LISTEN ONLINE!

Master voice teacher Jeannette LoVetri and I discussed belting (and other singing topics) on Trish Causey's "Musical Theatre Talk" blog talk radio program. Listen now!

PERFORMANCES AT THE LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATRE

Terri Troiano on stage at the Laurie Beechman Theatre

These past couple of months, I was proud to be at the piano with both Terri Troiano and Leah Bezozo for several performances at the beautiful Laurie Beechman Theatre at New York City’s Westbank Café. Terri’s performance was reviewed by Lynn DiMenna of Cabaret Scenes, who wrote (in part):

A change in my weekend plans brought me to the West Bank Cafe for dinner and I decided to see who was performing downstairs. Having no previous knowledge of the singer and with no press kit available, all I knew was that she was a student of the well-regarded voice coach, director and arranger, Robert Marks, and that she had a nice size crowd assembled. Although I wasn't familiar with Mr. Marks work either, it didn't take me long to hear that Ms. Troiano was in very capable hands! ...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.

I’m very flattered, and very proud of both Terri and Leah!

LARISSA’S WEDDING

I've known and have worked with Larissa Auble for over 16 years, and was
thrilled to be a guest at her spectacular wedding to Steven Burgoyne at
Tavern on the Green. Her singing just gets better and better, and I know
that she and Steven will have a wonderful life together.

MUSICAL AUDITION & PERFORMANCE CLASSES WITH
DIANE HARDIN

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.

Diane Hardin created Young Actors Space in Los Angeles after a successful acting career. Her weekend intensives and week-long summer acting sessions are in great demand when she comes to New York City. Her list of students includes Leonardo Di Caprio, Jessica Biel, Robin Wright Penn, Hillary Swank, Toby McGuire, Maggie and Jake Gyllenhaal, Alison Mack [Smallville], Kellie Martin [Mystery Woman] and many others.

Diane hasn’t been in New York City since the summer, so I’m excited to begin 2010 with a couple of workshops; one for kids ages 8-12, and one for teens 13 and up. Each workshop is held on a Wednesday evening from 6:00-9:00, limited to 12 students.

Wednesday, January 20th (Kids 8-12)
Wednesday, February 10th (Teens 13 and up)

Each student should bring a song or two they’ve memorized, with the sheet music. Parents are invited in for the final 40 minutes (about 8:20) to hear the results and ask questions.

We’ll be at a midtown Manhattan studio, and the workshop fee is $175, payable in advance by credit card. To register, contact me at bob@bobmarks.com.

AUDITION WORKSHOPS WITH GUEST CASTING DIRECTORS!

Previous class with guest Casting Director Matthew Maisto

These all-day (10am to 5pm) acting and singing workshops for students culminate in an audition with a guest New York City casting director. Denise Simon and I work on getting the class ready to meet with important casting directors, where they have the opportunity to do a scene and/or song, and receive valuable professional feedback.

Denise Simon has been involved in the entertainment industry for over 20 years as an actress, teacher, director, casting director and personal talent manager. In addition to managing the careers of many young celebrities, she has coached hundreds of young actors appearing on Broadway, television and film.

For registration and more information, please contact Denise at (212) 501-2484.

CARLY AT THE U.S. OPEN

I was so proud of the way Carly Rose Sonenclar sang “America the Beautiful” at the 2009 US Open Tennis Tournament. If you want to hear it, click here. Carly is now featured in the new musical, Little House on the Prairie.

That’s all for now… Best wishes for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!