Theater Arts
Utilizing the actor's tools of body, voice and imagination, students will explore improvisation, character work and scene study in creating original scenes culminating in a performance at the end of the semester.
THE INSTRUCTOR
Dennis Connors
THEATER ARTS
Dennis Connors is thrilled to return to his roots at Teen Arts NJ, where his acting journey began during his time at Arts Middle School. Since then, Dennis has become a distinguished professional in voice-over, on-camera, and musical theatre. He earned his membership in the Actors' Equity Association after notable performances at the Growing Stage, including starring roles in the New Jersey professional premieres of 'Beauty and the Beast' (as Cogsworth) and 'Matilda' (as Mr. Wormwood).
Dennis made his feature film debut in the 2021 horror-slasher movie, 'The Canyonlands,' and gained national recognition as "Thumbs-Up Jim" in the Fire House Subs commercials that aired from 2017-2019. Further acclaim came when he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in the AudioVerse Awards 2019 for his role as Magnus in the hit family podcast, 'Six Minutes.'
Beyond acting, his voice has graced national commercials for major brands, including T-Mobile, Heineken, and B&M Baked Beans. Dennis is equally passionate about nurturing the next generation of performers. He has coached students auditioning for productions, agents, managers, and top performing arts colleges nationwide.
In his leisure time, Dennis enjoys playing Nintendo video games while cuddled up with his two German Shepherds, Starlord and Lessie, alongside his wife, Nicole, and their child, Oliver.
CHRIS TOMAINO
Theatre Arts
Professional actor, director & educator for 32 years, with over 60 productions to his credit. Mr. Tomaino has been happily involved with The Mottola Theater Project for the past 20 years, in addition to multiple theater companies in both New York City and regionally. Mr. Tomaino teaches a variety of performance-based classes at Brookdale Community College. The County College of Morris and The Count Basie Theater’s Performing Arts Academy, where he also teaches professional workshops for teachers and other teaching professionals. He has been a proud member of AEA for the past 26 years. Mr. Tomaino holds a BA in Communications from Monmouth University and an MFA in Acting from Indiana University