Workshops &
Rehearsals Theatre Workshop with Ben Vereen
Each Class a Rehearsal: Ensembles at Coastal
In January, Ben Vereen, celebrated Broadway actor, dancer, and singer, also known for his role as Chicken George in Alex Haley’s TV mini-series, Roots, conducted a workshop with B.F.A. Musical Theatre students in the Edwards Black Box Theatre. Vereen won a Tony for his performance in Pippin in 1973, so his visit to campus was timed perfectly, just before the Theatre Department opened its own production of Pippin in Wheelwright Auditorium. Each year, the Theatre Department invites theatre artists and industry professionals to teach master classes in their given areas of expertise. Vereen, who was in the Myrtle Beach area performing his one-man show “Steppin’ Out” with the Long Bay Symphony, highlights a list of distinguished theatre professionals, including Jamie Harris, president of Clear Talent Group; Dave Clemmons of Clemmons/ Dewey Casting; and the awardwinning Broadway Director James Lowe. Before an audience of more than 100 theatre majors, Vereen coached select students in song interpretation and acting for the stage. One of these lucky students, Anna Sheridan, reported that the workshop was not at all what she expected: “I have never had such a personal experience with an instructor in my life. Suddenly, all semblance of a classroom or coaching session disappeared, and I was just having a one-on-one conversation with Ben Vereen.” Vereen parted with much advice to the young artists in the audience regarding the business and the passion necessary for a life in the theatre. Charlie Tingen recalls the following words of wisdom from the actor: “You mustn’t dance around your fear, but rather grab it and choke it. Your strength is inside there. The audience wants to see your soul; they want to see you bleed.” Tingen says he will carry this sentiment with him always. All the students, even those who were merely spectators, left the workshop enriched and enlivened. Vereen has appeared in Wicked, Fosse, I’m Not Rappaport, Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Grind, Jelly’s Last Jam, and A Christmas Carol on Broadway during his career. On Jan. 30, 2012, he was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame. The Coastal Carolina Theatre Department hopes to remain in conversation with this talented star about a possible return to our campus.
Venture across Highway 501 to the Band Hall, peek into the music rooms in the Edwards Building, or watch the television monitor outside of the Recital Hall, and witness the intense rehearsal schedule that takes place daily in preparation for a whole array of music performances during the year. Students in Marching Band, Pep Band, Flute Choir, Chamber Choir, Pop 101, Opera Scenes, and the Ensembles (Percussion, Steel Band, Guitar) meet each week in class to work on their shows. Beginning in 2013-14, all Coastal Carolina University students are eligible to participate in MUS 125 (Concert Choir), Symphonic Band (MUS 124A), or Jazz Band (MUS 134) to help fulfill the core curriculum, provided they pass auditions. Next time you attend a concert, recognize the weeks of preparation that have gone into the final production.
Top: Percussion ensemble performance. Below: POP 101 rehearsal.
One-on-one coaching sessions inspire theatre majors. Ben Vereen shares his philosophy and his experience on stage.
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