SPECIAL SESSIONS
Meet our Special Session guest speakers!
Dan Gauthier and Lisa Fuller
Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Pioneertown CA
SPECIAL SESSION: Saturday 1-2:15pm Sanctuary Hall
Making a Living As an Actor
Dan Gauthier and his wife actress/musician Lisa Fuller are opening an acting studio for adults and children starting at 8 years old and up. The classes include acting for film and television, improve and scene study as well as a separate commercial workshop. The studio will also provide taped auditions for actors. Dan has been an actor for over 33 years and is enthusiastic about bringing his expertise to this area. “I have thought about starting a class for quite some time and am finally going to provide the class I always wish I could have attended.”
Dans numerous credits allow him an unprecedented insight into acting and the entire business. In 2007 he received an Emmy nomination for the role of Kevin Buchanan on One Life to Live (ABC) during an eight year run (over 500 episodes). He played Lt. Johnny McKay on the critically acclaimed television show Tour of Duty (CBS) followed by lead roles in over a dozen television pilots as well more than 100 guest spots on shows such as Friends, Star Trek: Next Generation, Melrose Place, Beverly Hills 90210, Ellen and Will and Grace. Dan has also appeared in dozens of national commercial campaigns including Old Spice and an international Levis ad which both received CLIO Awards.
Lisa Fuller met Dan in 1987 on the film Teen Witch. Lisa appeared in a contract role on General Hospital, had numerous recurring roles most notably, Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Head of the Class and many guest spots on shows such as 21 Jump Street, and Doogie Howser M.D. She has appeared in many features including Baby Boom, Earth Girls Are Easy and The Monster Squad. After the birth of their son, Cole, Lisa decided to pursue her music and released an album, Teach Me Tonight, available on ITunes and Spotify. During there 29 years of marriage Dan attributes much of his success to Lisa's adept contribution to his audition and work preparation.
Making a Living As an Actor
Dan Gauthier and his wife actress/musician Lisa Fuller are opening an acting studio for adults and children starting at 8 years old and up. The classes include acting for film and television, improve and scene study as well as a separate commercial workshop. The studio will also provide taped auditions for actors. Dan has been an actor for over 33 years and is enthusiastic about bringing his expertise to this area. “I have thought about starting a class for quite some time and am finally going to provide the class I always wish I could have attended.”
Dans numerous credits allow him an unprecedented insight into acting and the entire business. In 2007 he received an Emmy nomination for the role of Kevin Buchanan on One Life to Live (ABC) during an eight year run (over 500 episodes). He played Lt. Johnny McKay on the critically acclaimed television show Tour of Duty (CBS) followed by lead roles in over a dozen television pilots as well more than 100 guest spots on shows such as Friends, Star Trek: Next Generation, Melrose Place, Beverly Hills 90210, Ellen and Will and Grace. Dan has also appeared in dozens of national commercial campaigns including Old Spice and an international Levis ad which both received CLIO Awards.
Lisa Fuller met Dan in 1987 on the film Teen Witch. Lisa appeared in a contract role on General Hospital, had numerous recurring roles most notably, Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Head of the Class and many guest spots on shows such as 21 Jump Street, and Doogie Howser M.D. She has appeared in many features including Baby Boom, Earth Girls Are Easy and The Monster Squad. After the birth of their son, Cole, Lisa decided to pursue her music and released an album, Teach Me Tonight, available on ITunes and Spotify. During there 29 years of marriage Dan attributes much of his success to Lisa's adept contribution to his audition and work preparation.
ANDY HARMON
Palm Springs CA
SPECIAL SESSION: Sunday 10a-12pm Noble Hall
Change Journey for Storytellers
Drawing on his 40+ years of experience as a theatre director and playwright and 25 years as a teacher and leadership coach, Andy’s Change Journey Workshop will engage you in a dialogue that explores the real life drama of creativity: the archetypal crises and conflicts all of us face when we set out to make a difference in the world – and the inner resources we need to draw on to succeed. If you’re curious about how stories work or want to gain a new perspective on a project, this workshop is for you.
Andy Harmon was born in California and trained in theatre and film at Brandeis University (BA ’68 MFA ’70). In 1977, He moved to England where he lived, taught and directed for 29 years. He studied Improvisation with Viola Spolin from 1978 – 80 and went on to teach her work at The Arts Theatre in London and at many of the capitol’s leading drama schools as well as at the National Theatre Studio and the Swedish State Drama School (Malmo). In 1991 he founded leadership development consultancy Actor’s Mind, along with his wife psychologist Anita Harmon. Together they trained executives at a number of international organizations including Price Waterhouse Coopers, IBM, McKinsey and Company and several UK government departments.
As a director, his productions have been seen in Finland, Sweden, the UK and the US. As a playwright, his first full-length play, La Comedia, (co-authored with actress Boel Larsson) premiered in Sweden in 1999. It was then presented as a staged reading in London under the auspices of the Swedish Embassy in 2003 and, more recently, at the Hi Desert Cultural Center, Joshua Tree CA where it won the Desert Theater League’s ‘Outstanding Staged Reading’ award for 2016. His play Freud’s Golem was selected as a semi-finalist in the Garry Marshall Theatre New Works Festival 2018. He now teaches Longform Improv and Acting at the Coachella Valley Repertory Theater in Rancho Mirage CA and leads their Writers Group. His book about the drama of the creative process, ‘Change Journey: Voices of the Creative Quest’ is available on Amazon.
For more detail please visit:
https://bookblast.com/blog/interview-andrew-harmon-theatre-director-writing-coach/
Change Journey for Storytellers
Drawing on his 40+ years of experience as a theatre director and playwright and 25 years as a teacher and leadership coach, Andy’s Change Journey Workshop will engage you in a dialogue that explores the real life drama of creativity: the archetypal crises and conflicts all of us face when we set out to make a difference in the world – and the inner resources we need to draw on to succeed. If you’re curious about how stories work or want to gain a new perspective on a project, this workshop is for you.
Andy Harmon was born in California and trained in theatre and film at Brandeis University (BA ’68 MFA ’70). In 1977, He moved to England where he lived, taught and directed for 29 years. He studied Improvisation with Viola Spolin from 1978 – 80 and went on to teach her work at The Arts Theatre in London and at many of the capitol’s leading drama schools as well as at the National Theatre Studio and the Swedish State Drama School (Malmo). In 1991 he founded leadership development consultancy Actor’s Mind, along with his wife psychologist Anita Harmon. Together they trained executives at a number of international organizations including Price Waterhouse Coopers, IBM, McKinsey and Company and several UK government departments.
As a director, his productions have been seen in Finland, Sweden, the UK and the US. As a playwright, his first full-length play, La Comedia, (co-authored with actress Boel Larsson) premiered in Sweden in 1999. It was then presented as a staged reading in London under the auspices of the Swedish Embassy in 2003 and, more recently, at the Hi Desert Cultural Center, Joshua Tree CA where it won the Desert Theater League’s ‘Outstanding Staged Reading’ award for 2016. His play Freud’s Golem was selected as a semi-finalist in the Garry Marshall Theatre New Works Festival 2018. He now teaches Longform Improv and Acting at the Coachella Valley Repertory Theater in Rancho Mirage CA and leads their Writers Group. His book about the drama of the creative process, ‘Change Journey: Voices of the Creative Quest’ is available on Amazon.
For more detail please visit:
https://bookblast.com/blog/interview-andrew-harmon-theatre-director-writing-coach/
DAVID HARRIS
Los Angeles CA
SPECIAL SESSION: Friday 5-6:30pm Sanctuary Hall
WHOSE PLAY IS IT ANYWAY?
Dave Harris is a writer, painter, and musician who transplanted himself into the California dream over 20 years ago. His most current produced work, the feature film Age of Summer, is currently on Showtime. He was a co-creator of ABC’s Malibu Country, and wrote on NBC’s American Dreams. He has written extensively on musical projects with the likes of Dave Stewart (Eurythmics), Ringo Starr, and Bono and the Edge. Dave lives in Redondo Beach with his two daughters.
WHOSE PLAY IS IT ANYWAY?
Dave Harris is a writer, painter, and musician who transplanted himself into the California dream over 20 years ago. His most current produced work, the feature film Age of Summer, is currently on Showtime. He was a co-creator of ABC’s Malibu Country, and wrote on NBC’s American Dreams. He has written extensively on musical projects with the likes of Dave Stewart (Eurythmics), Ringo Starr, and Bono and the Edge. Dave lives in Redondo Beach with his two daughters.
ADIA JOELLE
Los Angeles CA
SPECIAL SESSION: Saturday 2:30-3:30pm Sanctuary Hall
OFFSPRING
As the child of two professional actors/singers/dancers, it was only natural for Adia Joëlle to follow in their footsteps. She was born to perform! An alumnus of Guildford Conservatoire in England, she studied musical theater for three years. While in England she had the incredible opportunity to work with British directors Paul Brennana and Jay Villiers on Women Beware Women and Much Ado About Nothing.
Thrilled to be back home in Los Angeles, Adia has been fortunate enough to continue her career on the stage, on television and in film, including the award-winning independent film, Amnesia. Her passion for storytelling has grown and she’s expanding her creative horizons, boldly stepping into the role of director, producer and writer on her projects; documentary film To Her Own Rhythm and short films D.R.A.M.A. Series, Act 1 and Act 2.
There are more projects in development and Adia is enjoying every moment of this creative journey.
OFFSPRING
As the child of two professional actors/singers/dancers, it was only natural for Adia Joëlle to follow in their footsteps. She was born to perform! An alumnus of Guildford Conservatoire in England, she studied musical theater for three years. While in England she had the incredible opportunity to work with British directors Paul Brennana and Jay Villiers on Women Beware Women and Much Ado About Nothing.
Thrilled to be back home in Los Angeles, Adia has been fortunate enough to continue her career on the stage, on television and in film, including the award-winning independent film, Amnesia. Her passion for storytelling has grown and she’s expanding her creative horizons, boldly stepping into the role of director, producer and writer on her projects; documentary film To Her Own Rhythm and short films D.R.A.M.A. Series, Act 1 and Act 2.
There are more projects in development and Adia is enjoying every moment of this creative journey.
REBECCA HAVELY
Yucca Valley CA
SPECIAL SESSION: Sunday 2-4 pm Sanctuary Hall
THE HOW, WHERE, WHEN AND WHY OF PRODUCING COMMUNITY THEATRE
Rebecca Havely has been a high desert resident for the past 13 years. She’s originally from MI where she studied Theatre Arts at The Center for the Arts & Sciences and she’s a graduate of the American Musical & Dramatic Academy of NYC. She has acted and directed for The Groves Cabin Theatre in Morongo Valley, Theatre 29 in Twentynine Palms, The Hi-Desert Cultural Center in Joshua Tree and with Desert Theatre Works in Indio. A few shows she’s directed have toured to other venues such as the BCC Performing Arts Center in Barstow, the Joshua Tree Retreat Center and the Sunset Theatre aboard the Marine Base. She is the founding member of The St. Joseph’s Players, a Yucca Valley community theatre troupe that enjoyed five seasons of productions in the high desert. She has garnered numerous DTL award nominations for both acting and directing and has won a couple as well. She has been directing for over 30 years and has been acting for several more. She’s pleased to be a part of the 2nd Annual Hi-Def Fringe Festival.
THE HOW, WHERE, WHEN AND WHY OF PRODUCING COMMUNITY THEATRE
Rebecca Havely has been a high desert resident for the past 13 years. She’s originally from MI where she studied Theatre Arts at The Center for the Arts & Sciences and she’s a graduate of the American Musical & Dramatic Academy of NYC. She has acted and directed for The Groves Cabin Theatre in Morongo Valley, Theatre 29 in Twentynine Palms, The Hi-Desert Cultural Center in Joshua Tree and with Desert Theatre Works in Indio. A few shows she’s directed have toured to other venues such as the BCC Performing Arts Center in Barstow, the Joshua Tree Retreat Center and the Sunset Theatre aboard the Marine Base. She is the founding member of The St. Joseph’s Players, a Yucca Valley community theatre troupe that enjoyed five seasons of productions in the high desert. She has garnered numerous DTL award nominations for both acting and directing and has won a couple as well. She has been directing for over 30 years and has been acting for several more. She’s pleased to be a part of the 2nd Annual Hi-Def Fringe Festival.
ABE DANIELS
Morongo Valley CA
SPECIAL SESSION: Sunday 2-4 pm Sanctuary Hall
THE HOW, WHERE, WHEN AND WHY OF PRODUCING COMMUNITY THEATRE
Abe Daniels has been involved in theatre for over 40 years. He first discovered his passion for theater in his early years of high school. He studied Theatre Arts at MSAC in Walnut California where he received his AA degree. He then was offered a scholarship to UCSB and later was introduced to Salome Jens of the Actors Studio in Los Angeles where he continued to learn about his craft. Mr. Daniel’s has been actively involved in local theatre in the Morongo Valley now for over 10 years. Primarily working at the Groves Cabin Theatre, he teaches others to develop their craft using techniques used at the Actors Studio. He has received numerous awards for directing, acting and producing in productions such as “Suddenly Last Summer “, “Strange Snow", “A Few Good Men" and more recently “American Buffalo”.
“For me, it's about giving the actors and the audience and experience. The opportunity to have insight into humanity, what our needs and wants are and what we are willing to do in order to get them.”
THE HOW, WHERE, WHEN AND WHY OF PRODUCING COMMUNITY THEATRE
Abe Daniels has been involved in theatre for over 40 years. He first discovered his passion for theater in his early years of high school. He studied Theatre Arts at MSAC in Walnut California where he received his AA degree. He then was offered a scholarship to UCSB and later was introduced to Salome Jens of the Actors Studio in Los Angeles where he continued to learn about his craft. Mr. Daniel’s has been actively involved in local theatre in the Morongo Valley now for over 10 years. Primarily working at the Groves Cabin Theatre, he teaches others to develop their craft using techniques used at the Actors Studio. He has received numerous awards for directing, acting and producing in productions such as “Suddenly Last Summer “, “Strange Snow", “A Few Good Men" and more recently “American Buffalo”.
“For me, it's about giving the actors and the audience and experience. The opportunity to have insight into humanity, what our needs and wants are and what we are willing to do in order to get them.”
GARY DAIGNEAULT
Twenty-nine Palms CA
SPECIAL SESSION: Sunday 2-4 pm Sanctuary Hall
THE HOW, WHERE, WHEN AND WHY OF PRODUCING COMMUNITY THEATRE
THE HOW, WHERE, WHEN AND WHY OF PRODUCING COMMUNITY THEATRE
Gary Daigneault, now 68, discovered his passion for Theatre when he was 11. His mother dropped off his older brother for a rehearsal of “Music Man” at Santa Barbara High School and he was recruited to play Winthrop. Thoroughly infected with the theater bug, he went on to spend the next 6 years performing in the Santa Barbara area with Youth Theatre Productions, the Lobrero, Alhecama and Park Theaters, and many School productions. Gary has co-hosted radio morning shows in the Hi-Desert for the past 40 years, building his own radio station in Joshua Tree in 1989.
As a Broadcast Journalist, he is among the most highly decorated reporters in the state and a 2-term Past-President of the Associated Press Television-Radio Association. Gary has won a “Golden Mike” and five “Mark Twain” awards. His radio career highlight was in 2010 when he was inducted into the Associated Press Hall of Fame.
During that time, in 2000, Gary was approached by the Founders of Theatre 29 to help publicize their new theater group (they had no inkling of his theatrical background.) Much to their surprise, he asked to Direct “The Fantasticks” in 2001 and, after a 25-year lapse, threw himself fully back into theatre.
In 2018, “Mary Poppins Jr.” is the 24th musical Gary Daigneault has directed in the Hi-Desert. He won the Desert Theatre League’s “Desert Stars Award” for Outstanding Director, Musical, for “GYPSY” in 2013. He was nominated for “Young Frankenstein”-2014, “Urinetown”-2015, “Little Mermaid”-2016, “Mary Poppins” in 2017, and “Wizard of Oz” in 2018. Gary is in his 12th (not sequential) term as the Theatre 29 Board President.
As a tireless advocate for the Arts, working with local teachers, Gary has spawned Children’s Theater Programs at Joshua Tree, Condor, and Palm Vista Elementary schools. Entire classes now regularly attend performances at Theatre 29. He was instrumental in starting the wildly successful Youth Theater Program, which he has personally administered for the past 5 years, and the Theatre 29 “Baker’s Dozen” Improvisational Troupe.
As a Broadcast Journalist, he is among the most highly decorated reporters in the state and a 2-term Past-President of the Associated Press Television-Radio Association. Gary has won a “Golden Mike” and five “Mark Twain” awards. His radio career highlight was in 2010 when he was inducted into the Associated Press Hall of Fame.
During that time, in 2000, Gary was approached by the Founders of Theatre 29 to help publicize their new theater group (they had no inkling of his theatrical background.) Much to their surprise, he asked to Direct “The Fantasticks” in 2001 and, after a 25-year lapse, threw himself fully back into theatre.
In 2018, “Mary Poppins Jr.” is the 24th musical Gary Daigneault has directed in the Hi-Desert. He won the Desert Theatre League’s “Desert Stars Award” for Outstanding Director, Musical, for “GYPSY” in 2013. He was nominated for “Young Frankenstein”-2014, “Urinetown”-2015, “Little Mermaid”-2016, “Mary Poppins” in 2017, and “Wizard of Oz” in 2018. Gary is in his 12th (not sequential) term as the Theatre 29 Board President.
As a tireless advocate for the Arts, working with local teachers, Gary has spawned Children’s Theater Programs at Joshua Tree, Condor, and Palm Vista Elementary schools. Entire classes now regularly attend performances at Theatre 29. He was instrumental in starting the wildly successful Youth Theater Program, which he has personally administered for the past 5 years, and the Theatre 29 “Baker’s Dozen” Improvisational Troupe.
WORKSHOPS
WAX POETIC
Turiya Autry,
Sunday, August 25, 10:00am
MEDITATION HALL
Take some time to wax poetic. This workshop will encourage participants to write, revise and share.
Turiya is a mixed media artist, poet, performer, playwright, professor, youth engagement specialist and a former producer and host of her own radio show. She’s provided performances, workshops, classes and residencies to over fifty K-12 schools, over two-dozen colleges, as well as hundreds of venues nationwide. Her years as a teaching artist has provided the opportunity for her to inspire, support and showcase tens of thousands of students' creative expression.
BRAND ME: How to Master the Art of Storytelling for Everyday Life
Marianne Emma Jeff
Sunday, August 25, 10:00am
SANCTUARY HALL
Is a powerful 3 step process to show you how to master the art of storytelling, Clearly communicate your core values in your conversations and learn how to MOVE people with your words. Learn how to reconnect, re-engage and power up your communication so that you can level up how you express yourself by using personal stories. Your communication will become more dynamic, your messaging will be clear and focused and your confidence will soar as you master the art of storytelling and use it in your everyday life.
Turiya Autry,
Sunday, August 25, 10:00am
MEDITATION HALL
Take some time to wax poetic. This workshop will encourage participants to write, revise and share.
Turiya is a mixed media artist, poet, performer, playwright, professor, youth engagement specialist and a former producer and host of her own radio show. She’s provided performances, workshops, classes and residencies to over fifty K-12 schools, over two-dozen colleges, as well as hundreds of venues nationwide. Her years as a teaching artist has provided the opportunity for her to inspire, support and showcase tens of thousands of students' creative expression.
BRAND ME: How to Master the Art of Storytelling for Everyday Life
Marianne Emma Jeff
Sunday, August 25, 10:00am
SANCTUARY HALL
Is a powerful 3 step process to show you how to master the art of storytelling, Clearly communicate your core values in your conversations and learn how to MOVE people with your words. Learn how to reconnect, re-engage and power up your communication so that you can level up how you express yourself by using personal stories. Your communication will become more dynamic, your messaging will be clear and focused and your confidence will soar as you master the art of storytelling and use it in your everyday life.