Visiting Professor Walter Allen Bennett, Jr. Teaches FSU Theatre Students Several Roles Walter Allen Bennett, Jr. a Hollywood writer and producer with credits like The Cosby Show and a degree from Yale, spent the 2011-2012 school year working with FSU students in a wide variety of projects. In the fall, he worked with writers and directors in FSU’s 24 Hour Theatre Project, and hosted the event. He also led classes in the theatre program as a guest lecturer. In January, he hosted an intensive playwriting workshop for 15 students and community members. In March, he returned to campus to host a festival of new student short films that he’d coached from mostly long distance. He also presented a reading of his newlycommissioned play, ‘And then came tomorrow,’ which will be presented as part of the FSU Theatre Season in 2012-2013. Bennett’s projects have helped reshape the landscape of FSU Theatre, but some of his most valued work goes on behind the scenes. Bennett, who attended college in North Carolina, strongly identifies with FSU students, who he sees as sharing a similar story with his. He shares this story one-onone with students who stop by his office in the Butler building with questions like, “How do I get a job in the business?” and “What should I do? I’m supposed to graduate soon,” and “How do I get famous in Hollywood?” Bennett’s responses clearly resonate with our students and reaffirm what goes on throughout the entire Theatre curriculum: work hard, stay positive, have a plan. Bennett’s advice is not earth-shattering in this regard, but it is a strong, clear message to FSU students: it takes work. Persistent, unwavering work. Coming from a Hollywood producer, published playwright, actor, and director
16
Butler Theatre Series
Walter Allen Bennett, Jr.
who has “made it” in their eyes, students in the FSU program learn that success in the field doesn’t just happen. They also learn that it starts with the small stuff: show up, have something to show us, represent yourself well, and know how to “sell” yourself and your project. Bennett’s work will continue in 2012-2013 as he returns to direct And Then Came Tomorrow in its world-premiere performance on the FSU stage in April 2013.