Stage Fright!

As many of you are aware, last week Improv Playhouse had the honor of hosting the revered Hollywood acting coach Diane Christiansen.  I've known about this annual event since I started here about two months ago, but I didn't really know what it would be like.  As the time got closer, excitement built and the registrations continued to fly in.  I had an inkling that this might be big news.

For those of you who are learning about this for the first time, this set of week-long workshops were for children, teenagers, and adults.  Diane was to provide professional tips for acting and auditioning (because you certainly can't work on a part if you can't land said part) in individual workshops for each age group and then coach them through a combined workshop and a showcase for family, friends, and invited agents.  Diane is no small-time coach, either: her credentials come in the form of actors placed on almost every TV show imaginable and many movies.  This includes Lost, Glee, Arrested Development, and recently Hailee Steinfeld, the 16-year-old Oscar nominee and general scene-stealer in 2010's True Grit.  Both my and Keanu Reeves' reactions were simple: Woah.

I was all set to be Diane's assistant the first two nights and was looking forward to watching her in awe while she was in her element.  Then I found out I needed to drive her to and from her hotel on the second night.  My first reaction was of course willingness to help out, but then I got nervous.  I'd be spending a good amount of time alone with a famous Hollywood acting coach.  What would I say?  What would I do?  What if I got us lost even with my GPS?  What should I wear?  What if I smell bad?  What if she jumps from my car at highway speeds and catches a cab to avoid my inane conversation?  She seemed very nice on the first night, so I had no rational basis for my nervousness, but rationality is not necessarily a specialty of Theater majors.

I left my house with plenty of time to spare--partially to claw my way through rush hour and a number of stoplights being out from the freak storm of the day before, and partially so I could get my jitters out in a normal way (which of course consisted of singing along with various showtunes at the top of my lungs).  I arrived at the hotel in one piece and very early, called Diane to let her know I was ready whenever she was (but of course to take as much time as she needs), and settled in the lobby to hold my book in front of me while my eyes darted all over.  After a few minutes I heard a kind "Hello, Allie!" and was thanked for the ride with a hug to boot.

Well, this didn't seem so scary.  I had thought up a few conversation starters in preparation for the ride, but found myself with no need for them.  Not only was Diane incredibly friendly and conversational, she was genuinely interested in me and the stories I had to tell.  Of the two of us, I firmly believe she is the more interesting one, so I was floored that she was so amiable.  By the end of the night, we had learned quite a lot about each other, gone out for a delicious snack at Mickey Finn's with Tony, and shared an inside joke.  She was kind enough to give me some pointers and we're even friends on Facebook.

My point, I suppose, is that I'm quite happy to dismantle a portion of the stereotype that people from Hollywood are elitist snobs.  Diane was not only an excellent resource to the aspiring actors and actresses of Improv Playhouse, but she is an incredibly fun person as well.  I was even disappointed that I wasn't able to assist with the rest of the workshops.  But that's what next year is for.

-Allie

Are you interested in taking Diane's workshop next year?  Join the Improv Playhouse mailing list by emailing office@improvplayhouse.com to be kept updated!

Movie Night!

I believe that one of the best things a student actor can do to educate themselves about the theatre is to go to see professional plays and musicals. Some of my favorite family memories include trips to the theatre with my parents and younger brother, an athletic type who ended up enjoying musicals like Wicked and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. That being said, a trip to the theatre is often expensive, and may require a time-consuming trip to the city. With that in mind, I have created a list of fun movies based on stage musicals that young actors and their families may enjoy watching and even learn something from.

1. Fiddler on the Roof has won a slew of awards both onscreen and onstage. It is the perfect balance of humor and drama. Topol’s iconic performance as Tevye, a Jewish peasant living in Russia just before the turn of the century is incredibly touching, and his struggle to keep his family together is one we can all relate to. Popular songs from this musical include “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Tradition,” and “Matchmaker, Matchmaker.” I recommend it for ages ten and up.
2. West Side Story is the gold standard of movie musicals. Catchy numbers like “Jet Song,” America,” and “Cool” will get stuck in your head for days! Young dancers will be impressed by all the amazing choreography, and although this gangland America story is an adaption of “Romeo and Juliet,” the story is often funny and exciting. I recommend it for ages twelve and up.
3. Bugsy Malone is a little-known movie musical that, while American, is actually very popular across the pond and was adapted for a stage performance on the West End in London. Child actors, including young Jodie Foster and Scott Baio, play 1930s gangers and showgirls embroiled in a fight between two rival gangsters—a food fight, that is! This is a great family movie that kids will love and parents will find amusing. I recommend it for ages six and up.
4. The Phantom of the Opera is one of the most popular Broadway musicals of all time. The story of opera ingénue Christine and the mysterious man who teaches her sing has everything a show needs: passion, intrigue, humor, and romance. Many of the songs have attained status as absolute musical theatre classics…you may find yourself humming along to “Think of Me,” “Angel of Music,” “All I Ask of You,” and, of course, the unforgettable Phantom theme. Since this movie contains some scary moments, I recommend it for ages twelve and up, and a parent or guardian may want to watch this movie with their young actor.
5. CATS holds the record for longest-running musical. The great thing about this movie is that is simply a taping of the live stage show…you will truly feel like you are in the theater when you watch it! A combination of beautiful dance and incredible acrobatics bring songs like “Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats,” “The Rum Tum Tugger,” and “Memory” to life. While this movie is appropriate for all ages, younger viewers may be frightened by the actors’ cat makeup, so I recommend that parents assess their child’s comfort level before showing the film.
6. High school age actors may want to check out the following musical movies, but as they contain more adult-oriented material, I recommend that parents screen them first to make sure they are age-appropriate: Chicago, Company, Hair, Rent, and Sweeney Todd. All five are excellent films with amazing performances, and musical theatre actors may find some new tunes that suit their voices for auditions.

Thanks to popular movies like the High School Musical franchise and the television show GLEE, movie musicals are having a major comeback! Upcoming Hollywood musical movies include adaptions of Wicked, In the Heights, and Spring Awakening. Who knows, maybe your favorite play will be next!

Guest blogger Shannon Campe is imProv Playhouse’s Resident Dramaturge. She has worked as both a teacher and an actress during her ten years at iP, where credits include The Glass Menagerie (Amanda), Blithe Spirit (Elvira), and Alice in Wonderland (Alice.) She is currently studying Theatre and Creative Writing at Butler University in Indianapolis.

Diane Christiansen Visits July 11th!

Hey, movie fans, don't forget! We've got less than a month until our favorite LA star-maker comes to visit us this summer! Diane Christiansen is one of the best acting coaches and casting directors in the business, and if you don't believe us, check her out for yourself at www.dianechristiansen.com. Diane is in demand all over the United States acting scene, but she's been gracious enough to visit us at IP and coach her own special week-long class, Acting for Film, the week of July 11th.  (Monkey #8 would like me to add that he took it last year, and vouches for it being the highlight of his summer.) Don't miss out on one of the best coaches Hollywood has to offer, at the best price you'll ever see!

Closer to today, the little chimps in our High School Musical camp are pumped to perform Disney's sensation for the stage Thursday, June 20th, at 1pm at Highland Middle School. I got to get a sneak peak at one of their rehearsals last week, and they are sounding good! Only $5 to come see them, and it's sure to be a blast.

So don't forget!
Monkey #4