SEMO students get advice from theater 'master'

Students at Southeast Missouri State's River Campus got the chance to perform in front of New York-based director Dennis Courtney during a master class Sunday.

Courtney brought more than 30 years of experience in show business and worked one-on-one with students and explained the dynamics of professional theater.

"If it hadn't been for the mentors, the teachers and the guardian angels who have helped me, I wouldn't have had the career that I've had," Courtney said. "I realized how important it is to give back."

Senior Jacob Buckenmyer worked with Courtney before at Southeast and recalled how Courtney helped him achieve breakthroughs onstage.

"He has a good way of seeing things and explaining them so you can find what's important yourself," Buckenmyer said.

Courtney's first involvement in Southeast theater was directing "1940's Radio Hour" in 2009, and has made time to remain involved with the theater program ever since.

After having spent the weekend working with the seniors on their Senior Showcase, Courtney's master class was an opportunity to help underclassmen such as sophomore Noah Hendry hone their skills.

Hendry sang a ballad from the musical "Catch Me If You Can," but said he needed help finding the character's motivation so he could really sell the emotion.

Courtney was happy to help.

"The first step is to ask, 'Why sing?'" he explained. "Your character is so moved, that for some reason, words just won't do it."

Courtney helped Hendry analyze his character before performing the song once more, this time with a charm that brought applause.

Even Hendry himself was surprised by the development, but he said that's why he made sure to attend the class. Courtney's reputation for directorial finesse is well known to students at the River Campus.

"I came back because I remembered how much energy [Courtney] had and how hands-on he is with everyone," Hendry said. "He pulled an energy out of me I really didn't feel before."

The attendees realize the importance of being able to audition well, and some spoke of big-city ambition, something Courtney knows from experience.

They listened as he explained what a Broadway director looks for at an audition. Courtney's one-on-one direction is a rare opportunity, especially for students looking to make "the big move," as they called it -- the one to New York City.

"For a lasting career, you have to have craft and skill," Courtney said. "You have to master the art of the audition."

He then walked them through what he identified as the three keys of a successful audition: preparation, strong acting choices and unwavering commitment to characterization.

Buckenmyer's first performance was as a fashion-savvy jailbird from "Kiss of the Spiderwoman," which was helped by a few quick words from Courtney.

"He makes you feel safe so that you can allow yourself to explore and allow yourself to be really vulnerable," Buckenmyer said.

For Courtney, an environment where actors support each other is crucial to good theater.

"Someday, someone in here is going to own a theater, someone is going to be starring in a show, and someone else is going to be looking for work," he said. "You need to start building your network now and treat people well, and supporting each other is a big part of that."

Courtney will be back next year to direct Southeast's production of "The King and I" and intends to keep mentoring young thespians to prepare them for their next "big move," wherever it may be.

Pertinent address:

518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.