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

Jon Hamm Taking His Talents Behind the Camera for 'Mad Men' Premiere Episode

As a young, aspiring actor, it is always fascinating for me to see the transformation that takes place within the television industry when well-known TV actors successfully make the transition behind the camera to direct episodes themselves. Many experienced actors, who have seen the rigors of production while working on set over multiple television seasons, want to put their efforts into the creation of these same projects.

Mad Men star Jon Hamm is the latest actor to step behind the camera, as TVLine reports today that Hamm will direct the season five premiere episode of AMC's Emmy-winning drama series. Production is scheduled to begin in August.

"It’s a very exciting challenge that I’m looking forward to with a mixture of utter fear and excitement," Hamm told TVLine, adding, "It helps to have people you know and trust surrounding you. We’ve been fortunate enough to have very little turnover not only in our cast but in our crew." John Slattery, who co-stars with Hamm on the show, directed two episodes last year for Mad Men's fourth season.

May 26-June 1, 2011 Issue of Back Stage Now on Newsstands

Virus Attacking Tinseltown's Popular Computer

Mac programs, like Final Cut Pro and Final Draft, have helped make Apple computers popular for those in the entertainment industry. Many Apple owners, however, in the last few weeks have accidentally downloaded a set of Trojan horses reported The Wrap. A window appeared on the victims' screens saying their computer had a virus. There actually was no virus, but they were told to click to remove it. When they do, they download malware that tells them their computer is still infected. The victims were advised to enter credit card information for a "Mac Defender" to eliminate the non-existent virus. When they followed the instructions, those people lost vital financial information. Apple said earlier this week it will offer a software update to automatically eradicate Mac Defender malware. 

Terrence Malick V. Nature

I've been a little hard on Terrence Malick lately. So in honor of the opening of his fifth movie in 38 years, "Tree of Life," I thought I'd link over to this great story on Slate: "Name That Thistle: Terrence Malick Cutaway or Nature Documentary?" It's a fun little quiz that shows you clips and asks you to judge whether it's from one of Malick's films or a scene from a nature documentary. You might be surprised by the answers!                

--Jenelle Riley

The Road From Rhode Island: Tax Credits in Decline

“Body of Proof,” the ABC drama about Dana Delany’s legs, is relocating from Rhode Island to Los Angeles. The move comes in the wake of ABC receiving approval for a $7 million California tax credit for the series, and word that Gov. Lincoln Chafee wants to dismantle the teensiest state’s own production tax incentive program. If you’re an actor and live in L.A., congratulations—your prospect of finding work just got a little bit better. If you live in Rhode Island, well, hey, there’s always Massachusetts.

Watch Bono and The Edge Sing "Rise Above" with 'Spider-Man' Star Reeve Carney on 'American Idol' Finale

Last night, Bono and The Edge continued to do their part in promoting the new version of Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, which is scheduled to open on Broadway this month after revisions were made, scenes cut, and additional songs written. They joined Reeve Carney, who stars as Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the production, to sing the show's big number "Rise Above" on the season 10 finale episode of American Idol last night:

Telemundo Vying for Emmy; 'Avenue Q' Altered

• The Spanish-language network Telemundo is beginning its first Emmy campaign for "La Reina del Sur" ("Queen of the South") and the telenovela's star Kate del Castillo. No Spanish-language program has garnered an Emmy in any of the big categories. Read the story at The Hollywood Reporter.

• The Tony Award-winning musical "Avenue Q" will soon be licensed for school productions, but not without some changes. The show was known for having risqué and raunchy material, so Music Theatre International has worked with the musical's creators to make edits and new numbers. For example, the number "Internet is For Porn" has been swapped for "Social Life is Online." Same thing. Check it out at Playbill.

• Even though "Fast Five" and "Bridesmaids" are box office hits for Universal, the studio has had trouble finding buyers for their television rights. Los Angeles Times explained that films are rarely sold individually; rather, they are bought in a package. Potential buyers have qualms over purchasing box office flops, such as "Your Highness" and "The Dilemma," along with these two hits.

• To advertise its shows "White Collar" and "Covert Affairs," USA Network will air a trailer in 2,484 theathers throughout America this weekend reported Deadline. For those who think there are too many movie previews, you're welcome.   

Pictured: Kate del Castillo (Photo: Getty Images)

Drama Desks Move Into Golden Globe Territory

The Drama Desk Awards moved to a new venue for this year's ceremony which were held on Mon., May 23. After more than a decade at the La Guardia High School for the Performing Arts, the event has moved to the Hammerstein Ballroom for a sit-down gala dinner affair similar to the Golden Globes. In another similarity to the GGs, the DDs will be broadcast in a 90-minute special on the Ovation network on June 4, with several repeat showings. The Desks have often been compared to the Globes in other respects, since they are generally given out before the Tonys and are seen as a precursor for the better-known Broadway-only prizes--the Desks include Off- and Off-Off Broadway in all of their multiple categories. (Full disclosure: I'm a member of the DD and a former president.)

'Smurfs' Trailer: True Blue

I'm not sure I agree with Deadline that the latest "Smurfs" offering qualifies as a "hot new trailer," but I guess I should accept there is an audience out there for the big-screen offering of the 1980s cartoon. I still don't understand why they can't just tell the Smurfs story, why the powers that be feel the need to transplant them to modern day New York...but that's the least of my complaints about this project. I don't think there is anything that would make me want to see this film, but I do have to admit: Hank Azaria looks dead-on as Gargamel.

--Jenelle Riley

New York Auditions at a Glance – May 26-June 3

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.