JAMES STOVER
The University of Toledo 2801 W Bancroft St. MS 611 Toledo, OH 43606 Office: PA 2055 419.530.2079 [email protected]
Profile
- One year as Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre at Virginia Commonwealth University’s BFA Theatre Performance program
- 4 additional semesters as Adjunct Instructor at VCU teaching Acting and Movement to performance majors and Effective Speech to non-majors
- 3 years working as Private Voice instructor with performance majors at VCU (including teaching breath support, resonance and diction)
- 14 years working as professional actor performing Off-Broadway, in National Tours, on television and at regional theatres (including LORT)
- 6 years experience working as director and assistant director in New York City, Philadelphia and regionally
- 2 years assisting Broadway veteran and director/choreographer Patti D’Beck both in the university classroom and on productions
- 5 years working as Teaching Artist with Philadelphia Young Playwrights, Columbus Children’s Theatre and the Utah Shakespeare Festival
- Member of the Actor’s Equity Association and the Association of Theatre Movement Educators
- Member and Presenter at the Southeastern Theatre Conference
- Co-founder and former Associate Artistic Director of Philadelphia’s The Renegade Company (dedicated to re-inventing classic works)
- Michael Chekhov Technique Teaching Certification Candidate with the Great Lakes Michael Chekhov Consortium (to be completed Spring ’17)
Education
Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance Pedagogy Emphases in Movement and Directing Virginia Commonwealth University May 2015
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre Otterbein University June 2001
Teaching Areas of Specialization
Introduction to Acting Foundations class in the fundamentals of Acting, introduction to the Stanislavski system and exploration in existing honestly in a theatrical world.
Intermediate and Advanced Acting Applying fundamentals of movement, text analysis and realism in studying contemporary and classic works (including Shakespeare).
Musical Theatre Performance Technique in acting the story through song, finding specificity in vocal and physical choices and clarity in acting and musical beats, understanding musical theatre styles and maintaining strong acting intention.
Vocal Instruction Individual and Group instruction for students on breathing techniques, vowel adjustments, resonance, vocal posture, basics of sight singing, audition preparation and communication with accompanist.
Audition Technique An examination of the professional audition for all types of theatre including study in the skills needed to gain access to the professional world of theatre.
Movement for the Actor Expanding students’ physical range of movement and emotional impulses through exercises in breath, tempo, rhythm, levels and risk with explorations of Chekhov, Laban, Viewpoints and Lecoq.
Directing Introductory and advanced techniques on text analysis from the director’s standpoint; staging in proscenium, thrust and the round and working collaboratively with actors, designers, stage managers and dramaturgs. Survey on famous theatrical directors’ styles and approaches.
The Michael Chekhov Technique An introduction and exploration of the psycho-physical approach to acting based on the principles of the Michael Chekhov technique and how to incorporate the skills and exercises of the technique with the Stanislavski approach to acting.
Stage Combat/Contemporary Violence for the Stage Introductory violence class for students of acting, directing and design focusing on the skills needed to create logical violence onstage with emphasis in unarmed combat and contemporary violence.
Specialized Training/Certifications
Michael Chekhov Technique-Teacher Certification Candidate Great Lakes Michael Chekhov Consortium Currently working toward Certification in Michael Chekhov technique, having completed two years of the three-year training program. Certification expected in Spring 2017
Unarmed Stage Combat Society of American Fight Directors Unarmed Certification as well as training in Broadsword, Rapier and Quarterstaff
Musical Theatre Styles/Vocal Methodology Extensive vocal training including Legit Musical Theatre, Contemporary Legit and Contemporary Belt with West End Conductor Kevin Purcell and Barrymore Award winning Actress Jennie Eisenhower
Linklater Training Extensive undergraduate training in the Linklater Voice Technique as well as workshop with Erica Hughes and Kristin Linklater on teaching the technique.
Acting By Mistake Individual and group study with William Roudebush on his unique approach to analyzing text , discovering unique choices and remaining present in the moment.
Masks for the Theatre Classes in performance and pedagogy exploring mask work including extensive study in Neutral Mask and exploration of Larval and Character Masks
Teaching Experience
Virginia Commonwealth University, Visiting Assistant Professor
Movement for the Actor I (two sections) -introduction and exploration of how to strengthen the body, understand proper alignment and broaden the possibilities of fearless physical expression using Laban, Chekhov, Viewpoints and Lecoq
Movement for the Actor II (two sections) -continued exploration of how to use the body in a theatrical setting and explore character development through physical exercises and methodologies.
Musical Theatre Performance I -introduction and exploration of the canon of musical theatre and a foundational approach to applying acting fundamentals to musical theatre performance and auditions.
Musical Theater Performance II (Musical Theatre Audition Technique) -audition technique class on how to prepare material for musical theatre auditions as well as a continuation of connecting acting fundamentals to musical theatre performance.
Physical Theatre: Mask (guest instructor) -guest taught for two classes of the Graduate Level Mask Movement Pedagogy class introducing the students to Lecoq’s Larvel Mask and their application in the classroom.
Virginia Commonwealth University, Adjunct Instructor/Teaching Assistant
Introduction to Acting I Adjunct Instructor -introduction to basic acting principals and existing comfortably and honestly in a scene. Use of Uta Hagen exercises and readings of master teachers to provide basic acting vocabulary.
Introduction to Acting II Adjunct Instructor -introduction to the Stanislavski system. Continuing explorations in relaxation, text analysis and existing honestly in a theatrical environment.
Movement for the Actor I Adjunct Instructor -introduction and exploration of how to strengthen the body, understand proper alignment and broaden the possibilities of fearless physical expression using Laban, Chekhov, Viewpoints and Lecoq
Movement for the Actor II Adjunct Instructor -continued exploration of how to use the body in a theatrical setting and explore character development through physical exercises and methodologies.
Effective Speech for Business & Professionals (two semesters) Adjunct Instructor -structured speaking and critical listening within the basic forms of speech communication.
Private Voice Lessons (six semesters) Instructor -teaching theatre performance majors basic singing techniques as well as acting through song including learning anatomy of the voice and Linklater methodology (6 semesters)
Topics in Theatre: The Michael Chekhov Technique Teaching Assistant and Guest Instructor -introduction and exploration of the Michael Chekhov technique, explored through ensemble building, physical exploration and psycho-physical work with text.
Movement for the Actor I Teaching Assistant -assisting Broadway veteran Patti D’Beck on the introduction and exploration of how to use the body as an actor in a theatrical setting.
Movement for the Actor II Teaching Assistant -A continued exploration on how to expand use the body as an actor including animal work and application of movement methods to contemporary text.
Musical Theatre Performance I Teaching Assistant -assisting Broadway veteran Patti D’Beck on basics of singing and applying acting techniques to musical theatre performance.
Musical Theatre Performance II (Musical Theatre Audition Technique) Teaching Assistant (Leading multiple lessons of the class) -A continued exploration on applying acting principles while singing as well working with an accompanist as well as a guided process through auditioning for musical theatre.
Further Teaching/Teaching Artist Experience
Virginia Commonwealth University Summer Intensive, Instructor Musical Theatre Performance, Co-Instructor-Stage Combat (2 years) -taught three week summer course to high school students preparing to study theatre at the college level
Utah Shakespeare Festival Junior Actor Camp, Teaching Artist Shakespearean Text and Stage Combat (one semester) -teaching workshops and scene coaching high students attending USF’s Jr. Actor Camp
Philadelphia Young Playwrights, Teaching Artist Playwriting (three years) -teaching middle school students basic playwriting skills and introduction to theatre -nominated for the 2012 and 2013 Magner Award for Outstanding Teaching Team
Interact Theatre Company, Workshop Leader Theatre & Communication (two years) -leader of workshops with college students about diversity and using creativity to deal with social issues
Columbus Children’s Theatre, Teaching Artist Musical Theatre Performance (two semesters) -teaching high school students “acting through song” and musical theatre audition preparation
Ashtabula Arts Center, Teaching Artist Intermediate Acting (two semesters) -teaching intermediate acting classes to students ranging from high school to adult
Directing Experience
-Theatre
The Amish Project Simpatico Theatre (Philadelphia) -nominated for the Brown Martin Award for Distinguished Production -named a “Highlight of the Season” by Philadelphia Weekly -remount of previous production by Renegade Company
Hazardous* Philadelphia Theatre Workshop
Family Values* Plays & Players (Philadelphia)
The Amish Project The Renegade Company (Philadelphia)
Indigenous Peoples^ Wonderland Festival/Theatre Row (NYC) -winner of festival’s Best Play and Audience Favorite Awards
Office Girl* Secret Theatre (NYC)
Roger & Miriam Under St. Marks/Pinewood Productions (NYC)
In Rebel Country^ 13th Street Repertory Theatre (NYC)
Marcus is Walking Roxy Regional Theatre (TN)
Santaland Diaries Short North Playhouse (OH)
W@ste* Shafer Street Playhouse/VCU (VA)
-Musical Theatre
Urinetown VCU Main Stage (spring 2016)
Yank! Richmond Triangle Players
Godspell Straw Hat Theatre (OH)
The Wiz Straw Hat Theatre (OH)
Wiseacre Farm 13th Street Repertory Theatre (NYC)
Songs for a New World Otterbein AIDS Benefit Performance
*denotes world premiere
^denotes New York premiere
Associate/Assistant Directing Experience
The Temperamentals Off-Broadway/Barrow Group -directed by Drama Desk Award Nominee Jonathan Silverstein -written by Pulitzer Prize Finalist Jon Marans -Lucille Lortel Award Nominee-Best Play -Drama Desk Award Winner-Best Ensemble
Mame Virginia Repertory Theatre -starring Tony Nominee Emily Skinner -directed by Patti D’Beck
Saturday, Sunday, Monday Virginia Repertory Theatre -directed by Drama Desk Nominee Carl Forsman
The Bitch Downstairs Broadway’s 24-Hour Plays -directed by Tony Award Winner Thomas Kail -featuring Jennifer Aniston and Sam Rockwell
Like You Like It Gallery Players, NYC -winner of the NYIT Award for Best Musical -directed by Drama Desk Nominee Igor Goldin
Man of La Mancha VCU Main Stage -directed by Patti D’beck, starring Guest Actor James Taylor
Save Me the Waltz 13th Street Repertory Theatre -directed by Robert Kriese
Tea and Sympathy Keen Company, Off-Broadway Revival -directed by Drama Desk Award Nominee Jonathan Silverstein
Molly, Nellie, Jim & Saul Broadway’s 24-Hour Plays -featuring Elijah Wood -directed by Peter Ellenstein
Fight Directing Experience South Pacific Fight & Dance Captain Virginia Repertory Theatre One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s… Fight Assistant & Captain VCU Main Stage Peter Pan Jr. Fight Director Straw Hat Theatre The Wiz Fight Director Straw Hat Theatre W@ste Fight Director VCU Shafer St. Playhouse Save Me the Waltz Fight Director 13th Street Rep. Theatre
Workshops and Conference Classes
Applying the Michael Chekhov Technique to Musical Theatre Performance Southeastern Theatre Conference, 2016 An application of the basic methods of concentration, presence and moment-to-moment acting analysis drawn from Michael Chekhov and applied to the rehearsal and presentation of musical theatre songs for auditions and performances.
Creating Characters Through Movement Co-Instructor, Southeastern Theatre Conference, 2015 Movement based workshop including exercises drawn from Lecoq, Noh Theatre and Michael Chekhov to give actors a rubric for physical character creation.
Introduction to the Michael Chekhov Technique Virginia Commonwealth University, 2015 & 2016 An introduction to the exercises and ideas of the Michael Chekhov technique taught to the entire freshman class of performance majors (approximately 50 students).
Introduction to Shakespeare and Scansion Edgewood Senior High School, 2012 & 2014 An introduction to Shakespearean verse & prose, exploring scansion using Romeo & Juliet and performance using Shakespearean Insults
Audition Tips and Techniques Ashtabula Arts Center; 2009, 2012, 2014 Workshop to build skills in cold reading, monologues and general presentation during auditions for student and amateur actors.
Professional Workshops Productions
Mata Hari-A New Musical -choreography assistant (Patti D’Beck, choreographer) on new musical by Frank Wildhorn, directed by Jeff Calhoun. Premiered in South Korea in 2016
Amazing Grace-A New Musical -Assistant to Fight and Military Movement Director David Leong. Assisted in staging and choreography prior to Broadway rehearsals
Mother Courage & Her Children -Assistant to Fight and Movement Director David Leong on staging mass battles and musicalized movement during pre-production for D.C.’s Arena Stage production starring Kathleen Turner
Stoopid Focken Animals -Assistant Director and perfomer in workshop presentation presented by London’s Old Vic Theatre (Kevin Spacey, Artistic Director) at Theatre Row, NYC
Napoleon the Musical -performer in workshop production prior to rehearsals for West End production
Louisiana the Musical -lead role of Tommy in two New York workshops of Rodgers & Hammerstein spoof musical
Theatre Performance Experience (selected roles)
-Member of the Actor’s Equity Association
Tea & Sympathy-Steve/ Ralph (u/s, perf.) Off-Broadway Revival, Keen Co. -directed by Drama Desk Nominee Jonathan Siverstein
The Eclectic Society-Robert Bates Walnut Street Theatre -world premiere, directed by Ed Herendeen
South Pacific-Luther Billis Virginia Repertory Theatre -RTCC Nomination-Best Supporting Actor in a Musical
Measure for Measure -Angelo Quintessence Theatre
Yank! -Charles Czechowski Gallery Players (NYC) -w/Tony Nominee Bobby Steggert, NYIT Award-Best Musical
Long Bien Jail-Pvt. Christopherson Harlem Theatre Company
Youth Ink-Jonathan/Harry McCarter Theatre
A Christmas Carol-Bob Cratchit Walnut Street Theatre
Behind the Eye-Dave Scherman/Antony Gas & Electric Arts
My Soul is a Witness-Andrew Goodman et al National Tour/JENA Co.
A Year with Frog and Toad-Toad Virginia Musical Theatre -w/Daytime Emmy Winner Matthew Wilson
A Midsummer Night’s Dream-Lysander New England Shakespeare Fest.
…Charlie Brown-Schroeder Utah Shakespeare Festival
Twelfth Night-Valentine (Feste u/s) Utah Shakespeare Festival
Peter Pan-Mullins Utah Shakespeare Festival
The Merchant of Venice-ensemble (Solanio u/s) Utah Shakespeare Festival
The Mousetrap-Sgt. Trotter Theater Barn (Berkshires)
Violet-Earl/Radio Singer Theater Barn (Berkshires) -directed by Drama Desk Nominee Igor Goldin
Forever Plaid-Sparky Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
The Wizard of Oz-The Wizard National Tour/ATAFY
The Invisible Play-Colin (Lead) Philadelphia Theatre Workshop -world premiere
Terrorism-The Passenger (Lead) New City Stage Company
Too Much of Nothing-Christy Inis Nua Theatre
The Cradle Will Rock-Professor Trixy Stage 5 Repertory Theatre
Miss Saigon-John Roxy Regional Theatre
A Year with Frog and Toad-Toad Roxy Regional Theatre
Robin Hood-Will Scarlet Manhattan Children’s Theatre
Halfway There-Barry Baldwin Theatre @ Riverside Church (NYC)
Still Life with Iris-Grotto Good/Elmer Columbus Children’s Theatre
Joseph…Dreamcoat-Potiphar/Gad Columbus Palace Theatre/PGCCH
Pride & Prejudice-Mr. Bennet Virginia Commonwealth University
Hairspray-Wilbur Turnblad Virginia Commonwealth University -directed by Patti D’Beck
Television/Film Experience
Turn: Washington’s Spies Co-star AMC
Law & Order Co-star NBC
Queen of Media Supporting Feature/Furqaan Clover,dir. -biopic about Wendy Williams, starring Robin Givens
Slave Warrior Supporting Feature/Oliver Mbamara, dir. -official selection, HBO Black Film Festival
A Rose on Ninth Street Supporting Feature/Dwight Wilkins, dir.
The Minority Supporting Feature/Dwayne Buckle, dir.
Inglorious Bumblers Supporting Feature/William Cheney, dir.
Someone I Used to Know Lead Short/Jack Collins, dir.
Administrative Experience
The Renegade Company Associate Artistic Director (2011-2013), Artistic Associate (2013-2014) -Philadelphia, PA. Managed budgets, aided in determining company’s artistic vision, created and executed fundraising events, directed Philadelphia premiere of The Amish Project (which was re-mounted by larger company) wrote new work Grimm’s Juniper Tree for company production. Supervised productions directed by the Artistic Director including Prometheus Bound, Hamletmachine and Glass: Shattered
Virginia Commonwealth University-Theatre Department Faculty Supervisor of Student Directed Productions -Supervised, gave notes and guidance for two student directed shows (Belleville and the student written Love Life) for VCU’s Shafer Alliance Laboratory Theatre
MFA Thesis Committee -One of a three-member committee evaluating and giving feedback for MFA Theatre Pedagogy Thesis A Friend from Far Away: Bertolt Brecht and his Chinese- Influenced Works
Founder & Producer, VCU’s 24-Hour Plays (two years) -Began a tradition of presenting a 24-Hour Theatre project with students in the Shafer Street Playhouse at the beginning of each fall semester. Incorporated incoming freshman to introduce them to the working nature of the department of theatre.
Department Auditions Adjudicator (two years) Evaluated students auditioning for entrance into the BFA Theatre Performance program.
Senior Performance Major Mentor -Mentor to senior performance majors on preparation for entering the industry, exploring strengths and goals and finding connections into the entertainment industry
First Year Performance Curriculum Committee -Member of a four-person committee which rewrote the entire curriculum for the Introduction to Acting classes taught to all first year performance majors.
Virginia Commonwealth University-Guild of Graduate Students Vice President (2014-15) -Managed fundraising events and rewarded funding to graduate students for studio productions and presentations at conferences.
Advisor, Student-directed Creditors, Adrian College -Advised Matthew Pecek, senior theatre major at Michigan’s Adrian College on his senior directing project, Strindberg’s Creditors, produced as part of the departments’ main stage season
University of Pennsylvania-Standardized Patient Program Standardized Patient (two years) -Philadelphia, PA. Worked as a mock patient with medical students to help them improve their interpersonal skills. Evaluated students on various techniques of dealing with patients, problem-solving and communication skills
Barrymore Awards of Greater Philadelphia -Voter/Adjudicator (2011-12) Evaluated over twenty professional productions in the Philadelphia area during the 2011-12 theatre season. Completed rubric-style scoring to determine nominees and recipients of the awards
COSI (Center of Science and Industry) Spectrum Player (one year) -Columbus, OH. Emily Rhodes, Supervisor Performed as various characters in exhibits and shows throughout this interactive children’s science museum. Supervised high school student team members’ performances.
Ashtabula County Outdoor Drama Society Creative Consultant (three years) -Geneva, OH. Supported the development of a new Outdoor Drama in Northeast Ohio, chronicling the area’s participation in the Underground Railroad.
Johnson-Liff Casting Casting Apprentice (four months) -New York, NY Full-time assistant to five casting directors on projects including the original Broadway production of The Producers and Second Stage Theatre’s Off- Broadway Revival of Crimes of the Heart. Attended senior showcases as office representative.
References
Dr. Noreen Barnes -Director of Graduate Theatre Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University -Interim Artistic Director, Richmond Triangle Players [email protected]
Patti D’Beck -Affiliate Assistant Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University -Broadway performer, Director/Choreographer and member of the SDC [email protected]
Howie Brown -Former Managing Director, Act 2 Playhouse (Ambler, PA) -Former Producing Artistic Director, Philadelphia Theatre Workshop [email protected]
Brad Willcuts -Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre, Michigan State University -Equity Actor and Professional Choreographer [email protected]
Kimberly Godfrey -Theatre & Music Coordinator, Ashtabula Arts Center/Straw Hat Theatre [email protected]