Hi!

The summer went by so quickly! This time of year traditionally is full of activity, with performers from all across the country coming to New York City to “test the waters” of the Big Apple. I have been busier than ever, and I was happy to meet new clients from over twenty United States!

I was asked to be on a panel of judges for the first “Senior Idol” contest, in Woodcliff Lake, NJ. It was created as a fundraiser for Community Hospice of Bergen County, Inc. by high school students Lauren Barnett and Kailey Eininger. 17 performers, all over 50 years old, competed for prizes. The winner was vocalist Peter Cafasso, who sang “Luck Be a Lady.” Most importantly, the event raised over $4,000 for a very good cause!

Senior Idol Judges - Randy Accardi, Celeste Simone, Robert Marks

Speaking of Idols, my clients George Psomas (currently on Broadway in South Pacific), was the winner of Broadway Idol. This is an annual competition sponsored by the New York Musical Theatre Festival. One of George’s prizes was a one-man show in New York City, and he really dazzled the sell-out crowd on August 4th. I was VERY proud of him!

MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOPS WITH DIANE HARDIN

I’ve had a great time co-teaching Musical Theatre Audition & Performance Workshops with well-known Los Angeles acting instructor Diane Hardin. Diane comes to New York City only four times a year, and she and I have put together an exciting 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 famous students includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Jessica Biel, Robin Wright Penn, Hillary Swank, Toby McGuire, Maggie and Jake Gyllenhaal, Alison Mack [Smallville], Kellie Martin [Mystery Woman] and many others.

We’re doing another Musical Audition & Performance Workshop this October in New York.Each workshop will be held from 6:00-9:00, and is limited to 10 students.

NEW YORK CITY WORKSHOPS:
Thursday, October 16th (Kids 8-12) 6-9 pm
Wednesday, October 22nd (Teens 13 and up) 6-9 pm

Registration ($175 each) by email: bob@bobmarks.com

Each student should bring a memorized song, with the sheet music. We work on specific music and performance issues and give professional advice. Parents are invited in for the final 45 minutes to hear the results and ask questions.

Once again, we’ll be at Nola Studios on West 54th Street. These workshops always sell out, so please let me know as soon as possible if you’re interested. To register for the New York City workshops, contact me at bob@bobmarks.com.

TEACHING AT SHENANDOAH UNIVERSITY

Internationally known voice teacher Jeannette LoVetri has created a one-of-a-kind institute at Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA, with attendees from all over the world.  I was pleased to be asked back to this prestigious annual symposium last July, and 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.

(L to R) Marcelle Gauvin, Edrie Means Weekly, Jeannette LoVetri, Bob, Dr Gwen Korovin, Dr Kathryn Green

AUDITION WORKSHOPS WITH GUEST CASTING DIRECTORS!

These all-day (10-5) 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.

NEW YORK CITY ACTING & SINGING WORKSHOPS:
Sunday, September 14th with Matthew Maisto of Mark Simon Casting (sold out!)
Sunday, October 19th with Rachel Hoffman of Telsey + Company
Sunday, November 16th with Sara Schatz of Binder Casting

Registration ($180 each) by calling Denise Simon at (212) 501-2484

TERRI TROIANO CABARET SHOW

Only one performance left of TERRI TROIANO in Let Yourself Go! at the Laurie Beechman Theatre (at the West Bank Café) October 18th at 9:30 (I’ll be at the piano.) Reservations 212-695-6909.

That’s all for now… Hope to see you in the fall!