Professional actors creating stars at The Acting Academy

Jacksonville, Florida (Jan. 25, 2011) - The Acting Academy assembles faculty of professional actors in classes designed for children, beginning actors and seasoned actors

Professional actors created classes for all ages and skill levels at The Acting Academy (TAA), housed at The Performers Academy in Jacksonville. Maury Covington, a professional actor and the new artistic director of The Acting Academy, has comprised a staff of working professionals to teach young students and hone skills of working actors who will contribute to the professional base of talent in Jacksonville.

Instructors include 20-year acting and directing veteran Mark O'Brien, who is releasing his first feature film, “Walking Through Fires,” later this year. Dwight Cenac, a producer for Crown Films, has been directing films for six years with international circulation. Maury Covington has been working as a professional actor on stage, in film and on television for 30 years and has 15 years experience teaching his craft.  Lisa Clarson's career spans the globe and includes working as a professional dancer, actor, choreographer, and director. Kirsten Carmody plays leading roles on stage, film and television. She recently played Belle in a professional Equity production of Beauty and the Beast in New Orleans.

The Acting Academy (TAA) is dedicated to teaching successful performance techniques for all ages and skill levels for theater and film.  Classes include fundamental training for young actors as well as experimentation, validation and mastery of acting techniques for the serious and seasoned actor. 
TAA classes are designed for the passionate and promising actor, as well as the working professional. Our experienced faculty and staff aspire to build upon the student's talent, enhance his or her skills and nurture their dreams.

Classes beginning in February include Professional On Camera and The Academy Studio, designed for experienced actors, and  Musical Theatre,  and On Camera Tweens,  for young actors.

“By enrolling your child in a performing arts class, you'll not only be introducing them to a fun, creative environment, you'll be giving them a great head start,” said Maury Covington, artistic director of The Acting Academy  at The Performers Academy.

“Research shows that enrollment in a performing arts class increases academic performance, increases confidence, and develops leadership skills and team-building skills. Students also learn discipline, problem- solving skills, and critical thinking skills.”

The Performers Academy, located at 3674 Beach Boulevard, provides support and training services to amateur and professional actors, dancers, musicians and producers. The Performers Academy is the only facility in Jacksonville devoted to education in all types of performing arts including acting, dance, music and art. Executive Director Kathryn Umberger designed The Performers Academy to bring various artistic disciplines together. 

Media Contact:   Maury Covington, Artistic Director of The Acting Academy

                  904-343-7749

                  maury@theperformersacademy.com

Professional Actors Teaching at The Acting Academy (TAA)

Kirsten Carmody teaches the Young Actor Classes for ages 7 to 11). Carmody holds a BFA in Music Theater, Dance Minor from J.U., and is a proud member of Actor's Equity. She most recently played Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz The Alhambra Theatre in Jacksonville. For complete bio, visit www.theperformersacademy.com/programs/tpa-acting-academy/instructors/kirsten-carmody

Lisa Clarson teaches Musical Theatre (aka Broadway Bound) for ages 10 and up. Clarson has danced, acted, choreographed and directed professionally in Las Vegas, Reno, L.A., N.Y., Tokyo, the Bahamas, Montreal, Toronto, and many other cities on tour. She danced on the Emmys, the Oscars, the Merv Griffin Show, The Texaco Theatre Special, as well as music videos.  For complete bio, visit www.theperformersacademy.com/programs/tpa-acting-academy/instructors/lisa-clarson

Mark O'Brien teaches On Camera Tweens and Fundamentals for Acting. O'Brien is a producer, director and entertainer with more than 20 years experience. In addition to producing short films, marketing films and commercials, his first feature film, "Walking Through Fires,” will be released later this year.  For complete bio, visit www.theperformersacademy.com/programs/tpa-acting-academy/instructors/mark-o-brien

Dwight Cenac teaches Acting Teens and Adult Acting Techniques. Cenac is a Producer/Writer/Director/Actor and Jacksonville native. Dwight has been directing films (features, commercials, shorts, and television shows) for six years. Dwight is the vice president and producer at Crown Films.  For complete bio, visit www.theperformersacademy.com/programs/tpa-acting-academy/instructors/dwight-cenac

Maury Covington teaches Great Acting Teachers and Maury's ACADEMY Studio. Covington has been a professional actor (SAG, Equity and AFTRA) for more than 30 years appearing on stage (Off-Broadway, Regional Theater and Touring), in film (Features and made for TV) and on television (Series, Soaps, Commercials and industrials). Maury has been teaching in Jacksonville for more than 15 years.  For complete bio, visit www.theperformersacademy.com/programs/tpa-acting-academy/instructors/maury-covington