The Journal

Issue date: 10/11/07 Section: Lifestyle

Media Credit: Laila Wessel As a new theater instructor at Webster University, Lara Teeter is enjoying his first semester and still feels like he is learning his way around the Winifred Moore Auditorium.

A ripped sheet of paper with a fortune cookie message isn't the usual gift for opening night. But that's what Lara Teeter, associate theater professor and the head of the musical theater program at Webster University, was given on Broadway's opening night of "On Your Toes," for which his portrayal of Junior Dolan received a Tony nomination in 1983. The paper read, "Luck is when opportunity meets preparedness," and Teeter said it was one of the best gifts he's ever received.

Teeter has been performing professionally for almost 20 years. He has been fortunate in his career, receiving offers for positions even when he already had a job. Good luck came when he wasn't ready for it, but always being prepared is what he is trying to teach his students.

Conservatory students endure a physical, emotional and mental workout every day and need to understand how demanding the industry is, Teeter said.

"The focus and training here are so intense," Teeter said.

Dennis Reagan, president and CEO of the Municipal Theatre Association of St. Louis and a friend of Teeters, said Teeter is the only actor he knows who has become a teacher. Teeter's intelligence will lend itself to an academic environment, allowing him to teach students about the audition process in New York and finding an agent,
Reagan said.

"He knows the business side of show business, but he also knows the artistic side of show business," Reagan said. "He's got so much hands-on knowledge."

Senior Tyler Adcock, a musical theater major, said Teeter invited agents in New York and Los Angeles to attend the Conservatory's spring senior showcases held in the cities. At the showcases students perform and present work to agents, directors and other industry professionals. Adcock said agents help professionals get higher pay and quality work, and some of the agents invited have never attended the showcase.

Teeter said he wants students to know the demands of life as a performer, learning to create and recreate themselves as they enter show business. He also wants students to learn how to maintain a balanced lifestyle, as well as how to use performing as a way of discovering one's contribution to life. Contributions include community service, voting and saying hello

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools