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

Free Readings for TRU Voices Musical Winners

The 2008 TRU Voices New Musicals Series will feature free readings of Once Upon a Wind and So Happy I Could Scream! on Dec. 8 and 15 at the Players Theatre. The two plays were selected from submissions by emerging or established producers, as well as writers.

Big Breakfast: NYWIFT Plans Next Power Breakfast Meeting

New York Women in Film & Television has set up the next Power Player Breakfast, on Dec. 3, with special guest Terrie Williams, founder of one of the country's most successful public relations/communications firms: The Terrie Williams Agency.

Sterling Ups the Entertainment Ante

Veteran producer Michael Sterling, who for the past two years has offered a sensational cabaret showcase with his Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's in Studio City, has revealed another promising enertainment venture. Beginning January 7, 2009, Sterling will offer Broadway in Concert! at the Canyon, bringing this impresario's special brand of showbiz pizzazz to the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, California. According to Sterling there is no cabaret concert series of this caliber in the West San Fernando Valley.

YouTube Goes Wide

Starting today, all YouTube videos will now be presented in wide-screen format.

From the YouTube Team Blog:

We're expanding the width of the page to 960 pixels to better reflect the quality of the videos you create and the screens that you use to watch them. This new, wider player is in a widescreen aspect ratio which we hope will provide you with a cleaner, more powerful viewing experience. And don't worry, your 4:3 aspect ratio videos will play just fine in this new player.

Now all those illegally posted copyrighted movies and TV shows will look even better!

-- Daniel Lehman

Ross Puts on the Ritz

Legendary cabaret singer Steve Ross, the longtime toast of Broadway and super clubs around the world, made a rare Los Angeles appearance on November 22, at Mark's Restaurant in West Hollywood, courtesy of Chris Isaacson and Shane Scheel's Upright Cabaret.

The world-class entertainer started his revue of evergreen Broadway songs by announcing that he was celebrating his 50th year in show business, which led to heartfelt applause. The talent and showbiz savvy that he has polished to a fine sheen over the years was much in evidence in the delightful two-hour show.

Your Choice: Lawrence Olivier or Larry the Actor

Hey everyone I took a very cool acting class and thought I'd share my experience  since it was different than most of the classes I know about.  After years of going to scene study classes, I really think this class was pretty effective for what actor folks really need to do: book the job.

We all know the actor, who in scene study class, in front of his fellow actors,  can feign his best imitation of Brando in Streetcar Named Desire, but can he book Heroes?  I mean that's why you are in Los Angeles right?

One Man's Missed Opportunity, Another Man's Gold

Can you imagine if you found out that you had the chance to entertain thousands, but instead you entertain whoever will listen at your local park? 

A friend of mine who is in the event planning industry and does a lot of booking of celebrities and newer talent, just told me a really interesting story that I think reaches across all of the genres of entertainment. 

Jason Robards: An Acting Lesson by a Master

Wow, what an acting lesson I just witnessed!  For those of you have already seen All the President's Men (which I am sure includes everyone on the planet), I am sorry for being slightly late to the party but better late than never. 

Last night, I rented the classic film starring Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford as the famed journalistic team, Bernstein and Woodward who helped to expose Nixon and his involvement in the Watergate scandal. 

Dustin Hoffman: The Sweet Smell of Success

Let me just start by qualifying: I have the utmost respect for Dustin Hoffman, one of my all-time favorite actors. So forgive me as you read and I poke fun at his genius. Forgive me (and I beg for forgiveness from your nose as well) as I reveal some rather pungent information about Dustin, the two time Academy Award winning actor.

Dustin Hoffman, one of the most iconic actors of our time has a secret.  Hoffman is so adept at playing the every-man scenes like in Kramer vs. Kramer which has some the best scenes in it with Hoffman and his on-screen son Justin Henry who plays Billy.  Ted, Hoffman's character says nothing but, so much is said.  I have often thought, "God what is his secret?  His inner life is so powerful."  But it may be that his innards are more powerful.

Christmas Comes Early: Free Events from IFP

The Gotham Independent Film Awards Series is underway, screening and honoring tons of indie films and filmmakers. Some events are free and max ticket price is $12 -- perfect recession-proof entertainment! Everything is brought to you by IFP, the nation's oldest and largest organization of indie filmmakers.