Marsha Mason to Preside Over Flying Swan Acting Intensive

By Adam Hetrick
January 17, 2008

Academy Award nominee Marsha Mason, in conjunction with Connecticut's Wesleyan University, has created a new intensive for young actors slated to begin this summer.

The four-week summer intensive, scheduled to run June 26-July 28 on the Wesleyan campus, is geared for actors ages 16-20 with classes ranging from audition technique, acting for the musical theatre and improvisation to modern American drama and Shakespeare.

As president, Mason will lead the program in partnership with British Academy of Dramatic Arts founder Tony Branch, who will serve as executive director. Guest speakers and faculty currently scheduled to participate include Joe Olivieri, Penny Cherns, James Goodwin, Nancy Keystone, Gary Kline and Henry Goodman, as well as special guests Brian Cox, Fiona Shaw, Rosemary Harris, Michael Cristofer, Jack O'Brien and Paul Rudd.

Among the noted actors on Flying Swan's artistic advisory board are Jane Fonda, Ed Asner, Jane Alexander, Brian Cox, Brian Bedford and Ed Sherin.

Marsha Mason has appeared on Broadway in Steel Magnolias, The Good Doctor, Night of the Iguana and Happy Birthday, Wanda Jane. She earned Oscar nominations for her work in the films "Cinderella Liberty," "The Goodbye Girl," "Chapter Two" and "Only When I Laugh."

For applications and further information regarding the Flying Swan Acting Program, visit www.flyingswan.org.