Curriculum Vitae

Josh Costello

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE Riverside, CA

Theatre 010: Introduction to Acting (Fall ’05, Winter ’06, Spring ’06)
Taught basic acting technique, utilizing neutral scenes to introduce objectives/actions, tactics, and beats. Overview of theatre history and theory. Audition monologues. Group projects exploring theatrical styles and particular playwrights.

SOUTH COAST REP YOUNG CONSERVATORY Costa Mesa, CA

Acting (Fall ’03, Winter ’04, Spring ’04, Fall ‘04, Winter '05, Spring '05)
Taught basic acting technique, utilizing neutral scenes to introduce objectives/actions, tactics, and beats, as well as creating a character, voice, physicality, status, relating to an environment, and emotional connection. Winter session included monologue and more intensive scenework. Spring session ’04 included scenes from Shakespeare. Introduction to Linklater Technique.

Actor’s Toolbox (Fall '04, Winter '05, Spring '05)
An acting class focused on developing the skills necessary for advanced teen actors preparing for university and professional auditions. Extensive monologue and audition coaching. Heavy emphasis on objectives/action, tactics and beats, character work. Winter session to focus on classical monologues and will include verse analysis and technique. Introduction to Linklater technique.

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DRAMATIC ARTS Hollywood, CA

Theatre History (Winter '05, Winter '06)
A study of the historical background of theatre in Western Civilization from the early origins through ancient Greece, Medieval Drama, Commedia, and Elizabethan theatre. Exploration of the dramatists and acting styles that developed from each period. Besides lectures and discussions, students participate in improvisations and readings from selected plays.

Shakespeare (Substitute, Winter ‘05)
Subbed an advanced Shakespeare performance class. Coached monologues, using issues from each monologue to discuss various aspects of approaching Shakespeare, including the use of assonance and alliteration, rhetoric, builds, the connection between verse structure and playable actions, etc.

CAL STATE LONG BEACH Long Beach, CA

Theatre 113: Introduction to Acting (Winter/Spring ’06)
Taught basic acting technique, utilizing neutral scenes to introduce objectives/actions, tactics, and beats. Overview of theatre history and theory. Audition monologues. Group projects exploring theatrical styles and particular playwrights.

AMERICAN CONSERVATORY THEATRE YOUNG CONSERVATORY San Francisco, CA

Performance Project (Summer '06)
Taught acting fundamentals and directed intermediate teen actors in script-in-hand performance of Brecht's Galileo. Focus on character, objectives and obstacles, beats and tactics/actions.

Shakespeare (Spring '99)
Taught verse and scansion techniques, working first on sonnets and monologues, then scenes for performance on final day of class. Connected verse and scansion to acting and pursuing objectives. Introduced basic poetic techniques such as metaphor, comparison, allusion, alliteration, etc.

Improvisation (Fall '96 through Fall '98)
Taught improvisational techniques, focusing on how such techniques relate to acting in general. Ensemble-oriented group exercises, skill-builders relating to teamwork, acceptance, spontaneity, narrative, and storytelling, and moving into improvisational scenework. Johnstone technique.

A Christmas Carol, Hecuba (Studio Teacher/Performance Monitor: '96; '97; '98)
Coached scenes, led warmups/exercises, taught "professionalism," and supervised 17 Young Conservatory actors in ACT's annual mainstage production of A Christmas Carol, and 3 Young Conservatory actors in ACT's 1998 mainstage production of Hecuba.

CALIFORNIA SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL MIDSUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM Orinda, CA

Acting (Summer '00, Summer '02)
Taught basic acting technique, utilizing neutral scenes to introduce objectives/actions, tactics, and beats, as well as creating a character, voice, physicality, relating to an environment, and emotional connection.

Shakespeare (Summer '97)
Introduced students to basic verse and scansion techniques, working both on monologues specifically chosen for the class and on lines from summer production. Connected verse and scansion to acting and pursuing objectives. Introduced basic poetic techniques such as metaphor, comparison, allusion, alliteration, etc. Students left class able to scan iambic pentameter, understanding iambs and common variations such as trochees, feminine endings, etc.

Scene Study (Summer '98; Summer '99)
Directed students in Shakespeare scenework, focusing on applying training from various skills classes within the context of a scene. Heavy emphasis on text work, scansion, imagery, physicality, objectives, tactics, and beats.

Voice and Speech (Summer '96)
Led warm-ups and exercises focusing on breath work, release of extraneous tension, articulators, resonators, and emotional connection to the voice. Students left class able to create up to 45 minute individualized voice & speech warm-ups. Linklater technique.

Improvisation (Summer '97)
Taught improvisational techniques, focusing on ensemble-building and how such techniques relate to acting in general. Ensemble-oriented group exercises, skill-builders relating to teamwork, acceptance, spontaneity, narrative, and storytelling, and moving into improvisational scenework. Johnstone technique.

Acting (Teaching Assistant, Summer '95)
Aided instruction in work on neutral scenes and exercises in objectives, creating environments, and talking and listening.

Voice & Speech (Teaching Assistant and Substitute, Summer '95)
Aided and led warm-ups and exercises focusing on breath work, release of extraneous tension, articulators, resonators, and emotional connection to the voice. Introduction to Linklater technique.

Improvisation (Teaching Assistant and Substitute, Summer '95)
Aided in introduction of Johnstonian improv technique, aided and led warm-ups and games.

Text & Scansion (Teaching Assistant, Summer '95)
Aided instruction of verse analysis and scansion techniques.

World of the Play (Teaching Assistant, Summer '95)
Assisted lectures on Renaissance life, politics, and theatre.

SAN FRANCISCO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL San Francisco, CA

Discovering Shakespeare (Summer ‘05)
Taught three sections of Shakespeare acting technique. Connected verse and scansion to acting and pursuing objectives. Introduced basic poetic techniques such as metaphor, comparison, allusion, alliteration, etc. Students left class able to scan iambic pentameter, understanding iambs and common variations such as trochees, feminine endings, etc.

Advanced Acting Workshop (Summer ’05)
Taught two-week intensive for advanced teen actors, including Shakespeare technique, verse and scansion, acting technique, scene study, Linklater voice and speech, world of the play, and ensemble acting. Culminated in public performances of Julius Caesar at the Zeum in San Francisco.

STUDIO EAST Kirkland, WA

Shakespeare (Summer '01)
Taught verse and scansion techniques, working first on sonnets and monologues, then scenes for performance on final day of class. Connected verse and scansion to acting and pursuing objectives. Introduced basic poetic techniques such as metaphor, comparison, allusion, alliteration, etc.

Directing (Summer ’03)
Introduction to directing, including script analysis, finding the main action and theme, character analysis, creation of groundplan, and rehearsal techniques and strategies.

Acting (Summer '01, Summer ‘03)
Taught basic acting technique, utilizing neutral scenes to introduce objectives/actions, tactics, and beats, as well as creating a character, voice, physicality, relating to an environment, and emotional connection.

OAKWOOD SCHOOL Studio City, CA

Improvisation (Fall ‘03)
Taught improvisational techniques, focusing on ensemble-building and basic skills. Ensemble-oriented group exercises, skill-builders relating to teamwork, acceptance, spontaneity, narrative, and storytelling, and moving into improvisational scenework. Johnstone technique.

VECTOR THEATER CONSERVATORY San Rafael, CA

Performance (Spring '99)
Directed students in Moliere's The Forced Marriage, focusing on applying training from skills classes within a rehearsal structure and "the promotion of self-esteem through dedication to an artistic discipline." Emphasis on actions/objectives, tactics, beats, comedy, builds, and character work.

NORRIS THEATRE CENTER Los Angeles, CA

Improvisation (Fall ‘04)
Taught improvisational techniques, focusing on ensemble-building and basic skills. Ensemble-oriented group exercises, skill-builders relating to teamwork, acceptance, spontaneity, narrative, and storytelling, and moving into improvisational scenework. Johnstone technique.

DUBLIN THEATRE COMPANY Dublin, CA

Performance (Spring '99)
Directed students in production of Romeo and Juliet. Focus on text work, basic acting technique.

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON EXPERIMENTAL COLLEGE Seattle, WA

Acting Shakespeare (Summer ’03)
Taught verse and scansion techniques, working on scenes and speeches, then audition monologues for performance on final day of class. Connected verse and scansion to acting and pursuing objectives. Introduced basic poetic techniques such as metaphor, comparison, allusion, alliteration, etc.

BOSTON UNIVERSITY Boston, MA

Rehearsal & Performance: Shakespeare (Spring '96) (Thesis)
Connected verse and scansion to acting and pursuing objectives. Introduced basic poetic techniques such as metaphor, comparison, allusion, alliteration, etc., culminating in a production of The Tempest.

Acting for Non-Majors II (Co-Instructor: Spring '96)
Conducted exercises in improvisation, monologue, and scene work, beginning with discovering the emotional and physical connection, and continuing through the analysis of objectives and beats.

Acting for Non-Majors I (Teaching Assistant: Spring '95)
Coached scenes and monologues, led warm-ups and exercises with Stanislavski and realism receiving the focus of the class.

FRENCH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL San Francisco, CA

8th Grade Drama (Fall ’96)
Taught basic acting and directed students in a production of Story Theatre by Paul Sills. Introduction to Stanislavski, Johnstone, Linklater.

7th Grade Drama (Fall ’96)
Taught basic acting and improvisation skills, starting with group games and exercises, and moving on to monologues and scenework. Introduction to Stanislavski, Johnstone, Linklater.

6th Grade Drama (Fall ’96)
Taught basic acting and improvisation skills, focusing on group dynamics, teamwork, stage presence, and spontaneity. Introduction to Stanislavski, Johnstone, Linklater.

LAFAYETTE ARTS & SCIENCES FOUNDATION Lafayette, CA

Shakespeare ('97, '98, '99)
Taught Shakespeare for beginning, advanced high school students, including approaches to the verse. Advanced group culminated in a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream or Antony & Cleopatra.

CHAMBERLAIN’S FINE ARTS CAMP Los Angeles, CA

Acting (two sessions, summer ‘04)
Taught basic acting and improvisation skills, starting with group games and exercises, and moving on to scenework. Introduction to Stanislavski, Johnstone, Linklater. Directed students in two productions of Footloose.

ACTOR COACHING Boston, Seattle, Bay Area, Los Angeles

Coached monologues for specific auditions (conservatory, professional). Taught Linklater voice techniques. Taught Shakespeare, scansion and verse analysis. Students placed in California Shakespeare Festival Apprentice Program, commercial agencies, university-level theatre programs, and cast at various theatres.

TRAINING

Directors’ Lab West 2004 participant

University of Washington, Seattle
Master of Fine Arts in Directing

Directing: Jon Jory, Mark Harrison, Allison Narver, Valerie Curtis-Newton
Acting: Steve Pearson, Mark Jenkins
Suzuki: Robyn Hunt
Design: Bob Dahlstrom, ML Geiger, Deb Trout, Bill Forrester
Dialects: Laura Worthen

Boston University
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Studies: Theatre Education & Stage Direction

Directing: James Spruill, Judy Braha, Sid Friedman, Eve Muson, James Bohnen
Directing (Shakespeare): William Lacey, Oleg Kheyfets
Voice & Speech (Linklater Technique): Robert Chapline, Michael Buster
Acting: William Young, Judy Braha, William Lacey, James Spruill, Jon Lipsky
Dramatic Lit: Jacques Cartier, Scott Edminston, Jamye Koszyns, Sid Friedman

California Shakespeare Festival
Internship in Education and Administration

American Conservatory Theatre: Academy, Young Conservatory

Bay Area TheatreSports

OTHER THEATRE EXPERIENCE

Founder and first Artistic Director of Impact Theatre, 1996-2000
Season Planning, Casting, Marketing and Publicity, Development, etc.

Education Director at the Marin Shakespeare Company, 2006-2007

Artistic Director:
The Play Ground Playwrights Festival (Boston, MA)
No Net Improv Troupe (CA)
WokeUp.net (forthcoming)

Dramaturg:
Henry IV: The Impact Remix (also co-adaptor) (Impact Theatre)
Love is the Law (Impact Theatre)

Adjudicator, San Juan Islands New Plays Festival 2005

Sound Designer: various plays, short films. Proficient with sound editing software.

Film: wrote, directed, and edited two short films on digital video using Avid Express DV and Final Cut Pro.

Acting, Voice-Over: plays, sketch comedy, improvisation, industrials, student films.

Circle X Theatre Company, Los Angeles: Associate Producer of Sperm, 2004.

 
Directing
 
Magic Theatre (San Francisco, CA)
  HOUSE OF LUCKY by Frank Wortham
 
The Marsh (nonprofit presenter/performance venue, San Francisco, CA)
  HOUSE OF LUCKY by Frank Wortham (coproduction with Impact Theatre)
  -Winner of Bay Area Critics Circle Awards for Original Script and Solo Performance
  -Winner of SF Bay Guardian Solo Performance Award

Shakespeare-by-the-Sea (Los Angeles, CA)
  HAMLET by William Shakespeare

The Crucible (industrial arts center, Oakland, CA)
  ROMEO AND JULIET: A FIRE BALLET

KOCE-TV: Storefront Theatre Live (Orange County PBS, broadcasts throughout LA and the OC)
  THE ROVER by Aphra Behn (new adaptation) (live television broadcast) dvd available

The Met Theatre (nonprofit theater, Hollywood, CA)
  MACBETH by William Shakespeare

The Chance Theater Repertory Company (Anaheim, CA)\
  THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK by Goodrich, Hackett, and Kesselman
  -BackStage West Critic's Pick
  -Roar of the Crowd Award winner
  THE EIGHT: REINDEER MONOLOGUES by Jeff Goode
  -OC Weekly Award for Best Ensemble
  THE ROVER by Aphra Behn (new adaptation)
  -remounted for live television broadcast on KOCE-TV

Shakespeare-by-the-Sea / Little Fish Theater (San Pedro, CA)
  THE MISANTHROPE by Moliere, translated by Richard Wilbur dvd available

The Ethnic Cultural Theatre (Seattle, WA)
  MARISOL by José Rivera

The Bay Shakespeare Marathon 2000 (at The Marsh, for Impact Theatre)
  HENRY IV, PART ONE

Impact Theatre  (nonprofit theatre company, Berkeley, CA)
  THE WAKE-UP CREW by Zay Amsbury (premiere)
  winner of SF Bay Guardian award for fight choreography
  COMMEDIA 2000: SOCCER MOM VS. MONSTER BUD (premiere)
  HOUSE OF LUCKY by Frank Wortham (premiere)
  PEOPLE’S PARKING: A 90’S BERKELEY COMMEDIA (premiere)
  SWEET SELF by Zay Amsbury (premiere)
  LOVE SONG LATER by Frank Wortham (premiere)
  SEXUAL PERVERSITY IN CHICAGO by David Mamet
 
New York Fringe Festival (New York, NY), Divine Intervention (Chicago, IL), Inspiration Conspiracy (NY, NY)
  HOUSE OF LUCKY by Frank Wortham

University of California at Berkeley
  ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA
 
Vector Theatre Conservatory (professional training program for actors age 14-18, San Rafael, CA)
  THE FORCED MARRIAGE by Moliere
 
California Shakespeare Festival Teen Program  (professional training program for actors age 12-18, Orinda, CA)
  AS YOU LIKE IT 
  ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL 
  THE COMEDY OF ERRORS
  HENRY IV PART ONE
  THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA   
  THE WINTER’S TALE

San Francisco Shakespeare Festival Teen Program (professional training program for actors age 12-18, San Francisco,CA)
  JULIUS CAESAR
  TAMING OF THE SHREW

Mira Theatre Guild  (small theatre, Vallejo, CA)
  THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST by Oscar Wilde
 
Dublin Theatre Company TeensAct (professional training program for actors age 14-18, Dublin, CA)
  ROMEO AND JULIET
 
University of Washington School of Drama  (as a student in the MFA Directing Program, Seattle, WA)
  ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD by Tom Stoppard (thesis)
  A LIE OF THE MIND by Sam Shepard
  THE MAN OF DESTINY by George Bernard Shaw
  THE INTERVENTION by Anne Washburn

Assistant Directing

Stephen Wadsworth, FRAULEIN ELSE, Berkeley Repertory Theater
Valerie Curtis-Newton, PORCELAIN, NorthWest Asian American Theater
Steve Pearson, NOISES OFF, University of Washington
James Bohnen, MAJOR BARBARA, Boston University