Improv Class!

Improv!

WHAT:  This is a solid beginner to intermediate level improv class where we will focus on improv basics and apply those basic skills to scene work.

WHEN: Tuesdays from 5pm-7pm. July 11-August 1.

WHERE: The Magnet Training Center Studio A. (22 W 32nd Street, 10th Floor, between 5th and Broadway.)

HOW (much): $150. If you have studied improv with me before, either independently or at AMDA, you can take $25 off the price of this class. If you bring someone new who pays full price, I will take another $25 off the price.

You: Wow, that's insanely affordable. Are you crazy?
Me: Crazy like a pizza rat.

Venmo $50 to sheilahead@me.com to hold your spot. Feel free to label it something ridiculous. (My favorite so far is, "Nothing Shady.") I cannot refund a deposit, but we can apply it to future classes or a coaching session. The rest can be paid by cash or check.

If you have any questions reach out at teachersheila@me.com

And here's me dorking on Improv -- Improv Dork

I hope to see you there!

Free Voice Class

Happy Valentine's Day!

Just got this from a colleague of mine. I'd love to know what you think of her class, since I've never taken one with her. I think she's a cool person, and I bet it rocks.
So take it and let me know! And tell her I sent you.
All info follows:

• • Sunday, February 19, 2012
  • 10:30am until 12:00pm

• Champion Studios 257 W.39th St, 14th Floor, NYC Room 28

• COST: FREE!!! WHY: To get back into your body. To give yourself what you need!! REGISTER FOR THE FREE INTRODUCTORY CLASS NOW!! Registration is on a first come-first serve basis. Space is very limited so register by emailing your name, best email address, and your availability if you were to take a full course of classes at andrea@andreacaban.com About Fitzmaurice Voice Work and the spring class offering: The first part of the work (de-structuring) is focused on the release of habitual tension in the breath and in the body. Self-exploration and finding your true presence are often a result. The second part (re-structuring )is focused on utilizing the freedom you find to create an open, clear and focused channel of energy in which to express your memorized text. The desired result is not to attain a "proper sound" but to have a free and spontaneous voice willing to express true thought. Actors often find a new sense of confidence and empowerment in the ability to stay open & present, and direct & clear at the same time. Andrea’s voice students ARE WORKING and FINDING THEIR OWN VOICE IN THIS INDUSTRY: 1) BOOKING Off-Broadway musicals, 2) BOOKING NATIONAL COMMERCIALS 3) SUCCESSFULLY FUNDRAISING FOR THEIR OWN FILM PROJECTS! What current students are saying about the class: "I feel like I'm not afraid of my voice anymore. I like speaking up, I like being heard, I like walking into a room and introducing myself with pride." –FC "I've really appreciated your enthusiasm and your care in working with each of us. It's been a safe and comfortable environment in the room and it's been easy to feel free and open to do the work." -LL "Thanks again for having these classes and at this affordable price. It's exactly what I needed. I had to long of a break from theatre school where I was training almost 7 days a week for a year. From going fully active like that to nothing was @$#%& of me and you really picked me up by inviting me to your fantastic group and I'm so grateful for that." -JM About Andrea: Andrea is a voice & speech coach, an actor, and a healer in New York City. She has a passion for helping actors become more of themselves and clear in their intentions, in the scene and in life. She is the dialect expert on HowCast.com, demonstrating over 35 accents in a series of 2 minute how-to videos. An award-winning solo artist, she has performed across the US and abroad and is currently touring her play Questions My Mother Can’t Answer. Andrea studied voice & speech under master teachers Catherine Fitzmaurice, Dudley Knight & Phil Thompson and holds an MFA in Acting from UCIrvine. Andrea coaches actors and non-actors from all walks of life on voice/speech/accent work and is available for private coaching in person and via Skype. Professional affiliations include Dramatists Guild of America, Voice & Speech Teacher's Association, Actor's Equity Association, Screen Actor's Guild, League of Professional Theatre Women & she is a Candidate for Certification as an Associate Teacher of Fitzmaurice Voicework®. Learn more about her work at www.andreacaban.com & www.questionsmymothercantanswer.com For more information on Fitzmaurice Voice visit www.fitzmauricevoice.com

Improv is your Secret Weapon!

I’m teaching an improv class. Join me Tuesdays in February (7, 14, 21, 28) and March 6 -- also a Tuesday -- at Ripley Grier Studios.

Class is from 6pm-9pm and the cost is $275.

You: So affordable!

Me: I know! Special rate for you, former student!

Class is limited to 14 students max.

Feel free to share this with interested friends.

Inbox me back for deets if you're interested.

Rock on!

-Sheila

Jack Plotnick in NYC

He's back in town! And the link to his excellent free book for actors is on this site. See it to the right? Yup, that's it. Here is the invite Jack sent out. As always, if you go let me know what you think. (And tell folks I sent you.) I had a great experience at his audition seminar a while back. Good stuff.

Jack says:

Hi Gang-

I'll be back in NYC next week, doing two Lecture Seminars!
...including an Advanced Lecture (with all new material) for those actors who have already seen my Introductory Lecture. Info is below.

These lectures will be just $20 each. No RSVP necessary, the more the merrier!
You can pay in cash or check (made out to "Jack-O-Lantern Productions, Inc.") upon arrival.
These events will be held at Ripley-Grier 520 Eighth Avenue, between 36th & 37th Street.

INTRODUCTORY LECTURE - Wednesday Jan. 25th, 7-8:30pm, room 16H
In this life-changing introductory lecture, I will cover such things as:
- The SECRETS to booking work that no one is telling you.
- How to free yourself from self-destructive thoughts and anxieties.
...This lecture is highly recommended if you've never seen me speak.

ADVANCED LECTURE - Thursday Jan. 26th, 7-8:30pm, room 17A
In this all new lecture, I will cover such things as:
- The BIG LIE teachers have given us, that can destroy your acting.
- Character work: the healthy way to "become" another person.
- How to cry and the myth of preparation.
- Meeting your inner child and freeing yourself from the past.

Looking forward!
Jack

Do Your Own Show!

Peter Michael Marino is a fantastic one-person show developer. He directed me in my most recent one-person show. The one about Sandra O'Day, the ex-con motivational speaker with anger management problems. What? You didn't know I did that show? Here's a link to her blog:

The O'Day Way

And here's a link to Peter's class. He'll get you started on your own show. I guarantee it. Can't recommend it highly enough.

Boot Camp!

My friend is offering this class/workhop.

This sounds great. Marlo has choreographed and directed projects I've been in and she is spot-on fab. As an actor, I can say I can't wait to work with her again. Let me know if you take this workshop. I'm considering it myself.

Casting for a Festival TODAY!

Hey People,

My director friend Jen Hart is casting a couple of shows for a festival -- TODAY -- between 3:30 and 5:30. ‎151 Bank Street. 3 blocks east of 8th and 5 blocks below 14th. If any of this interests you or you fit the bill I'll leave her number at the end of the post. Here's what she is looking for:

Broken Wing-
JAKE: 23; an injured war veteran
ALLISON: 23; his wife
GENE: 28; Jake’s brother.
DERRY: 25; An ex-army nurse.
Blank-
*Katie*: 20s or 30s; female; frantic and filled with longing.
*Buddy*; 20s or 30s; male; her husband.
*Colleen*: an android; female; 20s or 30s. Given to inappropriate emotional outbursts.
*Abraham:* male; an alien; 20s or 30s.

AEA okay for BrokenWing (showcase contract)

Class with Jack

Email from Jack,
His class is very interesting. If you take it, tell him I sent you. And let me know what you think. Hope you're all well -- and happy graduation to those of you freshly out of AMDA.
-Sheila

Jack's email:

Hi Gang-

I'm back in NYC and will be doing acting workshops next week!

10 performance spots available per workshop - $40 each (rsvp NOW for a spot)
No limit to how many actors can watch - $10 each (no rsvp necessary)

The Workshops will be held at:
Ripley-Grier 520 Eighth Avenue, between 36th & 37th Street

WORKSHOP DATES AND TIMES
Monday June 13th, 3:45-6pm, room 10A
Friday June 17th, 2:45-5pm, room 10C
Saturday June 18th, 2:45-5pm, room 16H
Sunday June 19th, 2:45-5pm, room 10C

You may arrive late or leave early if necessary.

There's nothing to prepare. Just show up and I'll give you sides to read, or you can bring anything you'd like to work on.

RSVP for a performing spot in the Workshops at: acting.workshop1@gmail.com
Let me know which workshops you would like to attend in the order of preference (it may be difficult to get more than one performing spot). You will receive a confirmation email at least 3 days before your workshop.
You will be charged if you cancel without a 24 hour notice.
(pay in cash or check upon arrival)


You can read my FREE online book, "New Thoughts For Actors" at:
http://www.jackplotnick.com/4.html


Looking forward!
Jack Plotnick

From Jack Plotnick

Hey all. Jack is an actor and he teaches a really interesting audition class. He also has a free acting book online at Jackplotnick.com

This is a tidbit from an email he recently sent out. I'm not sure I agree with him 100 percent, but he makes some good points:

Never forget that the best thing you can do for your career is not to STUDY. It's to ACT! Be obsessed with it. Do it all the time in whatever form brings you the most joy (put up a play, write a one man show, make videos for YouTube or FunnyOrDie, start a sketch group, etc. etc. etc.)

What you do, brings more of it into your life. Studying creates more studying. ACTING creates more acting! You don't need to ask for permission to do what you love. Just do it! : )

All the best!
Jack

p.s. And if you are looking for an ongoing acting class, I always say that if a teacher doesn't impress upon you that ACTING IS EASIER AND MORE FUN THAN YOU EVER IMAGINED...then I would STAY AWAY from that class! : )

Best Solo Show Class Ever!

My friend Peter Michael teaches an awesome class at the People's Improv Theater. He directed my solo show Head Games. Here is the info from Peter himself:


Just wanted to remind y'all that my award-winning FLYING SOLO classes
at the PIT are starting up again in April and are still open for
registration and filling up fast. I'm offering Levels 1 & 2 once
again, and I wanted you to know about them, and ask you to help spread
the word to your intrepid performer pals who are looking to develop
any type of solo material or show.

Here is the link to info about both classes: http://www.yesand.thepit-nyc.com/classes#FlyingSolo1

Thanks so much. Please feel free to share. Anyone with any questions
can give me a jingle at 917-825-3549

Be a Reader, Designer, Director, Etc.!

Hey Folks! Hope you're all well. I got the following call for help a few days ago. This is a terrific theater company and I totally dig them. Get involved.
-Sheila

Well, it's that time of year again - time to start planning for the Estrogenius 2011 Festival!

We are hoping that everyone who is interested in being part of Estrogenius 2011 can try to make it to our meeting on Sunday, March 27th @ 3pm.

We need directors, designers, assistant producers, readers, technical supervisors, publicity people...pretty much any thing you can think of - we need it!

Hope you can come join us at this meeting! If you can't make it but are still interested, e-mail us at estrogenius.festival@gmail.com.

Again, the meeting is Sunday, March 27th, 3pm, at Manhattan Theatre Source - 177 MacDougal St. between Waverly Pl. and 8th St.

See you there!

Jen Thatcher
Executive Producer - Estrogenius Festival 2011
October 5th - November 5th, 2011

Sign up for Jack Plotnick's Class

Here's the e-mail I got from him. Check out the details and if you're around/interested sign on up. It's a good class. Very interesting and will most certainly help you with your audition technique.
-Sheila

Hi Gang!

I'll be back in NYC and doing Acting Workshops December 10th-16th!

My goal is to help as many actors as possible. So, if you've been touched by what I teach, I sincerely hope you will spread the word and share this invite with your friends. Thanks!

The Workshops will be held at:
Ripley-Grier 520 Eighth Avenue, between 36th & 37th Street

WORKSHOP DATES AND TIMES
Friday Dec. 10th, 2:45-5pm, room 16I
Saturday Dec. 11th, 2:45-5pm, room 16I
Sunday Dec. 12th, 2:45-5pm, room 16H
Monday Dec. 13th, 6:45-9pm, room 16H
Tuesday Dec. 14th, 1:45-4pm, room 16H
Wednesday Dec. 15th, 4:45-7pm, room 16I
Thursday Dec. 16th, 4:45-7pm, room 16H

10 performance spots available per workshop - $30 each (rsvp NOW for a spot)
No limit to how many actors can watch - $10 each (no rsvp necessary)

You may arrive late or leave early if necessary.

There's nothing to prepare. Just show up and I'll give you sides to read, or you can bring anything you'd like to work on.

RSVP for a performing spot in the Workshops at: acting.workshop1@gmail.com
Let me know which workshops you would like to attend in the order of preference (it may be difficult to get more than one performing spot). You will receive a confirmation email at least 3 days before your workshop.
You will be charged if you cancel without a 24 hour notice.
(pay in cash or check upon arrival)


You can read my FREE online book, "New Thoughts For Actors" at:
http://www.jackplotnick.com/4.html


Looking forward!
Jack Plotnick

Jack Plotnick's Class

Wow. Long time, huh? I took a year off from teaching to serve on the Screen Actors Guild New York Board. I'm finally, happily, back in the classroom teaching.

Jack Plotnick, who has a free book on acting online, is going to be in New York teaching his class. It's an interesting class, and very affordable. Here is the e-mail he sent out:

Hi Gang!

This is just a preliminary "heads-up" email to let you know that I'll be back in NYC doing Acting Workshops December 10th-16th!

I love working with New York actors, and am so excited for these seven workshops!
Please do not RSVP at this time. I will be sending out the official invite in about two weeks

As a side note, I am looking for a place to stay while in NYC. If you know anyone in Manhattan who needs a subletter for that time, please let me know. Thanks!

My goal is to help as many actors as possible. If you have friends who you think would enjoy the workshops, please have them write to me so I can add them to the email invite list.


Looking forward!
Jack Plotnick


Link To Jack's Book

Stolen

OK, I stole this from my friend John's blog. Again. But it's so good! Check his link -- I've posted it on this site.

And his wisdom for actors:


I always tell students that the audience already wants to believe, so the less effort you put into pretending, the happier they are. It's like when you walk into a store already intending to buy a shirt and the salesman starts pissing you off by trying to sell you a suit. And sometimes you wind up walking out of the store without the shirt just to get away from the guy.

Code of Ethics for Theater Workers

Stolen from my friend John's blog, but so wonderful I had to share.


Check it out, a 1945 Code of Ethics for Theater Workers, written by Equity member Kathleen Freeman:

Foreword to the Code

“A part of the great tradition of the theatre is the code of ethics which belong to every worker in the theatre. This code is not a superstition, nor a dogma, nor a ritual which is enforced by tribunals; it is an attitude toward your vocation, your fellow workers, your audiences and yourself. It is a kind of self-discipline which does not rob you of your invaluable individualism.
“Those of you who have been in show business know the full connotation of these precepts. Those of you who are new to show business will soon learn. The Circle Players, since its founding in 1945, has always striven to stand for the finest in theatre, and it will continue to do so. Therefore, it is with the sincere purpose of continued dedication to the great traditions of the theatre that these items are here presented.”

The “rules” follow:

1. I shall never miss a performance.

2. I shall play every performance with energy, enthusiasm and to the best of my ability regardless of size of audience, personal illness, bad weather, accident, or even death in my family.

3. I shall forego all social activities which interfere with rehearsals or any other scheduled work at the theatre, and I shall always be on time.

4. I shall never make a curtain late by my failure to be ready on time.

5. I shall never miss an entrance.

6. I shall never leave the theatre building or the stage area until I have completed my performance, unless I am specifically excused by the stage manager; curtain calls are a part of the show.

7. I shall not let the comments of friends, relatives or critics change any phase of my work without proper consultation; I shall not change lines, business, lights, properties, settings or costumes or any phase of the production without consultation with and permission of my director or producer or their agents, and I shall inform all people concerned.

8. I shall forego the gratification of my ego for the demands of the play.

9. I shall remember my business is to create illusion; therefore, I shall not break the illusion by appearing in costume and makeup off-stage or outside the theatre.

10. I shall accept my director’s and producer’s advice and counsel in the spirit in which it is given, for they can see the production as a whole and my work from the front.

11. I shall never “put on an act” while viewing other artists’ work as a member of an audience, nor shall I make caustic criticism from jealousy or for the sake of being smart.

12. I shall respect the play and the playwright and, remembering that “a work of art is not a work of art until it is finished,” I shall not condemn a play while it is in rehearsal.

13. I shall not spread rumor or gossip which is malicious and tends to reflect discredit on my show, the theatre, or any personnel connected with them-either to people inside or outside the group.

14. Since I respect the theatre in which I work, I shall do my best to keep it looking clean, orderly and attractive regardless of whether I am specifically assigned to such work or not.

15. I shall handle stage properties and costumes with care for I know they are part of the tools of my trade and are a vital part of the physical production.

16. I shall follow rules of courtesy, deportment and common decency applicable in all walks of life (and especially in a business in close contact with the public) when I am in the theatre, and I shall observe the rules and regulations of any specific theatre where I work.

17. I shall never lose my enthusiasm for theatre because of disappointments.

In addition, the document continued:

“I understand that membership in the Circle Theatre entitles me to the privilege of working, when I am so assigned, in any of the phases of a production, including: props, lights, sound, construction, house management, box office, publicity and stage managing-as well as acting. I realize it is possible I may not be cast in a part for many months, but I will not allow this to dampen my enthusiasm or desire to work, since I realize without my willingness to do all other phases of theatre work, there would be no theatre for me to act in.”

All members of the Circle Theatre were required to sign this document. And they must have-because the theatre, and the group into which it evolved, was successful for many years.

Technical Difficulties

So a while back I asked a few friends and colleagues to help me with an experimental video project. It involves using your computer or phone camera to shoot a quick (1-2 minute) question. I would take that question, edit around it, and it would appear as though Sandra O'Day (ex-con motivational speaker with an anger management problem) were answering your question.

www.sandraoday.blogspot.com

But there are all kinds of tech problems! Only one person was able to save the file as a .mov and use yousendit.com to ship it to me -- and I know more than one person made a video!

So, if you know some clever way to shoot and send would you let me know? And for those of you who want to participate e-mail me at teachersheila@aol.com. I'm ready to schedule time and use my camera and just shoot you someplace myself.

Speaking of shooting ... I'm rocking off to Texas to visit the family, but will be back July 14. We'll start around then. Happy Trails!

Crazy

Oh, man. I do my best to avoid crazy people. I ditched all my super-crazy friends who thrive on making drama, I avoid crazy-making colleagues as best as I can -- but right now I'm dealing with a crazy that I can't ditch. Yet.

Folks, if someone in your inner circle is always in a tizzy, or having problems getting along with other people or wreaking havoc on a day-to-day basis -- find a way to put them on the road. Steer clear of the crazies, folks. They sap your creativity and eventually pull you into their tornado of selfish nonsense.

I'm Back

Really. I'm back. Six month break. Happens. There will be lots of postings now that I have my new hand-held "smart" phone. I'm pretty sure I can make content go from the phone to this blog. I'm like a tiger on the loose. Well, a small domestic cat on the loose. A wet domestic cat on the loose. Gonna be crazy town.

Look out, kids.

I'm going to blow your minds.

Happy New Year!

Hey there! Just wanted to wish you all a very happy New Year! I hope 2009 brings you all kinds of good things. Drop a line and say hello, either e-mail or facebook.

LA Voice Over Class

For those of you out in sunny LA -- Mandy Kaplan is the real deal. If you want to do voice overs she's the gal to teach you. As always, if you study with someone I recommend please tell them I sent you, it's the highest compliment teachers can give one another. (And let me know what your experience was, so I can keep my recommendations up-to-date and fresh.) Here is Mandy's class invite:

Hello all,

November was a very exciting month for my students.

3 New Bookings including a TV Commercial, Corporate Narration and an Animation Project!

I am such a proud mama bird!

Here's what those students have said:

"I'd had just TWO private coachings with Mandy before I booked a job. If that isn't a testament to her very effective and insightful teaching methods, I don't know what is! I got immediate results and can't wait to "fine tune" with her even more". - Katie Dietz (Commerce Casino TV)

"Mandy took me from wishful thinker to working professional, guiding me through the process with smart, incisive notes and an encouraging approach. After my classes with Mandy, I felt ready to compete in the voiceover world because she taught me the tools I need to really engage with the copy. A whole new, exciting world has opened up for me thanks to Mandy"! - Sandra Payne, (just booked narrator of Glidden Paint Industrial)

Many commercial voice over classes are 6-8 weeks, making a very simple process complicated, expensive and time consuming. In the "Master Your Read" workshop you will gain the skills and confidence to launch your commercial voice over career in one session!

You will learn:

* How to make strong, effective choices when approaching copy
* Basic mic technique and booth etiquette
* The do's and don'ts of demos
* Where and how to market yourself

Class size is limited to 6 students, so that each student will get one-on-one coaching and valuable time in front of the microphone. You will walk away knowing what sets you apart from the rest. You will "Master Your Read."

The next Workshop is Saturday, January 17th at 12pm
@ a studio in Burbank.
Email or Call for details and to reserve you spot:
Mandy
mandykaplan.vo@gmail.com
310-849-1092