Entertainment pros share their expertise in college classes

The Performing Arts Department of Moorpark College announced that two entertainment industry professionals will be teaching classes on building a career in the business.

Voiceover artist and vocal coach Peggy O'Neal will teach "Voice and Diction" on Mondays from 6 p.m. to 9:50 p.m. beginning Jan. 29.

Casting director Eileen Kennedy will teach "Auditioning Techniques" on Mondays from 6 p.m. to 10:20 p.m. beginning Feb. 5.

"Voice and Diction" covers the basic theory and practice of voice control. This class will explore why correct pronunciation, breath control and critical listening skills are important in theater, film, television, animation, video games, radio and the Internet market.

O'Neal has performed on television series such as "Smallville," "The Gilmore Girls," "Charmed," and "C.S.I. New York," and has provided vocal characterizations for the animated projects "Ghost in the Shell," "Digimon" and "Power Rangers." She is currently providing the lead female voiceover in the new video game "Ghost Rider" to be released later this year.

"Auditioning Techniques" will demonstrate the trials and tribulations that an actor must endure on the road to success. This course is ideal for actors considering careers in the entertainment industry, parents of children who are interested in performing, and established professionals looking to attract interest from agents, casting directors, directors and producers. The course includes information on headshot and resume presentation, union scales and regulations and interviewing techniques.

Kennedy, who has a master's of fine arts degree in directing from Catholic University, was formerly the manager of casting at UPN and has recently cast such projects as "High School Musical 2," "What About Brian," "Johnny Kapahla" and the independent feature films "The Paranormals" and "Floyd's Trippin.'"

Moorpark College theatre arts faculty member John Loprieno said, "You would have to drive in L.A. traffic for over an hour and pay twice as much for classes of this caliber in the city without even receiving college credit. We are very fortunate to have these two wellestablished entertainment industry professionals bringing their experience and talent to Moorpark College." For more information on these classes, go online to www. moorparkcollege.edu.