Performing Arts Program

Transcript

Okay, let’s meet Bobby. He’s a recent Harper grad who found his place to shine on the stage. Harper provides students the opportunity to explore and find where they belong and the dedicated faculty here bring their classes and topics to life. Bobby, tell us more.

– I appreciate it, Alex. I’m a Harper College graduate and when I first came here I wanted to try an acting class and I wasn’t sure where to start, so I reached out to one of the theater professors, Kevin Long. and expressed my interest in taking an acting class. I was so on the edge about it. I even told him that I had zero interest in Shakespeare but Kevin was very supportive and patient. He explained everything I would learn in class, Shakespeare, directing, writing. I didn’t follow up with him or sign up for several weeks. He actually followed up with me which was wonderful and encouraging. The most important thing I learned at Harper was the fundamentals of acting the use of actions and verbs in order to act. Actors get the opportunity to practice monologues, which every actor needs in order to audition. I still use my Shakespeare monologue from Harper to audition for shows. Students here get to attend shows in the city and watch some of the best actors in the world perform on stages, such as Goodman, Steppenwolf, and Chicago Shakespeare. Not only are student actors gaining experience through doing shows and taking classes, they also get to observe and learn from some of the best actors in the world. I am glad that I started at Harper. I’ve been fortunate enough to find work and sign with multiple agencies using the acting fundamentals that I learned. The most important lesson that I’ve learned at Harper is to stick to the fundamentals of acting wherever one goes, actions, verbs, subtext and objectives. Well, only one thing left to say. Lights. Camera. Alex.

– Bobby, thanks for sharing the spotlight with us. Harper College and the Chicagoland area is certainly full of opportunities for budding actors to explore their craft and hone their skills. We’ll keep an eye out for you on the stage real soon. Take care.