Bay Street Theatre Announces Summer Classes With Betty BUckley And GE Smith

The summer whirlwind has begun, and with it, a new relationship between Bay Street Theatre and The Parrish Art Museum is bringing exciting new programming and classes to Southampton. Baystreet@The Parrish Art Museum kicks off with two opportunities for beginners and experts alike-a 2-day Electric Guitar Workshop with the ‘ Modern Master of the Telecaster', G.E. Smith, followed by a 4-day long Song Interpretation and Communication Workshop with the legendary star of stage and screen, Betty Buckley.

The classes begin on June 27 & June 28, 10-5pm daily, with a 2-day electric guitar workshop with G.E. Smith, one of the most in-demand blues/rock guitarists in the world. Millions of TV viewers know his face from his pony-tailed years fronting the Saturday Night Live band from 1985-1995, and his career is a musical triumph of the highest order.

G.E.'s career took off in the 70's when he was hired to front Dan Hartman's band, followed quickly thereafter becoming the guitarist for Gilda Radner's Broadway show "Gilda Live." From there he became the lead guitarist for Hall & Oates, racking up hit after hit with songs like "Private Eyes", "Man Eater", "Kiss on My List" and others. By early '85 when Hall & Oates became the house band at Live Aid and Farm Aid, G.E. ended up being the de facto music director, backing Mick Jagger, Tina Turner and who ever didn't have a band. Jagger then sought him out on his first solo album, She's the Boss and Primitive Cool. From David Bowie to Eddie Van Halen, from Keith Richards to Buddy Guy to Bob Dylan-G.E. has performed with, and is known as, one of the greatest guitarists of our day.

To participate in the guitar workshop students (ages 16 & up), should know the basic notes and bring their own electric guitar and small amp. The workshop will explore the sound and form of electric guitar, from its most elementary licks through improvisational blues and rock playing. Class size is limited. The total cost for the two days is $300 and will include a light lunch.

For singers, actors, educators and aspiring performers interested in storytelling and communication in songs and monologues, a brand new 4-day long workshop intensive, Monday, June 29-Thursday, July 2 will be sure to delight with the Tony Award-winning and Emmy and Grammy nominated Broadway legend Betty Buckley at the helm. This incredible opportunity and performance boot camp is also a chance to enjoy a fun week in the Hamptons learning to make connections from the heart as taught by a master. Buckley, along with renowned Pilates trainer Patrick Strong will share in leading exercises in song interpretation and communication for the four days, 9am to 5pm daily.

Betty Buckley is a household name and her list of award-winning Broadway performances is staggering. Ms. Buckley won a Tony Award for her performance in the Broadway hit Cats, a second Tony Award nomination for Triumph of Love, and an Olivier Award nomination in London for her performance in Sunset Boulevard, which she repeated to more rave reviews on Broadway. Her resonant voice transfers easily from stage to music and beyond, and she tours extensively in concert with her ensemble of jazz musicians. Ms. Buckley has recorded 11 CD's and received two Grammy nominations, and she will return to the Bay Street stage for blockbuster performances on Friday, July 3 (her birthday celebration show!) and Saturday, July 4th. Her talent extends from stage to both the large and small screen and TV viewers know her from HBO series OZ, Eight is Enough, Law & Order: SVU and more. Her film credits include M. Night Shyamalan's The Happening, Brian de Palma's Carrie, Bruce Beresford's Tender Mercies, Roman Polanski's Frantic, and Woody Allen's Another Woman.

In her workshop intensive, Ms. Buckley will share her expertise with singers and actors, and help them to connect with their audience through songs and monologues. In addition, Ms. Buckley utilizes the practice of meditation and explains a universal spiritual philosophy as the means for singers/actors to make effective choices for creating character. With over thirty years as a Pilates teacher under his belt and trainer to Ms. Buckley since 1982, Patrick Strong, will lead each day's work with a Pilates class, followed by afternoons with Ms. Buckley. Day one will focus on meditation and on making effective choices for creating characters, while day two continues with a communication exercise designed to illuminate the essence and practicum of genuine communication with an audience. This workshop includes one on one work with Ms. Buckley and will assist both young professionals and more experienced performers and educators alike. The cost for the four days is $1,000 or $500 for auditors. Auditors will participate in exercises but will not receive one on one work with Ms. Buckley.

Both classes will be held at The Parrish Art Museum, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton. However, reservations will be taken only through the Bay Street Box office at 725-9500. For a complete listing of events at Bay Street please go to www.baystreet.org, call the Box Office at 631-725-9500 or visit Bay Street on the Long Wharf, Sag Harbor.

Bay Street Theatre is a not-for-profit institution, dedicated to presenting new, classic and contemporary works of the highest quality, which challenge as well as entertain, speak to the diversity of the community and champion the human spirit. Bay Street's commitment extends to educational programs for all ages to foster the continued value of theatre as a vital art form for future generations.