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.
Continue reading "From 'Oye Como Va' to 'Oy Vey'" »
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.
Continue reading "The Holiday Respite Before Pilot Season" »
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.
Continue reading "Turkey Day: Thanks for the Tradition" »
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.
Continue reading "Back Stage's Gift to You" »
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.
Continue reading "'Brothers and Sisters' Getting Stale" »
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:
Continue reading "West Coast Casting Highlights - 11/25/08" »