Speaking Volumes

Some of the most famous actors on film, TV and stage can credit Professor Emeritus Don Wadsworth with helping shape their characters’ dialect and vocal delivery.

Don taught voice and speech techniques for more than 20 years in the College of Fine Arts’ School of Drama. He directed main stage productions, led the New York and Los Angeles showcases in highly successful showings, and created a course called The Business of Acting for fourth-year actors. During his tenure he led the acting and music theater option of nearly 100 students and 20 faculty members. Professionally, Don has coached the voice work for actors on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in feature films, television productions, in regional theater and for video games.

Don coached CMU alumni Matt Bomer (CFA 2000) and Josh Gad (CFA 2003) for various TV and film productions. He also worked with Chris Pine, Bob Hoskins, Ellen Burstyn, Olympia Dukakis, Tom Hulce, Dianne Ladd and Danny Aiello.

As an actor, Don appeared in “Warrior,” “Smart People” and “Mysteries of Pittsburgh.” He has also directed and appeared in countless stage productions. Don’s voice can be heard on hundreds of regional and national radio and television commercials.