SAG-AFTRA Conservatory Calendar Fall, 2012

OCTOBER Thursday October 4 7-9PM Meisner Technique for Film Acting - presented by Robert Epstein coordinator: Kirk Penberthy email: kirk@kirkpenberthy.com
(301) 320-4544

Meisner Technique is known for its ability to produce fresh, improvisational behavior, as well as the ability to build a truthful, compelling performance from the actors own creative impulses. Robert Epsteins NY and DC programs have delivered these skills to stage and film actors for over 25 years. In this upcoming installment of Roberts SAG workshops, he once again applies the basic principles of Meisner Technique to the challenges of film acting. The film actor does not have a long time to rehearse often he or she will not even see the script until it is almost time to shoot, or may deal with last-minute revisions. Meisner gives film actors the capability to adapt, improvise and quickly determine what is needed for a particular shot or scene. Meisner brings new life to script material, and when the actor is called upon to improvise a scene or just a compelling close-up moment, the Meisner actor can employ his impulses to give a truthful and compelling result. Because of its immediacy and adaptability, Meisner Technique is also an effective technique for approaching cold readings, similar to the uncertainties as film acting. This workshop will focus on the ability to respond in the moment, which is the basic Meisner skill, and the ability to apply creative impulses to a quick study of a script segment, which can be equally applied to film acting and cold reads. And if you are doing a technical piece or an industrial, you will be able to find the human element that can be brought to it, making it more truthful and lively. Robert Epstein, known as DC's resident Meisner expert, has taught his long-term program for actors, The Complete Actor's Training, for over 25 years. He has taught a number of workshops for the SAG-AFTRA Conservatory and the Actor's Center, and directed both film and theatre projects in the DC area. LOCATION: SAG-AFTRA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Wednesday October 17 7-9PM Building Your Voice for Endurance - presented by Chrissellene Petropoulos coordinator: Pete Papageorge email: pete@petepapageorge.com

This workshop is about the function of your voice. You will learn how to practice at home and at rehearsal to strengthen your voice. Chrissellenes approach strengthens the foundation and technical ability of your voice to give you control and consistency no matter your age, experience, or performing style. A PowerPoint presentation includes a speaking/singing MRI. You will be able to see what is actually going on inside of the head and thorax areas. Please come prepared to do your dialogue or monologue! LOCATION: Chrissellene Petropoulos studio in Potomac, MD.

OCTOBER (continued) Thurs Marketing Yourself October 18 - presented by David DeBoy 7-9PM

coordinator: Diana Sowle email: willdiana@verizon.net (301) 498-3275

Whether you are new to the business and promoting yourself for the first time, or an experienced performer targeting new markets or re-packaging your skills, fresh marketing ideas are essential. David DeBoy has helped hundreds of newcomers to the business -- and newcomers to the Baltimore/Washington area -- launch successful marketing campaigns. Join us to learn what will work for you. LOCATION: Laurel OAKLANDS Presbyterian Church, 14301 Laurel-Bowie Road, Laurel, MD, 14301. For a map and directions, please go to: http://mysite.verizon.net/oaklands/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Audio and Video for the Web - presented by Ty Ford

Sunday October 21 1-3PM

coordinator: Don Hagen email: DonHagen@aol.com

Your website better say all the right things about you. Your online auditions are just as important. Ty Ford shares his technical savvy to take your Internet impressions to a new level. First, he'll show you how to create and maintain your Web site. Then, hell explain what tools you need to do quality inhome audio and video recording. Finally, Ty brings both topics together with tips on putting audio and video on your Web site and uploading your auditions -- for voiceover or on-camera work. PLEASE NOTE: If you plan to use a laptop for audio recording, bring your laptop to the workshop to check compatibility between audio software and various mics. LOCATION: Ty Fords home/studio, 7801 Ruxway Rd., Baltimore. Take I-95 north to Baltimore, then I-695 toward Towson. Take Exit 23B, Falls Road. Bear right at first light onto Joppa Road. Go 1.4 miles (past Royal Farm Store) and turn right on Ruxway. The road splits immediately. Bear left at big white house. At intersection, bear left at white fence to stop sign. Go straight 1 block to Ruxway Rd. and Ballston. Tys is brick ranch is on the left corner. Phone: (410) 296-2868.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Actor Networking - From ME . . . to WE! - presented by Sean Pratt

Tuesday October 23 7-9:30PM

coordinator: Kathryn Klvana email: kk3000@verizon.net

In this workshop Sean will talk about what networking REALLY is, the problems actors face when they try to network, along with offering practical advice on how and where to get started in order to get your career off the ground or back on track. Topics include: The REAL Goal of Networking, The 7 Deadly Sins of Actor Networking, and the 5 Steps to Actor Networking. LOCATION: SAG-AFTRA

OCTOBER (continued) Wednesday October 24 7-9PM Auditioning for the Movies -For Beginners - presented by Doug Roberts coordinator: Diana Sowle email: willdiana@verizon.net (301) 498-3275

When you audition for films, do you run out of spit? Do your knees buckle? Maybe you even forget your name? Here's a workshop designed to help the beginner or faint of heart survive what can be the worst experience for many of us: the cold read audition for movies. Through interactive instruction and real movie scripts, Doug will help you learn how to begin to control your auditions for professional casting directors. You will get to try your own mock audition. A professional actor for 25 years, Doug has performed in 100+ AEA plays, 6,000+ AFTRA voice-overs and 30+ speaking parts in SAG films. LOCATION: Laurel OAKLANDS Presbyterian Church, 14301 Laurel-Bowie Road, Laurel, MD, 14301. For a map and directions, please go to: http://mysite.verizon.net/oaklands/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Thursday October 25 7-9PM Ear Prompter Training - presented by Brenna McDonough coordinator: Don Hagen email: DonHagen@aol.com

An introduction to ear prompter skills and equipment. Participants do not need ear prompter equipment as this will be discussed in class. Please bring a small portable recording device (preferably an MP3 recorder/player or micro cassette) and ear phones to practice. Limit 10. LOCATION: SAG-AFTRA NOVEMBER Sunday November 4 1-3PM Narration: Finding the Writers Voice - presented by Ty Ford coordinator: Don Hagen email: DonHagen@aol.com

Ty Ford provides clues for deciphering a script to bring the writer's voice to life. He also points out some of the simple mechanics that help make you sound like you know what you're talking about. LOCATION: Tys home/studio, 7801 Ruxway Road, Baltimore. From I-95 north toward Baltimore, take I-695 headed toward Towson. Take Exit 23B, Falls Road. Bear right at first light onto Joppa Road. Go 1.4 miles (past Royal Farm Store) and turn right on Ruxway. Road splits immediately. Bear left at big white house. At intersection, bear left at white fence to stop sign. Go straight 1 block to Ruxway Road and Ballston. Tys house is brick ranch on left corner Phone: (410) 296-2868. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Wednesday November 7 7-9PM VO Techniques - presented by Lance Lewman coordinator: Carolyn Bell email: carolyn@carolynbell.com (703) 914-2769

Second generation V/O talent, Lance Lewman, shares what he has learned about the voiceover business after 20 years in the industry. Hell use the same outline he and his father, Lifetime Achievement recipient Lary Lewman, used when they co-taught this workshop for many years. LOCATION: SAG-AFTRA

NOVEMBER (continued) Thursday November 8 7-9PM Background Acting - presented by Gale Nemec coordinator: PetePapageorge email: pete@petepapageorge.com (301) 986-5119

This class should be mandatory for every new member, notes a fellow SAG actor. This workshop will teach you everything you need to know about background acting and will provide you with a complete understanding of your role in the film process. If you have ever wondered whats going on; what you should do; if you dont understand the terms; if you are experienced but want to learn more, join us. Some on-camera work, time permitting. LOCATION: SAG-AFTRA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Friday November 9 7-9PM The Talent Payment Process - presented by James Sheridan coordinator: Pete Papageorge email: pete@petepapageorge.com (301) 986-5119

The expert from Production Payroll Services will teach you how to ensure you receive the correct pay within the correct time frame according to Union contracts. Learn what pay services do and why theyre important, and what to ask when you get a booking. Cover paperwork and contracts, performers and producers responsibilities, when to expect payment, how to avoid and resolve problems, and how to make it easy for a new client to hire YOU! LOCATION: SAG-AFTRA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Monday November 12 7-9PM Intuitive Acting - presented by Scott Morgan coordinator: Connie Bowman email: ctbwmc81@aol.com

Intuitive Acting explores the deeper, inter-personal realms by learning how to incorporate meditation, relaxation and concentration into an actor's tool box - all leading to a more genuine, authentic and fully present performer. LOCATION: SAG-AFTRA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Tuesday November 13 7-9PM Let Me Tell You a Story Commercial Audiobook Narration - presented by Sean Pratt coordinator: Kathryn Klvana email: kk3000@verizon.net

In this workshop, Sean covers the many facets of recording audiobooks for commercial publishers. As much of this work is done at in-home studios, he'll discuss the technical requirements you need to be able to do the work. Other areas detailed by Sean include: resources for finding audiobook publishers; the art, effort and attitude of narrating audiobooks; and the general state of the audiobook industry and where it's headed.

NOVEMBER (continued) An audiobook narrator since 1996, Sean Pratt has recorded over 550 audio books in almost every genre and is a six-time winner of AudioFile Magazines Earphones Award and a two-time nominee for the prestigious Audie Award. LOCATION: SAG-AFTRA

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Scene Study Workout - presented by Xavier Owens

Wednesday November 14 7-9PM

coordinator: Don Hagen email: DonHagen@aol.com

Actors always need to stay sharp in their craft. Yet seldom do we ever come together to give our skills a "workout" . . . which is precisely the purpose of this workshop. It will allow us to meet and present scenes and monologues to a group that will provide feedback and constructive criticism. Haven't we all had those times where we would've benefited from getting the opinion of another trained ear? Be it a long rehearsed piece or a cold reading, we will be able to work our material with other actors in a safe environment. The only requirements are that you bring at least one scene (max 2-person scenes for now) and, if you'd like, a monologue as well. They must be on paper, not just memorized! But most importantly, bring an open mind with a willingness to get up there and work out! LOCATION: SAG-AFTRA

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Digital Audio Workout - presented by Kathryn Klvana and Kirk Penberthy

Monday November 26 7-9PM

coordinator: Mariel Penberthy email: mbpenberthy@msn.com

(301) 320-4544

Technology is changing and voiceover performers need to keep up. Get on your feet for a voiceover workout at the Conservatory's new digital audio "recording studio." You'll sharpen your performance skills as you read copy and take direction. Seasoned voiceover talent Kathryn Klvana and Kirk Penberthy will provide tips and review the basics of digital recording and editing. The workshop is open to every level of voiceover performer, and is a prerequisite to using the conservatory equipment for audition or demo purposes. (Class limited to 8 people.) LOCATION: SAG-AFTRA

DECEMBER Tuesday December 4 7-9PM Narration - presented by Lance Lewman coordinator: Carolyn Bell email: carolyn@carolynbell.com (703) 914-2769

Top area talent, Lance Lewman, teaches the different requirements, approaches, and techniques of various narration fields. You'll explore what producers are looking for, and what can make your work stand out among all the rest. Whether you're just starting out, or a seasoned professional, this workshop promises to both inform and inspire. LOCATION: SAG-AFTRA

19Sep12