Ron Bermingham - Voice Teacher - Coach - Music Director & Conductor
Picture of the year: on Method Acting
Knapping on the job!
Taking his training to heart, Thomas Knapp, graduate of the BFA Musical Theatre program at CCM, applies newly learned "method acting" techniques to prepare for a workshop on Kander and Ebb's, And the World Goes 'Round.
Method acting, or as it is sometimes simply known, the Method, is a technique used by actors. Method acting is thought to have revolutionized acting as we known it today. It is the antithesis of the wooden actor and uses techniques such as sense and memory to achieve realism in acting. Actors who use the Method
rely on using their own emotions from their past in order to bring new depth to a part.
Method acting is thought of as an American form of acting, but it was a Russian theatre director named Konstantin Stanislavski who wrote books on the subject in the 1930s. Around the same time, one of Stanislavski’s students, Richard Boleslawsky, opened an acting school in New York. Boleslawsky began teaching Stanislavski’s basic principles of acting. In the 1940s and 50s, method acting was popularized and taught at the legendary Actors' Studio in New York City by famed acting teacher Lee Strasberg. Another school in New York, called the Actors' Group, also taught the method under the coaching of Stella Adler. Acting students came from far and wide to learn this new technique.
Although method acting is thought to be the most realistic of techniques it can sometimes present a minor irritation to other actors. Dustin Hoffman once went without bathing and sleeping for two days in order to immerse himself in a role. On seeing Hoffman’s condition, Laurence Olivier his co-star in the film, famously asked him, "Why don’t you just act?"
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Students in the News
Prepping for his Broadway debut as Dmitry in Anastsia!
As of March 27th, Bruce will be back on Broadway, this time in the cast of Anastasia, and will be understudying the role of Dmitry! Congratulations on a well earned and much deserved trip back to 44th Street...right where you belong!
With a BA from Southeastern Louisiana State University and a diploma in Musical Theatre from the Florida School of the Arts in hand, Jordan cruised through Wenatchee with the Misoula Children's Theatre last year, and has now embarked on another tour with the National Theatre for Children. Watch for him in a city near you!
A recent graduate of the BFA program in musical theatre at Montclair State University, Trey has just joined the cast of the national tour of "Motown the Musical". Congratulations Trey - you're on your way to a bright future in Musical Theatre!
Is it Adam Vanek or an upper case letter H out for a day at the beach? This remarkable young performer, a recent graduate of the musical theatre program at the University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa), is truly a singer - dancer "extraordinare". After a busy summer season at Bucks County Playhouse, he's back in New York. But not for long; he just booked the national tour of Chicago, the Musical!
A graudate of the BFA Musical Theatre program at Ithaca College, Patrick is in New Orleans this summer appearing as Office Lockstock in a production of Urinetown, a co-production of The Nola Project and the University of New Orleans.
Heading into his final year in the BFA Musical Theatre Program at Florida State University, and not wanting to miss a beat, Collin has been a member of the ensemble company at Wagon Wheel Theatre this summer (2017).
Chris just completed his bachelor's degree in musical theatre at Marymount Manhattan College, going from NYC to Wenatchee, WA to join the cast of La Cage aux Folles (Hot August Nights) where he doubled the role of Jacob and appeared as a member of the ensemble. Now it's back to NYC to begin the long climb up the ladder of success!
Ian is currently on tour in China with Lightwire Theater, internationally recognized for its signature brand of electroluminescent artistry, poignant storytelling and music scores designed to evoke imagery.
With throat slitting, spine tingling action, choreographed by Bryce, Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street is a new NYC production you will never forget! Currently running at the Barrow Street Theatre, NYC.
May 10-14, 2017
After a run in the Broadway cast of Les Misérables, Bruce is back on the New York stage in the ultimate cult musical! Don't miss the Encores! production of The Golden Apple.
Watch Bruce Landry, Karen Ziemba, and Music Director Fred Barton perform a preview clip from "An Evening of Irving Berlin on Theatre Talk (PBS New York). Click image above.
Josh has appeared in all three Amercian companies of the Book of Mormom: Broadway, 1st and 2nd National Tours. Catch him now at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre in New York City. Musical theatre at its funniest, satirical best!
Ethan is named Resident Music Director & Conductor of Flat Rock Playhouse, the state theatre of North Carolina!
After a successful November-December tour of Pasek and Paul's A Christmas Story with runs in Memphis, Dallas, and St. Louis, Cal Alexander is back on the road appearing in the role of "Nigel" in the First National Tour of Matilda.
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