Blog Stage - Acting in Film, TV, Theatre - Backstage

From 'Oye Como Va' to 'Oy Vey'

It seems that SAG, the AMPTP, and the WGA drew inspiration today from the first season of The West Wing and staged their own version of "Take Out the Trash Day," dumping a flurry of newsworthy press releases (well, four) on hard-working journalists who would have rather used this pre-vacation work day much like we did back in college at the end of the semester--you know, when your last final is done and you sell your chemistry textbook back to the school store for 30 cents on the dollar, use the windfall on a six-pack of Beck's and a bag of agricultural recreation, and repair to the dorm room to rediscover the joys of Santana's Abraxas.

The Holiday Respite Before Pilot Season

Keep your eye on the prize!  It's easy to get carried away with holidays, end of the year parties and shopping, that you forget why you are here -- to have an acting career.  Believe it or not, now can be a great time to get in with a good agent if you don't have one.

Over the four day weekend, after you have stuffed yourself silly, slept way too much and have vowed you will never eat again, it 's a good time to form your strategy for the upcoming Pilot Season.

Turkey Day: Thanks for the Tradition

Thanksgiving brings to mind tradition and family, I think more than any other holiday. It's not about gifts or firecrackers or diamond engagement rings.  It's about family, good food and giving thanks.  Writing this blog, thinking about all the good food I will eat tomorrow, I thought about Turkey Day traditions, including my own.   Raised by a single mom who worked in the hotel industry (the type of business that never closes like hospital work), she typically worked on the holiday.  

The PIT Mixes It Up Tonight

If you haven't already left town on this Thanksgiving eve, why not go to The PIT tonight? The People's Improv Theater (PIT) is taking all of its six "House Improv" teams and mixing things up for The Great Mix Em Up, Part II.

The names of the improvisers were put into a "bowl of destiny," and from that bowl their names were drawn to create six brand new improv teams. This unique show is free, and performs tonight, Nov. 26 at 7, 8, and 9:30 p.m. at The PIT, 154 W. 29th St., 2nd fl., NYC.

-- Daniel Lehman

Back Stage's Gift to You

Couldn't we all use the gift of a discount this season? Now Back Stage readers can get tickets for almost half-price to see Chita Rivera in "The Secret of Life" at Feinstein's!

All you have to do is call (212) 339-4095 and mention "Back Stage." The discount ticket will cost $40 instead of the usual $75 cover, plus the $25 food and drink minimum.

Reunited and It Feels So Good

CD Denise Chamian (Hancock, The Great Debaters) is attached to cast Rango, an animated feature starring Johnny Depp as a household pet who goes on an adventure to discover his true self. The project marks a reunion for Depp, director Gore Verbinski, and screenwriter John Logan (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street). Shooting dates have not been announced.

Long Arm of the ‘Law’

Casting director Randi Hiller (Iron Man, You Don’t Mess With the Zohan) is attached to cast F. Gary Gray’s next project, Law Abiding Citizen. The drama—starring Gerard Butler, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Jamie Foxx—follows a man who takes justice into his own hands after a plea bargain sets his family’s killers free. Shooting will take place in Philadelphia; dates have not been announced.

Go Long

The Long Island International Film Expo is calling for entries for its 2009 event, slated for July 13–19. Every film genre will be considered. Past festivals have hosted 50 to 155 short and feature-length independent films from all over the world. The deadline is April 1, 2009; there’s a $35 submission fee. Send videos or DVDs to Long Island International Film Expo, c/o Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Side entrance, Bellmore, NY 11710. For more information, visit www.liifilmexpo.org, call (516) 571-3168, or email debfilm@aol.com.

'Brothers and Sisters' Getting Stale

   Have you noticed lately that every episode of Brothers and Sisters is exactly the same? One of the Walker siblings is depressed or non-communicative or stressed out or something. The others plot to fix the problem in a dysfunctional manner. There's a big argument at the family dinner or party--they're always having one. This used to be a fairly interesting show with topics never covered on other TV episodics. Now I watch it because it's the only show with a married gay couple and they actually kiss on the mouth.

West Coast Casting Highlights - 11/25/08

Every week Back Stage publishes hundreds of notices -- casting notices, entertainment-industry job notices, and calls for submissions to talent contests and film festivals. Back Stage is the premier resource for actors, dancers, singers, comedians, and all performing artists -- plus those talented individuals working behind-the-scenes, including writers and crew -- looking for quality opportunities.  BackStage.com's casting database includes all of the notices from  the  popular weekly Back Stage publications  , plus hundreds of additional items.

WEST COAST:

Below are a few highlights from this week's West Coast notices, compiled by West Coast Casting Editor Cassie Carpenter: