Hi!

Last summer, I was fortunate to work with new clients from over twenty states. It looks like this summer will be equally busy, with singers coming into New York City to prepare for auditions and performances.

(If you’ve already worked with me, feel free to skip over this next part!)

I provide private coaching for singers at all levels of experience, which includes:

• Finding and perfecting music for auditions specifically selected for a singer’s voice and style;
• Preparing and transposing music in such a way that any accompanist can play it at sight at auditions;
• Helping singers prepare and perform a cabaret act;
• Working on performance and acting techniques essential to a successful performance;

Each 45-minute session is private, and focused on the specific needs of each performer. Piano accompaniments are digitally recorded on CDs, or emailed as MP3s for practice.

CABARET PERFORMANCE

Terri Troiano is making another appearance at New York City’s fabulous Laurie Beechman Theatre 407 West 42nd Street NYC, Sunday, June 13th at 1:00. Her new show, “City Lights,” features a variety of songs, many written by her favorite songwriting team, Kander & Ebb.

Lynn DiMenna wrote in Cabaret Scenes, “…Troiano appears very comfortable on stage and has an easy, endearing rapport with her audience. She’s a very attractive, very likable lady and it appears that she’s well on her way to building an appreciative and loyal following.”

Information and Reservations: (212) 695-6909. (Of course, you’ll find me at the piano!)

SING AND ACT FOR NYC CASTING DIRECTORS!

Previous workshop: Denise, Bob, and Sara Schatz of Jay Binder Casting

Denise Simon, well-known acting teacher and former agent, has put together valuable seminars culminating in auditions for some of New York City’s top Casting Directors. I work with the students to perfect their audition songs, and Denise distributes “sides” (scripts) for short scenes. We then put it all together for an informal audition with a guest Casting Director.

Denise and I are doing a special two-day workshop, which includes a performance at the legendary “Don’t Tell Mama” cabaret. That workshop is already sold out; however we have one additional workshop planned for the summer, with New York City casting guru Jen Rudin. There are just a few spots open, so call Denise at 212-501-2484 for registration or more information.

A little about Jen: Her casting philosophy combines the challenge of solving the casting puzzle – who is best for the role? – while creating an honest, positive and comfortable audition environment, in what is often the most stressful of situations. Jen was Director of Casting and Talent Development for Disney Theatrical Productions in New York City from 2007-2009. From 2002-2007, she served as head of casting for Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California and won the 2006 Artios Award for casting Chicken Little. Additional animated films include Meet the Robinsons (2007 Artios Nomination), The Wild (2006 Artios nomination), Academy Award Winning film The Incredibles and Academy Award nominated Brother Bear. Current films include The Princess and the Frog starring Anika Noni Rose. In Los Angeles, Jennifer cast the Los Angeles premiere of Jason Robert Brown’s musical “13”, winner of the 2008 LA Drama Critics Circle Award.

Two-Day Musical Theatre/Cabaret Workshop SOLD OUT

One-Day Audition and Performance Workshop
Sunday, August 1st from 10-5 pm
with Casting Director Jen Rudin
Registration: Call Denise at 212-501-2484

BACKSTAGE AT THE GONDOLIERS

I had the opportunity to see my client Audrey Heffernan Meyer in the Blue Hill Troupe production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Gondoliers in New York City. Although she’s a busy mother of four, Audrey has found time to appear in 30 Rock, Gossip Girl, Damages, It’s Complicated, and Sex in the City 2.

DIANE HARDIN-ROBERT MARKS
MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOPS

Well-known Los Angeles acting teacher Diane Hardin comes to town only a few times a year. Several years ago, she and I teamed up for an exciting Musical Audition & Performance Workshop for kids and teens. I handle the music and singing, and Diane gives valuable acting advice to each performer. These classes fill up quickly, so if you’re interested, please let me know as soon as possible.

Sunday, August 8th, 2010
Kids 8-12 from 1 – 4 pm

Sunday, August 22nd, 2010
Teens (13-18) 1 – 4 pm

Each class limited to 12 students. Registration by credit card only.
bob@bobmarks.com

JEREMY GUMBS JOINS THE CAST OF SCOTTSBORO BOYS

I’m so proud of Jeremy Gumbs, who booked the role of Eugene in the Kander and Ebb musical Scottsboro Boys. The show is directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman, and will open at the Guthrie Theater and then on Broadway at the Lyceum. Jeremy had a long run as Young Simba in Lion King, both on Broadway and the Asia tour. I thought the show was brilliant in its original production at the Vineyard Theatre, and I’m looking forward to seeing it again. Congratulations, Jeremy!!

Alexis Holt is on tour in the musical South Pacific, but when she was in New York City we had a chance to work together. I was very happy to meet Oreo, a family member that unfortunately can’t join Alexis on tour.

Remember:
“To be a star, you must shine your own light, follow your own path, and don't worry about the darkness, for that is when the stars shine brightest”