Two River Theater Announces Guest Artists For Its First Monday Masters Series

Two River Theater announces the spring schedule of guest artists for First Monday Masters, its popular series of master classes. All of the classes are taught by actors, directors, playwrights and designers affiliated with Two River Theater's 25th Anniversary Season.

Some master classes are for high school or college students, some for adults, and some are for mixed ages. Teachers can use the classes for professional development, and will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the evening. Classes take place in locations throughout the Two River Theater arts complex, on Monday evenings from 6pm-8pm.

To reserve a spot, visit www.tworivertheater.org or call 732.345.1400. The schedule of First Monday Masters for spring 2019 is as follows:

April 1 - Stage Combat with UnkleDave's Fight-House
For adults and high school students, limited to 16 participants, 6-8pm, $40 per person

Violence on stage has to look realistic while remaining completely safe for all involved. Founded by David Anzuelo, UnkleDave's Fight-House is the stage combat team behind many Two River productions including August Wilson's King Hedley II and Be More Chill. Combining his training as an actor, director, and martial artist, Anzuelo brings a unique approach to fight choreography and stage violence. His core team consists of Jesse Geguzis, Sean Griffin and Gerry Rodriguez. These amazing fight-directors/stage-combat teachers will discuss-and demonstrate-how violence fits into storytelling on stage.

May 6 - The World According to Ruben Santiago-Hudson
For adults and college students, limited to 20 participants, 6-8pm, $40 per person

In this special master class, Ruben Santiago-Hudson will share insights and behind-the-scenes stories about his life and career as one of the American theater's finest directors, playwrights and actors. A preeminent interpreter of the works of August Wilson, his Broadway credits include directing Jitney and acting in Seven Guitars (for which he won a Tony Award). At Two River-where he is directing this season's production of Regina Taylor's Oo-Bla-Dee-he has thrilled audiences with Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Jitney and Two Trains Running, as well as his own world-premiere play Your Blues Ain't Sweet Like Mine. He won an Obie Award and critical acclaim for his solo show Lackawanna Blues, and his screenplay for the HBO adaptation received the Humanitas Prize, Christopher Award, National Board of Review Honors, and NAACP Image Award.

June 3 - Creating Personal Narrative with Martin Moran
For adults and high school students, limited to 16 participants, 6-8pm, $40 per person

Martin Moran will guide participants in how to transform life into art in this master class about using your own stories to create original work. He was awarded a 2004 Obie Award and two Drama Desk nominations for his play The Tricky Part, based upon his memoir of the same title, and a 2013 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Off-Broadway Solo Show for his play All the Rage. He performed The Tricky Part and All the Rage at Two River Theater in 2013/14, after which Two River commissioned him to write Theo, his first play for other actors, running now through March 24. As an actor, he has appeared on Broadway in many productions including Wicked, Monty Python's Spamalot and Titanic.

Since its founding in 1994, Two River Theater has been committed to creating great American theater by developing and producing work by some of the country's leading artists. We are proud to be viewed as a vital cultural resource in the community of Red Bank, New Jersey. Through 8+ theatrical productions each year (including world premieres, musicals, classics and theater for young audiences) and 40+ annual events happening around Monmouth County, we produce exceptional theater and cultivate engaged audiences. Two River Theater is under the leadership of Artistic Director John Dias and Managing Director Michael Hurst. For more information, visit tworivertheater.org or call 732.345.1400.

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