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SJRCC Press Release
April 2009
FloArts alumni return with seasoned advice
A growing trend among Florida School of the Arts alumni has been to
break away from the success of the stage and silver screen and return to share not only the ups and downs of show business,
but to prepare the next generation of performers for success. Actor Cullen Douglas and dancers Charles Redding and Tom
Pearson recently met with FloArts students this semester with advice on "making it" in the business.
Douglas, a seasoned
actor with appearances on "Private Practice," "GreyÕs Anatomy" and "CSI" recently returned to FloArts to present students
with several workshops on perfecting what he calls the "tools of the trade." "It's so important for the next generation of
actors to go out there with the necessary tools and avoid the pitfalls," Douglas said during an impromptu class. "It's all
about taking risks and putting yourself out there," he said.
The 1989 alumnus said his decision to return to FloArts was
personal as well as professional. Douglas said he wanted to encourage his fellow actors that there's more to success than
waiting for the "big break," and that steady work is out there. "While the appeal of fame and fortune is exciting, I'm here to
show them it is possible to make a living as a steady actor," Douglas said.
Douglas' most recent works include two films
debuting this year, "Ace Ventura Jr." and the thriller "Shuttle."
Acting instructor Patricia Crotty said it was great to have
Douglas back to share his real-world view of working in Los Angeles. "Our students need to hear about the career challenges
he has faced and his perspective on how to apply what they've learned in college to the real world."
Dance alumnus Charles
Redding returned to FloArts this spring as an adjunct. "It's great to be back. I love this school," Redding said. "It's where
I got my training." The 24-year-old Interlachen native said he could not pass on the opportunity to give back to the College.
"I can share those experiences you can't learn in a book," he said, experiences that range from New York auditions and
touring with the Broadway musical "CATS" to dancing for the tribute artist production, "Legends in Concert" in Branson.
FloArts' most recent visit came from 1994 dance alumnus Tom Pearson. Pearson recently returned from New York for an
opportunity to teach dance students his original choreography, "Lacuna," a group work originally commissioned for the Lincoln
Center Out-of-Doors. The work was performed during the Spring Dance Gala in April.
Pearson's choreography has been
experienced nationally, internationally and in numerous venues throughout New York City. His work has received numerous
awards, including two 2008 New York Dance and Performance (Bessie) Awards.
Dance instructor Freddick Bratcher said that
Pearson's return enables the students to join the collaboration of two professionals who come from two different
perspectives. "Tom is site-specific in his work – being influenced by architecture and his surroundings – while I am
concert-oriented," Bratcher said. "We met in the middle, speaking the same language, culminating in a beautiful performance
by our students."
Pearson said his return to FloArts brings his career full circle and demonstrates the continuity of the
long-term process of the performing arts. "An artist's perspective can change depending on where they are in their career.
When we're younger, we tend to think the audition before us is the only chance we have," Pearson said. "What I'm focused on
now is health and sustainability. I'm in a place now where it's important to go into something level-headed and understand
it's only one point in the journey and to really take care of yourself physically, mentally and emotionally."
PHOTOS AND CAPTIONS:
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FloArts alumnus Tom Pearson watches dance students Amanda Edwards (front) and Jade
Locascio practice his original choreography "Lacuna," a group work originally commissioned for the Lincoln Center
Out-of-Doors.
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Alumnus Cullen Douglas crashes a scene during an impromptu class where students Megan Georgeo and Lawrence
Davis must adapt to the change in characters. |
Alumnus
Charles Redding returns to teach dance students the choreography techniques from the Broadway musical "CATS." |
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Susan Kessler
SJRCC Director of Public Relations and Publications
5001 St. Johns
Avenue
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 312-4020
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