Students in Simpson’s Theatre Department will be busy Nov. 2-3 with director John Whitesell on campus.

Whitesell will present a forum at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 3 in Pote Theater in the Blank Performing Arts Center.

He will also work with students in workshops about acting and the creative process.

Whitesell, who graduated in 1976, directed Hollywood blockbuster films. These include “Big Momma’s House 2,” “Malibu’s Most Wanted” and the upcoming film “Deck the Halls” starring Matthew Broderick and Danny DeVito.

Whitesell also did some TV directing, including episodes of “Roseanne,” “Law & Order” and “Coach.”