Wednesdays, May 15, 22 & 29, 2013
Mark Blum | Commercial Voice Over Intensive
10:00am - 12:00pm
Class Fee: $87
This is a practical workshop designed to acquaint the student with the specific techniques involved in performing commercial voiceover and radio copy. Students will practice the basics of mike technique, acquire tools to discover the point of view demanded by the commercial copy, and will learn how to translate that understanding into a compelling performance at an audition or a recording session. The student will also gain perspective on demo tapes, casting directors, agents and the audition process.
Mark Blum has over 20 years experience doing voice overs, including BB&T Bank (spokesperson), General Mills, MacDonalds, Superpretzel, NY Lottery, The American Diabetes Association, and many more. He has done numerous narrations for industrial films, coming attraction film trailers, many Books On Tape, and is the voice of several Museums. His demo is available on the Abrams Artists website. Selected Theatre: Currently appearing on Broadway in THE ASSEMBLED PARTIES. Broadway: GORE VIDAL’S THE BEST MAN (2012); LOST IN YONKERS; TWELVE ANGRY MEN; GORE VIDAL’S THE BEST MAN (original production); A THOUSAND CLOWNS; THE GRADUATE; MY THING OF LOVE; and THE MERCHANT. Off Broadway: THE GOOD MOTHER; LONELY, I’M NOT; WE LIVE HERE; PICKED; AFTER THE REVOLUTION; THE SINGING FOREST; MOURNING BECOMES ELECTRA; BUFFALO GAL; THE MUSIC TEACHER; THE LONG CHRISTMAS RIDE HOME; THE WAVERLY GALLERY; THE SEAGULL; KEY EXCHANGE; TABLE SETTINGS; SAY GOODNIGHT GRACIE; LITTLE FOOTSTEPS; IT’S ONLY A PLAY; MISLANSKY ZILINSKY; and GUS AND AL, for which he received an Obie Award. Film: THE GREEN; SHATTERED GLASS; DESPERATELY SEEKING SUSAN; CROCODILE DUNDEE; THE PRESIDO; BLIND DATE; JUST BETWEEN FRIENDS; WORTH WINNING; MIAMI RHAPSODY. TV: INDICTMENT: THE McMARTIN TRIAL; STEVE MARTIN’S THE JUDGE; THE DEFENDERS; as well as guest-starring roles in THE GOOD WIFE; LAW & ORDER; FRINGE; THE SOPRANOS; WEST WING; CSI MIAMI; JUDGING AMY; NYPD BLUE; ST. ELSEWHERE; MIAMI VICE; FRASIER; WINGS; ROSEANNE; THE PRACTICE; and many others.
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Fridays, May 17, 24 & 31 and June 7 & 14, 2013
Geoffrey Owens | Sharper Than a Serpent's Tooth: Focusing on King Lear
10:00am - 12:00pm
Class Fee: $115
Although HAMLET is considered Shakespeare's most "famous" play, many consider KING LEAR to be his greatest. Is this distinction the result of Lear's harrowing spiritual journey, the profound depiction of good and evil, the compelling and fascinating use of language (everything from the sublime to the slangy), or the Chekhovian juxtaposition of tragic and comic elements? The curious actor is invited to explore this question through a process of reading; analyzing and performing selected and assigned scenes from the play. Required: Participants must have read the play and be familiar with it.
Geoffrey Owens B.A. Yale, 1983; Actor, director and teacher in theater, television and film. He recently played Henry in D. Mamet’s RACE (Goodman Theatre). Other roles include Romeo, Richard of Gloucester, Othello, and Puck, at theaters such as New York Shakespeare Festival, Long Wharf Theatre, Hartford Stage Co. and Williamstown Theatre Festival, with directors Joseph Papp, A.J. Antoon, James Lapine, Brian Kulick, Mark Lamos, Joe Dowling, Derek Anson Jones and Estelle Parsons. Films: WILDE SALOMÉ (dir. by and with Al Pacino), STONEBROOK, THE PAPER (dir. by Ron Howard), PLAY THE GAME (with Andy Griffith). TV: THE COSBY SHOW, BUILT TO LAST, WITHOUT A TRACE, BOSTON LEGAL, MEDIUM, JOURNEYMAN, IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA, LAS VEGAS, THE WEDDING BELLS, LAW & ORDER, LAW & ORDER: SVU, THE GUIDING LIGHT, THAT’S SO RAVEN, THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER and FLASH FORWARD. Mr. Owens has directed KING LEAR, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, RICHARD III, AS YOU LIKE IT, THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA, TARTUFFE, Chekhov’s One-Act Plays, OVERRULED, AMERICAN BUFFALO, STATEMENTS MADE AFTER AN ARREST UNDER THE IMMORALITY ACT, TAMER OF HORSES, MACBETH (Circus Theatricals Theatre Co.) and co-directed (with Lee M. Cohn) INSIDE PRIVATE LIVES. Teaching: HB Studio, Yale, Gene Frankel Studio, and FSU/Asolo Conservatory. Founder/Artistic Director of The Brooklyn Shakespeare Company and is a recipient of the BACA Brooklyn Bridge Award and the Danny Kaye Award. He studied acting with Uta Hagen, Austin Pendleton and Nikos Psacharopoulos.
See also Mr. Owen’s SCENE STUDY class in the ACTING department.
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Saturdays, May 18 & 25 and June 1, 2013
John Charles Murphy | Developing the Comic Character
3:00pm - 6:00pm
Class Fee: $90
Movement-based lessons in comic character development. This workshop is designed for those who want to deepen an awareness of what makes people laugh. Beginning with characters created through group and individual improvisations and selected exercises; participants have the opportunity to verify their skills and abilities. At the heart of the workshop stands the sense of play that animates us all. Students sharpen their senses and strengthen concentration while playing a character they create. The overall objective of the workshop: to develop a humoristic character to the fullest extent while keeping it authentic and moment-to-moment. Mr. Murphy draws from the methods of J. Lecoq, M. Chekhov, Uta Hagen and others. Note: Prior acting experience is helpful.
John Charles Murphy M.A. University of Colorado; completion diploma, École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq; Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner; actor, director, writer, and producer; has taught acting, and performance studies in Europe and the United States; has acted in plays, film, television and commercials. Co-creator of programs with the acclaimed Swiss mask theatre company, Mummenschanz, and performed worldwide with them over 20 years. Co-authored several plays while working with the Italian theatre company, Panna Acida (Riccone Prize for original play), creating a contemporary theatrical dramaturgy, by developing original work through improvisation. Directing projects include: NEXT and MUMMENSCHANZ PARADE, THE SERPENT OF THE SEA, FOUR PORTRAITS OF MOTHERS, WALSH, BROTHER GEORGE, ALL MY SONS, ONE-ACTS by Tennessee Williams. In Italy and Denmark Mr. Murphy directed and performed in a variety of plays including: Maldimare, Nera, Come la Notte, Solo per Archi, THE ZOO STORY, Lucertole, and The Importance of Being Ernest. Film: IO NO SPIK INGLISH, IL GRANDE FUOCO, UN EROE BORGHESE, LA CHANCE, UN ORSO CHIAMATO ARTURO, A FIOR DI PELLE. His work has drawn upon the methodologies of Jacques Lecoq, Michael Chekhov, Uta Hagen, Peter Brook, Eugenio Barba, and others. He currently teaches privately and at The New School.
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Saturdays, May 25 and June 1, 2013
Jack Doulin & Tina Benko | What's Stopping You?
An Audition Intensive for the Working Actor
11:00am - 5:30pm
Class Fee: $194 - Submission Deadline: May 13, 2013
A NY theatre casting director and a working actor/acting coach join perspectives to lead this theater audition intensive for the working actor. Focusing on each actor's individual issues around auditioning, in a relaxed and open environment, with plenty of laughs. Prerequisite: Open by submission only. Submit materials to http://www.hbstudio.org/submit.htm Note: Limited Enrollment.
Jack Doulin has been the Casting Director at New York Theatre Workshop since 2000. Productions he has been responsible for there include PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, AFTERMATH, FAR AWAY, HOMEBODY/KABUL, A NUMBER, THE BEARD OF AVON, HEDDA GABLER, THE MISANTHROPE, THE LITTLE FOXES, and ALL THAT I WILL EVER BE. For SoHo Rep he has cast BLASTED, ELECTIVE AFFINITIES, THE UGLY ONE, and UNCLE VANYA. Other New York credits in include THE PERSIANS, UNCLE VANYA, THE MASTER BUILDER, EDGEWISE, JACK’S PRECIOUS MOMENT, CREATURE, BEEBO BRINKER, DARK YELLOW, LIVING ROOM IN AFRICA, ORANGE FLOWER WATER. Regional credits include productions at Long Wharf, The Goodman Theatre, Hartford Stage, The American Repertory Theatre, Seattle Rep, Chautauqua Theatre Company, Pig Iron Theatre, and the Wilma Theatre. Current projects include A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS and Amy Herzog’s BELLEVILLE for NYTW and WE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT A PRESENTATION ABOUT THE HERERO OF NAMIBIA, FORMERLY KNOWN AS SOUTH WEST AFRICA, FROM THE GERMAN SUDWESTAFRIKA, BETWEEN THE YEARS 1884-1915 at SoHo Rep. Mr. Doulin also moderates HB Studio's PEOPLE WHO MAKE THEATRE series, conversations held monthly with leaders and artists of the New York Theatre community.
Tina Benko's Broadway appearances include Irena's Vow, Top Girls, The Real Thing, Not About Nightingales, and Hedda Gabler. She toured internationally as Desdemona/Othello in the concert-play Desdemonawritten by Toni Morrison and directed by Peter Sellars. Off-Broadway credits include Jackie directed by Tea Alagic, The Little Foxes directed by Ivo Van Hove at New York Theatre Workshop, Wally Shawn's Marie and Bruce at the New Group, Charles Mee's Wintertime at Second Stage, and LifeGame: the all-improvised show. Her numerous film and television credits include The Avengers, Ugly Betty, and three seasons on Showtime's Brotherhood. Training: Carnegie Mellon University.
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Thursdays, May 30 and June 6, 13 & 20, 2013
Anthony Arkin & Joe Urla | Film Acting for the Theater Professional
10:00am - 12:30pm
Class Fee: $152
This is an on-camera workshop and discussion on transitioning from the theater to the sound stage. We will cover all the elements that go into realizing the filmed scene. Fundamentals include understanding the medium, navigating the set, what to expect your first day and what the production team will expect of you. On-camera basics will also be covered: acting under stress; the mechanics and meaning of the single and the master; working with the camera. Students will each be given the opportunity to try these techniques. Note: Limited enrollment.
Anthony Arkin is an actor with 30 plus years of experience working in just about every dramatic medium. Film: NEAL CASSADY, ANYTHING ELSE, HOLLYWOOD ENDING, PIPE DREAM, REVOLUTION #9, TWO FAMILY HOUSE, YOU SHOULD BE A BETTER FRIEND, SAMUEL BECKETT IS COMING SOON. Television: THE AMERICANS, THE GOOD WIFE, DAMAGES, 100 CENTRE STREET, DEADLINE, HARRY, NECESSARY PARTIES, and A MATTER OF PRINCIPLE. Theatre: Broadway: I'M NOT RAPPAPORT (Daniel Sullivan, director) Off-Broadway: MEDIEVAL PLAY (Signature Theater, Kenneth Lonergan, dir.); MAKE ME and 10X20 (Atlantic Theater Company); THE WAVERLY GALLERY and POWER PLAYS (Promenade Theater); WAR IN PARAMUS (HB Playwrights Foundation); THE WANDERER (The Flea). He’s also an award-winning filmmaker and editor.
Joe Urla Films include: CHE (Steven Soderbergh, dir.), ACTING FOR THE CAMERA (2009 Sundance Festival), one of the four leads in FOUR SINGLE FATHERS, DISCLOSURE, DEEP IMPACT, WEDDING BELL BLUES, SLEEPERS, STRANGE DAYS (Katherine Bigelow, dir.), THE BODYGUARD and INDICTMENT: THE MCMARTIN STORY (HBO). He has over 50 television credits including series regular roles on DELTA and H.E.L.P., recurring roles on SEINFELD, THE WIRE, and HOMELAND, as well as guest spots on all the LAW & ORDER’s. Theatre credits include BOEING-BOEING (Old Globe), IN THE DAYLIGHT (Off-Broadway), Petruchio in Mark Lamos’ acclaimed all-male production of TAMING OF THE SHREW (Yale Rep), Dr. Stockman in ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE (Shakespeare Theatre of Washington, Helen Hayes Award nom.), FREQUENCY HOPPING, LIVING OUT (Second Stage), SEARCH AND DESTROY (Yale Rep), Iago in OTHELLO, (L.A. Shakespeare Festival), HEAVEN (Yale Rep), PRINCIPIA SCRIPTORIAE (Manhattan Theatre Club), Prince Hal in HENRY IV, PART I, at Williamstown, directed by Austin Pendleton, THE BOYS NEXT DOOR (Broadway), and leading roles at the Mark Taper Forum, La Jolla Playhouse, Actors Theatre of Louisville, New York Shakespeare Festival, New York Stage and Film, and 11 seasons at the National Playwrights Conference. He is the recipient of a Theatre World Award and a graduate of the Yale School of Drama.
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Saturdays, June 1, 8, 15, & 22, 2013
Ann McCormack | Vocal Ease Workshop
3:00pm - 5:30pm
Class Fee: $128
Get centered, breathe easily and fully and produce your true voice! The work will begin with stretching and breathing exercises on mats or on chairs followed by an extensive vocal warm-up and will culminate in-group and solo singing with accompanist. Combining the exercises of Cicely Berry, RSC Vocal Director and opera singer, Robert Rue, the goal of these singing voice workshops is to help the performer develop an effective and lasting vocal technique. Note: Class limited to 12 people. Required: Wear loose fitting clothing, bring a mat or towel and a piece of sheet music.
Ann McCormack, a longtime student of Uta Hagen, has acted, directed and led workshops locally, regionally and abroad. Directing projects include BURR FERRY, TRIFLES, SUPPRESSED DESIRES, CHILDHOOD, LOVERS, BELONGINGS, HUMULUS, THE MUTE, THE RIVER UNDER THE EARTH, ARIA DA CAPO, PATCHWORK, WILEY & THE HAIRY MAN, CYMBELINE, WOMENFOLK, SONGS THAT GOT US THROUGH and REUNITED. Acting credits include YOUNG EUGENE, A STYLE PLAY, THE MATTER, EVERYMAN, THE MUSICAL; THE FLIP SIDE, THE KING AND I, PETER PAN, LEMON MERINGUE and I’M REALLY HERE. Holds a MFA from Brooklyn College and PhD from NYU. A Cabaret Fellow at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center, she has performed at such cabaret venues as The Laurie Beechman, Judy’s, Eighty-Eights, Don’t Tell Mama, and The Village Gate. A member of the band, TRUE ROMANCE, appeared at CBGB, Bonds International, and The Savoy.
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Mondays, June 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2013
Dael Orlandersmith | Solo Performance Playwriting
10:00am - 12:00pm
Class Fee: $92
This workshop is for people who lean toward performing AND writing. Most of us have stories to tell; what makes a personal story dramatic? This workshop challenges the solo performer to discover and craft the dramatic structure of the solo play, not just what is on the stage, but what is on the page; with emphasis on imagination, characterization, story, and plot. Limited enrollment. Acting and writing experience required. Note: Please come on time and prepared to read your work.
Dael Orlandersmith, poet, playwright and actor, won an OBIE Award for BEAUTY'S DAUGHTER, which she wrote and starred. Her plays, MONSTER, premiered at New York Theatre Workshop in 1996 and THE GIMMICK, commissioned by the McCarter Theatre, went on to the Long Wharf Theatre and NYTW. She was a Pulitzer Prize Award finalist and Drama Desk Award Nominee as an actress in and for YELLOWMAN (McCarter, Manhattan Theatre Club). She performed STOOP STORIES (Studio Theatre, Washington, DC; Goodman Theatre) in 2009 and also in 2010 with BONES (Mark Taper Forum). Recently, THE BLUE ALBUM, a new work with David Cale, premiered (Long Wharf) and HORSEDREAMS (Rattlestick Playwrights Theater) was in production and published. She also had in 2012 solo play, BLACK N' BLUE BOYS/BROKEN MEN (Berkeley Rep, Goodman Theatre) being done. She is currently writing, SUICIDE GIRLZ, for the Atlantic Theatre Company. Vintage Books and Dramatists Play Service have published her plays and a collection of earlier work.
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Fridays, Saturday & Sunday, June 7, 8, 9 & 14, from 3:30pm – 7:30pm
Wednesday & Thursday, June 12 & 13, 10:00am – 2:00pm
Jack Garfein | The Art of Acting III
Class Fee: $608
A continuation of the work from the second level of this class moving forward in the process outlined in Jack Garfein’s book LIFE AND ACTING. The workshop will culminate with a public presentation of scenes. Prerequisite: Art of Acting Two. Note: Limited Enrollment. AUDITS ($15) permitted.
Jack Garfein is an internationally renowned director, writer, and producer having worked in theatre, film, and television. He has lectured at Harvard, the University of California, Los Angeles, and New York University and was an associate professor of cinema at the University of Southern California. Garfein is a founder of the Actors and Directors Lab (New York and Los Angeles), The Actors Studio West (Los Angeles), and Jack Garfein Studio (Paris). This year, the Cinematheque in Israel is giving tribute to Garfein — in Tel Aviv on May 26th, in Jerusalem on May 27th, and Haifa on May 28th. His films, THE STRANGE ONE, SOMETHING WILD and THE JOURNEY BACK will also be screened. He currently teaches acting and directing at his studio in Paris and at University of the Arts London.
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Sundays, June 9, 16 & 23, 2013
Eric Michael Gillett
Discovering Monologues: Repertoire, Character, and Performance
10:00am - 1:00pm
Class Fee: $81
In this workshop, Eric Michael Gillett teaches the student how to find and hone a monologue both for audition purposes and as a means of uncovering basic acting truths. The student is given assistance in finding age- and character-appropriate material from both the classic and contemporary repertoire, and is then given the technical tools to mine the entire text as a means to discovering and illuminating character, both in the monologue itself and in the script as a whole. Special emphasis is placed on both tone and developing contrast between individual pieces within the student's repertoire. Exercises in substitution, inner objects, character objectives and actions, along with utilizing elements of the unseen partner and prior circumstance combine to help the student create a living, breathing entity capable of standing alone outside the entire text. Required: Students will bring prepared material to the first session and have assigned material for the second and third sessions.
Eric Michael Gillett made his Broadway debut in the original cast of the Tony Award-winning revival of KISS ME, KATE; and since appeared on Broadway in SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS and THE FROGS. Off-Broadway: FRANKENSTEIN, TIME AND AGAIN, DECEMBER FOOLS, THE GOOD COMPANIONS, DREAM A LITTLE DREAM, WARNING: ADULT CONTENT. Appeared as a principal soloist at NYCO in CANDIDE, CINDERELLA and THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, and at Carnegie Hall in SHOW BOAT. His national tour credits include DOCTOR DOLITTLE and 11 years as Ringmaster of RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS. Regionally: SLEUTH (Hangar Theater); CARNIVAL, ANNIE (Paper Mill); A CHRISTMAS STORY (Geva); EVITA (Lyric Theatre, OK); among many others. TV/Film: LAW & ORDER, ED, GOOD GOD, THE PRODUCERS, MAID IN MANHATTAN, MY BROTHER, THE THIRD TESTAMENT. Directed the BIG APPLE CIRCUS' 33rd Edition, DANCE ON (2010/11). An acclaimed director of concert and cabaret artists including Karen Akers, KT Sullivan, Grammy Award-winner Lari White, and JERSEY BOYS star Jarrod Spector. He has been honored with the Manhattan Association of Cabaret and Clubs (MAC) Awards for direction in 2013 & 2008 and in 2012 & 1995 as a male vocalist, and the Dick Gallagher Award (Mabel Mercer Foundation) for his “outstanding contributions to the art of cabaret”. He has appeared in nightclubs and concert halls across the country. Eric Michael teaches at HB Studio and has classes in bel canto vocal technique and with casting director Mark Simon at Singers Forum. Website: www.ericmichaelgillett.com
See also Mr. Gillett’s workshop, CREATING YOUR CABARET: THE ESSENTIALS and classes, ACTING FOR MUSICAL THEATRE and ACTORS’ TOOLS OF THE TRADE: THE BUSINESS ESSENTIALS.
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Sunday, June 9, 2013
Rita Gardner
How to Bring a Song to Life
3:00pm - 5:30pm
Class Fee: $40
This one-day workshop will introduce the process of using text to bring a song truthfully to life. Students will work on a monologue and song exploring where they connect and lead one to the other. During this work, experience how the musical impulse occurs organically from the monologue and the life of the character. Note: Previous acting training or experience is helpful. Required: Students need to come prepared with a memorized monologue and song of their choice. The song selected should reveal, clarify or heighten the monologue. Accompanist provided.
Rita Gardner has had a long career on and off Broadway, she is best known for originating the role of The Girl in the longest running musical of all time, THE FANTASTICKS. Broadway: A FAMILY AFFAIR, BEN FRANKLIN IN PARIS, 1776, LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS, and Rosie in THE WEDDING SINGER. Off-Broadway: JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN PARIS, STEEL MAGNOLIAS, WINGS. Most recently starred as Vera in 4000 MILES (Repertory Theatre, St. Louis). Selected theater: A.R. Gurney’s THE SNOWBALL, THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE, GINGERBREAD LADY, SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM and KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN (Nat’l tour). Film: MR. GIBB, SUPER HEROES, P.S. I LOVE YOU (w/ Hillary Swank). TV: GUIDING LIGHT, LAW & ORDER (all versions). Recently in readings of a new musical version of QUEEN OF THE STARDUST BALLROOM for Broadway (w/ Tyne Daly, Lucie Arnaz, Keith Carradine) and the title role in a new play with music—ZAZOU—tentatively scheduled for the Walnut Street Theatre. And her one-woman show—TRY TO REMEMBER: A LOOK BACK AT OFF-BROADWAY. Website: www.ritagardner.com
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Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays, June 17, 18 & 19 and June 24, 25 & 26, 2013
Jack Garfein
The Art of Acting I
10:00am - 4:00pm
Class Fee: $625 ~ Submission Deadline: May 20, 2013
This workshop will introduce a short history of the processes of the art of acting with illustrations and participation of the actors and actresses. It will also demonstrate the initial approach to the text of a play. Participants should choose a part close to their age. The plays should only be from the mid-nineteenth century to our own time. This initial course in acting and directing will make the actor/actress aware of the first steps to be taken toward the text of a play. It will introduce them to how spontaneity in behavior is attained in a role. They will realize that as in all the other arts the process of creativity is a conscious approach to the subconscious. The actors/actresses will learn how to arouse intuitively in themselves the need and power of their emotional and sensory experience in relation to a part. Prerequisite: Open by submission only. Note: Limited enrollment.
Jack Garfein is an internationally renowned director, writer, and producer having worked in theatre, film, and television. He has lectured at Harvard, the University of California, Los Angeles, and New York University and was an associate professor of cinema at the University of Southern California. Garfein is a founder of the Actors and Directors Lab (New York and Los Angeles), The Actors Studio West (Los Angeles), and Jack Garfein Studio (Paris). This year, the Cinematheque in Israel is giving tribute to Garfein — in Tel Aviv on May 26th, in Jerusalem on May 27th, and Haifa on May 28th. His films, THE STRANGE ONE, SOMETHING WILD and THE JOURNEY BACK will also be screened. He currently teaches acting and directing at his studio in Paris and at University of the Arts London.
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Sunday, June 23, 2013
Rita Gardner
How to Bring a Song to Life
3:00pm - 5:30pm
Class Fee: $40
This one-day workshop will introduce the process of using text to bring a song truthfully to life. Students will work on a monologue and song exploring where they connect and lead one to the other. During this work, experience how the musical impulse occurs organically from the monologue and the life of the character. Note: Previous acting training or experience is helpful. Required: Students need to come prepared with a memorized monologue and song of their choice. The song selected should reveal, clarify or heighten the monologue. Accompanist provided.
Rita Gardner has had a long career on and off Broadway, she is best known for originating the role of The Girl in the longest running musical of all time, THE FANTASTICKS. Broadway: A FAMILY AFFAIR, BEN FRANKLIN IN PARIS, 1776, LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS, and Rosie in THE WEDDING SINGER. Off-Broadway: JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN PARIS, STEEL MAGNOLIAS, WINGS. Most recently starred as Vera in 4000 MILES (Repertory Theatre, St. Louis). Selected theater: A.R. Gurney’s THE SNOWBALL, THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE, GINGERBREAD LADY, SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM and KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN (Nat’l tour). Film: MR. GIBB, SUPER HEROES, P.S. I LOVE YOU (w/ Hillary Swank). TV: GUIDING LIGHT, LAW & ORDER (all versions). Recently in readings of a new musical version of QUEEN OF THE STARDUST BALLROOM for Broadway (w/ Tyne Daly, Lucie Arnaz, Keith Carradine) and the title role in a new play with music—ZAZOU—tentatively scheduled for the Walnut Street Theatre. And her one-woman show—TRY TO REMEMBER: A LOOK BACK AT OFF-BROADWAY. Website: www.ritagardner.com
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