Weaver to present entertainment industry masterclass

“From Dream to Screen: SCSU Industry Insider Masterclass Featuring Jason Weaver” will be a three-day workshop designed to educate and prepare future trailblazers about the business of entertainment, as well as how to establish and build a lifelong career in the film and television industry.

Weaver is best known for his ongoing portrayal of “Rashad” on the Showtime original series “The Chi” and as the singing voice of “Simba” in animated classic “The Lion King.”

“Our goal is to empower students to establish and nurture a lifelong career in the dynamic world of film and television by offering valuable insights into how the film industry actually works and creating an experience for aspiring actors and allowing them to dissect and perform scenes and get feedback and constructive critique,” Weaver said.

SC State students were invited to register for the class earlier this semester, and the slots quickly filled up.

“This masterclass is a golden opportunity for South Carolina State University students to hear about what it takes to be a success in the extremely competitive world of entertainment,” SC State President Alexander Conyers said. “We are deeply appreciative of Mr. Weaver and his team’s willingness to share their valuable insights and experiences with our students.

“I also thank Dr. Macie Smith, vice chair of the SC State Board of Trustees, for arranging and helping coordinate this fantastic enhancement to our curriculum,” Conyers said.

Smith described having Weaver teach the class as a game-changing experience for SC State students.

“Here at SC State University, we are creating opportunities for real-world career-building skills for our students,” Smith said. “Not only will they receive one-on-one training from an amazingly talented actor and businessman, but they’ll have an opportunity to display their skills through role play and receive constructive communication about areas for improvement.

“We’ve been waiting a while to pull this off, and thanks to President Conyers, Provost Frederick Evans, and our leadership team we are prepared to welcome Jason Weaver and his team to campus for an opportunity that’s sure to prepare our students for successful careers in the film and television industry,” Smith said.

As a result of attending this masterclass, students will:

• Begin to explore potential career pathways to the entertainment industry and gain sound advice and best practices into how to attain career advancement. Potential pathway areas such as cinematography, wardrobe, make-up, Digital Visual effects otherwise known as (CGI), editing, and screenplay writing.
• Build confidence around the art form of acting and other industry positions through scene work practice and technique development.
• Be able to effectively apply acting technique and styles to effectively produce a self-tape audition for a film/TV project.
• Gain a better understanding of the benefits and ever evolving business model that currently exists within the entertainment industry.
• Learn more about the current actor and writer’s strike and the importance of labor unions in the film and television industry.
• Get direct industry insight from notable actors and entertainers who have years of experience within the film and television industry.

Weaver’s visit is being coordinated with the SC State College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences and the Department of Visual and Performing Arts.