This workshop explores the use of music in theatrical productions. How it shapes story, builds tension and underscores drama.
Instructor David Wheatley is a multi-talented musician, composer, and comedian with decades of experience on the stage, in the studio, and in the classroom.
Trained as a classical pianist and organist, but with a wide-ranging set of experiences, David approaches composition with a sense of play and versatility undergirded by the fundamentals. David studied composition at the University of North Texas, where he first began teaching arranging and music theory, before completing a Masters of Music in Composition from the University of Southern California. David has scored numerous television shows, including favorites like Laverne and Shirley, All My Children, General Hospital, and Santa Barbara, and performs organ concerts across the United States and Canada.
David’s compositions for theatre include three musicals co-written with his writing partner, Deanne Davis, including Gallery, which premiered at the 2014 Hollywood Fringe Festival. Hands: The Musical is a light hearted look at well-known characters from the Bible. Christmas show Star of Wonder has been performed in churches across the Southland with a pipe organ, a full choir, and a band. David co-directed, co-produced, and music directed all three shows, as well as performing in Star of Wonder.
In addition to his composing credentials, David has extensive experience as a teacher of composition, both to fellow practitioners and those new to the field. David co-founded the Scoring for Motion Pictures Program at USC’s Thornton School of Music where he taught orchestration and arranging while serving as director for five years. He has experience teaching music theory, arranging, and songwriting at USC to non-music majors.
David has performed regularly as a stand-up comedian at Whiskey Blue and Crockpot Comedy. He studies improv with David Razowksy and serves as Musical Director for the Comedy Cabaret at Muse on 8th in Los Angeles.
Learn More at hollywoodfringe.org/projects/3874
