2008 Is Sooo The New 2009

Call me crazy, but I already have a stack of New Year's resolutions and I'm not waiting until 2009 to start working on them.  Ridiculously prepared?  Um hmmm.  Ready to rock?  Oh yeaah.  Already crossed one resolution off the list?  Don't hate:  reciprocate!  Haven't you heard?  2008 is sooo the new 2009.  It's never too early to tackle that list.

You know how industry people in positions of power always suggest things like, "Start your own cold reading group!" or "Get some friends together and put on a play in your living-room!" and you think: what world are you living in???  Man, I'd love to play classroom, but who can motivate the masses?  Who is as dedicated as I am?  How can I get people to show up every week?  It sounds all nice and proactive, but does "practice with friends night" even exist in the real world?  

I am attempting the impossible and the odds are looking good. 

I'm going to practice on-camera skills with friends once a week starting January 6th! 

It all started when I realized my on-camera skills needed some work if I wanted to compete in TV/Film land.  I took some classes and bought my own camera, but classes are expensive and talking to my camera was helpful but lonely.  I had visions of becoming that lady on YouTube who vlogs every day and takes homes movies of her cats.  Not attractive.

To my suprise, nearly 20 of my talented and committed friends were feeling the same itch, but all of us had hurdles to overcome:  some didn't have access to a camera, others needed constructive feedback because they couldn't objectively watch themselves, some didn't have money for classes and everybody expressed a desire for more community and camaraderie.  Thus, a workout class has been born!

In a twist of fate (and a sign that it's meant to be), I secured a weekly professional space and camera equipment for free.  I've drafted a list of work-out rules that have been agreed upon, including no late entry 15 minutes past start time, no acting style or method pushed and no "teacher" per se for the workshop.  Instead, the gathering will be lead by a weekly moderator who runs the session and ensures that the class runs efficiently and that criticism remains constructive and helpful.  Actors bring their own material and get two takes on their scene.  Scenes are watched at the end of class and may be archived to track progress.  Sounds pretty ideal and idealistic to me.  Let's hope it holds up in practice.

I'm looking forward to the New Year.  Strike or no strike, I'm ready to work.  I definitely don't get out enough theatrically now, but when I do get my chance, I strive to be ready.  Tally ho, let's go!

--Stacey Jackson 

Comments

[Lindsay Price]

Congratulations for going after what you want. Here's to your 'class' being a great success!

[Susan Atwood]

Yes, motivation is always the toughest part. I have to say that last spring when I rented a studio and asked a friend to help me with my mono - that that time and money was VERY well spent. I think that effort is a huge part of my success with that mono. So it's totally worth it to study on one's own. It's always easier with a small group - unless you're pooling cash to hire a coach. Good luck with it - even just one or two "classes" will be helpful, I am sure.

[ChunkyMonkey]

Those sound like really fantastic rules - fair, professional, but keeping things friendly and allowing for mistakes. Good luck with it!

[Stacey Jackson]

Thanks for the encouragement y'all! I hope it's a smashing success. I'll keep you posted.