Randolph-Macon College presented its third-annual Kesler Lecture March 10, 2016 in the SunTrust Theater at Brock Commons. An enthusiastic crowd filled the theater, listening intently as Actor Becky Ann Baker and Actor-Director Dylan Baker shared their advice and reflections on a career in the theater, and answered audience questions. The event was sponsored by the Jackson and Betty Kesler Endowment for Guest Artists in Theatre. RMC Drama Professor Janet Hayatshahi welcomed guests to the lecture and introduced the Bakers.

Photos: Kesler Lecture and Workshop

Becky Ann Baker is best known for her portrayal of Jean Weir on NBC’s Emmy Award-winning “Freaks and Geeks” and for her role as Loreen Horvath on HBO’s Emmy Award-winning “Girls.” Her film credits include “Blue Steel,” “Jacob’s Ladder” and “Lorenzo’s Oil.”

Dylan Baker is known for his work in “The Good Wife,” in which he plays Colin Sweeney, and for his work in “Spider-Man 2,” “Trick ‘r Treat,” and “Spider-Man 3.” Baker’s Broadway theatre credits include God of Carnage, and he won an Obie Award for his performance in the off-Broadway play Not About Heroes.

Workshop
Prior to the lecture, a group of RMC drama students met with the Bakers for a workshop in Cobb Theater. Drama Professor Janet Hayatshahi facilitated the workshop, in which students recited monologues and received feedback from the Bakers. Victoria Drake ’19, an English major and drama and journalism minor, was thrilled to participate in the workshop.

“The Bakers gave valuable advice about our monologues, and they advised us about how to approach the auditioning process in the acting business,” says Drake, who recently played the role of M’Lynn Eatenton in RMC’s production of Steel Magnolias. “They also shared tips on how to successfully network. I am so thankful that the Keslers were able to bring this fantastic opportunity to Randolph-Macon.”

The Jackson and Betty Kesler Endowment for Guest Artists in Theatre
Jackson Kesler is a member of the RMC Class of 1959. The Kesler Endowment was created in 2011 and will be used by the Theatre Arts program to broaden students’ exposure to theatre as a profession, including making funds available for guest theatrical artists and professionals to visit the department and campus for the purpose of lectures, seminars, demonstrations, and/or master classes. Such artists might include directors, designers, actors, playwrights, critics, agents, and other professionals to further students’ knowledge, interests, and advancements in theatre as a vocation.

In 2013 RMC welcomed Director John Doyle as the inaugural Kesler Guest Artist in Theatre and in 2015 the college welcomed Costumer Designer Anne Gorman.