THOMAS TRUDGEON 6310 Goodland Place, Los Angeles, CA 91606 917-532-5313 ~ [email protected]

Acting, Classical Performance & Voice Teacher - Curriculum Vitae

EDUCATION

MASTER OF FINE ARTS, Acting & Performance Pedagogy, 4.0 GPA May 2018 CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH

BACHELOR OF ARTS - Major: Communications, Concentration: TV/Film; Minor: May 1991 HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY – HEMPSTEAD, NY

WORKING TOWARDS CATHERINE FITZMAURICE VOICEWORK CERTIFICATION Completion: 2021

INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP “THE METHOD OF THEODOROS TERZOPOULOS” July / August, 2017 Studied with Attis Theatre in Athens, Greece. 150 hours accrued. Led by Theodoros Terzopoulos and Savvas Stroumpos with artists from China, Greece, , Australia, Paris, Berlin, Russia, Poland & US. Received certification for completing the following: Body, Body & Voice, Body & Role.

ASSOCIATION OF PERFORMING ARTS PRESENTERS (APAP) EMERGING LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE 2009

BLACK NEXXUS - SUSAN BATSON Regularly between 2002 - 2005

ACTING SHAKESPEARE WITH LOUIS SCHEEDER Regularly between 1993 - 1999

CURRENT

FACULTY LECTURER August 2016 – Present CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH Teach Theatre 113: Introduction to Acting. Each class serves 50 students. Teach Theatre 415: Preparing for the Profession for advanced undergrad acting students. Co-Taught Theatre 318: Advanced Acting with Alexandra Billings. Teaching Assistant, History of Theatre and Drama 1660 to Contemporary; Spring 2018 Assistant Director, The Drunken City: Written by Adam Bock & dir. by Marya Mazor; Fall 2018. Voice & Text Coach, Polaroid Stories: Written by Naomi Iizuka & dir. by Eric Hoff; Fall 2017. Facilitated summer theatre program to Practice, Practice, Practice: Self-Tape & Live Audition for students during time of Covid-19; Summer 2020. Third Reader for M.F.A. Thesis written by Candidate Lauren Roth: Vocal Injury and Inclusivity: A Path Towards Healing; Spring 2020. URTA Audition Shakespeare Coaching - Prepped six undergraduate performance majors for classical component of URTA interviews. All six students received and accepted full scholarships to esteemed graduate acting programs; January 2018. Excellence demonstrated through S.P.O.T. (Student Perceptions of Teaching) Summaries; exemplifies teaching credibilty and dedication to serve a multi-cultural student population. Safe Zone Ally – Part of a CSULB University-wide network of allies, fostering a safe atmosphere for LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff.

PERTINENT SCHOLARLY & CREATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS

AWARDED MEMBERSHIP OF CELEBRATION THEATRE COMPANY May 2020 Award winning Los Angeles based company whose mission is to entertain, inspire and empower with innovative productions that celebrate the LGBTQ+ Community. Contributed technical assistance for online Pride celebration events during time of Covid 19.

MICHA – MICHAEL CHEKHOV ASSOCIATION’S 2020 SUMMER WORKSHOP SERIES June 2020 Participated in online workshops, training, conversations and events during time of Covid 19.

FITZMAURICE VOICEWORK INSTITUTE GLOBAL SUMMIT August 2020 Particiapted in online summit workshops, training and conversations during time of Covid 19.

PERFORMED IN MONO/POLY - LOS ANGELES, CA October – November 2019 Tubeman Productions at Odyssey Theatre; Directed by Brian Reynolds; Roles: Jerry/Miles.

PERFORMED IN APOLLO 11 – THE LIVE SHOW AT THE LUNAR DOME May-August 2019 National Tour produced by Nick Grace Management and Troika Entertainment; Written by Todd Kreidler and directed by Scott Faris. Role: Frank “Chronos” Wilson.

ARMIN SHIMERMAN MASTERING SHAKESPEARE WORKSHOP AT ANTEAUS THEATRE February-April 2019 Pedagogical Observation: Historical context & rhetoric.

KNIGHT-THOMPSON SPEECHWORK – EXPERIENCING ACCENTS INTENSIVE August 2018 Led by Master Teachers Philip Thompson & Andrea Caban.

WINNER - FIRST PLACE FOR EXCELLENT PRESENTATION OF AN ORIGINAL SCHOLARLY WORK May 2018 IN CREATIVE ART AND DESIGN AT THE STATEWIDE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH COMPETITION FOR “THE ART OF WE”

ANNE BOGART WORKSHOP April 2018 Pedagogical Observation: The Viewpoints with CSULB undergraduate performance majors.

PERFORMED WITH CALIFORNIA REPERTORY COMPANY (CAL REP) 2016 – 2018 ANTIGONE X: Written by Paula Cizmar & directed by Jeff Janisheski. Role: Creon. (Credited in published text as role of Creon with Cal Rep) MACHINAL: Written by Sophie Treadwell & directed by Julianne Just. Role: George H. Jones. GOOD BOYS AND TRUE: Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa & directed by Hugh O’Gorman. Role: Coach Russell Shea. THE DUCHESS OF MALFI: Written by John Webster & directed by Rob Clare. Role: Cardinal.

KNIGHT-THOMPSON SPEECHWORK – EXPERIENCING SPEECH WORKSHOP June 2017 Led by Andrea Caban, Tyler Seiple and Cynthia Santos-DeCure.

STEPHEN SIMMS PLAYING SHAKESPEARE WORKSHOP October 2016

PERFORMED FOR CSULB HUMANITIES DEPT. BRECHT+60/KLEIST+205 SYMPOSIUM September 2016 “Workshopping Bertolt Brecht’s Caucasian Chalk Circle”, led by Hugh O’Gorman. Role: Simon.

WILMA THEATER WORKSHOP -TERZOPOULOS AND JEAN-RENÉ TOUSSAINT METHODOLOGIES June 2016 Summer Intensive with Blanka Zizka and Jered McLenigan.

COMEDYSPORTZ PHILADELPHIA May 2016 Improvisation with Susannah Beckett.

PERFORMED WITH MAUCKINGBIRD THEATRE COMPANY IN PHILADLEPHIA, PA 2016 THE SISTERHOOD: Ranjit Bolt’s contemporary adaptation of Moliere’s Les Femmes Savantes, directed by Peter Reynolds. Role: Ariste.

PERFORMED AT FRINGEARTS PHILADELPHIA WITH TRUTH BE TOLD 2014 BENT: written by Martin Sherman and directed by Fernando Gonzalez. Role: Max. WALNUT ST. THEATER, PHILADELPHIA, PA 2013 - 2015 Understudied Greg Wood in Private Lives. Role: Elyot. Understudied Dan Olmstead in Good People. Role: Mike.

DIRECTED LARRY KRAMER’S THE NORMAL HEART 2011 Produced with Actor Saturday at The Land of Tomorrow Gallery in Louisville, KY. Instructed a 4 month weekly workshop preceding rehearsals with artists to build ensemble and examine content; Proceeds benefitted local AIDS Walk Foundation. Implemented post-show conversations titled The LGBT Community and Race: Let's Talk!, featuring leaders from the Showing Up For Racial Justice initiative and Fairness Campaign.

PROVINCETOWN TENNESSEE WILLIAMS THEATER FESTIVAL - MA 2014 Produced The Member of the Wedding by Carson McCullers, directed by Jade King Carroll.

JOE’S PUB @ THE PUBLIC THEATRE - NY, NY 2000 - 2002 Produced two seasons of Playwright: A Reading Series, highlighting American writers and artists.

AWARDS & GRANTS

FIRST PLACE FOR EXCELLENT PRESENTATION OF AN ORIGINAL SCHOLARLY WORK IN CREATIVE ART 2018 AND DESIGN AT THE 32ND ANNUAL STATEWIDE CSU RESEARCH COMPETITION - “THE ART OF WE”

FIRST PLACE FOR OUTSTANDING RESEARCH IN CREATIVE ARTS AND DESIGN - “THE ART OF WE” 2018 Award received for 2018 CSULB Student Research Competition.

OFFICE OF RESEARCH & SPONSORED PROGRAMS (CSULB) RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP 2017 - 2018 Awarded for continuing education with Fitzmaurice Voicework certification training.

THE JOANNE GORDON ACTING SCHOLARSHIP 2017 Received from CSULB College of the Arts.

NORRIS GRANT (CSULB) 2016 Received to attend Knight-Thompson – Experiencing Speech Workshop.

HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY TELEVISION INSTITUTE “BEST DIRECTOR” AWARD 1991 Received for Best Direction of a Live Dramatic Television Program: SnowBound.

TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIP- HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY 1988 - 1991 TA’d production classes for undergraduate TV/Film students in Dempster Hall Televison Institute.

ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

PRINCE MUSIC THEATER – Philadelphia, PA November 2013 – July 2016 Venue Operations Manager Directed Operations and Front-of-House management in a multi-arts venue presenting world-class concerts, film and theatrical events. Worked under both American Music Theater Festival and Philadelphia Film Society during this time period.

KIMMEL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS - Philadelphia, PA March 2013 – May 2013 Programming Coordinator Contracted by programming department to help coordinate PIFA 2013 (Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts). Assisted with managing season programming and performances for Kimmel Center Presents.

KENTUCKY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS - Louisville, KY August 2006 – May 2012 Programming Manager Generated, researched and presented a diverse array of new programming which increased season performances 42% (63 shows per season) during my employment. Managed classical music prodigy series, filmmaker series, local artist events and unique and cutting edge programming including modern dance and “A Little Off Center” series. Conceptualized and implemented ancillary events surrounding main stage programming: artist receptions, meet and greets, lecture demonstrations, workshops and master classes, outreach, arts in health services and PR/marketing opportunities. Represented Kentucky Center in the community while seeking out opportunities relevant to programming, i.e. partnerships, networking, fundraising and business development. Completed role as event coordinator for open house celebration welcoming over 3000 guests for a day of performances, activities, workshops, prizes, tours and displays. Fostered $150,000.00 non-recurring sponsorship on behalf of Development Dept. over 2 years. Assisted with overseeing season programs including building show budgets, facilitating contracts, tracking show expenses and handling settlement for commercial contracts.

G3 ILLUSTRATED – Louisville, KY July 2005 – May 2012 Publisher Founder/Editor in Chief for monthly pocket-sized entertainment & resource magazine (G3 Illustrated) for the LGBTQ+ Communities of Louisville & Lexington, KY which resulted in increased LGBTQ+ participation, unification and visibility; Circulation 10,000, Distribution 450. Involved in all aspects of magazine production: content development & writing including reviews, features, spotlights, inspiring stories, advice, humor & political dialogue; managed pagination & editing. Conceived, produced and photographed G3 cover art; Designed ad campaigns for G3 advertisers. Created and marketed monthly social/networking events for LGBTQ+ community of Louisville, KY; average 300 in attendance; partners and venues include Churchill Downs, Frazier Museum, 21c Museum/Hotel, Makers Mark Lounge, Theatre of Louisville, and popular institutions.

JOE’S PUB @ THE PUBLIC THEATRE – New York, NY October ‘98 – October ‘02 Manager for New York’s Multifaceted Performance Venue Managed ’s most celebrated and in-demand performance venue that programs over 800 shows a year in all genres and diverse arts disciplines. In-house contact for top Broadway, Cabaret, Rock, Hip Hop, Indie, Alternative, Underground Alternative, Performance Art and World Music artists. Conducted the harmony between artists, arts managers, production, DJ’s, promoters, bar/floor staff, security, patrons, guest lists and the law. Handled revenue, staffing and payroll.

ROBERT ISABELL, INC. – New York, NY April 1996 – March 1997 Assistant to Vice President Worked with high profile clientele to ensure coordination of events. Assisted in creation of formal proposals & cost projections for Mr. Isabell’s designs. Hired/Managed crew of 60 warehouse workers, designers, florists & production teams. Initiated communication and spirit among staff, i.e., meetings and crew excursions.

THE NATIONAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY. – New York, NY September 1993 – September 1997 Managing Director/Actor/Producer/Director Assumed Managing Director post for the deteriorating organization, revived interest in long-standing company and solicited new private and corporate sponsors. Restructured the creative and fiscal operations, resulting in a 20% reduction in expenses. Produced & presented touring productions of Shakespeare’s plays for PAC’s, arts councils, regional & universities throughout the . Oversaw casting, play selection and development of creative teams. Producing Director for NYC theatrical runs: Fortinbras at Beckett Theatre, True West at Chelsea Playhouse and annual “Bard Squared” (touring) productions at J. Anderson Theatre. Directed Shakespeare’s plays for NYC Metro Programs at the Central Park Band Shell. Raised $1 million annuallly in contributions, fundraisers, corporate donations & touring income. Formed theatre consortium at Chelsea Playhouse providing shared expenses with a significant reduction in redundant costs among four high profile resident companies.

THE NATIONAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY. – New York, NY September 1993 – September 1997 Managing Director/Actor/Producer/Director (CONTINUED) Developed and implemented “Shakespeare to the Quick” outreach program presenting plays and workshops to high school students throughout the New York Metropolitan region. 1993 – Acted/Toured in Romeo & Juliet and The Tempest. 1993 – Conducted Shakepeare acting workshops while on tour.

FREELANCE

Production Associate – MTV (The Week in Rock, Rock the Vote & Like We Care) Production Assistant – CNN, Sportschannel, Meistritch Corp., As the World Turns (internship) Special Events – Robert Isabell, Inc. (NYC), Charles Masson Designs (NYC) Public Relations – Saxton Group (NYC), Simply P.R. (NYC)

PERFORMANCE

THEATRE Apollo 11 – The Live Show Frank “Chronos” (dir. Scott Faris) National Tour/Troika Entertainment, CA Mono/Poly Jerry / Miles (dir. Brian Reynolds) Tubeman Productions, Los Angeles, CA Antigone X Creon (dir. Jeff Janisheski) CalRep, Long Beach, CA Machinal George H. Jones (dir. Julianne Just) CalRep, Long Beach, CA Good Boys and True Coach Russell Shea (dir.Hugh O’Gorman) CalRep, Long Beach, CA The Duchess of Malfi Cardinal (dir. Rob Clare) CalRep, Long Beach, CA King Lear Kent (dir. Denise Devin) Zombie Joe’s Underground, Los Angeles The Sisterhood Ariste (dir. Peter Reynolds) Mauckingbird Theatre Co, Philadelphia Bent Max (dir. Fernando Gonzalez) FringeArts Philly, Truth Be Told Private Lives Elyot (U/S) (dir. Bob Carlton) Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia Good People Mike (U/S) (dir. Bernard Havard) Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia Ordinary People Cal Jarrett (dir. J.R. Stuart) Theater on Main, New Albany, IN Southern Baptist Sissies Mark (dir. J Daniel Herring) Pandora Productions, Louisville, KY Most Fabulous Story Ever Told Adam (dir. Michael Drury) Pandora Productions, Louisville, KY Arrangement for Two Violas Peter (dir. Michael Drury) Pandora Productions, Louisville, KY McBeth – Over 2 Million Slain Ensemble (dir. Kevin Shinick) Ideal Theatricals, (NYC Fringe) All-Male Importance/ Earnest Merrimen (dir. Hugh Hysell) Wilde at Last Theatre Co., NYC The Tempest Ferdinand (dir. Elaine Sulka) National Shakespeare Company, NYC Romeo & Juliet Paris (dir. Elaine Sulka) National Shakespeare Company, NYC The Winter’s Tale Third Gentleman Synchronicity Space, NYC Mutiny on the Bounty Fletcher Christian Seamen’s Institute, NYC Digby’s Killing of the Children Simeon (dir. Louis Scheeder) Columbia Univ. Special Projects, NYC Feeding the Dead Oregano (dir. John Giampetro) Accidental Theatre Co., NYC The Rose Tattoo Jack Hunter (dir. Rob Weiner) Hofstra University, NY Bus Stop Bo Decker (Dir. Charles Repole) Hofstra University, NY The Imaginary Invalid Monsieur de Bonnefoi (dir. Carol Kastendieck) Hofstra University, NY Lone Star Ray dir. Carol Kastendieck) Hofstra University, NY

FILM/TELEVISION/COMMERCIAL (Available Upon Request)

PROFESSIONAL ACTING TRAINING - Hugh O’Gorman, Alexandra Billings, Rob Clare, Stephen Simms, Louis Scheeder, Armin Shimerman, Black Nexxus/Susan Batson, Ezra LeBank, Ronald Rand, David Caparelliotis, Darci Picoult, Gloria Foster, Charles Repole, Carol Kastendieck, Greg Wood, Susie Stevens, Susannah Beckett (Improv), Blanka Zizka, Jered McLenigan VOICE/SPEECH - Catherine Fitzmaurice, Saul Kotzubei, Micha Espinosa, Cynthia Bassham, Andrea Caban, Dr. Estelle Aden, Tyler Seiple, Knight-Thompson training

CIVIC & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Safe Zone Ally – Part of a CSULB University-wide network of allies, fostering a safe atmosphere for LGBTQI students, faculty and staff. Served 2016 – Present Ghostlight Project – Participated in CSULB community and nationwide artistic happening declaring the CSULB Theatre Arts building a sanctuary to feel safe to be who you are, regardless of race, class, religion, country of origin, immigration status, (dis)ability, age, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Hosted by Alex Billings and directed by Joanne Gordon. Down & Derby Founding Committee Member – Planned annual Kentucky Derby LGBT event, with avg. 900 in attendance, raising funds for various charities including University of Louisville’s WINGS Clinic – Served 2009 – 2012 LexArts Community Arts Grant Panelist – Lexington, KY, Served FY2011 Arts Leadership Design Team Member for the creation of Western Middle Magnet School for Visual and Performing Arts – Louisville, KY, Served 2010 - 2011 South Arts Tour of Independent Filmmakers Selection Committee – Atlanta, GA, Served 2006 – 2009 Kentucky Center Governor’s School for the Arts Toyota Alumni Fund Grant Panelist – Served 2011 Pandora Productions Theatre Company, Advisory Council Member – Louisville, KY – Served 2007 – 2008

RECENT CLASS PHOTOS: (SPOT Summaries available upon request)

CSULB Theatre 113, Introduction for Acting – Non-Majors - Section 03 – Spring, 2017

CSULB Theatre 113, Introduction for Acting – Non-Majors - Section 24 – Spring, 2017 CLASSES TAUGHT - CSULB

PREPARING FOR THE PROFESSION – THEATRE 415 January 2020 - Present California State University, Long Beach 18 students, meet for 16 weeks/twice a week/4 hours per week

Advanced audition class for undergraduate performance majors to prepare the serious acting student to enter the professional world. Applies proven sports psychology and professional acting techniques needed to prepare students to audition in highly competitive markets and/or gain entrance into reputable graduate school acting programs. Theatre 415 also explores the practical aspects of working and living within the business of theatre, film and television. Additionally, students have the opportunity to meet consummate professionals from the world of show-business.

Objectives Prepare for the inner, mental game of the high pressure audition and performance. Practice mental, physical and emotional preparations for The Audition. Build confidence in the ability to audition at maximum potential. “Do what you know how to do”. Develop the tools and materials needed to launch you into the business. Discover how to navigate the many online audition resources available to you as an actor/artist. Break down the audition process and prepare material to win. Determine necessities to survive in the “real world” and make Art and Imagination a lifestyle you can live with on the long road. Students create a Game Plan unique to them. Meet professional artists and practitioners who will share their stories and provide advice. Develop commercial & theatrical cold reading and self-tape audition skills.

INTRODUCTION TO ACTING FOR NON-MAJORS – THEATRE 113 Fall 2016 – Present California State University, Long Beach 50 students per class, meet for 16 weeks/twice a week/2.5 hours per week

Objectives: Develop general skills and appreciation for theatre and acting; as well as develop capacities for human connection and understanding. This is achieved through participation and observation during theatre games, exercises and conversation surrounding the art form. Discover techniques actors utilize to prepare the voice, body, mind and heart to create live theatrical performances. Introduce Michael Chekhov, pedagogy derived from Viewpoints, Augusto Boal and Stanislavski based methodologies. Fully explore self-identity (passion, curiosity, respect, trust, risk, individuality, connection, social masks,) Introduce work on role (acting defined, living believably, spontaneity and improvisation, precise repeatability, given circumstances, playing action, listening, relationship, subtext & character,). Examine super-objective, attention, concentration, awareness, ease, incorporation, imagination, inspiration, stage fright, artistic paradox: ego vs. generosity, Self 1 vs. Self 2.

ADVANCED ACTOR'S PROCESS – THEATRE 318-B Spring 2017 (Co-Taught with Alexandra Billings) California State University, Long Beach 14 students per class, met for 16 weeks/twice a week/6 hours per week

Advanced undergraduate theatre major performance class. Acting, physical and vocal exercises are used in conjunction with scenes to advance the growth of the actor in his/her acting process. The aim is to remove the focus off of Self and onto one’s partner in service to the play, and to live truthfully under imaginary circumstances with precise repeatability and complete spontaneity. The major works of Anton Chekhov and contemporary American playwrights are used as source material for exploration of Stanislavski’s Event Analysis and scenes. Objectives: To fully examine Stanislavisky’s system of Event Analysis and work on the role; and execute “Action.” To fully explore and execute Michael Chekhov ‘s technique through exercise and scene work. To take attention off of self and learn to target the other; to explore Declan Donnellan principles. To fully understand and execute “sourcing”. To fully understand and fully execute the “Five Questions.” To further develop and expand the actor’ s imagination, impulse and expression.

REFERENCES – Available Upon Request