Theatre Arts Master Classes
SMC's Theatre Arts Department invites you to attend this free
series of in-depth presentations by experts from the world of stage. Classes are
held at the Hangar Stage, located at SMC's Airport Arts Campus, 2800 Airport Ave.,
Santa Monica. Seating is strictly on a first-arrival basis. For more
information, call (310) 434-4319.
The Psychology of Performance in
Acting and Musical Theatre
Dr. Tom Backer, Psychologist
Dr. Tom Backer is a psychologist who specializes in working with creative people
and organizations. For over 30 years, he's taught stress management and career
development for artists, including 25 years work with the Screen Actors Guild-AFI
Conservatory, master classes for opera singers with Virginia Opera artistic
director Peter Mark, a seminar for dancers at Jacob's Pillow with Hollywood
legend Marge Champion, and a workshop for writers with Ray Bradbury, Michael
Crichton and Louis L'Amour. He is on the Board of Directors of Musical Theatre
Guild, which presents seldom-seen musicals in the Southern California venues;
with ASCAP's Michael Kerker, he is executive-producing MTG's 10th anniversary
gala, including a performance in November 2005 of "No No Nanette." In October
2005 he will lead a seminar on the psychology of cabaret for Cabaret West, with
cabaret legend Andrea Marcovicci and other special guests. In his own creative
live, Dr. Backer is an author and award-winner educational film-maker, on
clinical faculty at UCLA Medical School, and CEO of a nonprofit research clinic
in Los Angeles.
Tues, September 20, 2005 * 7:00pm * Free * Hangar Stage
The Joy of Acting:
Character Development, Audition Process, Scene Study
Obba Babatundé, Actor
On Broadway, Obba Babatundé is best known for his Tony-nominated portrayal of
C.C.White in the original Broadway production of "Dreamgirls." Other
unforgettable performances include his magical turn as legendary jazz artist
Jelly Roll Morton in the world premiere of "Jelly's Last Jam," Hal Prince's
"Grind," and "Timbuktu." One of Hollywood's busiest actors today, Babtundé has
over fifty film and television credits, notable among them are "The Manchurian
Candidate" and the television show, "Half and Half." Babatundé has received high
praise from his peers over the years with EMMY and Cable ACE Award nominations
for his role as Willie Johnson in the HBO Original Movie, "Miss Ever's Boys,"
and an NAACP Image Award nomination for his portrayal of Harold Nicholas in
"Introducing Dorothy Dandridge." In this Master Class, Babatundé gives us his
take on how to approach and structure a character and talks about the business
of the business.
Wed, October 19, 2005 * 7:00pm * Free * Hangar
Stage
The Art and Business of Voice-Overs
Gregg Marx
Gregg Marx is probably best known as "Tom Hughes" on the CBS daytime drama "As
The World Turns", for which he received an Emmy Award as Best Supporting Actor.
He also starred on NBC’s "Days Of Our Lives", and has guest-starred in primetime
television shows.
Gregg has also appeared onstage in Los Angeles and, as a
singer, has appeared in some of L.A.’s most celebrated cabaret venues, including
the world-famous Hollywood Cinegrill. Last year, Gregg made his East
Coast cabaret debut.
In those moments when he is not on stage, Gregg can most
likely be found in a recording studio…the voice for hundreds ofTV and radio
commercials, promos and movie trailers. He recently brought his singing and
voice-over careers together, singing holiday classics on the "Rugrats Christmas
Special".
Gregg is the grandson of Gummo Marx of the legendary Marx
Brothers.
Thurs, December 8, 2005 * 7:00pm * Free * Hangar
Stage
(originally scheduled for 11/3)
Photos
Regarding website and/or Theatre Arts department,
contact:
louff_judy@smc.edu
Updated 11/29/05