Members of John F. Kennedy Middle School's Masquers Guild received an extraordinary learning opportunity on Jan. 14 when Broadway actor Andrew Kober led a three-hour masterclass in the school auditorium. The timing couldn't have been better – the student theater group is currently in rehearsals for their upcoming production of Beetlejuice Jr. a shortened version of the show Kober performed in on Broadway.
The intensive session was structured to maximize hands-on learning and featured three distinct components. The masterclass began with 30 minutes of ensemble-based physical and vocal warm-ups, during which Kober introduced his approach to character development and storytelling. This foundation set the stage for the heart of the workshop: two hours of detailed scene and song work.
During this extended coaching session, Kober worked directly with students on selected scenes and musical numbers from the show, focusing on ensemble connection, characterization and the importance of physicality, timing and specificity in performance. Even students not actively performing benefited from observing the coaching process, gaining insights they could apply to their own work. The masterclass concluded with a 30-minute Q&A session where students asked questions about Beetlejuice, Broadway, television and film work, and life as a professional actor.
Kober brings extensive Broadway credentials to his teaching. His performance credits include the Broadway productions of Beetlejuice, Les Misérables, She Loves Me, Sunday in the Park with George, School of Rock, Hair, Beautiful, and How to Dance in Ohio. He has also performed in London's West End production of Hair and the First National Tours of Beetlejuice and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Kober is a graduate of the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama.
The students were attentive and enthusiastic throughout the session, clearly thrilled to receive feedback and practical tips from someone with such intimate knowledge of the show they're preparing to perform. The masterclass has left the cast even more energized and excited about bringing their own version of Beetlejuice to the JFK stage.
The Masquers Guild extends its gratitude to Mr. Kober for sharing his time and expertise, to theater director Ms. Rorke for organizing the event and to Bethpage Arts for making this valuable opportunity possible.
