Actors from play to share insight, expertise in three on-campus events

January 13, 2006

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -– University of Florida Performing Arts has organized three residency activities in conjunction with L.A. Theatre Works’ production of “The Great Tennessee Monkey Trial” Jan. 17 and 18.

A cast member from the production will lead an Intro to Acting workshop at P.K. Yonge High School from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 17. The workshop will teach 15 high school theater students about different facets of the acting process, including Shakespearean acting; contemporary styles of acting; differences between acting for the stage, screen and radio; and useful acting tools such as action, imagination, focus of energy and listening specificity.

Also on Jan. 17, from noon to 1 p.m., L.A. Theatre Works cast members will participate in a panel discussion in the Chesterfield Smith Ceremonial Classroom at UF’s Levin College of Law. The discussion, entitled Inside Acting, is a unique opportunity for 150 law students and faculty members to ask the actors questions regarding acting careers in television and film, the auditioning process, navigation of the professional theater world, and the influence of theater in today’s cultural, legal and political climate, as well as questions related directly to “The Great Tennessee Monkey Trial,” including how the actors get into their specific characters and the selection and construction of the play from trial transcripts. The panel will be moderated by Mary Kathleen Price, associate dean for library and technology, and Clarence J. TeSelle, professor of law.

On Jan. 18, 15 advanced acting students in UF’s College of Fine Arts will participate in a Scene Study Workshop at the Constans Theatre from 10:40 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. The students will present samples of their work for critique by their peers and an L.A. Theatre Works cast member.

Photography and filming of the residency activities for print and broadcast media is permitted. To confirm media attendance, please call Travis Prescott at (352) 392-1900, ext. 300.

L.A. Theatre Works’ “The Great Tennessee Monkey Trial,” which is based on the transcripts of the 1925 trial of John T. Scopes, plays at University Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 17 and Jan. 18. Tickets for the performance are available by calling the Phillips Center Box Office at (352) 392-ARTS (2787) or (800) 905-ARTS (2787) or by faxing orders to (352) 846-1562. Tickets are also available at the University Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at (904) 353-3309.