Linda Ann Watt Receives Tony Nomination for Excellence in Theatre Education

Linda Ann Watt of Charlotte Acting has been nominated for a 2015 Tony Award honoring Excellence in Theatre Education.

"This nomination comes as such an unexpected honor," said Watt upon receiving the formal nomination from the American Theatre Wing's Tony Awards. Her name was submitted by two of her past students, Gray Gaertner and Clayton Aggeles. She also received their official recommendation video, which was presented to Linda Ann Watt over the weekend.

Gray Gaertner, a student at ECU Greenville commented, "Linda helped me develop my passion and my dream." He continued, "She is an incredible teacher." Gaertner attended Master Class and Workshop Advanced, both taught by Watt.

Clayton Aggeles said, "When I look back, I appreciate Linda so much. She guided me and helped me on my creative path and I can't thank her enough." Aggeles attended Watt's Master Class, Workshop Advanced and Professional Filmmaking and Editing. Aggeles is now SAG-AFTRA eligible, because of Watt, and is presently a student at UNCSA, majoring in filmmaking.

Upon hearing about Watt's nomination, Cory Riback, Learn with Laughter's Executive Board Member, and Watt's partner stated, "Linda created the syllabus for our acting and professional filmmaking classes for the Enrichment Arts Program at UCPS. She has vast knowledge and practical experience." He continued, "If students remember a teacher, years later, for helping them to achieve their dream, they are very fortunate. Linda is 'that' teacher because she inspires students, teaching them the craft of acting and a practical knowledge of the business."

The inaugural Excellence in Theatre Education Award is presented by The Tony Awards and Carnegie Mellon University. This annual award recognizes a theater educator in the United States who has demonstrated impact on the lives of students and who embodies the highest standards of the profession. A panel of judges from the American Theatre Wing, the Broadway League and Carnegie Mellon University selects the finalists and one winner to receive the Excellence in Theatre Education Award onstage at Radio City Music Hall during the 69th Annual Tony Awards telecast on Sunday, June 7.

About Linda Ann Watt: Watt teaches "Method" based acting with disciplines she garnered originated by Stanislavski, Strasberg, Adler and Meisner. Watt, a member of Screen Actor's Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and past member of Actors Equity Association (AEA), has worked in every facet of the entertainment industry. She has over thirty years of professional experience in producing, directing, acting and teaching. Watt was an Executive Board Member of Women in Film (WIF) Hollywood. Her work as an actor includes film, television, theater and national commercials. Through her company, Corlin Productions, established 1987, she produced the educational DVD, Method Acting with Stanislavski and Strasberg with Cloris Leachman, Martin Landau and Shelley Winters, written by and featuring Lorrie Hull, Ph.D., Master Teacher for Lee Strasberg. Watt has a vast knowledge of Stanislavski and, through her company, has directed the best in the industry including Betty White, Aaron Neville, Dom DeLuise and the legendary Sid Caesar.

Watt received a scholarship to the New York Academy of Theatrical Arts when she was 15 years old. She majored in theater in college while producing her first documentary Unicycle for National Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) Television. She also attended Stella Adler Conservatory and HB Studios in New York. In Los Angeles she studied extensively with director, Milton Katselas, Beverly Hills Playhouse and with Hull.

Watt teaches a Wednesday night class, Workshop Advanced at Spirit Square for professional actors, writers and directors. And she has a beginner's class, Master Class, Acting & Scene Study, at Spirit Square, which gives actors tools to reach an emotional connection to character. Watt teaches privately and was asked to coach actors who were up for the Broadway musical Motown. Since 2010, Watt has offered classes for youth, through an Enrichment Arts Program at Union County Public School (UCPS) with a Grassroots Arts Program (GAP) grant from the Union County Community Arts Council through the North Carolina Arts Council. Watt also teaches those with disabilities through the Charlotte chapter of Easter Seals.

Watt came to Charlotte from Los Angeles eight years ago to collaborate on a television project for PBS member stations with PBS member station, WTVI. She fell in love with Charlotte and has since made Charlotte home.

Upcoming CharlotteACTING.com events at Spirit Square:

Master Class Acting & Scene Study starts April 23, 10 weekly sessions (beginners welcome, enrolling now), Workshop Advanced, Wednesday nights (with audition). In April, Lecture Series presents, Marshall Silverman, Studio Production Head (22 years as Executive Producer and legal counsel for Warner Bros. Entertainment) topics include what actors need to know and good news for film production in North Carolina (space limited), Actors' Showcase, June 12, Youth Acting Camp with Showcase at Spirit Square, August 3-8. 10AM-1PM (enrolling now). For more information, contact Charlotte Acting, 704 849-2025.

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