FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Laura Hart, 401-456-8977, lhart@ric.edu
Gita Brown, 401-456-8465, gbrown@ric.edu
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – On Saturday and Monday, Dec. 20 and 22, Hollywood acting teacher and Rhode Island College alumnus Howard Fine will return to campus to lead a Master Class for a select group of RIC students, alumni and community members.
Fine has personally coached Oscar winners Jennifer Connelly and Jared Leto; Oscar nominees Brad Pitt, Michelle Williams, Salma Hayek, Bradley Cooper and Will Smith; Golden Globe nominees Simon Baker, Rosanna Arquette, Brooke Shields and Mark Harmon; and Emmy winners Kim Delaney, Sela Ward and Michael Chiklis.
“Every role that an actor is going to play already exists inside him or her,” Fine said. “Getting actors to make the most personal connection to a part is the core of the teaching/coaching process.”
RIC President Nancy Carriuolo said, “RIC’s Music, Theatre and Dance program has a record of producing outstanding alumni like Howard Fine. We are delighted that he is returning to his alma mater to help develop the next generation of RIC theatre graduates.”
Fine added, “Rhode Island College gave me a first-rate education and numerous opportunities to work on my craft. The faculty members were supportive and knowledgeable and willing to mentor young talent. I feel a great deal of gratitude to the college for all that it did to nurture me and am delighted to give something back.
Students and alumni participating in the workshop include Mary Arnold of Foster; Stephanie Barney of Sterling, Mass.; Allison Beauregard of North Dartmouth, Mass.; Salvatore Costantino of Swansea, Mass.; Ian Doran of Camden, Maine; Jaclyn McCoy of North Providence; Katie Miller; Rachael Perry of Jamestown; Sarah Reed of Fall River, Mass.; Davis Sackal of Johnston; Stevie Smith of Smithfield; Corinne Southern of Providence; and Aimee-Rose Willett of Putnam, Ct. RIC alumni participating in the workshop include Vanessa Blanchette of Attleboro, Mass.; Justin Paige of Cranston; and Tobias Wilson of Providence.
RIC Professor Jamie Taylor, assistant chair of the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance, remarked, “The students are beyond happy. They truly understand that this is an amazing opportunity to work with a legend in the field.”
While workshop participants have already auditioned and been chosen, seats are available for those wishing to audit the workshops for one or both days. Workshops will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the intimate setting of the Forman Theatre. If you are interested in auditing, please contact Denise Males at dmales@ric.edu or (401) 456-8105 to make a reservation. Seating is limited.
Established in 1854, Rhode Island College serves approximately 9,000 graduate and undergraduate students through its five schools: the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development, the School of Social Work, the School of Management and the School of Nursing. For more information, visit www.ric.edu.
