Author of Children's Book on Theater Visits Bloomfield Acting School

The New Jersey School of Dramatic Arts (NJSDA) has offered classes in acting for stage and film since 2004, teaching adults and children the art of performing. On Wednesday, October 19 at 4pm, they will host an event for author Gregory G. Allen who has written a book about a squirrel who wants to be a part of that performing world, Irving the Theater Nut!

Bloomfield and Essex County residents may recognize Allen as the former managing director of the Westminster Arts Center at Bloomfield College. He was very involved in the arts in the area having served on the Bloomfield Cultural Commission for two years and another two years on the Essex County Advisory Board for the Arts. He has been a part of local theater group 4th Wall Theatre for many years both onstage and off and has been in the entertainment industry (television, film, stage) for over 25 years as an actor, director, writer, and producer.

“I am so excited to bring this book to NJSDA,” says Allen. “For over ten years they have been teaching actors the craft of creating good theater – starting with younger children. I started my career in children's theater writing my first stage musical when I was only 14. To finally write a book for children about the love of theater...it's a full circle experience that brings such joy to me.”

Many theater kids may feel they are different because of that love they have for the arts, but Allen hopes that his picture book, with illustrations by Morgan Swofford, will show kids of all ages that being a lover of the arts is nothing to be ashamed of. It also teaches subtle lessons of teamwork, encouragement, collaboration,
and diversity.

Beth Baur, co-founder of NJSDA says the event will be open to their students as well as the community at large to not only see their school, but to hear the author speak of his career in the arts. She calls the book a
“charming story that beautifully illustrates the magic of live theater and the transformative power of following our dreams.”

Allen directed Baur last year in the title role of his award-winning short film MOTHER where she was nominated for Best Actress at several festivals around the country. The two also worked together when Baur directed for 4th Wall Theatre and Allen served as producer on that show. NJSDA has partnered with 4th Wall for many years as well.

"I've always been a theater nut so you might say that Irving is a part of me," says Allen. "I'm excited as more and more people meet this little fellow and learn that there is nothing wrong with chasing a dream...no matter how old you are or different you may feel."

Irving the Theater Nut! is publishing by ASD Publishing (ISBN: 9780996102933) and is available in print from all online retailers as well as indie bookstores across the country. To see additional signings and events, please check out Allen’s website at www.gregorygallen.com NJSDA is located at 593 Bloomfield Avenue, Bloomfield NJ. www.njactors.org

Photo by Tom Schopper. Illustrations by Morgan Swofford