GSU to Host Acting Workshop for Students Featuring Actor/Director Tico Wells
Free screening of “The Five Heartbeats” for students, faculty & public August 30 followed by Q & A with Wells
GRAMBLING, La. – August 27, 2021 – The Department of Visual Performing Arts (VAPA) Theatre Program at Grambling State University will host a free screening of the 1991 film “The Five Heartbeats,” in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the film. The free, public event is set for Monday, August 30 at 7 p.m. in the Floyd Sandle Theater of the Conrad Hutchinson Performing Arts Center. Due to social distancing measures, seating is limited and RSVP is required for attendance via GSUVAPA@gram.edu.
Actor/director Tico Wells, who portrayed Choirboy in the film, will be the special guest at the event and will offer Q&A at the conclusion of the screening.
On August 31 and September 1, Wells will hold The Be Alive! Acting Workshop for GSU students.
Assistant Professor of Costume Design Kimberly Jones said students will “learn new acting techniques, gain confidence, and master scene delivery.”
The workshop will focus on techniques of both stage and camera including the art of acting through monologues and scenes. It is also designed to help participants increase awareness, confidence, speech, self-esteem, creativity and motivation.
Wells received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in drama from New York University and studied film directing at The American Film Institute. He is a specialist in sensory work and relaxation techniques to open performers up for a more realistic style of acting. Wells has worked with many outstanding actors including Al Pacino, Lawrence Fishburne, Samuel L. Jackson, Denzel Washington, Bill Cosby, Loretta Devine, Tom Sizemore, Richard Gere, John Goodman, Bill Paxton, Linda Hunt, Ruby Dee, and James Whitmore. His television and film credits include “Bones”, “The Cosby Show”, “24”, “All of Us”, “Drew Carey”, “ER”,”JAG”, “Law and Order”, “Martin”, “The Relic”, “Mississippi Masala” and “Universal Soldier”.
About Grambling State University
Grambling State University, located in Grambling, Louisiana, is a historically black university that was founded in 1901. The institution has been accredited by SACSCOC, 13 associations, and in all programs required by the Louisiana Board of Regents. A member of the University of Louisiana System, Grambling State University has the academic strengths of a major university with the benefits of a small college. Offering 43 undergraduate and graduate academic programs, the 590-acre campus is home to world-class athletics, an internationally renowned marching band, and vibrant student life that enable our scholars to grow and learn in a positive environment. For more information, visit gram.edu.