The Richard Lear Experience

Staff Writer

Photo by Sherry Fitzgerald

From left to right: Jude T. Cerasoli, Richard Lear, Michael (Mike) Richardson, and Troy J. Honeywell

I had the great experience of visiting Richard Lear’s class. You may have seen Richard on Law & Order last May or in a Verizon FIOS commercial that ran in NJ for a long time. You may have even seen him on the SCCC stage in the North Star production of The Full Monty. In addition to being a professional actor, he teaches, coaches and directs in the New York City area, as well as SCCC's acting class.

My visit was so interesting as I had the opportunity to observe Richard leading his students through acting preparation exercises, improvisation, and sharing valuable feedback to them. Very impressive is the project where students use AI to do research and follow up with their own writing and presentation. This project sheds light on a very contemporary way to work and one, we know, is being used in film and stage today. SCCC is extremely fortunate to have a professional actor on staff and our department is very proud to have Richard as one of our valued faculty members.