The Hampton University Department of Fine and Performing Arts welcomes Aunjanue Ellis, who recently appeared in “The Help,” as the artist-in-residence for the Spring 2012 semester. Ellis will instruct courses and guest star in the Hampton Players and Company March 15-17 production of “Through the Crack.”

Ellis will teach two courses. “The Entertainment Industry in the New Millennium” will explore the basics of the industry and recent developments in the entertainment business. “The Actor at Work” will explore how the body, voice, imagination, and feelings are released through the elimination of tension and muscular holding.

Ellis recently portrayed Yule Mae in “The Help.” She was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture at the NAACP Image Awards for her role in Men of Honor and nominated for a Black Reel for Best Actress for her role in “ Undercover Brother.” Ellis, along with Jamie Foxx and Terrence Howard, was nominated at the 11th Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for “Ray.” She is also known for her roles in “The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3,” “New York Undercover,” “The Practice,” “The Mentalist,” “Third Watch,” “Law and Order: Criminal Intent,” and “Numb3rs.”

Ellis received a bachelor’s degree in African-American studies from Brown University, and studied acting in the graduate drama program at New York University. She attended Tougaloo College before she transferred to Brown University, where she completed her undergraduate studies.

For more information about the courses or the production of “Through the Crack” contact the Department of Fine and Performing Arts at (757)727-5402.

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