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

Charlie Sheen's All-Star Method Acting (Or, 'Major League' on Steroids)

You could call it method acting if you want to, but either way, is it really surprising that Charlie Sheen has now admitted that he was on steroids while filming Major League? In a Sports Illustrated interview with the cast and crew of the 1989 baseball comedy, Sheen opened up about his substance abuse for the first time yet again.

In Major League, Sheen memorably played Cleveland Indians pitcher Ricky "Wild Thing" Vaughn, and in order to delve into his character, the actor used steroids to enhance his game. And, you know what? He doesn't really care what you think about his steroid use, because he says it made him a better pitcher.

"Let's just say that I was enhancing my performance a little bit," Sheen told Sports Illustrated. "It was the only time I ever did steroids. I did them for like six or eight weeks. You can print this, I don't give a f---. My fastball went from 79 to like 85."

Which would only really matter if he was a baseball player, and not an actor. You could give him some credit for his "dedication" to the role, but that would be almost as preposterous as taking Sheen himself seriously.

Harlem's Theaters Saved By Churches

Three of New York’s most historical theaters have been spared the wrecking ball thanks to churches making them their homes. First Corinthian Baptist Church, the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith and United Palace Theater (owned by Christ Community United Church) all have one thing in common: the buildings they occupy began as arts venues. Historically, each has undergone an unforeseen amount of change.

Arts Funding Being Cut Worldwide

With several American theaters struggling financially, it does not come as much of a shock that other countries are dealing with similar situations. For the past two weeks, Rome’s Teatro Valle has been occupied by theater workers protesting the privatization of the venue. Founded in 1727, the Valle has been affiliated with a state organization that promotes Italian theater, but budget cuts caused the organization to be shut down last year. According to The New York Times, Italian artists are concerned that selling the theater would risk losing its identity as a platform for theatrical experimentation.

Steven Spielberg's 'War Horse' Trailer Teases Beauty and War

A teaser trailer for Steven Spielberg's movie War Horse (set to be released in theaters this December) was posted today to reviews that raved about its beauty. The script, penned by Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral) and Lee Hall (Billy Elliot), is adapted from the children's novel by Michael Morpurgo.

Morpurgo's novel was also adapted by Nick Stafford for the London stage, in partnership with the Handspring Puppet Company. The production recently ventured overseas and opened on Broadway in April of this year. The Broadway production won five Tony Awards earlier this month, including Best Play and a Special Tony Award for the Handspring Puppet Company.

The heartwarming tale of a boy and his beloved horse separated in World War I offers an unusual perspective on the war itself -- the story is told through the eyes of the horse. Joey (the horse) and his owner Albert are torn apart as Joey is recruited to serve the army. Having no concept of enemies or sides of a battle, Joey ventures through different borders and exposes the violence and terror of war, as well as the loyalty of friendship, through neutral eyes.

Thursday Nights Might Not Be Alright

Thursday nights might be knocked down a peg in the advertising ring this fall. Formerly considered the highest rated evening, after Sunday, on network television, Wednesday will take over viewers during the new TV season. According to Ad Age, CBS’s decision to move “CSI” to Wednesday, ABC’s “Modern Family” and “The Middle,” and Fox’s replacement of “Lie to Me” with “The X Factor” are all factors in this ratings switch. Thursday nights, which featured extremely popular shows “Seinfeld” and “Friends,” used to be NBC’s “Must-See-TV” Thursdays, but now it is home to lower-rated comedies with devoted fan bases.

Does this mean that advertisers will follow suit? It is quite possible. Thursday has always been seen as the best time to advertise for the weekend, but with DVRs and video-on-demand, Wednesday’s commercials might not be seen until Thursday or Friday.

Pictured: Jerry Seinfeld (Photo: Getty Images)

Video: Back Stage at the SAG Foundation Presents 'Back Stage Readers Choice Awards: An Evening with Selected Winners'

On June 27th, Back Stage and the SAG Foundation honored select winners of Back Stage's Readers Choice Awards in a moderated, one-on-one Special Event held in the Foundation's Actors Center.   April Webster (Winner, Favorite Television Casting Director) and Francene Selkirk (Winner, Favorite Commercial Casting Director) share industry knowledge and answer your questions in the video below, moderated by Jessica Gardner, Features Writer for Back Stage.

New Shows Broadway Bound; 'Playboy Club' Finds Home

• Three new Broadway shows will be opening in the fall, according to The New York Times. Nina Arianda will reprise her breakthrough role in “Venus in Fur” at the Samuel J. Friedman Theater, Alan Rickman will star in Theresa Rebeck’s “Seminar,” and David Henry Hwang’s “Chinglish” will move to the Main Stem after its Chicago run ends in July.

• NBC’s “The Playboy Club,” which was dropped by Salt Lake City NBC affiliate KSL, has found a new home in that market. MyNetworkTV will air the show during its regular Monday night slot in the fall. Read the story at Deadline.

• Leading lady Elaine Stewart passed away on Monday after battling a long illness. She was 81. Most recognized for her role in “Brigadoon”,” she appeared in 18 films in the 50s, co-hosted two game shows and appeared in TV dramas, such as “Burke’s Law” and “Perry Mason.” Read her obituary at Back Stage.

• Comedy Central has given the OK for two new sketch series for its 2012 lineup. According to Deadline, “The Nick Show Kroll,” which will feature the titular stand-up comic, and an untitled series starring “MadTV” alum Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele will grace audiences next year.

• Hugh Jackman confirmed on Monday he will be starring in the upcoming film adaptation of the musical "Les Miserables."  According to Broadway World, he is rumored to play Jean Valjean.

Pictured: Alan Rickman (Photo: Getty Images)

New York Auditions at a Glance – June 30-July 15

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 – June 30-July 15

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 – June 30-July 15

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.