Story by: Rob Kinch
Students in Rahway High School teacher Jensyn Modero’s theater classes were afforded the rare opportunity to receive some acting tips from ‘Rahway’s Own’ actor Amen Igbinosun. Mr. Igbinosun, whose credits include roles in “The Last Ship” and the miniseries “Texas Rising”, was happy to generously share his time working with the students in part to express his appreciation for having been able to “find employment in something I love” and, as well, to reinforce techniques used by professionals to become better actors.
Through participation in such unusual (and fun) exercises as doing ‘Wacky Jacks’ and creating giant ‘X’s’ on the floor, students got to experience tools actors use to warm up the body and to prepare for developing dimensional characters.
Ms. Modero found the classes especially important for her male students since “guys were able to see guys doing these exercises not just their teacher (who happens to be a girl). This male ‘modeling’ gives the boys permission to be silly and to play vocally and physically.”
Mr. Igbinosun found working with the students “a rewarding experience”. He is quick to add,”They were open and ready to work and cared for their partners. It’s a testament to the work Ms. Modero has put into the program.” From his lesson, he hopes the students will take away that “they should act by coming from their ‘selfs’. That all we need to do is look our scene partners in the eyes, breathe and live as honest as we can under imaginary circumstances.”
“Working with a current industry actor was honestly a great experience,” affirms senior Jay- Quan Johnson. “I observed great techniques for how to read my scene partner and how to build off of them and potentially save them if the scene is failing!”
One wonders if this could not be a valuable life lesson as well.
(above) It’s ok to be silly. Students in photo: Jenia Vega, Qadreek Strickland, & Ronald Humphrey with Ms. Modero and Amen Igbinosun. Photos by: Joseph Mudrak
