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

Yo, Ho, Ho…

The feature film The Rum Diary, based on the novel by Hunter S. Thompson and starring Johnny Depp, has begun casting. Bruce Robinson (Withnail & I) will adapt and direct. Denise Chamian is the casting director. Production begins in March.

-- Heather Langone

A Star Is Born

L.A.’s Next Great Stage Star, an annual live competition to find musical theatre talent, will be held Jan. 12–27 at Sterling’s Upstairs at Vitello’s in Studio City, Calif. The winner will receive $1,000 and a paid headlining engagement at the supper club. Amateur and professional legit singers between 16 and 35 years old can schedule an audition by calling Michael Sterling & Associates at (818) 623-7300, ext. 2. Auditions will be held Jan. 4, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., at 4349 Tujunga Ave. in Studio City. Bring a headshot and résumé and be prepared to sing a ballad and an up-tempo song from a Broadway musical, a standard from the Great American Songbook, a retro pop song, a “melodic” contemporary pop song, or “popera” (think Josh Groban). An accompanist will be provided.

-- Heather Langone

Sell Yourself

The Network will offer a free seminar for actors called Master Marketing Class Intro, led by Philip Galinsky, who has an extensive background in marketing and is co-host and co–executive producer of the Manhattan Monologue Slam. Attendees will receive private, one-on-one coaching and a broadcast-quality DVD of themselves performing a commercial and a monologue, which can be used for online self-promotion and in mailings to CDs and agents. The seminar will be held Jan. 5, 4:30–6 p.m., at the Barrow Group Theater,

312 W. 36th St.

, Studio 4D, NYC. Call (212) 239-3198 to register.

-- Heather Langone

 

Your Own Woodstock

The entry deadline for the Woodstock Museum’s 10th annual film and video festival is approaching. The Sept. 4–6 event offers free screenings and workshops, plus the chance to meet the filmmakers and enjoy live music and dance. All genres, including animation, are welcome; all works must be in English or have English subtitles. Include a description, bio, résumé, and artist statement. Entries postmarked by Jan. 20, 2009, are free; student entries are half-price. Send submissions to Woodstock Museum, P.O. Box 73, Woodstock, NY 12498. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want it returned. Go to www.woodstockmuseum.org for more info or call (845) 246-0600.

-- Heather Langone

Funny People

Writer-director Nancy Meyers’ upcoming film is still casting in New York and L.A. It stars Alec Baldwin, Meryl Streep, and Steve Martin. Send headshots to The Untitled Nancy Meyers Project, c/o The Culver Studios, 9336 W. Washington Blvd., Building J, Suite A, Culver City, CA 90232.

-- Heather Langone

Celebrate Brooklyn Writers!

The sixth annual Brave New World Salon Series, starting in January 2009, is going to feature Brooklyn-based Equity actors performing rehearsed readings of classic plays penned by notable Brooklyn writers. Highlights of the season include Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire directing his own play, Fuddy Meers, and works by Arthur Miller (The Crucible), Lynn Nottage, and Charles Mee.

Savannah Film Fest Seeks Flicks

The Savannah Film Festival, hosted by the Savannah College of Art and Design, is seeking submissions. The fest includes a range of cinematic works from both award-winning professionals and emerging student filmmakers, regularly screening award-winning films before their national release dates.

New York Auditions at a Glance – Jan. 1-9

The following "Auditions at a Glance" calendar conveniently organizes projects by the date and day-of-the-week that the projects' auditions are taking place, to help you schedule your plans.

Click on any of the following links to see the casting and job notices related to the dates and project titles highlighted below.

California Auditions at a Glance – Jan. 1-9

The following "Auditions at a Glance" calendar conveniently organizes projects by the date and day-of-the-week that the projects' auditions are taking place, to help you schedule your plans.

Click on any of the following links to see the casting and job notices related to the dates and project titles highlighted below.

Regional Auditions at a Glance – Jan. 1-9

The following "Auditions at a Glance" calendar conveniently organizes projects by the date and day-of-the-week that the projects' auditions are taking place, to help you schedule your plans.

Click on any of the following links to see the casting and job notices related to the dates and project titles highlighted below.