Petaluma actor Terence McGovern – with a long list of movie and TV credits to his name that includes a memorable role in “American Graffiti” – has recently launched a weekly series of acting classes at the Phoenix Theater. The classes are aimed at adults who’d like to sharpen their stage skills, or take a first step toward becoming more comfortable in the spotlight.
He’d love to build the series into something that allows him to share his years of experience.
A lifelong actor and former San Francisco DJ, McGovern’s earliest screen roles were in films with George Lucas, including “American Graffiti,” in which he played the slightly skeevy Mr. Wolfe, the teacher stuck with dance supervision who attempts to give advice to Richard Dreyfuss’ Curt in one of the film’s opening scenes.
He also contributed voices to the first “Star Wars,” and has played supporting roles in countless TV shows, also proving a skilled voice actor in cartoons and films for several decades.
“What got me through all the B.S. that Hollywood has to offer,” he said, “was classes. Got very lucky. First, two summers with Ms. Stella Adler. Then a decade with Milton Katselas of the Beverly Hills Playhouse. I’ve learned an awful lot about the craft and have always taken what I’ve learned on to my next level. These teachers were and are the basis of my work as an actor, teacher, director.”
McGovern has spent “a couple decades” teaching at the Marin Actors’ Workshop, and is now enjoying teaching at the Phoenix.
“Tom Gaffey graciously allowed me to use his wonderful theater on Thursday nights, from 7 to 9:30,” he said. “The class is very hands-on. We work on the literature, TV, movies – whatever the actor brings to class in the form of scenes and monologues. When they finish their scenes, they take a seat and together we critique the work. It’s a really interesting process.”
The cost for the classes is $100 a month.
“What I’m trying to establish is a place where people of all ages can come and study or re-study the art of acting in a safe, family environment,” he explained. “Who knows. We may unearth the next Winona Ryder. Believe me, they’re out there, looking for some guidance but not able to afford a university curriculum. And then there are folks who are just plain curious and want to give it a try. The Petaluma Actors’ Workshop could be the answer.”
To learn more visit PetalumaActors.com or call McGovern at 855-231-2286.
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