Fred Friedland, Professor Emeritus, Merced College, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre, a Master of Arts degree in Theatre Production, and an MFA degree in Directing. He has taught college level classes in acting, actor’s workshop, drama production, theatre crafts, readers theatre, voice production for the performer, introduction to theatre, stage combat, and fencing. He began his professional career thirty-eight years ago – a career which included working as a director, actor, playwright, set designer, lighting designer, fight choreographer, and theater production manager.

 

“I feel anyone working in the arts should have the opportunity to learn and grow in a healthy and supportive, yet professional environment. I teach my students respect for the art of theatre with its best practices as well as its strong requirements for discipline and responsibility. My students learn to accept and encourage each other’s efforts as they work toward common goals – growth and stellar informed performances. Roles are earned by open audition. Absolutely no roles are pre-cast.”

 

Although Mr. Friedland and his family are relatively new to Mariposa County – nine years residency – he is no stranger to Mariposans as over the years he has taught many Mariposa students, led theatre workshops, judged a Mariposa student storytelling festival, hosted Mariposa schoolchildren at Merced College plays, presented “All My Sons” at Mariposa High, toured “Caught in the Villain’s Web” (a melodrama) in Yosemite , assisted Mariposa Playhouse with several of their productions, and most recently directed Arthur Miller's "A View from the Bridge" in Mariposa County Park Amphitheater Onstage.