ISSUE 5 May 2009
Welcome to the latest issue of the DF Acting News Page!
Feel free to pass the news link on to anyone you think might be interested, and if you have received this from a friend and wish to have further news sent directly, please email d.f.acting@gmail.com to join the mailing list. You can also email to make any comments or suggestions - all gratefully received!
Every effort is made to make sure information is correct. If you should note an error, please do email and amendments will be speedily made.
You can also access the DF Acting News Page by joining the Facebook page of Discover Fine Acting. Go on, Facebookers, become a fan!
Every effort is made to make sure information is correct. If you should note an error, please do email and amendments will be speedily made.
You can also access the DF Acting News Page by joining the Facebook page of Discover Fine Acting. Go on, Facebookers, become a fan!
If you do not wish to continue receiving the DF Acting News Page, please email d.f.acting@gmail.com and ask to be removed from the page's mailing list.
Discover Fine Acting News
This month I'm "barding-it-like no other", leading a Shakespeare evening for the Actors Kitchen (check out this new site) and a special Shakespeare Workshop for Tightlaced Theatre, 30th & 31st May. This is a Tightlaced New Talent amazing offer - a whole weekend of working on Shakespeare for only £35. The price is only possible because TNT is dedicated to encouraging Scotland-based talent - many thanks to Tightlaced's Artistic Director Jennifer McGregor for this opportunity: make the most of it!
I am also, of course, continuing Raw Talent Productions workshops, delivering one on Line-Learning this month (23rd May) as part of their 2009 programme. Their classes attract ILA funding and the site has an online booking system, or you can contact them via info@rawtalentproductions.co.uk or 0131 220 8304 - if interested, get cracking, and look out for the future workshops as well!
This month also sees a section called Highlighting - in this issue I mention acting leaders I have found to be inspirational. What works for one does not always work for all, but here you will find recommendations for your consideration.
Many thanks to Xanthoula Sunni O'Connor of Xanthefilms and Terry Langdale of Prime Players for their contributions to this and the next News Pages (yes, forward-planning does happen here!).
As always, read on for further news and events, and remember, whatever you are up to - ENJOY!
Danielle Farrow
Diary Dates
Check out the Discover Fine Acting Calendar! Note that you can adjust the calendar to show chosen sections, i.e. performances / DFA classes / external workshops, etc. Also, if you have a Google calendar yourself, you can copy events directly into that.
Event information is found below.
Highlighting
Last year I attended courses by Bernard Hiller. I was in need of a good kick in the proverbial to get me pursuing the career I want and being positive about achieving this, and Bernie gave me exactly that. His first visit to Scotland felt to me like an introduction to Bernard Hiller the life coach, including a part where he actually killed us all off! To come back to life, you had to want life, completely and absolutely, and not some shadow that is merely existence. I was inspired enough to follow Bernie to Paris, where I saw Bernard Hiller the acting coach, and was again fired with energy, confidence and enthusiasm, so much so that I wound up in Rome, assisting with two fantastic shows. Discover Fine Acting itself probably owes its existence to Bernie - I doubt I would have found the guts to create this without him. It just goes to show what can be achieved when that proverbial is properly jolted!
Bernard Hiller teaches throughout the world and regularly in London. To find out more about his work, and to sign up for his newsletter - complete with inspirational tips - see www.bernardhiller.com.
This year I attended a postgrad Shakespeare course at Charioteer Theatre, led by Laura Pasetti. I have a fair bit of connection with Shakespeare acting, as you are probably aware by now, and most of the exercises were not wholly new to me, BUT - there is little new in this world, what really matters is how things are put together: I found Laura's work to be holistic, inspirational and - again - exactly what I needed. Within no time at all I was engaging my body easily, with the feeling that what I knew in my head was being comfortably expressed physically. Laura has formed a process of working that connects the brain and the body, a two-way link that can help you whether you tend to be a gut-led or mind-led actor. Also, through Laura's encouragement and connections provided via this course, further opportunities for acting work have come my way - attending the course was truly an investment for me on many levels.
Laura Pasetti is a member of the core teaching team at Piccolo Teatro of Milan Acting School and Accademia La Scala, Milan, and is developing Charioteer Theatre to include an international acting school here in Scotland. To find out more about her work, see www.charioteertheatre.co.uk.
The more I learn in workshops and courses (always looking to develop my own skills), the more I realise that I was really very lucky to have attended a drama school with unusually strong teaching techniques and methods: the MMU School of Theatre, Manchester. I repeatedly find that techniques which are new to other graduates are refresher exercises for me, a truly privileged situation in which to be. Many thanks, in particular, to Niamh Dowling (Head of School / movement) and Trish Baillie (voice) - I am becoming increasingly appreciative of all they gave me in my 3 years with them (and I was already very grateful at the time).
As mentioned in my introduction, not every method suits every person - do keep searching for all the opportunities out there for continuing to develop your skills, whatever area interests you. There are many fine practitioners about and we should all be able to find someone who inspires us. Have fun experimenting!
Information
QUICK LINKS: SKILLS PERFORMANCES AUDITIONS OTHER
SKILLS
Free Forum Theatre Workshops - edgeeradica
edgeeradica is pleased to announce its second set of workshops using forum theatre as the basis of devising. These workshops are FREE. They have been extended until the end of June and new participants are still welcome. No previous experience is necessary. A planned workshop timetable is available by going to www.edgeeradica.co.uk and clicking on the workshop tab. A previous workshop is available for viewing from the home page as well as pictures in the gallery. If you wish to attend these workshops you should contact David Roberts via edgeeradica@yahoo.co.uk or 07906 111125 to confirm your interest.
2 - 5pm Thursdays until end of June, Theatre Workshop, 34 Hamilton Place, Edinburgh
Professional Actor Studios
If you are a professional actor and interested in meeting up with other professional actors to practice and share your skills - for free - then check out DF Acting Information on the following and contact:
Edinburgh - ACTORS KITCHEN ; email admin@actorskitchen.org
Glasgow - THE ACTORS BOTHY; email admin@theactorsbothy.com
Community Choir
This is run by Chandra Mather and a great way to become comfortable with your singing voice if you are not yet secure with it (and if you are, it's a great way to get in some enjoyable practice). The Choir's venue is changing, so please contact Chandra for details. You can also read more at DF Acting Information.
Line-Learning Workshop: Own Those Words! - Danielle Farrow at Raw Talent Productions
The way in which we learn lines greatly influences our final performances so it's good to know that line-learning can be interesting and include freedom of movement.
This workshop teaches an enjoyable technique that helps you to avoid building up set patterns that then block your creativity and, very importantly, it leads you into taking ownership of your words.
Bring a piece that you wish to start learning; where your piece is an excerpt from a larger work, it helps to be familiar with the context - e.g. read the play.
Saturday 23rd May, 11am to 5pm. This is one of the workshops I am leading as part of Raw Talent Productions' 2009 Programme. Unable to make this one? It is repeated later in the year.
Shake Up Your Shakespeare! - Danielle Farrow (of DF Acting) at Tightlaced Theatre
Enjoy Shakespeare - be at ease with his words, gain an understanding of his language, and have fun bringing it all to life!
If you are preparing a Shakespeare audition piece, or are in any way interested in working with a particular piece by the bard, bring it along with you. Texts will also be provided.
Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st May, 10am to 5pm, Ukrainian Club, Edinburgh. Only £35 for the whole weekend!
For further Tightlaced New Talent information, including how to book, visit www.tightlacedtheatre.org / email jennifermcgregor@gmail.com.
Historical Dance Workshop - Tightlaced Theatre
A weekend of movement and dance covering Shakespearian and Restoration styles, taught by Philippa Waite (Artistic Director of Consort de Danse Baroque and guest teacher at RWCMD and Bristol Old Vic). Please dress comfortably and wear either flat shoes or shoes with a small heel. Suitable for all levels.
Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st June, 10am to 5.30pm, Columcille Centre, Edinburgh. 10 - 5.30. Cost: £50 (two days).
The 7 Cs of Directing - Discover Fine Acting in association with Tightlaced Theatre
For details of this 'Working With Actors' workshop, please see www.discoverfinacting.com - Classes: Other, and get in touch if you are interested in attending such an event.
The new DF Acting general course is being licked into shape, but dates are not quite confirmed yet - keep an eye out for the next Update!
PERFORMANCES
RSAMD - Shakespeare in the City 2009
Students from MA Classical and Contemporary Text, BA Acting and Technical & Production Arts programmes present four new Shakespeare productions at the Brian Cox Studio, Scottish Youth Theatre, The Old Sheriff Court, Brunswick Street, Glasgow.
King Lear
Directed by Gordon Barr
18, 19, 20 May 7.00pm
20 May 2.00pm
Julius Caesar
Directed by James Robert Carson
26, 27, 28 May 7.00pm
28 May 2.00pm
Romeo and Juliet
Directed by Joyce Deans
4, 5, 6 June 7.00pm
6 June 2.00pm
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Directed by Mark Saunders
11, 12, 13 June 7.00pm
13 June 2.00pm
Tickets £7 (£5) from the Tron Box Office (0141 552 4267) or at the SYT door on the night.
Siege Perilous @ The GRV - Still and Signs of Life by Cormac Quinn, directed by Andy Corelli
Siege Perilous, in association with the CorCor! theatre company, presents their latest double bill of new writing in The GRV's new space, The Cube:
Still is a heartbreaking drama about the memories that make us and the lines that divide us.
Signs of Live is a playful, philosophical meditation on the effects of isolation on two astronauts as they play out a series of psychological tests.
Tuesday 19th to Sunday 24th May, 8pm; tickets £5. Online booking; further information - www.siegeperilous.co.uk
Strathclyde Theatre Group - Titus Andronicus by William Shakespeare, directed by Peter Lamb
War rages between the Romans and the Goths. Titus Andronicus, a respected General of the Roman Empire, returns from battle with Tamora, the Queen of the Goths and her three sons held as prisoners. With Titus' consent, Tamora's eldest son is publicly dismembered and executed. This merciless act spawns a violent and sadistic chain of events which ultimately threatens to destroy them all. Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus is a savagely unrepentant dissection of the consequence of revenge and the nature of evil. It confronts the way in which every act of violence inevitably leads to another - a play very much for our times.
Friday 29th May to Saturday 6th June, 7.30pm, Ramshorn Theatre. Tickets: Mon - Tues £6 / £3; Wed - Sat £9 / £5
Advance Booking: Collins Gallery, 0141 548 2558 (Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm) or reserve via the Ramshorn, 0141 552 3489.
Tightlaced Theatre - The Works of Fate written and directed by Rob David
Tightlaced New Talent continues its regular public readings of a new playwright's work. The audience has the option of staying for a feedback session after the reading itself. Further details can be found at www.tightlacedtheatre.org.
Wednesday 10th June, 7.30pm, Southside Community Centre. Free.
The Byre Theatre - The Widow's Blind Date by Israel Horovitz
Open rehearsals and public rehearsed reading: Over three days, Scottish based actors (including an Actors Kitchen member) will explore and present rehearsed readings of Horovitz’s most controversial play: The Widows Blind Date.
The Byre Theatre is thrilled that Israel Horovitz will attend to lead discussions on the process of the staged reading and give both actors and audiences a special insight into the strong themes that dominate this intricate, complicated, and violent murder-mystery.
The open rehearsed reading process is a unique opportunity to observe professional actors work with a script to take it to the stage of a rehearsed reading. The icing on the cake is that Israel Horovitz will join the group to talk about his work and illuminate the ideas behind the challenging themes explored.
Thursday 11th June Rehearsal 1.30pm; Friday 12th June Rehearsal 2pm; Reading: 7.30pm. For further information and booking see The Byre Theatre site.
AUDITIONS
NONSENSEROOMS PRODUCTIONS are auditioning for 2 Fringe Shows: Ae Fond Kiss - The Story of Robert Burns and Treasure Island - A new adaptation of the Robert Louis Stevenson novel. Casting details here.
TIGHTLACED THEATRE are auditioning for Project Carthage, an exciting performance that brings together modern actors and Elizabethan theatre practice. Casting details here.
MA Film Directing student of Screen Academy Scotland - Edinburgh College of Art is looking to cast a short graduation film called "Talking Piranhas". Casting details here.
VOLUNTEER PERFORMERS required for large-scale theatrical performance, Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
The Gathering 2009 (www.thegathering2009.com) is an exhilarating outdoor performance staged on the Esplanade on 25 July 2009, as part of Scotland’s Homecoming Celebrations – a once in a lifetime experience for audience and performers alike. Casting details here.
Looking for more? Do you know these: Casting Call Pro; Mandy; Equity Job Information; Spotlight Breakdowns?
OTHER
ActorExpo - 27th of June 2009
Scotland's first and only dedicated trade show and exhibition for actors and performers. There will be an abundance of career advice for those who want to endure in the business. Further information can be found via the website of Raw Talent Productions, the Scottish Partner, and now is the time to book if you wish to be an exhibitor.
Equity
The East of Scotland Equity Branch holds regular meetings and social evenings, and if you would like to know more, please contact edinburgh@equity.org.uk. The next meeting is on Monday 15th June.
Protecting Actors
Protecting Actors has been setup to address the fact that many production companies promise participants a DVD copy of the film, but fail to deliver this in a timely fashion, if at all. See DF Acting Information for further information, and help to spread the word!
Thoughts of Interest
Having earlier offered one of Bernard Hiller's philosophical tips about living life, here is another life quote, continuing from April's News Page with another 1st century clever chappie, this time the Roman philosopher Seneca, who advised that: "Life's like a play: it's not the length but the excellence of the acting that matters." Wise words indeed!
Not a lot here this time, as there has been so much above, but I do think that the company Mystery & Murder on the Menu! is well worth a mention. They served up fine fare recently with A Nasty Case of the Griptytes! - "a cross between Poirot, The Pink Panther and the Carry-On films". They promise a 'whodunnit' with plenty of clues to spot but no pressure to do so if you just want to relax and be entertained, and this is exactly what was delivered - I thoroughly enjoyed myself, admiring both the acting and the wit, and was, indeed, very well entertained. MMM! stages murder mysteries specially developed to be presented in restaurants, so if you are looking for a murder-mystery with your meal, contact Anna Guthrie or Nick Cheales to find out more.
And finally, just for fun, enjoy Mummy's Little Helper!
And that's it for another month! As ever, if you want something included in the next newsletter, email d.f.acting@gmail.com making this request - and feel free to pass the News Page on to anyone who might be interested.
Until next time, then, and remember:
ENJOY!
This month I'm "barding-it-like no other", leading a Shakespeare evening for the Actors Kitchen (check out this new site) and a special Shakespeare Workshop for Tightlaced Theatre, 30th & 31st May. This is a Tightlaced New Talent amazing offer - a whole weekend of working on Shakespeare for only £35. The price is only possible because TNT is dedicated to encouraging Scotland-based talent - many thanks to Tightlaced's Artistic Director Jennifer McGregor for this opportunity: make the most of it!
I am also, of course, continuing Raw Talent Productions workshops, delivering one on Line-Learning this month (23rd May) as part of their 2009 programme. Their classes attract ILA funding and the site has an online booking system, or you can contact them via info@rawtalentproductions.co.uk or 0131 220 8304 - if interested, get cracking, and look out for the future workshops as well!
This month also sees a section called Highlighting - in this issue I mention acting leaders I have found to be inspirational. What works for one does not always work for all, but here you will find recommendations for your consideration.
Many thanks to Xanthoula Sunni O'Connor of Xanthefilms and Terry Langdale of Prime Players for their contributions to this and the next News Pages (yes, forward-planning does happen here!).
As always, read on for further news and events, and remember, whatever you are up to - ENJOY!
Danielle Farrow
Diary Dates
Check out the Discover Fine Acting Calendar! Note that you can adjust the calendar to show chosen sections, i.e. performances / DFA classes / external workshops, etc. Also, if you have a Google calendar yourself, you can copy events directly into that.
Event information is found below.
Highlighting
Last year I attended courses by Bernard Hiller. I was in need of a good kick in the proverbial to get me pursuing the career I want and being positive about achieving this, and Bernie gave me exactly that. His first visit to Scotland felt to me like an introduction to Bernard Hiller the life coach, including a part where he actually killed us all off! To come back to life, you had to want life, completely and absolutely, and not some shadow that is merely existence. I was inspired enough to follow Bernie to Paris, where I saw Bernard Hiller the acting coach, and was again fired with energy, confidence and enthusiasm, so much so that I wound up in Rome, assisting with two fantastic shows. Discover Fine Acting itself probably owes its existence to Bernie - I doubt I would have found the guts to create this without him. It just goes to show what can be achieved when that proverbial is properly jolted!
Bernard Hiller teaches throughout the world and regularly in London. To find out more about his work, and to sign up for his newsletter - complete with inspirational tips - see www.bernardhiller.com.
This year I attended a postgrad Shakespeare course at Charioteer Theatre, led by Laura Pasetti. I have a fair bit of connection with Shakespeare acting, as you are probably aware by now, and most of the exercises were not wholly new to me, BUT - there is little new in this world, what really matters is how things are put together: I found Laura's work to be holistic, inspirational and - again - exactly what I needed. Within no time at all I was engaging my body easily, with the feeling that what I knew in my head was being comfortably expressed physically. Laura has formed a process of working that connects the brain and the body, a two-way link that can help you whether you tend to be a gut-led or mind-led actor. Also, through Laura's encouragement and connections provided via this course, further opportunities for acting work have come my way - attending the course was truly an investment for me on many levels.
Laura Pasetti is a member of the core teaching team at Piccolo Teatro of Milan Acting School and Accademia La Scala, Milan, and is developing Charioteer Theatre to include an international acting school here in Scotland. To find out more about her work, see www.charioteertheatre.co.uk.
The more I learn in workshops and courses (always looking to develop my own skills), the more I realise that I was really very lucky to have attended a drama school with unusually strong teaching techniques and methods: the MMU School of Theatre, Manchester. I repeatedly find that techniques which are new to other graduates are refresher exercises for me, a truly privileged situation in which to be. Many thanks, in particular, to Niamh Dowling (Head of School / movement) and Trish Baillie (voice) - I am becoming increasingly appreciative of all they gave me in my 3 years with them (and I was already very grateful at the time).
As mentioned in my introduction, not every method suits every person - do keep searching for all the opportunities out there for continuing to develop your skills, whatever area interests you. There are many fine practitioners about and we should all be able to find someone who inspires us. Have fun experimenting!
Information
QUICK LINKS: SKILLS PERFORMANCES AUDITIONS OTHER
SKILLS
Free Forum Theatre Workshops - edgeeradica
edgeeradica is pleased to announce its second set of workshops using forum theatre as the basis of devising. These workshops are FREE. They have been extended until the end of June and new participants are still welcome. No previous experience is necessary. A planned workshop timetable is available by going to www.edgeeradica.co.uk and clicking on the workshop tab. A previous workshop is available for viewing from the home page as well as pictures in the gallery. If you wish to attend these workshops you should contact David Roberts via edgeeradica@yahoo.co.uk or 07906 111125 to confirm your interest.
2 - 5pm Thursdays until end of June, Theatre Workshop, 34 Hamilton Place, Edinburgh
Professional Actor Studios
If you are a professional actor and interested in meeting up with other professional actors to practice and share your skills - for free - then check out DF Acting Information on the following and contact:
Edinburgh - ACTORS KITCHEN ; email admin@actorskitchen.org
Glasgow - THE ACTORS BOTHY; email admin@theactorsbothy.com
Community Choir
This is run by Chandra Mather and a great way to become comfortable with your singing voice if you are not yet secure with it (and if you are, it's a great way to get in some enjoyable practice). The Choir's venue is changing, so please contact Chandra for details. You can also read more at DF Acting Information.
Line-Learning Workshop: Own Those Words! - Danielle Farrow at Raw Talent Productions
The way in which we learn lines greatly influences our final performances so it's good to know that line-learning can be interesting and include freedom of movement.
This workshop teaches an enjoyable technique that helps you to avoid building up set patterns that then block your creativity and, very importantly, it leads you into taking ownership of your words.
Bring a piece that you wish to start learning; where your piece is an excerpt from a larger work, it helps to be familiar with the context - e.g. read the play.
Saturday 23rd May, 11am to 5pm. This is one of the workshops I am leading as part of Raw Talent Productions' 2009 Programme. Unable to make this one? It is repeated later in the year.
Shake Up Your Shakespeare! - Danielle Farrow (of DF Acting) at Tightlaced Theatre
Enjoy Shakespeare - be at ease with his words, gain an understanding of his language, and have fun bringing it all to life!
If you are preparing a Shakespeare audition piece, or are in any way interested in working with a particular piece by the bard, bring it along with you. Texts will also be provided.
Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st May, 10am to 5pm, Ukrainian Club, Edinburgh. Only £35 for the whole weekend!
For further Tightlaced New Talent information, including how to book, visit www.tightlacedtheatre.org / email jennifermcgregor@gmail.com.
Historical Dance Workshop - Tightlaced Theatre
A weekend of movement and dance covering Shakespearian and Restoration styles, taught by Philippa Waite (Artistic Director of Consort de Danse Baroque and guest teacher at RWCMD and Bristol Old Vic). Please dress comfortably and wear either flat shoes or shoes with a small heel. Suitable for all levels.
Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st June, 10am to 5.30pm, Columcille Centre, Edinburgh. 10 - 5.30. Cost: £50 (two days).
The 7 Cs of Directing - Discover Fine Acting in association with Tightlaced Theatre
For details of this 'Working With Actors' workshop, please see www.discoverfinacting.com - Classes: Other, and get in touch if you are interested in attending such an event.
The new DF Acting general course is being licked into shape, but dates are not quite confirmed yet - keep an eye out for the next Update!
PERFORMANCES
RSAMD - Shakespeare in the City 2009
Students from MA Classical and Contemporary Text, BA Acting and Technical & Production Arts programmes present four new Shakespeare productions at the Brian Cox Studio, Scottish Youth Theatre, The Old Sheriff Court, Brunswick Street, Glasgow.
King Lear
Directed by Gordon Barr
18, 19, 20 May 7.00pm
20 May 2.00pm
Julius Caesar
Directed by James Robert Carson
26, 27, 28 May 7.00pm
28 May 2.00pm
Romeo and Juliet
Directed by Joyce Deans
4, 5, 6 June 7.00pm
6 June 2.00pm
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Directed by Mark Saunders
11, 12, 13 June 7.00pm
13 June 2.00pm
Tickets £7 (£5) from the Tron Box Office (0141 552 4267) or at the SYT door on the night.
Siege Perilous @ The GRV - Still and Signs of Life by Cormac Quinn, directed by Andy Corelli
Siege Perilous, in association with the CorCor! theatre company, presents their latest double bill of new writing in The GRV's new space, The Cube:
Still is a heartbreaking drama about the memories that make us and the lines that divide us.
Signs of Live is a playful, philosophical meditation on the effects of isolation on two astronauts as they play out a series of psychological tests.
Tuesday 19th to Sunday 24th May, 8pm; tickets £5. Online booking; further information - www.siegeperilous.co.uk
Strathclyde Theatre Group - Titus Andronicus by William Shakespeare, directed by Peter Lamb
War rages between the Romans and the Goths. Titus Andronicus, a respected General of the Roman Empire, returns from battle with Tamora, the Queen of the Goths and her three sons held as prisoners. With Titus' consent, Tamora's eldest son is publicly dismembered and executed. This merciless act spawns a violent and sadistic chain of events which ultimately threatens to destroy them all. Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus is a savagely unrepentant dissection of the consequence of revenge and the nature of evil. It confronts the way in which every act of violence inevitably leads to another - a play very much for our times.
Friday 29th May to Saturday 6th June, 7.30pm, Ramshorn Theatre. Tickets: Mon - Tues £6 / £3; Wed - Sat £9 / £5
Advance Booking: Collins Gallery, 0141 548 2558 (Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm) or reserve via the Ramshorn, 0141 552 3489.
Tightlaced Theatre - The Works of Fate written and directed by Rob David
Tightlaced New Talent continues its regular public readings of a new playwright's work. The audience has the option of staying for a feedback session after the reading itself. Further details can be found at www.tightlacedtheatre.org.
Wednesday 10th June, 7.30pm, Southside Community Centre. Free.
The Byre Theatre - The Widow's Blind Date by Israel Horovitz
Open rehearsals and public rehearsed reading: Over three days, Scottish based actors (including an Actors Kitchen member) will explore and present rehearsed readings of Horovitz’s most controversial play: The Widows Blind Date.
The Byre Theatre is thrilled that Israel Horovitz will attend to lead discussions on the process of the staged reading and give both actors and audiences a special insight into the strong themes that dominate this intricate, complicated, and violent murder-mystery.
The open rehearsed reading process is a unique opportunity to observe professional actors work with a script to take it to the stage of a rehearsed reading. The icing on the cake is that Israel Horovitz will join the group to talk about his work and illuminate the ideas behind the challenging themes explored.
Thursday 11th June Rehearsal 1.30pm; Friday 12th June Rehearsal 2pm; Reading: 7.30pm. For further information and booking see The Byre Theatre site.
AUDITIONS
NONSENSEROOMS PRODUCTIONS are auditioning for 2 Fringe Shows: Ae Fond Kiss - The Story of Robert Burns and Treasure Island - A new adaptation of the Robert Louis Stevenson novel. Casting details here.
TIGHTLACED THEATRE are auditioning for Project Carthage, an exciting performance that brings together modern actors and Elizabethan theatre practice. Casting details here.
MA Film Directing student of Screen Academy Scotland - Edinburgh College of Art is looking to cast a short graduation film called "Talking Piranhas". Casting details here.
VOLUNTEER PERFORMERS required for large-scale theatrical performance, Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
The Gathering 2009 (www.thegathering2009.com) is an exhilarating outdoor performance staged on the Esplanade on 25 July 2009, as part of Scotland’s Homecoming Celebrations – a once in a lifetime experience for audience and performers alike. Casting details here.
Looking for more? Do you know these: Casting Call Pro; Mandy; Equity Job Information; Spotlight Breakdowns?
OTHER
ActorExpo - 27th of June 2009
Scotland's first and only dedicated trade show and exhibition for actors and performers. There will be an abundance of career advice for those who want to endure in the business. Further information can be found via the website of Raw Talent Productions, the Scottish Partner, and now is the time to book if you wish to be an exhibitor.
Equity
The East of Scotland Equity Branch holds regular meetings and social evenings, and if you would like to know more, please contact edinburgh@equity.org.uk. The next meeting is on Monday 15th June.
Protecting Actors
Protecting Actors has been setup to address the fact that many production companies promise participants a DVD copy of the film, but fail to deliver this in a timely fashion, if at all. See DF Acting Information for further information, and help to spread the word!
Thoughts of Interest
Having earlier offered one of Bernard Hiller's philosophical tips about living life, here is another life quote, continuing from April's News Page with another 1st century clever chappie, this time the Roman philosopher Seneca, who advised that: "Life's like a play: it's not the length but the excellence of the acting that matters." Wise words indeed!
Not a lot here this time, as there has been so much above, but I do think that the company Mystery & Murder on the Menu! is well worth a mention. They served up fine fare recently with A Nasty Case of the Griptytes! - "a cross between Poirot, The Pink Panther and the Carry-On films". They promise a 'whodunnit' with plenty of clues to spot but no pressure to do so if you just want to relax and be entertained, and this is exactly what was delivered - I thoroughly enjoyed myself, admiring both the acting and the wit, and was, indeed, very well entertained. MMM! stages murder mysteries specially developed to be presented in restaurants, so if you are looking for a murder-mystery with your meal, contact Anna Guthrie or Nick Cheales to find out more.
And finally, just for fun, enjoy Mummy's Little Helper!
And that's it for another month! As ever, if you want something included in the next newsletter, email d.f.acting@gmail.com making this request - and feel free to pass the News Page on to anyone who might be interested.
Until next time, then, and remember:
ENJOY!