"It" Chooses You!

Have you forgotten in these winter months exactly what you are living for?!
With Spring comes renewal...Forget "New Years Resolutions".....THIS is the moment.
Clean out the cobwebs: Homes, Bodies AND Minds, Get organized ,Make Lists, hit the Farmer's Markets for healthier fair. For our, East Coast Snow weary Artists ,send those winter Coats to the cleaners and wipe the salt off those city boots......Take Heart that "Luck" is just the meeting of Opportunity and Preparation. Both Choices you can make. Remember not to miss the the sun peeking through , How do those rays feel on your face? Have you looked for the tiniest new buds squinting at the same rays? Awaken those powers of observation that often serve you as a "muse". That new greenery is dying to "get out there" as much as you are. Like the "buds" you have no choice..If this is the path you MUST follow than you have already been chosen. Now get out there, celebrate your gifts, show up and make your own luck.

That which haunts us will always find a way out. The wound will not heal unless given witness. The shadow that follows us is the way in.

Rumi

JANUARY 2010 NEW YEAR..NEW FOCUS...

As most of you know, for the past 7 years or so I have been focused on teaching for the BFA program at UCSB. When I started this BLOG it really wasn't used as a "blog" at all but as an easier way for my students to get the information about upcoming classes , guest speakers, & assignments as well as allow their parents, incoming guests, & even other faculty members to gage a better understanding of what the class was really about. I also felt an important aspect was to begin to promote these talented students in preparation for their work life. To inspire them to have their "tools" together, while promoting the university and the BFA. I started out with a vision that eventually all the faculty would be "connected" if not with their own Blogs than with simple postings about their classes and upcoming projects etc. My enthusiasm was soon dampened when the reality of major budget cuts looming forced me to except that my class was not going to make the cut...... and the rest as they say......
It has been almost a year and in that time I have continued, much to my delight, to counsel, connect and advise young actors and artists all in various stages of their professional pursuits as well as those still in Graduate programs across the country.
As a result it has come to my attention that this BLOG ,can now serve a broader purpose.
The questions I get from young actors , musicians , theater and film professionals and even Graduate students are more universal that you might think . To that end I am launching this Blog anew in this year of 2010. I will change some of the look of it over the next weeks keeping old posts for reference and adding new more "Universal" less "University" focused information. Also there were many informative classes that were filmed with great guests that I was unable to post before I was let go. I intend to add those this year ,as much of the information they provided is still pertinent. I also hope to follow my former students ( with their permission of course!) In an effort to not only support and promote their pursuits but to also have them honestly weigh in on what has worked for them and what has not as they embark on this most personal of all professions.
The Life of an Artist ....What does that look like?
My hope is that led by your "Bliss".... you find yourselves on a deep level " Living your Best Life"

WELCOME SPRING QUARTER 2009

Sage Parker

Welcome back Students and Faculty to the Homestretch of BFA 2009!
Great vacations are always too brief . I'm sure everyone had more on their plate than just "relaxing". How blessed we all are to live in this beautiful place , no matter how overwhelmed or over worked we are in any aspect of our lives. Don't forget to look up and BREATHE.
"Stay in the moment"
This Quarter D 151 "Modern Trends" or "Acting in Film" for the BFA.
Normally I have taught this class only to Senior BFA students in winter Quarter only. This year
the Junior BFA students were added for Spring. It was a scramble, to get this in place on short notice. We were especially lucky to get Kerr Hall and their studio, ( SO necessary to teach this class) 1 out of 2 days of class . Thank-you Todd, Mark & Robin!! But as I am often quoted: "whatever is meant to be "...note to self: "BREATHE"....
Since so much of this class actually works well taught "sooner than later" these Juniors will have an advantage getting a lot of this information now. Hopefully it will mean they will be in better shape for their senior year. Certainly only they can be they judge of that ...and we have 10 weeks for them to find out.
FIRST WEEK : TUESDAY MARCH 31,2009 THURSDAY APRIL 2,2009
We reviewed all the paperwork students were to have picked up before Spring Break. Much of it to be gone over with the parents or Guardians.... THE WAKE UP CALL!
TUESDAY: PART 1
Talked about what the model of ,"Setting Up Your Business", looks like.
FINANCES.... Respect for yourself and what you earn & spend.
What that will mean to have the capital you need to run your business & the tools necessary to start your "Business as an Actor"
Knowing where you stand: Pulling your credit report!
The importance of "Your Domain Name"
Knowing yourself is to KNOW your Business
Who are you ? Especially in relationship to your craft, a life long process to be sure!
Start with: What is your "Ambition" , your best & worst attributes ?
Working at eliminating "Jealousy"...Embrace the idea that "Competition" ,in truth,.... is Non-existent. This is not a race, and if it were it would be " a marathon not a sprint"
That "Jealousy" stems _ from "Insecurity " and "Entitlement"
Spend the energy becoming secure in YOUR work, in what YOU offer. Getting better, Stretching yourself admitting you don't "know " everything" . Learn different aspects of the craft that you are either unfamiliar with or that may "intimidate you" In the time it takes to criticize or envy others, we are generally using that to avoid working on the very things that could get us what it is we want/need. In Supporting others in their unique gifts then the loop will really be complete because it DOES come back to YOU ! It often arrives as support when you need it most and will provide for you a healthy community in which there is enough work for all, and room to share the best of what we all have to offer, This is how great work is created: together. This is after all a collaborative art form.
I have seen this behavior to be true of all the Artists I know whose work I enjoy and admire.
More importantly for 30 years I have seen it as the hall mark of those who are not just great artists but "good people"with whom I have had the pleasure to work. It is not easy. But it is possible. Remember if this is the profession you want: . Leave a "Gracious" footprint. This is ultimately a "small " business made up of fellow actors & artists . The person with whom you behave jealous, withholding, or petty today (whether it be a fellow student, actor, casting director, director, or any artistic associate), may very well be the same person down the road who has the opportunity to recommend you to someone else...or not.
You have the power to be a member of the greater artistic community or on the outside looking in.
PART 2:
Great talent isn't everything. Its what you do with it. Nothing is without planning.
The How To:
Setting your "Ambition" ( Intention) What "Action" you need to "get there".
Then breaking it down into "Weekly Tasks" that each become a building block to that "Action"
The importance of knowing yourself: Daily Journals.... Also Great material for "One Person Shows"
Doing your own Bio
The students also took a Creative Autobiography which hopefully stirred great memories and gave them fresh insights.
THURSDAY:
PART 1
HEAD SHOTS!!
Their Importance
What makes a good Head Shot
A Look at some, Before & After
Preparation , The "Dos and Don'ts" ....... Getting your money's worth
Finally ...... They stepped in front of the Camera (some for the first time) to get a glimpse at how others may view them. NO self Criticism allowed!
Note to Juniors....Great job taking it all in....Make those calls and set up your appointments!
I will see you Wed. in the Studio Theater , Business supplies in hand and Weekly spending Diary
with comments Regarding: ...What surprised you .How you would improve your habits...Where you might save etc. clearly marked on the back. See you then.

NEW YORK MARCH 24 2009-MARCH 30,2009

Off to New York !
Time to "Practice what I Preach"

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!

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.

STUDENTS & GUEST ARTIST JEFF PERRY MARCH 10 ,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.

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