Writing with Joe P.

Freelance and beyond

Over the past twenty-five years I have worked in the world of live theatre and film. In those years I have functioned as an actor, director, educator, playwright, administrator and producer. As an educator I have taught acting, directing, Shakespeare and playwriting [from the page to the stage] poetry and most forms of writing. My instruction in acting encompasses all levels from beginning to advanced using a strong base in Stanislavski while blending it with many other theories in order to take students to the deepest levels of characterization and realization – finding the truth in the moment and in the story. The goal of this eclectic approach is to be able to extract something useful from each theory, something that works best for the individual actor thus aiding them in creating their own essential actor’s tool box - a box which holds the keys and secrets to their soul’s inner workings and the mechanisms used to retrieve them. I encompass this same philosophy in teaching both directing and playwriting. Experience in theatre and film includes the mentoring many students in stage direction, screenwriting and playwriting thus enabling the learner to take an idea or notion and translate it into a successful production, script or play – always keeping the workings of the actor at the core of the exploration of text - as it is ultimately the actor that will tell the story. My work as an actor and director has spanned over one hundred productions and I have taught more classes than I can remember; acting and directing resumes provided upon request. Whether it is directing, teaching or performing, I believe very strongly in thinking outside the box in taking a play from the page to the stage while never forgetting that it is the play and the playwright that must be served first and all choices follow that belief. Education: MFA in Creative Writing and Writing for the Performing Arts [screenwriting, playwriting and poetry] at the University of California. I have a Masters in Theatre [directing and playwriting] from San Diego State University and a B.A in both Sociology and Psychology [what better place to look for the inner workings of the actor] from the University of Texas. Member: Actors Equity Association, Screen Actor’s Guild and The Dramatist Guild, Inc. My philosophy is that the quest for knowledge is a never-ending one; that all of us are both teachers and students on our journey to enlightenment. As actors, directors and artists our training never ends - we are on a continuum, a journey, searching for the truth of character, story and an overall truth on stage. I am a firm believer in the power of film and theatre, education and the acquisition knowledge to change lives, revive the spirit and make a marked difference in our society. A difference infused with our dreams, imagination and hope. Please feel free to visit my website: joepowerstheatre. NOTE: I hold a California Teaching Credential Sincerely, Joe P.

University of Texas

University of California

San Diego State University

State of California

I hold a California teaching credential which includes a thorough background check.

member . . .

Actors' Equity Association, founded in 1913, is the labor union that represents more than 49,000 Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society.

The Dramatists Guild of America was established over eighty years ago, and is the only professional association which advances the interests of playwrights, composers, lyricists and librettists writing for the living stage. The Guild has over 6,000 members nationwide, from beginning writers to the most prominent authors represented on Broadway, Off-Broadway and in regional theaters.

Limited Proficiency