On Saturday, March 18th, African American Museum for the Performing Arts (AAMPA )Griot Lab held their first ever Masterclass hosted by one of the busiest men in film & television. Chicago’s own, Robert Townsend, shared his expertise with a room filled with great anticipation, the kind generated by individuals eager to gain knowledge from one who has done what they are desiring to do. At the appointed time, following an inspired welcome from AAMPA’s Executive Director, TaRon Patton, Mr. Townsend came into the room energized and ready to go!
The first thing you recognize is that Robert, for the most part, is in constant motion. As he spoke about his many achievements and the challenges he overcame along the way, he walked back, and forth, and around the stage. He explained that the level of energized movement is quite common for him. He held the room of the next generation of film and television creators in the palm of his hand. He did not hold anything back. Robert walked the class through the process of script creation to pitching the idea. His slides contained images of script pages reflecting a level of detail that many would not realize may be needed in the development of a story. Robert spoke about getting so deep into individual scene development, that he takes into consideration colors, smells (yes, smells), background, and what to name each character as dictated by personality and circumstance. This component, he explained, is of the utmost importance as many times, it helps film executives to visualize the actors who would fit the role.
Robert then announced the next portion of the class would be interactive and he called for students who had story ideas to put their names in a hat to be drawn to sit opposite him in a hypothetical pitch session. He masterfully guided each student through the important components of making a successful pitch. Using what I like to call “the stroke, kick method” he very kindly complimented each person first on the best parts of their story and gently pointed out the areas that needed more work. It was a fascinating process to observe. You would think the students would all be young’uns, but the ages of the attendees ranged from 16 to 60+, demonstrating that dreams never have to die because you’re never too young or too old!
The class ended on a very high note, as all the students walked away feeling armed with more tools to aid on their journey to the realization of their most treasured dream, to become filmmakers!
Robert Townsend was truly the right person to launch this most important program for the African American Museum of the Performing Arts Griot Lab. His warmth, accessibility, and professionalism have set the bar high for future teachers. The fact that the class was for a hometown group and in partnership with his brother in the arts, Harry Lennix, made it a most special experience for him.
AAMPA E.D., TaRon Patton shared plans for the AAMPA Griot Lab Masterclass will provide classes focused on dance, film, and spoken word. This reporter can tell you it was well worth the price of admission!