“As a result of having only audited the first session of Roland Tec’s 3-day Advanced Monologue Weekend, I feel my new play is finally on its way. Several of the craft topics covered in Tec’s approach to monologue make me feel so much more in command of my script writing than ever before.”
“The most beneficial aspect of the RT Online Writers Workshop is Roland’s generosity of spirit and obvious love for writers and their writing. In this oftentimes overly competitive business, it is so nice to feel safe in a room, albeit virtual, where you know the leader truly has your back. Of course there were many helpful pointers and great exercises, but I think the real power of Roland’s work is in his willingness and enthusiasm to embrace his fellow artists in service to our own goals for the work.”
“I am so grateful that I did not miss the opportunity to enroll in a playwriting workshop with Roland! The experience was wonderful and pushed me to write more than I ever expected I would in the time frame. ”
“Roland has directed me in his film, WE PEDAL UPHILL, and in two Off-Broadway plays. He’s a fantastic director and writer. I’m an actor and he’s simply wonderful to work with. He knows what he’s looking for in the scene, yet allows the actor much freedom and creativity.”
“Roland’s teaching style is definitely unique. He has a marvelous sense of humor and really cares about your play. I mean really cares. He zeros in on every little thing: how your story develops, how each scene leads to the next; if your characters’ intentions are clear, how each changes from beginning to end; if production problems are addressed. Above all, he wants you to succeed. And you will! ”
Playwright, Educator & Director of the Dramatists Guild Institute Gary Garrison
Songwriter, librettist and playwright Tom Toce on the kind of help Roland Tec is able to provide.
Playwright & Librettist Mike Stang
Poet, Visual Artist & Musician Guy Kettelhack
Playwright, Librettist & Producer Amanda Rogers
Playwright & Librettist Ed Levy
“When I was developing my short film, TANGO OCTEGANARIO, I met with Roland Tec to discuss the possibility of him composing music for it. I shared some examples of music I loved by Argentine tango composer Astor Piazzolla to give him a flavor for what I was imagining. Instead of trying to imitate the sound of Piazzolla, Roland called upon his experience as a film producer to encourage me to pursue obtaining the rights to the actual music already in my head. I credit Roland with that important choice, which really proved key to giving the film its unique flavor.”
“Roland’s knowledge of play and screen writing is formidable, and a few suggestions dropped in class answered questions about structure and character that I’d been grappling with for a while. Cut to the chase: take the class if you want to make your work better and increase your playwriting output. ”
“I’ve now worked with Roland on three different exchange projects. Corralling directors and writers in the same room can often be much like a High School assembly (and just as combustible). Yet, Roland’s leadership, preparation, insight and sense of humor have made every event not just delightful to be a part of, but incredibly productive for all, resulting in the initiation of numerous projects and creative alliances. He’s a muse, and a well organized, charismatic one at that.”
“Singing Roland’s music is like a delicious smorgasbord of flavors; with a blend of challenging technique along with a sprinkling of interpretation it’s a vocal feast, fit for the epicurean musician. I am excited every time I get to work with Roland, as his music is all at once a joy and a workout!”
“Roland proved an invaluable asset to have on set during the filming of DEFIANCE. Not only did he creatively and professionally capture all of the behind-the-scenes footage and interviews for the film’s EPK, but he proved to be a wealth of information for the cast and crew, and enjoyed sharing his knowledge of the film’s historical context. Roland readily offered immediate assistance, whenever his help was needed by utilizing his technical expertise, a focused attitude and an easygoing calmness that made him a joy to work with. I truly look forward to the opportunity to work with Roland again in the near future. He is an extremely talented filmmaker and a trustworthy colleague.”
“I was privileged to play violin as part of the trio of violin, bassoon and piano for which Roland Tec composed the musical accompaniment to his extraordinary THE CURSE OF BATVIA. Playing Roland Tec’s music is a deep delight. I’d never had the pleasure of duetting with a bassoon before — whose haunting throatiness mixed so alluringly with the songful violin that it recalled Gene Kelly and Judy Garland singing together — high praise from me. Claret drunk in a Slavic mist. It was genius come up with the mix of those two instruments — a mix of sounds which as far as I know is unprecedented. Just as alluring were the modal harmonies — Slavic, faintly Hebraic, tugging at the heart & the groin. This is real music. There are depths here that insist on attention. Indeed I’ve pleaded with Roland to write a chamber piece for violin and bassoon and piano - or for anything else! I can think of no greater service than to make it possible for him to give us more, more and more. I will continue to hound him for more, but really the whole world should.”
“Working alongside Roland to produce work that he has both written and directed has been both a joy and an education His attention to detail and his subtle appreciation of the nuances of narrative and character development has been a rewarding and edifying experience. His singular vision carries all of the projects upon which he is involved and I will work with him whenever and wherever he chooses.”
“Roland Tec can do it all — Playwright, Screenwriter, Director, Producer, and Performer. And best of all, his work always has something important to say, whether through biting political satire, or through the deeply felt pathos of his multidimensional characters. He has a clear creative voice that needs and deserves to be heard, and I’m proud to have worked with him on some of his various projects.”
“Roland Tec’s Self-Production Boot Camp is a wonderful, fun and creative way to experience a crash course in what it means to mount your own show. Roland covers everything from budgets to correspondences to advertising to venues to finding the right person for the right task. He knows his subject inside out. And he communicates it with great ease in a friendly, open manner. You will walk away stimulated and encouraged.”