Tom Frascatore Director Actor Teacher/Coach Author

TEACHER~COACH

TEACHER

From my perspective, it's impossible be a competent director without being a teacher. It's the same basic skill-set:

Dissect the material.
Discern the story.
Find and chart the moments that carry the narrative.
Hone the moments to organically connect stage behaviors to subliminal recognition in an audience.
Negativity has no place in this process.

If you are not an effective communicator, none of the above is remotely possible. If you are an effective communicator, then you teach in every rehearsal and can bring those skills to a classroom setting.

Over the last 15 years I've taught formally in several places.

Paper Mill Playhouse

Acting/Scene Study
Musical Theatre
Dissecting a Song
Musical Theatre Audition technique

The Paper Mill Playhouse is a Regional Theater in NJ. It has both a conservatory program (for teenagers training for a career in the theatre arts) and a theatre school, which is more public outreach.

Although I harbor every director's passion and delight in working with trained actors, I found teaching in the theatre school to be both rewarding and challenging.

First of all, it seemed everyone in each class was there for a different reason. Some people were prepping for a return to the stage after time off. Others were new to the craft and in need of a 101 approach. There were even people there to improve their public speaking skills as well as a mother and daughter looking for a joint activity. . .basically a herd of cats when trying to develop a curriculum.

But, good directors AND teachers find a way to communicate and build consensus, so I:

Challenged the "actors" with scenes filled with subtext and nuance.
Took the time to introduce stage basics with reinforcement to the "newbies".
Had the "public speaker" work on monologues.
Assigned the "mother-daughter", mother-daughter scenes (and for fun had them switch roles on occasion).

For the Musical Theatre Audition Class, I filmed people singing their audition song on the first day, then ended the last class with a formal audition (again filmed) in real audition circumstances:

Sign in sheet and waiting room managed by and AEA Stage Manager.
Three people "in the room" whom they had never seen before when they came in to audition.
A "plant" actor already signed in before the arrived (someone a real AEA working actress with a BIG voice) playing the kind of waiting room games that unfortunately do happen.

In short, their final class was pretty much a real audition with all the bells, whistles and anxiety.

The difference from first class to final audition was dazzling!

Miss Shona's PAC

Acting/Scene Study
Mastering Your Monologue
Acting for Zoom/Audition Technique

Ranging in age from 13-17, most of my work for Miss Shona's PAC has been with teenagers on an arts track and looking to go to college in preparation for a career in the arts. I am proud to say that 2 of my students auditioned and were accepted in highly competitive college theatre programs this pas year.

COACH

Informally, I have always coached. Many actors whom I've directed have come to trust me as a coach who's input they seek for important auditions and/or moments with which they are struggling in productions. You can see how they feel about my contributions below.

Student Endorsements

Tess Ammerman Co-Founder, TSquared Production Company, Producer, Actor

MA, Classical Acting, RCS Speech and Drama, AEA

"Whenever I have an audition, or need to perform a scene in class, I call Tom Frascatore. I want to make sure that I am doing my best work and I know he can get me there. He pushes me to challenge myself, and for that I will be forever grateful."

James Weeks, Actor

MA, Acting, RCS Speech and Drama, AEA, SAG-AFTRA

"Tom’s helped me prep an audition several times, and his practical approach is always excellent at focusing a scene in a short amount of time. He’s terrific at breaking down the key elements of a scene, and making sure that you hit each moment to clearly tell the story. He’s also fantastic at letting you know if you’re achieving what you’re trying to do – and if necessary, helping you tweak your work to reflect the choices that you want to show off."

Julia Lupi, Actor

"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Tom Frascatore as my mentor and acting coach for the past few years. Not only is he incredibly talented, but he is an absolute joy to work with! He has prepared me for multiple auditions, all of which I have felt completely confident and prepared for after our work together. His in-depth knowledge and understanding of the text, script analysis, as well as his approach to creating a character have had quite an impact on my acting skills. The environment he creates is one of pure enjoyment and excitement for the work, and he is incredibly supportive and caring! I highly recommend working with Tom!"

Renard Wright, Actor

"I wanted to take a moment to talk about the way that Tom Frascatore taught me what acting was. He was honest and patient and never once did he do anything but push me forward. Had it not been for Tom I would have walked away. Had I walked away I would not have been able to take my mother to see me receive the award for best supporting actor. It would be the last such event as she recently passed. Thank you Tom.

"Tom is one of my go-to directors. His theatrical projects always employ a poetic conceit and creative overarching vision. He comes to the table with a perennial positive attitude and approachable demeanor. He is fastidious in his work ethic and always takes the extra time to consider every scene from every possible character and angle."

Diane L. Parker, Actor

Co-founder, The New Jersey Creative Arts Collaborative

"Tom helped to strengthen my singing technique by exploring the meaning and depth of the lyrics instead of being concerned if I hit the right note or strayed from the melody. It was wonderful enlightening experience that I value to this day."

Shan Williams, Actor

“Tom Frascatore aka ‘The Frasc”, helped me in many ways on my first and only Shakespeare play Much Ado About Nothing. Shakespeare’s work is relevant in today’s society and Tom Frascatore helped me to realize it. Studying the script, he helped me to understand the cadence of each line and monologue, which was thought provoking. Whatever whim I wished to indulge; techniques, skills, and inspirations, he guided with precision and the layers of study became synonymous with my own personal growth. I would not be the actor I am today with his assistance."

Dave Murray, Actor, EMC

"After working off-Broadway and in Summer Stock, I was coached by Tom Frascatore. His assistance helped me in the Equity Membership Candidate Program. Since being coached by Tom Frascatore, I believe my understanding of theatre has grown. He covered topics in drama, comedy, musical theatre and Shakespeare. I am confident he could also instruct students to become strong actors."

Alicia Hayes, Actor

"I was at a rehearsal with Tom and asked if after rehearsal he could look over some audition sides with me. Not only did he look over the sides, but without any prior prep Tom and I went through every single side where he gave me thorough advice/direction, asked me introspective questions and complimented my work where it was due. I had been looking over those sides for weeks before going to Tom and I left feeling completely confident and prepared. And that was a spontaneous lesson! I highly recommend working with Tom."

Tom FrascatoreDirectorActorTeacher/CoachAuthor

917.748.0791 tom.frascatore@gmail.com SAG/AFTRA~AEA~GIAA

TEACHER~COACH

Student Endorsements

Tom Frascatore
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