Jim VanValen Assistant Professor |
Education
Teaching Interests
As an acting teacher, I have taught courses in Acting Process, Meisner, Voice and Speech, Solo Performance, Healthcare Simulation, and Auditioning. I have trained with acting teacher Terry Knickerbocker at TK Studio in NYC, studied Shakespeare and received voice and text training with Patsy Rodenburg, OBE, and completed my Meisner Teaching Certification at the True Acting Institute. Over the last few years, I have partnered with the Rehabilitation Sciences Department at Moravian College developing a Standardized Patient program for Muhlenberg actors to collaborate with Moravian healthcare students in order to promote greater compassion, communication, and empathy throughout the world of healthcare.
Whether through scene and monologue study, ensemble development, or audition preparation, I try to establish an environment that encourages discovery, curiosity, collaboration and possibilities. For me, all of these celebrate a common thread of building connections through our shared humanity – seeking to be truly present with one another and within ourselves, listening and responding actively moment-to-moment, and embracing the magic of the Here and Now with the trust that "You Are Enough."
Research, Scholarship or Creative/Artistic Interests
As a professional actor, I have been a member of Actors’ Equity Association for over 25 years and have performed in such regional theatres as the Barter Theatre, The Fulton Opera House, Florida’s Riverside Theatre, The Riverside Shakespeare Festival, Old Creamery Theatre, The Bread Loaf Acting Ensemble, Iowa Summer Rep and Muhlenberg’s own Summer Music Theatre.
As a director, I directed the Muhlenberg productions of Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” and Berg New Works' "The Haunting of Hartfield Hall." Prior to coming to Muhlenberg, I spent 9 years as the Head of Acting at Cornell College where I directed such productions as “Waiting for Godot,” “A Man of No Importance,” “Cabaret,” “Company,” and “A Lie of the Mind.”
As a member of the Muhlenberg community, I enjoy working with my colleagues all across campus including the Alumni Office, Career Center, Office of Global Studies, Campus Ministry, Office of Admissions, and many others. In 2021, I joined other Muhlenberg faculty & staff in Restorative Justice training through the San Diego Center for Restorative Justice. I also continue to train with Theatrical Intimacy Education and Open Intimacy Creatives in such areas as Best Practices, Mental Health First Aid, and Trauma-Informed Practices.
Professional Website