The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

A UNIQUE opportunity will be afforded to local actors and actresses when “Scandal” star Jeff Perry and award-winning casting director Linda Lowy make their way to Nassau to participate in the Bahamas Artist Movement’s upcoming workshop.

Mr Perry, who plays White House Chief of Staff Cyrus Beene on the ABC hit show, and Ms Lowy will facilitate the workshop, offering insight into how aspiring actors can launch their careers and achieve their goals.

Mr Perry is also the co-founder of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, one of the premier Chicago theatre institutions, and an expert in the “view points” technique, which he will be sharing with the participants of the workshop through scene study.

Ms Lowy will focus on auditioning techniques and methods of working in the industry. In addition, as she casts for ABC, she will be taking note of the Bahamian talent displayed, said BAM Founder Rowena Poitier.

Auditions will be held on June 12 at the New Providence Community Church from 6pm-9pm. There are only 60 spaces currently available for the workshop. The actual workshop will be held on July 19, from 9am - 5pm.

“The workshop will be an embodiment of BAM’s mission, which is primarily to strive to experiment, educate, evoke and to entertain, but to also bring exceptional talent to Bahamian actors. We believe that there is no better way than doing this by bringing a well-known, successful actor (on and off screen) and an award-winning casting director,” Ms Poitier told Tribune Arts and Entertainment.

Early auditions for the workshop held last month proved a success, Ms Poitier said. “I was blown away by the level of Bahamian talent and commitment. You can tell that they are hungry for success and that nothing will stop them,” she said.

BAM currently offers professional training for passionate artists as well as performing and showcase opportunities using works that encourage exploration and critique of social issues that engage audiences in an exchange of ideas and open discussion. BAM said it seeks to continuously ignite a celebration of the arts in the Bahamas, striving to establish a nationally and internationally recognised hub of entertainment. BAM’s mission is to experiment, educate, evoke and entertain.

“As a result of my personal, professional theatre experience in my years in and following university I found it necessary to continue pursuing theatre at the same calibre. Unfortunately, there is no industry developed here,” Ms Poitier said. “This sparked me to initiate the Bahamas Artist Movement, also known as BAM – the first performance company of its kind. BAM currently offers professional training for passionate artists.

“Our mission states that we strive to experiment, educate, evoke and to entertain. Currently backed by Sir Sidney Poitier and other internationally renowned persons of the industry, BAM has gained tremendous support since its incarnation.”

Participants of the workshop are required to present a prepared monologue not exceeding 1 minute and 30 seconds. Participants are also required to present digital or hard copies of at least one headshot and a completed application (available online for the Family Islands).

For more information contact bam.dreams@gmail.com.