Hi,

Well, the summer is half over, so I thought I’d write and let you know what’s been happening around here. Besides my work in the studio, I’ve been lucky enough to meet and work with performers all over the country, and it's been nice to have had several changes of scenery. Some interesting future trips are planned; updated information is always available on my website (www.bobmarks.com).

If you need to brush up your audition songs, the summer is a great time to come in and work on your repertoire and musical performance. Just give me a call and we’ll set up an appointment at your convenience.

ACTeen MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP

In June, I conducted a special musical theatre workshop for Rita Litton’s ACTeen program in New York City. The talented students were from all across the USA, and it was good to be back in the same Weist-Barron studio that I worked in for many years when I directed their musical theatre programs for kids and teens.

The early show included performances by Alix, Kimberly, Andrianna, Adrienne, and Alex. Each did several solos for a very appreciative audience.

The evening show had show-stopping numbers performed by Stephanie, Melanie, Robb, Terri, and Joe.

I began doing these showcases in October of 1980. They are a valuable aspect of singing training, and give you experience in a live performance situation. This can be a big help in subsequent auditions and performances, and perhaps a way to try out material before doing a full scale club act of your own. Also, Spotlight Nights provide an excellent showcase for agents, managers, or casting directors to see you perform. Even students currently in Broadway shows have enjoyed the chance to get up in front of an audience as themselves.

If you haven’t seen a performance, or participated, you don’t know what you’re missing! The next showcases are at 6:00 and 9:00 on Friday, August 18th. More information can be found at www.bobmarks.com/spotlightnight.asp

AMERICAN TALENT SHOWCASE

Bill Warner and Kirsti Manna have co-
produced an entertaining group of five
beautiful young ladies known as
“I-Candi.” (www.icandimusic.com).
They’re managed by Donna Ehrlich of
Z-1 Models & Talent. I was able to work
with a couple of the girls, and enjoyed
a preview of their powerful act.

TALENT AMERICA

The national finals of Talent America (www.talentamericashowcase.com) were held in the lovely Brooklyn Marriott Hotel. For many years I’ve presented a seminar on musical performance for the contestants, and I’ve also served as a judge in both the kid and teen divisions. George & Jane Eastwood are always the perfect hosts for this event.

CONTEMPORARY COMMERCIAL MUSIC VOCAL PEDAGOGY INSTITUTE AT SHENANDOAH UNIVERSITY

I was pleased to be asked back to this prestigious annual symposium, and I presented lectures on selecting songs for auditions, making logical 16-bar music cuts, and stage presence. Subsequently, some of the participants sang in a Master Class, where their performances helped spark more discussion and learning about how to best serve the needs of students in the world of musical theatre auditions. I was proud to share the day with noted otolaryngologist Dr. Gwen Korovin, who presented an information-packed segment on anatomy and medical conditions of the throat. Internationally known voice teacher Jeannette LoVetri has created a one-of-a-kind Institute, with attendees from all over the world.

The 2006 faculty of the Contemporary Commercial Music Vocal Pedagogy Institute at Shenandoah University.
L-R: Dr. Kathryn Green, Dr. Wendy LeBorgne, Robert Marks, Dr. Gwen Korovin, Donna Gullstrand, Jeannette LoVetri, Edrie Means Weekly

KATE LOITZ RETURNS TO THE DUPLEX

TERRI TROIANO at DANNY’S

“LIFE AFTER TOMORROW” comes to NY