(UNION, NJ) -- The Kean University Theatre Conservatory in partnership with Premiere Stages, the professional theatre company in residence at Kean University, will present two performances of the biannual Kean Actors Showcase on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at the Gene & Shelley Enlow Recital Hall in Hillside. The showcase, which features current B.F.A. Theatre Performance and B.A. Theatre students as well as recent graduates of the program, gives students the opportunity to audition for industry professionals, including agents, casting directors and artistic directors.
The 2018 showcase will highlight Sabrina Alamo ’18 of Roselle, Kerry Borowski ’17 of Colonia, Peighton Bryant ’17 of Bloomfield, Lisa Burgos ’18 of Elizabeth, Frank L. Calabrese '17 of Jersey City, Chris DeBono ’17 of Madison, Deonté Griffin-Quick ’18 of Linden, Brianna Javis ’18 of Union, Marissa Parrott ’17 of Mullica Hill, Gaby Resende ’17 of Clark, Ryan C. Strack ’18 of Burlington, and Kyiana Andrew Vargas ’17 of Clifton, N.J.
Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre, the Kean University Theatre Conservatory mirrors the university’s mission to provide a core educational foundation based on the liberal arts. Curricula are designed to educate theatre students to enter the realm of professional theatre, theatre education or advanced graduate studies.
“After completing a course that is designed to help the student prepare to enter the business of theatre, the next logical step on that bridge is our showcase,” stated Holly Logue, director of the Theatre Conservatory. “It is always a joyful experience to witness our actors taking this step and bringing their skills to the stage.”
In preparation for the showcase, students were required to take or audit Kean’s “Acting as a Profession” course, taught by John J. Wooten, producing artistic director of Premiere Stages. Over the course of the fall semester, students were also required to develop an “actor's toolkit,” including contrasting monologues, a professional headshot and resume, a website, and a two-year business plan.
“As the professional Equity theatre at Kean University, Premiere Stages actively partners with the Theatre Conservatory to help prepare students for the transition from student to working professional,” stated Mr. Wooten. “The showcase, toolkit, and access to Equity membership credits afford students preparing to enter the professional arena with a leg up over other undergraduate theatre programs.”
The 2018 Kean Actors Showcase will take place Thursday, January 11 at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at Kean University’s Enlow Recital Hall, located on the University’s East Campus at 215 North Avenue in Hillside. Industry guests are invited to attend a light lunch at 2:00 p.m. and a pre-show reception with the actors at 6:00 p.m. For reservations, please call 908-737-4092 or email [email protected]. For more information, please visit www.premierestagesatkean.com/showcase.
The Kean University Theatre Conservatory offers a season of theatre that maintains the highest standards of performance and production. With affordable tickets and accessible facilities, patrons are invited to witness the development of tomorrow's stars. Standard tickets to all Theatre Conservatory performances are $15, with $12 tickets available for Kean faculty, staff, and alumni, and $10 tickets available for students. To purchase tickets or request a season brochure, please call the Kean Stage box office at 908-737-7469, email [email protected], or visit www.keanstage.com.
PHOTO: Back row (from left to right): Frank L. Calabrese '17 of Jersey City, Lisa Burgos ’18 of Elizabeth, Ryan C. Strack ’18 of Burlington, Brianna Javis ’18 of Union, and Chris DeBono ’17 of Madison. Middle row (from left to right): Peighton Bryant ’17 of Bloomfield, Kerry Borowski ’17 of Colonia, Kyiana Andrew Vargas ’17 of Clifton, and Marissa Parrott ’17 of Mullica Hill. Front row (from left to right): Deonté Griffin-Quick ’18 of Linden, Gaby Resende ’17 of Clark, and Sabrina Alamo ’18 of Roselle. Photo by Patti Banks.
