Count Basie Center for the Arts — Attraction in Red Bank

I've been debating whether or not to write this and I finally decided that I should, and hopefully I can stop someone from wasting their money.

I don't recommend these classes, I mean it was ok but not great, but what made me really upset and pissed, was when It was time to do the showcase. I thought we would get to pick the scene we wanted to do and the monologue we wanted to do.

I feel I'm more of a dramatic actor and therefore I wanted to do a dramatic monologue, and scene, one that I actually used in one of my classes in New York. But unfortunately the teacher picks everything for you and I was not happy with the choices she made for me. It was comedic and they were not right for me AT ALL. Not only that, but the way she directed me to act was completely ridiculous and over the top and not natural at all. She wanted me to be very animated which I didn't want to do that, it didn't feel realistic. I felt so stupid and looked "crazy". It was so fake looking when I watched it during the showcase, I looked like a fool and I was so embarrassed by my performance.

I think if you're going to be in a showcase you should be allowed to pick your own pieces to do, because you know your strengths best....

When it came time to speak with the agents one on one after watching all of the scenes and monologues, all of them said that I wasn't natural and I told them I honestly couldn't agree with them more. I ended up sending them some other reels I made with my manager at the time to show them my actual talent.

Here I was thinking I FINALLY had an opportunity to really show my talent , my range, my ability to cry on cue, and everything I'm strong in and it was just a huge disappointment, a waste of my time and money.

This is just a little side note that also bothered me. I have beautiful, naturally beach wavy blonde hair, and I was told to pull it back and have it in a ponytail for both because it would mess with the green screen....it looked so weird on camera like I only have hair on the top of my head like a guy. I'm sorry but if I'm paying over $500, the equipment should be professional enough that I can look the way I do best. I looked terrible!! I literally cried after the whole showcase was over. I knew I wasn't getting picked.

Not once was I myself throughout this entire showcase in anyway shape or form. I was devastated from the whole thing. Never again will I go back there.

I hope this helps someone from wasting their own...

This was my first time here. I came to see Kenny Wayne Shepherd. It was their 25th Anniversary Concert. There's limited parking on the street. Across from the theater and next to the police station is a paid parking lot. They charge $30 to park. Come early this lot gets full fast! If you live in the area there's some nice restaurants within walking distance. You'd have to definitely arrive early. These restaurants get packed! I didn't have enough time to have a full sit down dinner. Instead, I walked several blocks down to Mr. Slice Pizzeria. If you go in the opposite direction there's a strip mall directly across the street from Count Basie Theater through the paid parking lot attached to the police station. It a quicker walk. There's Chipotle, and a couple of other restaurants. Upon entering The Count Basie Theater you will have to go through a complete security check. All handbags are checked thoroughly, and you have to pass through an X-ray machine. Once inside there's a bar. You can purchase alcohol and snacks only. Be aware, they add on a 3.5 fee on to all credit cards. On the other side of the bar, is where you can purchase, T-Shirts, Sweatshirts, and Souvenirs. My friend bought a special 25th commemorated, limited, addition signed Kenny Wayne Shepherd album for $125. This place does have a lot of friendly staff. Each person is walked to their seats. The best seats obviously are up by the stage, or in the middle.There really isn't a bad seat for viewing a concert. I was on the main floor. The seats here are not wide, so if your a large person you will be squished. There's not a lot of legroom if your tall. Everyone pretty much stays seated which is good. Some people will stand at the side aisles so they can dance. The bad news is because it's a theater, there is a middle aisle, and two ends. People constantly keep getting up during the concert and walking back and forth. At times your views can get blocked, unless like I mentioned you sit all the way in the front. This can make It hard to see at times. The other problem is people arrive late and then they have to be seated, and views can get blocked until people are seated. The sound is very good here though. On the first floor are some bathrooms. Your better off going to the main bathroom. The ones off of the lobby have extremely small stalls for women.I mean you will feel boxed in. All in all, I would come back here for a concert or show, just be prepared...

The theater gets 5 stars! The educational programs after renovations and expansion of the building due to a $28M infusion of funds from Hackensack Meridian Health gets 4 stars. It was two stars before said building improvements. The reason for the mediocre rating? As present members of the Basie community, it’s become apparent that this non profit organization only values your monetary contributions. Period.

My wife and I have gone to events and taken part in a few of their educational programs for the better part of 40 years. We decided to become members. It was our way of saying “thank you” for all we’ve enjoyed, and we wanted to give back to the next generation. After a couple of months I received a phone call from a fellow member, asking me how I enjoyed the experience. I said we loved it, and that I wouldn’t mind being a part of their Ambassador Program, which involves meeting ticket holders in the lobby at select Basie shows. Talking to people about becoming members like my wife and I, and investing in their organization. In other words, fund raising.

I received a call a few weeks afterward, asking me to join, and I said “Yes.” It was all downhill from there. For over two months I would reach out by phone and email and never get a response. Finally I went directly to the theater and arranged a meeting with said individual for the following week, at which time we mutually agreed I would work at a couple of different shows six weeks apart. When the first one came up, I called to see when I should arrive and who I should report to, only to find out that the individual who was supposed to train me went on vacation and to reschedule upon her return. Another email from me to that person to reschedule went unanswered! When we finally spoke 3-1/2 weeks later because I complained up line to her boss, said individual’s representation of the “facts” weren’t factual and our conversation became more intense than it should have been, because an apology to me from both people is what I should have received.

Membership doesn’t always have its privileges. There’s more to tell,...