April 8, 2008
Broadway director conducts master class
Director Steve Ellis critiques student Mike Burgtorf ’08. (Photo by Jeff Watts)
Jeanie Hossler ’09 is vamping. It’s a song full of wiggles and coochie-coos, which is definitely against type for the elfin girl next door, but it’s working. Almost. To Broadway director Steve Ellis, she’s still a little . . . well . . . shy.
He has her sing it again, and again, each time giving a little more.
Mike Burgtorf ’08 has been accused of a terrible crime and is pleading with the jury. Ellis stops him in midsong. “I wouldn’t get angry. If you’re fighting for your life, I’m not sure that’s what you want.”
He, too, sings it again. And again.
The students were participating in a master class with Ellis, a Tony Award–nominated director and associate artistic director of New York’s Roundabout Theatre, as part of the Department of Performing Arts’ “Day in the Studio Theatre.”
It was a time for selected students to work with a top director and hear some inside tips on the reality of the business. One thing to know: “The minute you walk into this room, I’ve already started judging,” Ellis says.
“Two seconds,” interjects a voice from the back of the room. It’s Lora Kennedy, senior vice president of casting for Warner Bros. Pictures, whose casting credits include Syriana and who would be on a panel later in the day.
“It’s not bad judging,” Ellis continues. “It’s just the vibe I get, and then the minute you open your mouth, it’s very quick.”
“Immediate,” Kennedy adds. The encouraging news: it’s not really just an audition for one part. “It’s your audition for future auditions, too.” A good actor, regardless of whether they’re right for a role, will be remembered for the future. And that’s what you want.
The day of coaching and panels with alumni and experts was followed by a trip to New York City to see the Tony Award–winning rock musical Spring Awakening and have a session with the cast. The tickets and session were arranged by the show’s producer, Jeffrey Sine, SIS/BA ’76.
