Arts Commission to Benefit From Producer Don Gregory's Class

Written and reported by contributor Gloria Tierney

For 10 people curious about careers in show business, the master class offered by Coronado's Cultural Arts Commission has been a good place to start.  

The class, which kicked off this week, features producer Don Gregory, who will share lessons learned from his 40-plus years in the entertainment industry.

As a producer with wide-ranging interests, he has worked with some of the most recognizable names in film and stage history including Rex Harrison in My Fair Lady and Henry Fonda in Clarence Darrow. Most recently he collaborated with Jim Parsons of The Big Bang Theory in an adaptation of Harvey. 

The class is intended for 20 “highly motivated people” who are serious about a career in the industry. It is the first of a series of classes and workshops the commission hopes to host, according to chairwoman Heidi Wilson. 

She believes students who have enrolled, including a recent college graduate and Coronado School of the Arts alum and an Encinitas actor/playwright, have much to learn from the octogenarian showman.

“People don’t realize the important role the producer plays,” she said. “People assume they just raise money, but actually the producer is the central cog in the wheel.” 

The idea for the master class was Gregory’s, according to Wilson.

A four-year resident of the Coronado Shores, he “wanted to become more a part of the community,” Wilson said. In a flyer advertising his class, Gregory said in his work that he “wanted to put his two cents in things” because he figured “I had a vision too.”

Earlier this month he spoke about his career at an event billed as an “Evening at the Library,” fashioned after the popular Bravo program Inside the Actors Studio.

“It was a magical event,” said Wilson.

More than 50 people attended from all over San Diego County, some from as far as Poway, she added.

There will be eight three-hour sessions through June 27, held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at CoSA's Black Box Theatre. The full cost of the course is $225. Proceeds will go to the arts commission.

Other events being planned include a June 20 arts forum and the impending launch of a comprehensive community arts website, listing events, artists and productions.

Those interested in being part of the activities should contact Wilson at CoronadoClassic@gmail.com.