Become a Star

The Florida Academy for the Performing Arts is offering an Artist Development class with performance coach Walter Chism Jr. Wednesday, June 20 to Aug. 8 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Music Showcase, 402 Oakfield Drive.

The cost is $150.

This new summer program is designed to enhance and sharpen a performer's stage presence. Students will be instructed in proper use of breathing techniques, microphone techniques for vocals, song delivery skills, body language to engage the audience, performing for a live audience and confidence building, Students will be videotaped during their performances for before and after results. The class is open to vocalists, singing groups or bands with at least one year of experience.

Chism hails from Chicago and is a drummer, producer and concert promoter. He has been a member of an award-winning marching band, a jazz band and the symphony orchestra, and went on to play in the U.S. Army for six years. In addition, he was hired as a studio drummer for a recording studio in Monterey, Calif., and also played with the '80s super group Shalamar. Chism has also played with Special Touch, BTA and a jazz quintet called Q. He has opened for Atlantic Starr, Evelyn Champagne King, Nu Shooz and Jermaine Jackson. In addition to playing in the army and performing, Chism later went into production and concert promotion, and has had the opportunity to work with several up and coming artists in his hometown of Chicago, including Marshall Thompson, the lead singer of the Chi Lites. He has promoted some of the music industries' top performers including Twista, Kanye West, Jazmine Sullivan and Steve Cole.

Register on-line at www.faopa.org or call Tina at 813-490-ARTS (2787).