Off to New York !Time to "Practice what I Preach"
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
LAST DAY of WINTER QUARTER CLASSES & EXAM
Sage
With the last day of Winter Quarter classes held on March 12 2009 and our Exam held this past Wednesday evening March 18 2009 ...Exam for Drama students?, ..."But Sage .we get up in front of hundreds of people and perform we don't take written exams?...." Alright... Who said that?!........We have finally (sadly) folded up our tents for the Winter and are on our way in all different directions until the Spring Quarter. All in all in was a very productive Quarter.
Many of the students successfully auditioned for Graduate School. I say "Successful" regardless of the out come. Because any opportunity to audition is a privilege & "auditioning" is and will continue to be part of your job description as an actor. To show what you can do , what you have learned, and " who you are " to some of the very best is a rare opportunity not to be missed, no matter what the outcome. Congratulations to those Seniors who have their graduate school appointments for the Fall. For those of you who don't Know yet or feel disappointed ...have faith. What now may look like an "empty hand" just looks that way because you are holding it out ,open and ready to receive something yet unknown to you. You will have opportunities you have yet to dream of.
This may seem like a break but Websites are still "under construction" , There are shows in the Spring and lines to be learned, The BFA Showcase is coming up and oh yes...The dreaded academic requirements still need to be filled...
(one more time just for the road.............
"Talent only works , if talent works hard
Discipline & Self Motivation above all
I'll miss you in Class on a regular basis Seniors, I really will .
Enjoy your Spring Break!
With the last day of Winter Quarter classes held on March 12 2009 and our Exam held this past Wednesday evening March 18 2009 ...Exam for Drama students?, ..."But Sage .we get up in front of hundreds of people and perform we don't take written exams?...." Alright... Who said that?!........We have finally (sadly) folded up our tents for the Winter and are on our way in all different directions until the Spring Quarter. All in all in was a very productive Quarter.
Many of the students successfully auditioned for Graduate School. I say "Successful" regardless of the out come. Because any opportunity to audition is a privilege & "auditioning" is and will continue to be part of your job description as an actor. To show what you can do , what you have learned, and " who you are " to some of the very best is a rare opportunity not to be missed, no matter what the outcome. Congratulations to those Seniors who have their graduate school appointments for the Fall. For those of you who don't Know yet or feel disappointed ...have faith. What now may look like an "empty hand" just looks that way because you are holding it out ,open and ready to receive something yet unknown to you. You will have opportunities you have yet to dream of.
This may seem like a break but Websites are still "under construction" , There are shows in the Spring and lines to be learned, The BFA Showcase is coming up and oh yes...The dreaded academic requirements still need to be filled...
(one more time just for the road.............
"Talent only works , if talent works hard
Discipline & Self Motivation above all
I'll miss you in Class on a regular basis Seniors, I really will .
Enjoy your Spring Break!
Monday, March 16, 2009
TUESDAY MARCH 10,2009 GUEST ARTIST JEFF PERRY , ACTOR & CO-FOUNDER STEPPENWOLF THEATRE COMPANY
On Tuesday March 10th we were fortunate enough to have Jeff Perry come not just to lecture ,but to share his life's work over the last 30 years with the famed Steppenwolf Theatre Company, as well as his journey as an actor apart from Steppenwolf. The Company's recent Pulitzer Prize & Tony winning work of "August O'Sage County" and the development of that Project from the Chicago Stage to Broadway and more recently to the London Stage was also a topic of discussion. Jeff's often hilarious and sometimes poignant antidotes of life & travels in Theatre, Film and Televison couldn't be contained in a simple 3 hour class format All 18 students were also led through a Master class exercise similar to Jeff's classes held at Steppenwolf West in Los Angeles. It is a rare thing for students to be able to work even briefly with actors of your caliber and experience. Thank-you Jeff for your generous contribution of an entire day in our class and at UCSB.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
TUESDAY MARCH 3rd & THURSDAY MARCH 5th 2009 COMMERCIALS!
FOR SOME OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES OF COMMERCIAL WORK
CLICK ON THE LINK ABOVE RIGHT MARKED
"COMMERCIALS , DIRECTOR JAMES GARTNER">>>>>>>>>>>>>>
" Advertising is the very essence of Democracy"
Anton Chekhov
Sage Parker
With only one week left students turned their attention to the art of the "short form" also known as Commercials. Of all mediums none more than the commercial has been more misunderstood and belittled by the "classically trained" actor. For years many thought the idea of working in commercials had signaled that as an actor, they were not only "selling something" but that they had themselves somehow "sold out." Not long ago Commercials were something that an actor had to explain or apologize for . Never a bigger example of this was when established actors once did commercials for foreign distribution only. In this day and age if you don't see the actors in network commercials in this country , you certainly hear them. Gene Hackman, Helen Mirren, Anthony Hopkins, Susan Sarrandon, Malcolm McDowell, Michael Douglas, the list is long. A good actor is a good actor. No matter what the medium. Whether its a Broadway production, a Major motion picture, a commercial, a voice-over you are using your skills as an actor to play a character and tell a story.When you get paid for doing something you love that you are good at than a paycheck is a bonus. When you get paid "over and over again" as you often do in commercials its not just a bonus its a windfall. So before dismissing the idea of commercials as beneath your training, consider that windfall. It might just mean your able to take that part in a play that you've always wanted to do. The one that's out of town that pays little to no money. But working in Commercials can also help you to understand what it is to be on a set for long hours, as the many hours required shooting a commercial are every bit as long as days on any other film set. You will learn to conserve your talent and your energy until it is required. Something you cannot learn in a classroom. You'll quickly learn camera placement , lighting and many if not all the mechanics used in film and television. Even the process of auditioning for commercials will help you hone your skills as an actor. Some of the biggest and most successful directors in film also are attracted to working in this medium:Sidney Pollock, Scott Hicks, Bronwen Hughes, Tony Goldwyn, Ridley Scott, James Gartner and Kathryn Bigelow. Money for sure , but the discipline of telling a story with a little bit of film, not too many locations, a few words , few to no changes of clothes, limited props, and a couple of characters . They must cut everything to the bone and still come out on the side of artistic integrity. Their names are on the projects and they better look good. This week students found out that those 3 acts in 29 seconds are harder than they look.
CLICK ON THE LINK ABOVE RIGHT MARKED
"COMMERCIALS , DIRECTOR JAMES GARTNER">>>>>>>>>>>>>>
" Advertising is the very essence of Democracy"
Anton Chekhov
Sage Parker
With only one week left students turned their attention to the art of the "short form" also known as Commercials. Of all mediums none more than the commercial has been more misunderstood and belittled by the "classically trained" actor. For years many thought the idea of working in commercials had signaled that as an actor, they were not only "selling something" but that they had themselves somehow "sold out." Not long ago Commercials were something that an actor had to explain or apologize for . Never a bigger example of this was when established actors once did commercials for foreign distribution only. In this day and age if you don't see the actors in network commercials in this country , you certainly hear them. Gene Hackman, Helen Mirren, Anthony Hopkins, Susan Sarrandon, Malcolm McDowell, Michael Douglas, the list is long. A good actor is a good actor. No matter what the medium. Whether its a Broadway production, a Major motion picture, a commercial, a voice-over you are using your skills as an actor to play a character and tell a story.When you get paid for doing something you love that you are good at than a paycheck is a bonus. When you get paid "over and over again" as you often do in commercials its not just a bonus its a windfall. So before dismissing the idea of commercials as beneath your training, consider that windfall. It might just mean your able to take that part in a play that you've always wanted to do. The one that's out of town that pays little to no money. But working in Commercials can also help you to understand what it is to be on a set for long hours, as the many hours required shooting a commercial are every bit as long as days on any other film set. You will learn to conserve your talent and your energy until it is required. Something you cannot learn in a classroom. You'll quickly learn camera placement , lighting and many if not all the mechanics used in film and television. Even the process of auditioning for commercials will help you hone your skills as an actor. Some of the biggest and most successful directors in film also are attracted to working in this medium:Sidney Pollock, Scott Hicks, Bronwen Hughes, Tony Goldwyn, Ridley Scott, James Gartner and Kathryn Bigelow. Money for sure , but the discipline of telling a story with a little bit of film, not too many locations, a few words , few to no changes of clothes, limited props, and a couple of characters . They must cut everything to the bone and still come out on the side of artistic integrity. Their names are on the projects and they better look good. This week students found out that those 3 acts in 29 seconds are harder than they look.
Monday, March 2, 2009
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 24,2009 GUEST ARTISTS MICHAEL CASSIDY & LAURA EICHORN
At the Height of pilot season Michael and Laura very graciously agreed to come to UCSB and spend the day with the class , The "Surprise auditions" were planned as well as the Q & A . Nothing was "off limits" Their experiences in programs so close to this BFA, their lives in NY before moving to Los Angeles, How they feel about their craft, The work in Television and Theater including Michael's recent work with playwright David Mamet and especially how they balance their marriage and their work life! Thank you Michael and Laura!
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 24 2009 GUEST MICHAEL CASSIDY & LAURA EICHORN
MORE AUDITIONS!
Actors Michael Cassidy and Laura Eichorn graciously" booked out" an entire day of their busy pilot season to spend time at UCSB. They surprised students by "auditioning " with the actual sides from a show that Michael starred in several seasons ago. This gave the students a taste of what it might be like to read with a lead actor for a guest role on show. Student Bryan Forrest reads with Michael Cassidy
Thursday February 19, 2009 GUEST MICHAEL KRAMER Headshots & Websites : You Are Your Business
www.alliemenzimer.com headshot by Tracy Birdsell
"Allie Menzimer's website is a great example: A Clean , and simple design, and for the visitor informative and easy to maneuver."
Michael Kramer
Sage Parker
Four years ago in my ongoing research to better teach this class, I realized that more and more Production Companies were beginning to utilize the web for casting purposes. Initially these companies were primarily for Commercial Casting as it enabled both the Directors and Advertising Agencies on the opposite coasts to issue final approval over casting and cast in a more timely manner. This was not only more convenient for Commercial Casting Directors to get their choices seen and approved but has ultimately become more cost efficient for the Film & Television Production casting companies, looking to narrow their choices of actors to be flown to either "test" for roles, or be cast directly from the digital auditions uploaded to locations for Directors final approval. Some Theaters are also now beginning to take advantage of this technology for auditioning actors who find they have either travel or work conflicts. We will see more and more following suit . To my way of thinking this was a perfect opportunity for the actors themselves to begin to take control. If Casting Companies and Agencies now had their Websites, Why not actors? I began to "shop" this idea with agents ,managers and castings offices in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago. Every one I talked to was in agreement that many "Actor" websites found on line at that time were more appropriate to promoting a career for models rather than actors. They looked extremely unprofessional and said nothing about either the actor in the website or their craft. I began doing research to find out what would really look best .What balance could be made between the creative and the business side. What worked . What didn't. What was afforable. Just recently when Agent Tim Angle , President of Don Buchwald Agency and Artist's Manager Joanie Burstien, spent the afternoon as guests of this class , they were asked: "How important are actor's websites now?", ..their answer :"Very" , especially for those actors with no representation. I have always believed that Actors , are a business unto themselves. If you embrace that & if you have both the talent and the confidence to back it up, only then will your ability to make a living doing what you love really take hold. SO......to that end I no longer just "suggest " that my students have their websites before they leave the university , it is now "required" for my class.
On Thursday February 19th Guest Michael Kramer of AmeraVant Web Design came to give the class the finer points of not just design, but the intricate details of web based marketing. It was an incredibly informative 3 hours and and we found not nearly enough time to absorb everything we wanted to know. Every single question led to yet another bigger question.
Michael has owned and operated several companies since 1980. His expertise in Technology started in 1993. He is the founder and owner of AmeraVant a full Service Web Design , development, maintenance, & hosting Company. We Thank Michael for Very generously donating his time!
Talent only works ,if Talent works hard.
sage
"Allie Menzimer's website is a great example: A Clean , and simple design, and for the visitor informative and easy to maneuver."
Michael Kramer
Sage Parker
Four years ago in my ongoing research to better teach this class, I realized that more and more Production Companies were beginning to utilize the web for casting purposes. Initially these companies were primarily for Commercial Casting as it enabled both the Directors and Advertising Agencies on the opposite coasts to issue final approval over casting and cast in a more timely manner. This was not only more convenient for Commercial Casting Directors to get their choices seen and approved but has ultimately become more cost efficient for the Film & Television Production casting companies, looking to narrow their choices of actors to be flown to either "test" for roles, or be cast directly from the digital auditions uploaded to locations for Directors final approval. Some Theaters are also now beginning to take advantage of this technology for auditioning actors who find they have either travel or work conflicts. We will see more and more following suit . To my way of thinking this was a perfect opportunity for the actors themselves to begin to take control. If Casting Companies and Agencies now had their Websites, Why not actors? I began to "shop" this idea with agents ,managers and castings offices in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago. Every one I talked to was in agreement that many "Actor" websites found on line at that time were more appropriate to promoting a career for models rather than actors. They looked extremely unprofessional and said nothing about either the actor in the website or their craft. I began doing research to find out what would really look best .What balance could be made between the creative and the business side. What worked . What didn't. What was afforable. Just recently when Agent Tim Angle , President of Don Buchwald Agency and Artist's Manager Joanie Burstien, spent the afternoon as guests of this class , they were asked: "How important are actor's websites now?", ..their answer :"Very" , especially for those actors with no representation. I have always believed that Actors , are a business unto themselves. If you embrace that & if you have both the talent and the confidence to back it up, only then will your ability to make a living doing what you love really take hold. SO......to that end I no longer just "suggest " that my students have their websites before they leave the university , it is now "required" for my class.
On Thursday February 19th Guest Michael Kramer of AmeraVant Web Design came to give the class the finer points of not just design, but the intricate details of web based marketing. It was an incredibly informative 3 hours and and we found not nearly enough time to absorb everything we wanted to know. Every single question led to yet another bigger question.
Michael has owned and operated several companies since 1980. His expertise in Technology started in 1993. He is the founder and owner of AmeraVant a full Service Web Design , development, maintenance, & hosting Company. We Thank Michael for Very generously donating his time!
Talent only works ,if Talent works hard.
sage
Photograher Tracy Birdsell always ready with a smile and the right lens!!
Striving for the Perfect Headshots Winter 2009
Student Erika Lee: Relaxed & very Much Herself..The Perfect Calling Card.
Student Natasha Lloyd and Photographer
Tracy Birdsell share a laugh during a long day
of fun and photos striving for the perfect headshot.
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