Professional Theatre Classes

My pal Gene Anthony sends along this note about an upcoming class that's being offered at ARTS - a chance to learn acting and tap from a professional:

Sean Watkins, a Marshall graduate, will be back in West Virginia after he wraps up a run of Annie at the Northshore Playhouse and before he begins rehearsals at the end of August for the Broadway Company national tour of Anything Goes starring Rachael York.

He is scheduled to teach a tap workshop and a musical theatre dance workshop beginning Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2012, at the Renaissance Theatre (the old Huntington High School). There are six classes in each workshop and they will be taught on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings.

The cost of each workshop (six tap or six musical theatre dance classes) will be $100. Both workshops can be taken for $150. The classes will be limited in size and filled on a "first come, first served" basis. Those interested should call 304-733-ARTS.

Here's the bio information for Sean:

Sean Watkins was born and raised in West Virginia. He graduated from Marshall University in 2009 with a B.F.A. in Theatre and a B.A. in Spanish. While at Marshall he could be seen on stage in The Rainmaker, Hair, Little Shop of Horrors, The Diary of Anne Frank and George M! among many others.

Backstage he translated and directed the East Coast premiere of La Historia de una Escalera (The History of a Staircase) and directed Edward Albees’ hit play The Zoo Story.

After leaving Marshall, he has performed professionally all over the United States and New York in shows varying from Les Miserables, The Producers, Crazy for You, Footloose, Annie, The Drowsy Chaperone and many more.

He has been involved with numerous workshops focusing on developing new material and has originated roles in shows such as Bruce Lee: Journey to the West, Apathy, Big Man on Campus and All Hands On Deck. He worked closely with the Gershwin family on the new musical ‘S Wonderful where he played the iconic Gene Kelly.

He has worked with Tony award winning directors, actors and choreographers. He will be setting sail with the Broadway company of Anything Goes, which will be touring the United States over the next year.