NCIS actor holds workshop for Santa Maria area drama students
SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- A real-life Broadway and television star took to the stage Friday afternoon in the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Performing Arts Center to inspire a group of local drama students.
For two hours, Barrett Foa, star of stage and screen took on a different role for the day, high school drama teacher.
"I've been an actor professionally since I was 18," said Foa. "I went to really great schools and I remember my teachers and how inspirational they were, and so now that I get any time I can get a chance to give back, it's magic.”
Foa, who most notably starred on NCIS: Los Angeles, where he portrayed computer and technology expert Eric Beale for 12 seasons, spent the afternoon working with about 50 kids from Pioneer Valley and Righetti high schools. The students are going through the district's Career Technical Education (CTE) theatre pathway.
During the workshop, Foa provided the students professional instruction on warming up, auditioning, overcoming nerves, and many other helpful acting tips.
"I think encouraging kids to bring their own individuality to a character is really important," said Foa. "I think do what they heard on the cast recording, and yes, you have to hit those same notes and say those same words, but we want the individual to come out."
Students say they were thrilled to rub elbows with someone like Foa, who was once in their shoes, but has gone on to enjoy success under the bright lights in the entertainment industry.
"This is a really good opportunity for us to really shine our light and for us to step outside of our comfort zones, especially in front of someone who has such experience in this industry," said Righetti student Karen Alvarez. "It's really good to get out and show what we've got to people that know what they're doing."
Many of the students who participated in the workshop will perform themselves inside the Performing Arts Center during the next Santa Maria Joint Union High School District multi school performance when the musical Chicago debuts on March 24.
