The Ovation Program to launch at Metro Arts next month
Tony Campbell, local Queensland actor and director known for his work in Australia and South Korea, is set to launch The Ovation Program, an 8-week course designed to blend traditional acting techniques with the development of 21st-century skills. Campbell, with a background in theater that includes collaborations with notable figures like Bille Brown and Steven Tandy, aims to leverage his experiences to foster both artistic and personal growth among participants.
The program, according to Campbell, is developed from a comprehensive understanding of the creative arts’ capacity for transformation. He emphasizes a process-oriented approach that prioritizes in-depth exploration of voice, movement, and textual interpretation over final performances. This method reflects a broader aim to not only refine participants’ acting abilities but to also equip them with skills such as communication, collaboration, and self-motivation—competencies increasingly vital in a post-pandemic world that leans heavily on digital communication.
“We saw during the pandemic, a rapid global shift to the online world. In many ways, these modes of communicating through technology have been with us ever since. Now more than ever, we need to be on top of our game with our communication and presenting skills,” Tony writes.
Campbell likens the experience to the initial challenge of learning a new musical instrument or dance form, suggesting that The Ovation Program is designed to encourage participants to embrace risk and develop new capabilities in a supportive environment. This nurturing of soft skills is framed as critical to navigating the modern landscape, both on stage and in various professional contexts.
The curriculum of The Ovation Program will cover character development, voice and speech training, and movement, culminating in the presentation of a short scene. This structured approach, underpinned by continuous support and feedback, aims to create a comprehensive learning journey from the program’s outset to its conclusion.
Tony encourages potential students to, “consider The Ovation Program like a creative gym, helping to train and exercise these interpersonal skills”.
Scheduled to begin its inaugural session on Tuesday, 30th April at Metro Arts, the program seeks to attract a diverse group of individuals interested in enhancing their creative and interpersonal skills. Campbell’s initiative represents a unique blend of his theatrical expertise and a forward-looking perspective on education and personal development in the arts.
For those interested in further details or in enrolling in The Ovation Program, information can be found on Campbell’s official website or by contacting the program directly through email.
