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Home › News & Events › News › Groundlings Theatre Company Member Zackry Colston (’16) Zooms in to Professional Development Series

Groundlings Theatre Company Member Zackry Colston (’16) Zooms in to Professional Development Series

December 18, 2020
Zackry Colston
Photo: Joanna Degeneres

With the Arizona Repertory Theatre season on pause, this fall semester our Acting/Musical Theatre students instead engaged with industry professionals during a new Professional Development Series. Through regular online interaction with more than a dozen notable alumni and special guests, students gained up-to-the-minute insight on how to prepare for careers as freelance professional actors in an evolving industry. Speakers included Broadway performers Tamika Lawrence (’10) and Betsy Wolfe, Tony nominee Michael McElroy, SAG-AFTRA commercial contracts strategist Adam Green, casting director and alumna Marisa Ross, and comedian, writer and actor Zackry Colston (’16), who conducted a 3-day intensive on short- and long-form content creation.

On graduating with a BFA in Acting from the School of Theatre, Film & Television, Zackry moved to Los Angeles armed with one connection. The School’s Head of Acting, Hank Stratton, had introduced Zackry to Tony Sepulveda, Senior Vice President of Casting at Warner Bros. Television and, according to Zackry, it opened up a whole world.

Tony introduced Zackry to The Groundlings Theatre, the renowned improv and sketch comedy theatre and school whose many alumni include Will Ferrell, Lisa Kudrow, Melissa McCarthy, Will Forte, Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph. In a little over three years, during which he honed his comedy writing, monologue and performance work, Zackry was voted in as a Groundlings Sunday Company member. His first official performance as one of the newest company members was to have taken place in April 2020, but the pandemic arrived and the hotly anticipated show will now take place next year. In the meantime, Zackry keeps busy with virtual auditions and commercial work.

In his sessions for TFTV’s Professional Development Series, the ascending actor discussed the vital importance of networking and how to get your work seen by the people who can jump-start careers.

Zackry talked about how to create feature-length content and brought in his comedy partner, the actor Tru Valentino, to discuss diversity in the sketch world. Together, the two led fast-paced exercises with students in which they were encouraged to write short character-based comedy and dramatic sketches. They led a ‘random word generator’ exercise in which students were tasked with coming up with quick pitch ideas based on random words.

“The response from the students was really awesome – they were excited,” says Zackry. “As soon as we gave them something active to do, they just took off. I was jealous of their ideas! They were on fire. I remember being intimidated to create your own content and felt that it was separate from acting. My goal was to help students feel comfortable applying their acting knowledge and finding their own content. It’s not as scary as you think, and it’s an exciting time to enter this part of the industry. What better time when everything is starting afresh?”

ABOVE: Zackry Colston during a sketch pitch night at the Groundlings Theatre with fellow performer Katie Sharer.

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Here's Assistant Professor of Practice Darnell T. Roulhac in his "The Room Where it Happens: Guide to Auditioning Successfully" workshop at the International Thespian Festival 2022!

"The Room Where it Happens" is a masterclass-style workshop to better prepare young singers as they are auditioning for schools and shows. Participants get tips on how to pick impactful songs as well as how to get the attention of the panel one's performing for. They will also discuss 32-bar cuts and what else one should have prepared.

Hosted at Indiana University, the festival is a celebration of school theatre and gathers thespians from around the globe for performances, workshops, and college auditions!
... See MoreSee Less

6 days ago
Heres Assistant Professor of Practice Darnell T. Roulhac in his The Room Where it Happens: Guide to Auditioning Successfully workshop at the International Thespian Festival 2022!

The Room Where it Happens is a masterclass-style workshop to better prepare young singers as they are auditioning for schools and shows. Participants get tips on how to pick impactful songs as well as how to get the attention of the panel ones performing for. They will also discuss 32-bar cuts and what else one should have prepared.

Hosted at Indiana University, the festival is a celebration of school theatre and gathers thespians from around the globe for performances, workshops, and college auditions!
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Three of our University of Arizona: Acting/Musical Theatre faculty members are spending the week in Indiana at the International Thespian Festival 2022! The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television is one of the participating colleges and faculty members Christie Kerr, Darnell T Roulhac, and Hank Stratton are in attendance.

Hosted at Indiana University, the festival is a celebration of school theatre and gathers thespians from around the globe for performances, workshops, and college auditions! This year over 5,000 students are attending the festival, and our faculty members are there promoting all the TFTV degree offerings. Our faculty members are also participating in two different workshops at the festival, including 'In the Room Where it Happens: Guide to Auditioning Successfully,' and 'Defying Gravity: Belting 101.'

They are currently located at Booth 46 if you are attending and want to chat with any of them! Thank you for your amazing recruitment work Christie, Darnell, and Hank, Bear Down!
... See MoreSee Less

7 days ago
Three of our University of Arizona: Acting/Musical Theatre faculty members are spending the week in Indiana at the International Thespian Festival 2022! The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television is one of the participating colleges and faculty members Christie Kerr, Darnell T Roulhac, and Hank Stratton are in attendance.

Hosted at Indiana University, the festival is a celebration of school theatre and gathers thespians from around the globe for performances, workshops, and college auditions! This year over 5,000 students are attending the festival, and our faculty members are there promoting all the TFTV degree offerings. Our faculty members are also participating in two different workshops at the festival, including In the Room Where it Happens: Guide to Auditioning Successfully, and Defying Gravity: Belting 101.

They are currently located at Booth 46 if you are attending and want to chat with any of them! Thank you for your amazing recruitment work Christie, Darnell, and Hank, Bear Down!
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Welcome Wildcats!

On Saturday night Zach Lovvorn (BFA Film & Television ’20) walked the red carpet as a nominee at the Next Generation Indie Film Awards in Los Angeles. It’s the latest achievement for Zach and his senior thesis short IRIS, which is set in a world where everyone owns - or is owned by - a companion in the form of a sentient human eyeball. “I’m very grateful to the Next Generation Indie Film Awards for including IRIS in this year’s lineup for Best Sci-Fi Short Film!” said Zach. “It’s been a long, and often unforgiving last couple of years, so having IRIS be recognized was such a great feeling. It was an amazing opportunity and a night I’ll never forget!”

IRIS, written and directed by Zach Lovvorn and produced by Antonia Maher (BFA Film & Television ’21) and Lana Moltrop, with eyeball voiced by Alex Simpson (BFA Acting '23) has also been an official selection at the Brooklyn SciFi Film Festival in New York, the Phoenix Film Festival in Arizona, and Phoenix Shorts in Ottawa Canada, where it won Best SciFi/Fantasy Short. Last week the film was part of a special screening presented by the Bristol Science Film Festival in the UK, where it was included in a lineup of science fact or fiction films with a data science and AI theme shortlisted for the Jean Golding Institute prize.

Congratulations Zach!
... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago
On Saturday night Zach Lovvorn (BFA Film & Television ’20) walked the red carpet as a nominee at the Next Generation Indie Film Awards in Los Angeles. It’s the latest achievement for Zach and his senior thesis short IRIS, which is set in a world where everyone owns - or is owned by - a companion in the form of a sentient human eyeball. “I’m very grateful to the Next Generation Indie Film Awards for including IRIS in this year’s lineup for Best Sci-Fi Short Film!” said Zach. “It’s been a long, and often unforgiving last couple of years, so having IRIS be recognized was such a great feeling. It was an amazing opportunity and a night I’ll never forget!”  
 
IRIS, written and directed by Zach Lovvorn and produced by Antonia Maher (BFA Film & Television ’21) and Lana Moltrop, with eyeball voiced by Alex Simpson (BFA Acting 23) has also been an official selection at the Brooklyn SciFi Film Festival in New York, the Phoenix Film Festival in Arizona, and Phoenix Shorts in Ottawa Canada, where it won Best SciFi/Fantasy Short. Last week the film was part of a special screening presented by the Bristol Science Film Festival in the UK, where it was included in a lineup of science fact or fiction films with a data science and AI theme shortlisted for the Jean Golding Institute prize.
 
Congratulations Zach!
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👏👏👏

School of Theatre, Film & Television alum David Bornstein (BA, '13) has been selected as one of 20 Fellows to participate in RespectAbility's 2022 Lab for Entertainment Professionals with Disabilities.

Now in its fourth year, the Lab aims to elevate the talent pipeline of professionals with disabilities working in television, film, and streaming. During the Lab, studio executives and other decision makers advise Lab Fellows on various aspects of the industry and their specific craft. Lab alumni currently are working at Disney, Netflix, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, Showtime and more.

"I never really embraced my autism as a part of my creative voice," said David, who majored in Film & Television Producing and Studies. "For most of my adult life I actively tried to suppress and hide these parts of me to my own detriment. I'm proud to be a part of this group of awesome filmmakers and writers, and I am even more excited to learn from them."

As a director, David Bornstein's most recent short film Unholy 'Mole (2021) has screened at some forty film festivals, including the Academy Award qualifying Seattle International Film Festival, and earned 10 festival nominations and awards.

Congratulations, David! Learn more about the program: www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/lifestyle-news/respectability-2022-entertainment-lab-particip...
... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago
School of Theatre, Film & Television alum David Bornstein (BA, 13) has been selected as one of 20 Fellows to participate in RespectAbilitys 2022 Lab for Entertainment Professionals with Disabilities.

Now in its fourth year, the Lab aims to elevate the talent pipeline of professionals with disabilities working in television, film, and streaming. During the Lab, studio executives and other decision makers advise Lab Fellows on various aspects of the industry and their specific craft. Lab alumni currently are working at Disney, Netflix, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, Showtime and more.

I never really embraced my autism as a part of my creative voice, said David, who majored in Film & Television Producing and Studies. For most of my adult life I actively tried to suppress and hide these parts of me to my own detriment. Im proud to be a part of this group of awesome filmmakers and writers, and I am even more excited to learn from them.

As a director, David Bornsteins most recent short film Unholy Mole (2021) has screened at some forty film festivals, including the Academy Award qualifying Seattle International Film Festival, and earned 10 festival nominations and awards.

Congratulations, David! Learn more about the program: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/lifestyle-news/respectability-2022-entertainment-lab-participants-1235158688/
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U da real mvp David Bornstein

Did you spot any familiar faces this weekend at the 75th Annual Tony Awards? We did!

After the company of Paradise Square on Broadway performed during the show, the cast and crew were shown backstage with Ariana DeBose, the evening's host. In the segment, TFTV alum and Paradise Square stage manager Christopher Anaya-Gorman (BFA, '09) was front and center while DeBose took a moment to acknowledge his work and all Broadway stage managers whose work is essential to a production's success. PARADISE SQUARE was nominated for 10 Tony awards, including best musical, and lead Joaquina Kalukango took home the Tony for Best Leading Actress in a Musical.

We love seeing the behind-the-scenes production members receive much deserved recognition, and we are so proud to see Wildcats out in the world following their passions.

Congratulations to Christopher, the entire company of Paradise Square, and everyone in the industry who work to make the magic happen - on the stage and behind it!
... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago
Did you spot any familiar faces this weekend at the 75th Annual Tony Awards? We did! 

After the company of Paradise Square on Broadway performed during the show, the cast and crew were shown backstage with Ariana DeBose, the evenings host. In the segment, TFTV alum and Paradise Square stage manager Christopher Anaya-Gorman (BFA, 09) was front and center while DeBose took a moment to acknowledge his work and all Broadway stage managers whose work is essential to a productions success. PARADISE SQUARE was nominated for 10 Tony awards, including best musical, and lead Joaquina Kalukango took home the Tony for Best Leading Actress in a Musical. 

We love seeing the behind-the-scenes production members receive much deserved recognition, and we are so proud to see Wildcats out in the world following their passions. 

Congratulations to Christopher, the entire company of Paradise Square, and everyone in the industry who work to make the magic happen - on the stage and behind it!
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👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Congratulations to TFTV alum Fatimah Amill ('16) on joining the Stage Management team as an Assistant Stage Manager on The Devil Wears Prada! The production, directed by Anna D. Shapiro with music by Elton John, will have its World Premiere in Chicago in July. ... See MoreSee Less

4 weeks ago
Congratulations to TFTV alum Fatimah Amill (16) on joining the Stage Management team as an Assistant Stage Manager on The Devil Wears Prada! The production, directed by Anna D. Shapiro with music by Elton John, will have its World Premiere in Chicago in July.
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WAY COOL! Congratulations!

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