Marla Schaffel Class

Material from Marla Schaffel's E-Mail about her class. As always, if you study with someone I recommend please tell them I sent you -- and let me know what you think of their class!
I hope you're all well,
Sheila

Are you ready to move yourself forward?
Ready to be challenged?
Ready to work toward greatness?
Let's mine your untapped potential together.

Weekly Performance Classes with Marla Schaffel

Marla Schaffel is beginning weekly performance classes for actors/dancers/singers. Work directly with this Tony award nominee and winner of the Drama Desk & Outer Critics Circle awards - all for outstanding leading actress in a musical.

Marla’s vast experience, as well as her Juilliard Drama Division training, offers the student a uniquely broad class experience. She will assist you with all technique issues, performance skills and emotional challenges you are bound to encounter on your journey in this unpredictable and exciting business.

The focus of your work will be up to you. Taking risks will be the goal!
"Marla is an inspired and organic actress who brings her compassion, knowledge, and humor to her teaching work. You will blossom with Marla's guidance!"
- Victoria Clark - Tony winning star of "Light in the Piazza"

Marla Schaffel Class Information

* You create your own curriculum! Bring in any material you choose for whatever purpose. Prepare for upcoming auditions or develop your repertoire – songs, sides or monologues. (Scene study class will be offered in the future.)

* To ensure your sense of safety, all activity in the class will be considered strictly confidential.

* The class will be held in six week cycles during which we will gather once a week for three hours.

* The price of the class is $425.

* Classes are held every Tuesday from 2pm - 5pm

* Location : 225 West 106th Street #8E

* No student substitutions at this time.

* For further info, please phone or email Marla at 646 698 2685 or
marlaschaffelclass@earthlink.net

Momma Said There Would Be Days Like This

Last week I went to an on-camera audition for a commercial. I waited one hour and fifteen minutes to go in. The casting director spent 20 minutes "directing" us -- telling us that we should feel free to "play with the script" and not worry about memorizing. She repeated this information about 25 times. I memorized the script anyway, then focused on the talking points so I could make sure I'd hit them when I went in and started improvising for the director.

When I finally got into the room and got to do the take the director immediately stopped me when I said, "Hey, what's up?" instead of "Hey, how's it going?"

"Can we please stick to the script?" he said.
"Sure, sorry. I thought we were supposed to improvise," I said.
"Yes, but let's see the script first," he said, sounding weary. As if he had been saying it to actors all day long, hour after hour. I wondered why the casting director wasn't listening to the director. I think she was focused on jonesing for a cigarette.

So I went back to the script, even though there was no cue card in the room.

The guy I was auditioning with had to jog in place while I spewed info at him about some new cable TV option -- I was also running in place. I had a lot to say. Running and talking, running and talking.

The guy got all the direction, and it was suddenly very clear I was somehow not right for the part. But we did take after take after take anyway. Running and talking, running and talking. When we left the room, I was proud that I wasn't breathing heavily or dripping with sweat. I had maintained composure even though I was pissed off and disappointed in this total waste of time. As we were leaving the actor guy looked at me and complained that he was exhausted. I kicked him in the nuts and went home.

Not really.

But I wanted to. Instead I went out and had a cup of coffee and remembered that it's not usually so stupid out there. Not exactly. Not always. But sometimes it is.

And that's a part of the job. Glamorous, no?

And They're Gone!

So, um, those cabinets? Already taken. Wow. Gotta move quick like a bunny in this town, huh?

Kitchen Cabinets, Anyone?

A friend of mine hates to see these fab cabinets go to waste. If you're interested, tell her I sent you. Here's the info:

I recently moved out of my old apartment/office on 30th Street, and the landlord is going to gut the place. Thousands were spent on renovating my small kitchen, and it's now going to be scrapped. I hate to think of my cabinets just going to waste. They were from Home Depot and are quite nice. Do you know of anyone who could use them? The catch is, you have to physically remove them from the wall and take them away by the end of this weekend.

I've enclosed photos of the 5 cabinets, which are still in great shape. They are light maple, hang individually and can be used in any configuration.
The 2 corner glass cabinets are 18" wide. They're 12" deep at each side and go to 18" deep at the corners.
The middle glass cabinet is 18" wide and 12" deep. The three cabinets side by side (as seen) span about 58" from wall to wall.
The slim wood cabinet is 6" wide and 12" deep. (The photos show flower tile decorations that are no longer there.) These cabinets are all 36" high.
The 2-door wood cabinet is 24" wide by 12" deep by 18" high.

It would be great if I can get $100 for them, but if someone can't afford it, or if it's for charity, I would give them for free.

best,
Patrice

Contact e-mail:
PattiD5@aol.com
patricedonnell@gmail.com