Press Release

Contact: Nicole Isaacson-Hill and Justin Lockwood (541) 482-6505

In Artattack Theater Ensemble's upcoming classes, Rogue Valley actors, young and old, will have the unique opportunity to study the art and business of acting for the camera with Hollywood actor/director Bob McCracken. As a part of Artattack's educational program, McCracken will be offering two classes, one for teens 13-17 and one for adults. The teen class will be offered Friday afternoons from 4:00PM-6:00PM beginning on February 20 for six weeks. The adult class will be offered Saturday mornings from 10:00AM-12:00PM beginning on February 21 for six weeks. Both classes will be held at the Artattack Theater Space at 310 Oak St. in Ashland. Students of all experience levels are encouraged to take part.
            
Over the course of six weeks, students will use scene study to explore the many different aspects of working in television and film. The class is designed to prepare actors for the differences between performing for the camera and stage-performance, including acting technique and the vocabulary and protocol of working on a film set.
 
McCracken’s debut as a television director, an episode of the acclaimed Lifetime series “Any Day Now,” earned the highest ratings, ever, for basic cable drama. The show won its director widespread praise and respect in the TV community, along with three more assignments from “Any Day Now” and a couple episodes of the Neilsen hit, “Judging Amy” (CBS).
 
McCracken’s “instant success” behind the camera seems almost predictable, however, if you consider his long and varied experience in the entertainment business: as and actor on-stage and on screen, as a director of prestigious theater productions in this country and abroad, and as an acting and dialogue coach on the sets of numerous film and TV productions.
 
As an actor McCracken began his career as a member of the People’s Light Theater, and founding member of South Street Rep, both in Philadelphia. Acting success continued in Los Angeles, where he played numerous leads including ”Skinner” in Brian Friel’s The Freedom of the City for which he won a DramaLogue Award. His acting work on screen has included the films Spellbinder, Mother Mother, Delusion, The Price of Life, Pay it Forward and Skyscraper, as well as guest starring roles on The Practice, ER, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, JAG and many more. He played recurring roles on the television drama Dangerous Minds and NBC’s Players.
 
In his years working in film, television and theater, McCracken has had the opportunity to work with many famous actors and actresses. Well known actor Tim Curry said of McCracken’s ability, “He’s an unfailingly generous and insightful acting coach, and I know to come to him for his scrupulously honest and accurate eye and ear whenever I have to prepare for a taped audition. Bob not only knows how to make smart choices for himself on stage, he’s resourceful and empathetic enough to help you find your own way into a part”
 
McCracken recently bought a home in Ashland where he plans to live part-time.
 
The teen class will be offered Friday afternoons from 4:00-6:00PM beginning on February 20 for six weeks. The adult class will be offered Saturday mornings from 10AM-12PM beginning on February 21 for six weeks. Both classes will be held at the Artattack Theater Space at 310 Oak St. in Ashland. The cost is $200. To register or for more information please call (541) 482-6505 or visit www.artattacktheater.com.
 
For Calendar: Artattack Theater Ensemble will offer “Acting for the Camera” classes for teens and adults with Hollywood Actor/Director Bob McCracken. The teen class will be offered Friday afternoons from 4:00-6:00PM beginning on February 20 for six weeks. The adult class will be offered Saturday mornings from 10AM-12PM beginning on February 21 for six weeks. Both classes will be held at the Artattack Theater Space at 310 Oak St. in Ashland. The cost is $200. To register or for more information please call (541) 482-6505 or visit www.artattacktheater.com.