First Soldier Two River Theatre Company
2001 A Streetcar Named Desire Stanley Virginia Stage Company
2001 A Streetcar Named Desire Stanley Syracuse Stage
2000 King of the Moon Eddie Seven Angels Theatre Co.
1999 A Streetcar Named Desire Stanley Northern Stage Theatre Co.
1999Noises Off Tim Two River Theatre Company
(Newcomer of the Year- Star Ledger)
1999 Borough of Kings Bobby Crypt Avenue R Films
(With Olympia Dukakis & Philip Bosco)
1999 Loves Labors Lost King Ferdinand Kings County Shakespeare Co.
1999 East Jesus The Man American Place Theatre (Off-Broadway)
1998 End of the Road John Thomas 20th Century Hound Prod.
(Nom. Best Actor – Denver Short Film Festival)
1997 Macbeth Captain/Lenox Kings County Shakespeare Co.
1996 Twelfth Night Antonio Sanibel Playhouse
1995 New York Undercover Guest FOX-TV
1995 Stonewall Head Detective BBC Productions
1995 The Misanthrope Basque Classic Stage Company (Off-Broadway)
1995 Italian American Reconciliation Aldo Scalicki Access Theatre Company
1994 One Life To Live Rocky DaVinci ABC-TV
-1995
1994 Nothing Works/ Asbestos Bribe Larry/Rollo Access Theatre Company
1993 Law & Order Guest NBC-TV
1989 Raven Descending Raven Pittsburgh Playhouse Rep.
1989 Biloxi Blues Wykowski Sierra Repertory Company
IV. MISCELLANEOUS STAGED READINGS
2009 The Cobbler The Reading Series Baltimore Center Stage
2008 Caesar & Cleopatra Gingold Theatrical Group The Players Club
2006 Captain Brassbounds Gingold Theatrical The Players Club
Conversion Group
2003 El Salvador Bravo Company Primary Stages
2002 El Salvador Bravo Company Chashama Theatre
2001 All My Sons Bravo Company Westport Community Center
1999 New Play Staged Goldthread Prod. Atlantic Theatre
Reading Series