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pro-conn

(Professional Connections)

VSU Theatre and Dance is dedicated to the training of professionals. One way that this is accomplished is with the pro-conn program (Professional Connections.)

pro-conn involves bringing professionals to campus to give workshops, advice and answer questions about the reality of the theatre and dance industries and to provide our students with opportunities to audition, learn from and network with these professionals. Additionally, bi-ennial trips are planned to major markets for intensive workshop and networking opportunities as well as experiencing a metropolitan environment.

 

2012-2013

New York City Trip

David Rossett leads dance workshop Shawn Pennington with tech students backstage at the Gershwin Theatre
Cynthia Katz, Joy Dewing, Joel Carlton in audition workshop Bess Fifer conducts auditioning for the camera workshop
Rachel Hoffman, Jamie Harris and Debra Fordham answer student questions

October 2012

Top Left: VSU Alum David Rossetti (with cap), currently Swing/Dance Captain in the Broadway revival Annie, leads dance workshop.
Top Right: Tech students and alums meet with AEA Stage Manager Shawn Pennington for Wicked backstage at the Gershwin Theatre.
Center Left: Agent Cynthia Katz (Gotham Talent), Casting Agent Joy Dewing (Joy Dewing Casting), & Agent Joel Carlton (CGF Talent Agency) respond to student work at an auditioning workshop.
Center Right: Bess Fifer with student Charlotte Grady at an on-camera workshop.
Bottom: VSU Theatre & Dance students listen to Rachel Hoffman (Telsey + Co, casting), Jamie Harris (agent, Clear Talent) and Debra Fordham (VSU Alum/television writer/producer) as they respond to their work.

Thanks to those above, plus Chris Smith, Jason Clark & Kim Vernace (Chaplin); David Lawrence (Annie), Joann Swanson (Nice Work If You Can Get It) for their work with our students and faculty.
Special thanks to Sage Archer and VSU's Office of Alumni Relations for their support of this experience and to Rachel Hoffman for her coordination of the workshops.

 

2011-2012

Senior & Junior Showcase

respondents to the Jr. Sr. ShowcaseBrian Beegle vists with VSU Dance Major Marie Harper

In April, Seniors and Juniors had the opportunity to audition for representatives from regional theatres and casting directors. Following the audition, the reps and auditioners were joined by freshmen and sophomore theatre and dance majors for a networking reception.

Top left are some of the reps: L-R: Brian Clowdus of Serenbe Playhouse (Atlanta); Eugene Columbus of Orlando Repertory Theatre (Orlando); Amanda Dyson Dana of Green Media (Atlanta); Charles Swint of 7 Stages (Atlanta); Natalie Symons of freeFall Theatre (Tampa); John Ancona of Wild Adventures Theme Park (Valdosta).

Bottom left:: Brian Beegle of Stilwell Casting (Atlanta) talks with Dance Major Marie Harper at the networking reception.

 
Musical Theatre Auditioning Master Class with Matthew McGee

Master Class with Matthew McGee

Pictured front row: Tim Olivar, Matthew McGee, Susanna Agnew. Back row: Jonathan Butts, Luke Newsome. Mr. McGee (VSU Theatre, Class of '99) is an Equity Actor and Artistic Director of Show Palace Dinner theatre in Hudson, FL. at the Fall 2011 masterclass.

 

2010-2011

New York City Trip

Assorted workshops, performances and VSU Alumni Networking Event.

alums, vsu students and faculty on camera workshop
Brittany Lord at Broadway Dance Workshop Alum Summer Baldwin instructs Lacey Harper in aerial workshop

Special thanks to: Rachel Hoffman (Telsey + Company); Cameron Folmar, Matthew Shiner, Brian Carfi, Will Norris, (The 39 Steps); Nancy Nagel Gibbs, Greg Schaffert (321 Management); Bill Russell (Side Show, Pageant); Bess Fifer, James Kinney, Geoff Josselson, Allison Franck, (casting directors); Jamie Harris (Clear Talent Group); Cambra Overend (AEA Stage Manager); Fly by Night Dance Company; Soundance; Manhattan Theatre Club; Angus McIndoe Restaurant; and John Trombetta and the VSU Office of Alumni Relations.

 

Atlanta Networking

Following the SETC Convention in Atlanta, VSU Theatre & Dance students and alumni met for a networking session.

Atlanta Networking Event, Spring 2011

Thanks to VSU Advancement and Alumni Relations. Special thanks to Amanda Dyson Dana, class of 2001.

 

End of Year Workshops

Steve Heron listens Richard Futch with Mark LaMont Hance

Steve Heron listens to a singer Jake Alley. Richard Futch (return visit) responds to Mark LaMont Hance's audition.
April 2011.



2009-2010

Richard Futch
Futch-Mullins Casting Associates
Charleston, South Carolina

Richard Futch with VSU Students Raoul Barnick and Ashley Dent
 Richard Futch working with Rishik Patel and Christen Orr Richard Futch prepares for an audition


Auditioning for film and television conducted by Richard Futch
Since 2006, Mr. Futch has been the casting director for Army Wives which is filmed in Charleston, SC. Army Wives is the highest rated series in the history of Lifetime Network.
Since 1990, Mr. Futch as been responsible for casting both principal actors and background talent for feature films, television network movies and national and regional commercials in Charleston, SC, Texas, Florida and Virginia, projects have included The Notebook, American Outlaws, The Hunley, and Rough Riders.

 

Chris Kirby
PGT Entertainment
Merritt Island, Florida

Chris Kirby observing an audition Student response to Mr. Kirby

Auditioning for the cruise line entertainment conducted by Chris Kirby
Mr. Kirby is casting director for PGT Entertainment, a company specializing in providing entertainment for the cruise industry and land based theatricals. In addition to the workshop, Mr. Kirby auditioned VSU student singers and dancers in the Theatre & Dance Area.

2008-2009
New York Trip

Auditions workshop in NYC, Fall 2008

 Alums at networking event, Fall, 2008

During Fall Semester, 2008, VSU Theatre & Dance Students visited New York City (pictured above) where they enjoyed the city, participated in workshops led by casting directors, agents, stage managers and production personnel. Pictured above are moments from a workshop and the alumns of the program at the networking event for former and current Theatre & Dance students.

Other 2008-2009 workshops included:

Shakespeare Text, conducted by Richard Garner, Artistic Director, Georgia Shakespeare

Cruise Ship Entertainment Opportunities, conducted by Steve Heron, PGT Entertainment               

Musical Theatre Auditions, conducted by Eugene Gwozdz, New York based Musical Director              

Dance Master Class, conducted by Ivery Wheeler, Tap Master

Auditioning, conducted by Matt McGee, Artistic Director, Show Palace Dinner Theatre