Professor Hones Craft of Directing at Juilliard School in NYC

Dr. John Sebestyen, associate professor of communication arts, was one of 25 educators selected as a directing fellow in the Directing Workshop for Theater Educators at The Juilliard School in New York City this summer.

The Hands-on Shakespeare workshop was led by five mentors including master directors and artistic directors from schools such as Juilliard and Syracuse University.

Sebestyen said the focus of the workshop turned out to be especially timely since he had chosen Shakespeare’s “Richard III” for Trinity’s fall play even before his acceptance into the Juilliard program.

Workshop takeaways Sebestyen said he will implement as soon as this fall include focus and warm-up exercises that will help student actors become comfortable with Shakespearean language and style.

In addition, the workshop equipped Trinity’s energetic theater director with tools that will enhance his current methods of studying the language with students, prepping text before casting, discussing characterization with the actors, and staging.

The set up of the workshop involved mentor presentations and two opportunities to direct college-age students in a scene from “Twelfth Night.” The first “on your feet” rehearsal followed a read through and discussion of the scene with the actors. The second followed mentor feedback.

Sebestyen said he also benefited from working alongside his fellow educators, teacher-directors from both high school and college. “We could work together in front of those who are good at their craft, share our vocabulary, and could offer valuable feedback,” he said.

Cultural Events Calendar

For a schedule of upcoming cultural events, including the dates for Trinity’s production of “Richard III,” check the College’s cultural events calendar.