AGE: 17

TERM: 9TH

…In the winter of freshmen year I started here at The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute®. I fell in love because I found what allows me to tell a story.

YAS WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BECOME AN ACTOR?
CJ I used to want to be a news reporter when I was younger because I always liked the idea of telling people a story. Then in 8th grade, I started taking a drama class at school and my teacher convinced  me to audition for the school play. I did, and I got the lead role. I had never been in a play before so it was a whole new experience for me. My co-star in the play was taking classes here at LSTFI, and in the winter of freshmen year I started here atThe Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute®. I fell in love because I found what allows me to tell a story.

YAS WHO’S YOUR INSPIRATION?
CJ My dad is my inspiration. When I was in 10th grade he was diagnosed with cancer and throughout his whole treatment he was so strong and always took the time to talk to me about my day and ask how acting was going. My dad is my best friend and we both laugh a lot and bounce puns off each other. He’s been through so much and he never gave up. He is more than worthy of being my inspiration.

YAS WHAT’S AN INTERESTING FACT OF QUALITY ABOUT YOURSELF?
CJ I’ve been playing the piano since I was two years old. My grandmother went to Juilliard for Piano. Although piano was technically forced on me from a young age, I am now so thankful I can play and I enjoy it so much.

Caroline Judelson is a student of The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute’s Young Actors at Strasberg program. Learn more about Young Actors at Strasberg here.

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AGE: 16

TERM: 1ST

Being on stage and being able to tell a story and alter people`s emotions, make them smile or laugh is just the best thing in the world and I couldn`t ask for any better way to spend my time.

YAS WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BECOME AN ACTOR?
VT After I was in my second show, it became something addictive. Being on stage and being able to tell a story and alter people’s emotions, make them smile or laugh is just the best thing in the world and I couldn’t ask for any better way to spend my time.

YAS WHO’S YOUR INSPIRATION?
VT I have many different inspirations in a real life sense. I have to say my step brother Evan because not only is he an incredible actor but also an incredible person. Every time I go to a place where people know him they always explain how funny and amazing he is and I would like to be someone that leaves a mark on people like that.

YAS WHAT’S AN INTERESTING FACT OF QUALITY ABOUT YOURSELF?
VT I really enjoy spending time alone when I can. Yes, hanging out with my friends is always amazing but when you are alone I really feel that you get to know yourself and have deep thoughts. Thoughts that wouldn’t normally come into mind during time spent with others.

Victoria Taylor is a student of The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute’s Young Actors at Strasberg program. Learn more about Young Actors at Strasberg here.

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by Michele Manelis
for News.Com.Au

I went to acting school for almost ten years growing up. I went to (The Lee) Strasberg Theatre (& Film Institute) downtown."

LADY Gaga is just 29-years-old but says her years in the limelight make her feel elderly. The showbiz veteran admitted she used these feelings to portray a 100-year-old blood-guzzling creature, The Countess, in her acting debut on the fifth series of American Horror Story.

Although this is her first ever onscreen performance, the larger-than-life star has a reputation for transforming herself into different characters.

“I studied method acting for almost ten years. I studied [Lee] Strasberg…” She laughs, acknowledging the possible pretentiousness of her statement. “Arguably, it’s the most dangerous form of acting, where you embrace becoming the character and you embrace calling upon memory sensory from your life. It’s powerful and it takes you back implicitly to a place that you remember as a child. It’s very strong.”

Not only using her emotional experiences, the Grammy award winner said she tried to physically transform herself into her character each day.

“I become The Countess in the car on my way to work. I put fishnet on my face and red lipstick on and I read my lines. I am always prepared before I come to the trailer. And when I go home at night, I do my best to let go of her in order to become what I am for my family, my friends and my lover.”

Arguably one of the world’s most polarising stars, Lady Gaga was born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta. She grew up in Manhattan, the eldest of three children raised by her father, an internet entrepreneur, and her mother, who worked in telecommunications. She attended a strict Catholic school and has described her formative years as ones “not fitting in.” At age 20, she made good use of those angst-ridden feelings of alienation to become the eccentric Lady Gaga.

It seems that she found a kindred spirit in American Horror Story creator, Ryan Murphy. Her eyes well up when she says, “It’s destiny. With Ryan, soulmate feels like too small of a word because it implies it’s someone with whom you will spend the rest of your life. But I know that with Ryan, through this role, he gave me a sense of self beyond what I believed I was. There have been people who have truly believed in me, but they have also betrayed me. A couple of years ago people were making fun of me but he believed in me,” she says with intensity. “So playing this role is a dream come true.”

Lady Gaga is an alumnus of the Young Actors at Strasberg at The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute®.  You can more about the unparalleled programs offered at LSTFI here. Apply here.

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Fall Monologue Competition 2015

at Manhattan Repertory Theatre

Wednesday November 4 at 6:30 pm
Best performer wins a $200 cash prize!

This is a performer monologue competition where actors compete to win a $200 cash prize.

All monologues must be 3 minutes or less, with no set. (1 chair and 1 stool will be available if needed). Also, there can be no internal sound cues in your monologue.  It needs to be totally actor self-contained.  (No phone calls cues etc etc.)

YOU CAN PERFORM ANY MONOLOGUE YOU LIKE AS LONG AS IT IS UNDER 3 MINUTES.

NON-EQUITY ONLY.

Ticket price for the competition performance will be $20.

HOW THE VOTING WILL WORK

For this competition, there will be a minimum of 14 performers presenting their monologues. The Audience will be given a ballot and they will rate the THREE BEST performers from 3 to 1. 3 is the VERY BEST, 2 is SECOND BEST, and 1 is THIRD BEST.

After the performance on November 4,  we will add up the points and the the one performer with the highest points that night will win the $200 cash prize.

The voting is all crowd sourced so that it is fair to all. The performer with the most friends will not necessarily win because of the graduated voting from 3 to 1 for the top three performers. (And there is NO “panel of experts” voting for their friends.)

ALL PERFORMERS MUST BE AVAILABLE

for the dates and times below. (No exceptions if you are going to participate.)

Tuesday November 3 at 6:30 pm
A brief 45 minute Tech rehearsal for the Competition.

Performance night: Wednesday November 4 at 6:30 pm

Do not register if you are not available for the times above. We cannot accommodate individual time schedules in this context.

There is an $15 commitment fee in order to register and participate.

To Register – go to www.manhattanrep.com

This commitment fee is NOT refundable for any reason for we are reserving your place in the competition. Once paid, if you are unable to participate for any reason, this commitment fee will NOT be returned. So please make sure these dates work for you if you decide to participate.

PARTICIPATION IN THIS COMPETITION IS ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS.  

If you have any questions about anything, please email us at: manhattanrep@yahoo.com

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by Charles Isherwood
from The New York Times

It takes a brave playwright to saddle her work with the less than enticing title “Ugly Lies the Bone.” The play itself, about a severely wounded war veteran attempting to put together a new life, confirms that Lindsey Ferrentino is a writer of dauntless conviction." - Charles Isherwood, The New York Times.

It takes a brave playwright to saddle her work with the less than enticing title “Ugly Lies the Bone.” The play itself, about a severely wounded war veteran attempting to put together a new life, confirms that Lindsey Ferrentino is a writer of dauntless conviction. This bracing drama from the Roundabout Underground program, starring a superb Mamie Gummer as that damaged vet, confronts an achingly topical issue with hardheaded honesty and admirable compassion.

Jess (Ms. Gummer) has returned to her Florida home from a third tour in Afghanistan, enduring intense pain from injuries and the many surgeries that followed. We can read how much she suffers, moment by moment, from the grimaces and winces that flicker across Ms. Gummer’s face.

From left, Karron Graves, Mamie Gummer and Caitlin O’Connell in “Ugly Lies the Bone,” about a veteran’s post-Afghanistan recovery. Credit Richard Termine for The New York Times

Jess’s psyche is under severe stress, too, although her inherent strong will comes through clearly in her sardonic responses to her sister Kacie (Karron Graves), whose relentless attempts to cheer and distract only provoke irritation. Kacie’s bubbly chatter about her new boyfriend, Kelvin (played with lumbering, sweet cluelessness by Haynes Thigpen), meets with sarcasm and raised eyebrows, although Jess has but one eyebrow to raise.

Ms. Ferrentino alternates scenes depicting Jess’s uneasy transition to her “old” life with those set at a facility where she receives a kind of virtual reality therapy. Putting on goggles that cause her pain (“It took three surgeries to give me back my eyelid”), Jess is encouraged to move her limbs while watching an avatar move through a snowy wilderness. The choice of clime is hers; she finds it soothing.

Despite the forthright depictions of Jess’s suffering and frustration, “Ugly Lies the Bone,” directed by Patricia McGregor with careful attention to subtle changes in texture, retains a certain buoyancy. Ms. Gummer deftly draws out all the wryness in Jess’s personality, even as she makes clear that it’s often gallows humor born of her traumatic experience. Commenting on how Kacie, too, no longer resembles the glowing beauty of her high school years, she cracks, “At least I have an excuse.”

Lindsey Ferrentino makes movingly clear how Jess`s experience has scarred her family, too." - Charles Isherwood, The New York Times.

Mamie Gummer in “Ugly Lies the Bone.” Credit Richard Termine for The New York Times

Lindsey Ferrentino makes movingly clear how Jess’s experience has scarred her family, too. We learn from Kelvin that Kacie still cries herself to sleep, the kind of detail Kacie, whose anxious care for her sister is evident in Ms. Graves’s excellent chipper-antsy performance, would be too sensitive to share.

Their mother, unhappily, has dementia and no longer lives at home. Jess resists Kacie’s attempts to have her visit. We can guess at the reason: fear that her mother will react with horror or confusion at her daughter’s appearance or, worse, will not know her at all.

Yes, I know, more cheery detail! But unflinching portraits like the ones Ms. Ferrentino draws of the transitions of wounded veterans back to society are hard to come by outside journalism. The play is also notable for its focus on a female combat veteran; as women are increasingly represented in the armed forces, their stories are rightly drawing more attention (as in “Grounded,” recently at the Public Theater with Anne Hathaway) in works that explore how their experiences are both similar to and different from those of their male counterparts

Jess does slowly make progress with her novel therapy, which is based, a note indicates, on stress-reducing techniques actually being used on veterans. As the silken voice (Caitlin O’Connell) urges her to enter the imaginary landscape, her movements gradually become more fluid, and her initial testiness subsides. (We see projections of snowy mountainscapes, by Caite Hevner Kemp, on a screen pulled in front of the stage.)

The play’s title, incidentally, comes from Albert Einstein: “Beauty is but skin deep, ugly lies the bone. Beauty dies and fades away, but ugly holds its own.”

By the end of the play we have long since ceased to see Jess as “ugly” (if we ever did), but we do leave with the confident sense that, despite the setbacks and the uncertain future, this determined, hardheaded young woman will quite probably find a way to hold her own — and then some.

Lindsey Ferrentino is an alumnus of the The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute®.  You can more about the unparalleled programs offered at LSTFI here. Apply here.

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NYU at Strasberg presents

Emilie: La Marquise du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight

by Lauren Gunderson
Directed by Alexander Greenfield

Passionate. Brilliant. Defiant. Tonight, 18th century scientific genius Emilie du Châtelet is back and determined to answer the question she died with: love or philosophy, head or heart? In this highly theatrical rediscovery of one of history’s most intriguing women, Emilie defends her life and loves; and ends up with both a formula and a legacy that permeates history.

With
Kenzie Caplan
Zane Haney
Brigitte Williamson
Katharine Nedder
Austin Purcell

Scenic Designer: Ryan Howell
Lighting Designer: Ethan Steimel
Costume Designer: Sarah Thea Swafford
Sound Designer: Alex Neumann
Stage Manager: Gabrielle Norris
Associate Director: Taylor Norton

Technical Director: Chris Orenstein
Production Manager: Karen Loftus
Assistant Stage Managers: Christian Sanford, Allie Waxman

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Balm in Gilead

by Lanford Wilson
Directed by Jenna Worsham

November 12-14  |  7PM

The Lee Strasberg Theatre

FEATURING:
Tate Kenney
Constantin Kamps
Charles Ouda
Rohini Unnikrishan
Vibor Krekovic
Stephen McFarlane
Jason LaPenta
Iany Panait
Rony Herman
Robert Leng
Edward Heinemann
Nathaniel Ansbach
Ana Riberiro
Rachel Sheen
Tereza Tausova
John Carbone
Daniel Napolitano
Oren Oettinger
Julia Vlasenko
Weronika Wozniak
Andrea Pimental
Gjermund Gjesme
Zheng Kangnan
Patrick Leddy

Scenic Design: Sheryl Liu
Lighting Desgin: Jesse Sheldon
Costume Design: Kaela Garvin
Sound Design: Daniel Melnick
Stage Manager: Ashley Nelson
Assistant to the Director: Naomi Campagne

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Casting two leads for an Off Broadway Production “Defendant Maurice Chevalier” by Alexis Chevalier. The show was initially produced at LSTFI Summer 2015.

Performance dates and venue: February 8th to 21st at the American Theatre of Actors. 314 W54 St.

Audition dates: November 23,24,25. Callback: November 29th

The actors must submit headshot, resume (video reel is a big plus) through backstage.

The actors will be required to sing and to dance. They must also be able to sing in French.

PLAY SYNOPSIS

France; 1945. Condemned to death for Collaboration with the Nazis, popular French singer and entertainer Maurice Chevalier tells his accusers how it all happened. From his departure from Hollywood to stick back to the French stage until the end of World War Two, he recalls ten years of his life, during which he had to manage to protect his wife Nita from the Nazis and had to confront the Nazis’, the Collaborators’ and the Resistance’s influences. As he keeps performing and is considered the worldwide symbol of France, Chevalier is being manipulated to serve each camp’s interests and propaganda. But is he really a traitor?

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:

MAURICE CHEVALIER: world famous French actor, singer and entertainer from the 20’s to the 60’s. Tired of being typecast, he decides to leave Hollywood and goes back to Paris in order to perform on stage again. Famous for his dandy looks and his boater hat, his charming and joyous stage persona contrasts with his sad and insecure personality. He needs the contact with the audience like a drug and is lost when there is no woman by his side. He protects his Jewish wife Nita from the Nazis as he goes on performing even during the hardest times of the war.

NITA: Maurice’s wife. She is an actress, singer and dancer touring in Maurice’s show. As the war breaks out, Maurice and Nita flee from Paris to Cannes, where she is supposed to be safe from anti-Semitic persecutions. She is sweet, courageous and strong. She always manages to hide her sadness. She spends the war years secluded in Cannes and has to stop performing, which makes her feel she has wasted her career and her youth.

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Production title: Baited (Working Title)
Union / Non-Union: Union & Non-Union
Production Type: Independent  / self-funded
Project length: Short Film (15 minutes)
Project format: 16:9 HD Anamorphic
Posted on: Monday, December 7, 2015
Production location: NYC
Production Company: VidiVici Films
Company website: http://vidivicifilms.com/
Director: Angelita Mendoza
Producer: Victor Capiz
Shooting Location: Manhattan
Email: casting @vidivici.tv (Please include BAITED, and the role you’d like in the Subject Line)
Compensation: Meals, transportation, credit, & copy. For Union Members the minimum required by SAG of $100/day.

KEY DATES

Auditions:
December 14 6:00 – 8:00 PM
December 15 6:00 – 8:00 PM
(Please note all auditions will be given a specific time within this window. For those away for the holidays, we will be accepting headshots, resumes, & reels. We can make an appointment when possible.)
Call Backs: January 9, 2015 10:00AM – 1:00 PM
Rehearsals: Week of January 20th

Shooting Starts: January 30, 2015
Shooting Ends: February 2, 2015

Synopsis:
“Baited” is a twisted love story set in the underground world of prostitution and drug trade, set in New York City. Jhen is a young woman who was brought to this country from Colombia as a child by her uncle, Hernandez. Hernandez makes his living as a low level drug dealer and pimp. He finds young girls and manipulates them into prostitution. As soon as Jhen came of age, he did the same to her. Jhen has fallen in love with David and sees him as a way out of this life. The story is a psychological trip. We see everything through the eyes of David, a young, naïve, Latino New Yorker who is desperately in love with Jhen. But can he trust her? And most importantly, how did he arrive at his current location, an interrogation room.

There is a mix of suspense, drama, and horror in our story. We will be shooting with vintage lenses in Anamorphic. The vibe is 70s & 80s Italian Horror/Giallo, in a modern setting.

Character BIOS

[JHENNIFER] [GENDER: FEMALE] [LATINA] [AGE: 18-25]

Jhen is a young Latina woman that was brought to this country illegally as a child by her uncle, Hernandez. At an early age, Hernandez began to pimp her. She wants out of this life. She is in love with David and sees him as the only hope and light in her life.

[DAVID] [GENDER: MALE] [LATINO] [AGE: 20-25]

David is a young, naïve, Latino man. He is completely in love with Jhen. He is aware of her struggles and feels the need to protect her. He truly believes in happily ever after. He grew up in a tough, low income neighborhood so he understands what people have to do to survive. He doesn’t judge Jhen for what she has to do but he would do anything to save her.

In present time, David wakes up in an interrogation room, unaware of how he got there or how long he’s been there.   He is being pressured by 2 detectives to tell them what happened in the last 24 hours.

[HERNANDEZ] [GENDER: MALE] [LATINO] [AGE: 40-60]

Hernandez is Jhen’s uncle. He has been traveling between Colombia and New York for over 20 years. He is a drug dealer and pimp. In his own twisted way, he loves Jhennifer. But he still sees her as his property. He deals with humans the way he deals with drugs, as a source of income. He plans on selling Jhen off to a man from Texas who wants her as his prize girl until he grows tired of her.

[DETECTIVE 1] [GENDER: MALE] [ANY ETHNICITY] [AGE: 30-45]

Detective 1 is your typical New York Detective. Kind but direct. He’s a patient man and knows how to ease information out of suspects. He’s a human lie detector. He can read people’s reactions and responds appropriately. He’s working with Detective 2 to get information out of David.

[DETECTIVE 2] [GENDER: MALE] [ANY ETHNICITY] [AGE: 30-45]

Detective 2 is a no bullshit, tell it to me straight, ex-gangster kind of detective. You can tell he’s had it rough and he knows how to deal with thugs. He’s not afraid and he wants the truth. He has some information on David and he’s trying to piece together what happened in the last 24 hours. He wants to know what David did.

[OLD MAN] [GENDER: MALE] [ANY ETHNICITY] [AGE: 55-80]

Older New Yorker. He’s seen this city at its worst and its best.   He has no patience for the dark side of the city. He fought his war and is tired of seeing the city slip back into decay.

[911 OPERATORS] [GENDER: FEMALE & MALE] [ANY ETHNICITY] [AGE: 30-65]

We need several 911 Operators. This is mostly for VO.

In addition to these roles we need extras to play bar patrons, pedestrians/onlookers.

*There is NO NUDITY

If you are interested in David, Hernandez, or Detective 2, please let me know if you have any stage combat experience.

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The Castillo Theatre is casting for a new production of “Votes!” by Jacqueline Salit, directed by Gabrielle L. Kurlander. The show is about the relationship between Melanie Jefferson, a female presidential candidate and her husband William who previously served as President. The musical shifts between the Williams’s time in office and the present – the night before Melanie is poised to win the election. “Votes!” is scheduled to run from March 4-April 11, with rehearsals beginning in early January. Strong actors with the ability to play comedy and drama equally well, singing necessary for lead roles: Melanie Jefferson (mid 60s, white female, savvy, presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton-type, singing role), William Jefferson (mid-60s, white male, former President of the United States, Bill Clinton-type, Melanie’s husband, singing role), Vivian Traveler (mid-60s, a tough cookie, singing role), Brett (early 20s, chiseled good looks, intern on Melanie’s campaign. non-singing role), Mrs. Shrunk (50s-60s, therapist, non-singing part), Dancers (male and female dancers, 18-25). Auditions by appointment only. Non-equity, some pay.

Send pictures and resumes to:

Castillo Theatre, casting dept.
543 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036

or submit online to:
castillocasting@gmail.com
http://www.backstage.com/casting/votes-97072/

Feature Project – Rori Bergman Casting
Rori Bergman Casting is doing exploratory casting for a feature project in development for a major studio that will shoot in 2017.

Looking for…
MALE, 18-27, sexy, young, charming, charismatic, wry, funny, athletic, witty masculine. Someone who possesses the essence of a courageous young man on his way to becoming the epitome of a hero.

Send headshot and resume to: rbcast@gmail.com

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The Clifford Odets Ensemble Playwriting Project

Wayward

by Steve DiUbaldo
Directed by David Mendizabal

Featuring: Michelle Davis, Sydney Eberwein, Jess Kaliban, Zack Kozlow, Alex Mutti, Emily Oliveira, Hudson Oznowicz, Vienna Slack, Jacob Voigt, and Hannah Williams.

Scenic Design – Ryan Howell
Lighting Design – Christopher Bowser
Costume Design – Dina El-Aziz
Sound Design – Mark Van Hare
Stage Manager – Brianna Poh
Technical Director – Chris Orenstein
Production Manager – Karen Loftus

Wayward is a nature camp for troubled teens of all shapes and sizes, but the brochure paints a brighter picture than what is really happening in the middle of the wild.  When Wanda arrives at Wayward, after being kidnapped from her home, she finds herself immersed in a world of conflicting truths battling for salvation.  The truths of each camper trying so desperately to hold on to their nature, and the truths of the counselors trying to rip them from the roots and replant.  From drug addiction to DUI’s to gay and transgender to freeing the snake in science class to having sex with the babysitter, the piece examines our definitions of “troubled teens” and the tough love camps we send them to in order to fix them.  David Mendizabal (Producing Artistic Leader, The Movement Theatre Company) directs.

December 3-5 | 7:30PM
Gala performance on 12/5

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Pulp Vérité

Written by Crystal Skillman
Directed by Shaun Peknic

Featuring: Terrease Aiken, Maddie Atchue, John DiMino, Madison Dix, Chapman Hyatt, Cullen Kuch, Ale Mesa, Anamari Mesa, Eleanor Hall Watson, and Rachel Whiteman

Scenic Design – Ryan Howell
Lighting Design – Christopher Bowser
Costume Design – Sarah Thea
Sound Design – Mark Van Hare
Movement Director – Katie Spelman
Stage Manager – Taylor Wilkerson
Technical Director – Chris Orenstein
Production Manager – Karen Loftus

A graduate filmmaker returns to the States from Syria to reunite with her fellow classmates gathered in Martha’s Vineyard with the goal of finishing their documentary film. But what once began as a story about creating art to survive in a war torn country becomes personal as the classmates record themselves attempting the impossible: bringing the last member of their filmmaking crew home. Full of theatrical imagination, Pulp Vérité, plunges head first into the joy and terror of sharing stories about those monsters under our beds that never seem to go away… and the price that comes with the art of telling the truth. Shaun Peknic (associate director, ONCE) directs.

December 10-12 | 7:30PM

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Brooklyn Repertory Theatre presents the third production of our inaugural season, Chekhov’s Three Sisters. In keeping with the company’s mission, the play features a multiracial company. Directed by Victor Cervantes Jr. (Middle Voice Theater Company), our interpretation of this Russian classic takes place in present day New York and reflects the diverse world we live in today.

Directed by Victor Cervantes Jr.
Starring: Mike Turner, Elisabeth Ng, Anna Tempte, Tahirah Stanley, Ilinca Tuvene, Fabio Motta, Ran Levy, Alexander Lambie, Roberto Sanabria, Erick Betancourt, Robert Lee Leng, Stephen McFarlane, Renee Petrofes
Executive Producers: Owen Fitzpatrick, Caleb Ryan Forlong
Line Producer: Jaime Jaget (Middle Voice Theater Company)
Assistant Director: Alessandra Mesa
Stage Manager: Jacques Leon Decunto, Assistant Stage Manager: Anamari Mesa
Lighting Design: Jason Fok
Sound Design: Tom Mulvaney
Set Design: Victor Cervantes Jr., Props Design: Lisa Purrone

You can now purchase tickets on eventbrite HERE

WHERE

4th Street Theatre – 83 East 4th Street New York, NY 10003 – View Map

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“Defendant Maurice Chevalier,” is a period drama based on the true story of the famous French actor, singer, and entertainer Maurice Chevalier. The play was originally produced at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in 2015. The playwright, the director and most of the cast are Lee Strasberg alumni.

– Written by Alexis Chevalier

– Directed by Alex Notkin 

-Starring: LSFTI Alumni Ken Straus, Deanna Jelardy, Kian Kavousi, Matthew Serra, Sam Schall, Miah Kane, Ben Rademacher, Micah Stinson, Alexandra Kainoa, Frans Dam

 Synopsis: 

France, 1945. Condemned to death for collaboration with the Nazis, popular French singer Maurice Chevalier tells his side of the story to his accusers. Beginning with his departure from Hollywood to his return to the French stage until the end of World War II, he recalls ten years of his life. Between his relationship with his Jewish wife Nita whom he struggles to protect and his greatest successes in the darkest times, Chevalier is torn between the propaganda wars of the Nazis, the Collaborators and even the Resistance. But is he really a traitor?

Defendant Maurice Chevalier begins at American Theatre of Actors in the John Cullum Theatre (314 W. 54th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues) on Monday February 8 and runs thru Sunday February 21. Peformances are Monday thru Friday at 7PM, Saturday and Sunday at 2PM and 7PM. General admission is $35 and $25 for Strasberg Students.  

The 30% discount code on Smarttix for Strasberg Students is: STRASBERG

For tickets go to www.smarttix.com or call (212) 868-4444.

Crowdfunding page on Indiegogo.

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by Tommy Bernardi

A new video game for iOS called Peter Panic is the first ever fully fledged musical-mini-game-video game. The game was designed by James Marion, with book, music, & lyrics by Ben Bonnema, and produced/published by Adult Swim. The cast includes Broadway stars such as Emily Skeggs (Fun Home), Gideon Glick (Spring Awakening), Mykal Kilgore (Motown, PostmodernJukebox), Cicily Daniels (The Little Mermaid), Dylan Marron (Welcome to Night Vale, Every Word Spoken) Amanda Savan, Nikko Benson, and more! But Strasberg alum Remy Germinario (NYU ’12) leads the cast of voice actors, voicing the character of Peter, an aspiring young director who wants to bring theater back to his hometown.

We got the chance to chat with Mr. Germinario about Peter Panic and his involvement in the project.

Germinario first worked with the writer/composer/lyricists Ben Bonnema, a graduate of the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program at NYU Tisch, on a show of his called Boys Who Tricked Me at the Musical Theatre Factory last year. James Marion, the designer of Peter Panic, came to BWTM with an interest in Ben Bonnema to write for Peter Panic. “He saw me in the show, “ says Germinario “and thought I’d fit the role of Peter in the video game well and the rest is history!”

The recording process was, “incredibly joyous,” Germinario says. “James was a genius in building the world of Peter Panic so I was happy to jump into it and so grateful for the opportunity.” This was Germinario’s first voice over work and he loved the new challenges of the medium. “It really was a hard challenge relying solely on my voice. I tend to be a very physical actor both in body and facial expressions, so I’m still discovering how to translate that into this kind of work… My favorite thing about doing voice over work is the opportunity for new and broader possibilities of discovery and play.”

Peter Panic also gave Germinario the chance to work again with Ben Bonnema, creator of Boys Who Tricked Me. “I LOVED working with Ben on Boys Who Tricked Me, so we always had a blast hanging out in the recording studio. I think Ben’s music and lyrics are so unique and catchy, and our humors are very similar. Anything Ben writes for me, I just know exactly how he wants it delivered because he gets my voice and humor and I get his.”

Today, with Germinario’s rigorous New York actor schedule, he doesn’t get much chance to play video games (except from Peter Panic of course), but some old favorites were Banjo Kazooie for N64, Mario Party, Zelda, Spyro, and even Spiderman. “I didn’t actually play the game. I literally just used the game to swing around this computer generated landscape of Manhattan because I wanted to go there so bad… Sounds pretty lame but I have no shame.”

As far a sequel to Peter Panic, Germinario was glad to report: “Why, yes there is!…The segment that is on the app store now is Act 1 (very theatrical, no?) And Act 2 will be released a little later on this year. I don’t know the exact date, so stay tuned, but there will be many more mini games, musical numbers, plot twists, and some other great Broadway actors joining the team. Can’t wait!”

We at LSTFI could not be more thrilled for alum Remy Germinario.

More details are below:

PETER PANIC
Published by Adult Swim
Game Design by James Marion
Book, Music & Lyrics by Ben Bonnema

Download Game here

Download Soundtrack here

National TV Commercial:

The post LSTFI Alum Remy Germinario Leads New Musical Video Game Peter Panic appeared first on The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute.

by Tommy Bernardi

Our proud LSTFI alumni Brianne Howey just booked a series regular role in Fox’s new drama pilot ‘The Exorcist,’ a modern adaptation of William Blatt’s 1971 novel, which inspired the 1973 iconic horror film of the same name. Written by Jeremy Slater, this one-hour drama pilot is described as a propulsive, serialized psychological thriller following two very different men tackling one family’s case of horrifying demonic possession, and confronting the face of true evil. Howie will play Charlotte, a former ballet dancer; after a terrible accident she is now depressed and anti-social, so much so that her mother believes she might be possessed by a demon.

We are beyond proud of LSTFI alumna Brianne Howey! Keep up the good work!

Other LSTFI Alumni News:

From top left to bottom right: Alexandra Tomilina, Nicole Palermo, Amit Sadh, Anthony Ritosa, Bella Vendramini, Jane Elizabeth Walsh, Laura Dubois, Michelle Birnbaum

Alexandra Tomilina (’12):

Currently produces (since January 2013) method acting workshops, taught by Lola Cohen (a method acting teacher at the LSTFI in New York) in Moscow Russia at the Decameran Art Studio. (Moscow, Russia)

Amit Sadh (’11):

Involved in several Film and TV projects in India. Plays the lead role of Omi Shastri in Kai Po Che!, a feature film based on Chetan Bhagats best-selling novel, “Three Mistakes of My Life.”

Starring in the feature film Running Shaadi, directed by Amit Roy, to be released in early 2016

Starred in the feature film Guddu Rangeela, directed by Subhash Kapoor, released last year, in July 2015. Starring in the feature film Yaara, directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, to be released in early 2016. (India)

Anthony Ritosa (NYU ’12)

Starred in the world premiere of The Incredible Fox Sisters, a new play written by Jaclyn Backhaus, directed by Tyler Mercer last fall at the New Ohio Theatre.

Currently, Ritosa is staring in William Inge’s A Complex Evening, featuring a night of Inge’s rare One-Acts in their New York debut. It is being produced by the ReGroup Theatre Company and runs through March 20th at the TBG Theatre, 312 W 36th St, 3rd Flr. (New York NY)

Bella Vendramini (’07)

Hachette, Livre, an Australian publishing house, published the memoir “Biting the Big Apple” (2009), about her amazing experience studying at the Lee Strasberg Institute and living in New York. A sequel entitled “Naked in Public” was released in 2011.

Vendramini was nominated for the Fun and Fearless Woman of the Year Award by Cosmopolitan Magazine in 2008 and 2011. (Australia)

Jane Elizabeth Walsh (’07)

Starring in a feature-length film directed by Roger Sargent to accompany the new album ‘Night Thoughts’ by Britpop legends Suede, released on DVD in a special album package.

Walsh also won a Supporting Actress award at the prestigious Best Short Awards, LA (2015) for her role as Kim in ‘Every Second Sunday.’ It follows on from her Award in the same category at this year’s IndieFEST awards in LA in May. (United Kingdom)

Laura DuBois (’10)

Graduated from the Film Track Program at LSTFI and went on to become an award winning creative producer. She is the Co-Founder and Partner of Shooting Films, a New York based independent production company, which has made two award-winning films: “The Living” and “And After All”. Since the beginning of the company in early 2012, Laura has also actively been freelancing on films, commercials and music videos either as a producer, line producer, production manager or assistant director. (New York, NY)

Michal Birnbaum (’14):

Played the role of Toto in an adaptation of The Wizard of Oz by Kathryn Schultz Miller produced by the AlphaNYC Theatre Company. (New York, NY)

Nicole Palermo (NYU ’14):

Recently wrote, produced, and starred in a new web series called “Maude’s Fixins” through her brand new production company Talking Back Pictures. Check out their website here to watch all 5 episodes of season 1 of “Maude’s Fixins” and follow them on Facebook to stay in the loop for future projects. (New York, NY)

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Strasberg alumni Miles Teller (Whiplash, The Spectacular Now) and Kate Lyn Sheil (“House of Cards,” Green) are currently on set together in Atlanta filming the new feature film Thank You For You Service, directed by Jason Hall (actor/writer know for American Sniper), based on the novel by David Finkel. This film, Hall’s directorial debut, deals with how Post Traumatic Stress Disorder affects American servicemen and women after returning home from war. We can only imagine the Strasberg reminiscing they must be enjoying on set.

Strasberg alum Miles Teller’s career shows no sign of slowing down. Besides Thank You For Your Service we are most excited for the upcoming film Bleed For This, an inspirational story of World Champion Boxer Vinny Pazienza, who, after a near fatal car crash after which he didn’t even know if he would walk again, made one of the most incredible comebacks in all of sports.

Kate Lyn Sheil had another recent on-set Strasberg alumni pairing while filming the second and third seasons of Netflix’s runaway hit tv show “House of Cards.” Sheil played Lisa Williams, the love interest of Rachel Prosner, played by Strasberg alumna Rachel Brosnahan. We are so proud to see so many Strasberg alumni working, and it’s thrill when they get to share the stage or screen together.

Kate Lyn Sheil is also garnering praise for her recent film Kate Plays Christine, which received a special jury award and earned rave reviews premiering at Sundance this February. Kate Plays Christine is a documentary about the live on-air suicide of TV reporter Christine Chubbuck in 1974 in Sarasota, FL. However, this in not your normal documentary; filmmaker Robert Green followed Strasberg alumna Kate Lyn Sheil around as she prepared to play the role of Chubbuck, researching Chubbuck’s backstory, traveling to Sarasota, and reenacting scenes from her life.

Both Kate Lyn Sheil and Miles Teller, keep up the great work. It’s great to see our alumni working so hard and often.

Alumni News is curated by Tommy Bernardi.
Email him with updates.
tommy@strasberg.edu

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Now hiring interns for our 17th Summer Season of all-free Off Broadway Theatre!

Every year New York Classical offers hands-on training and experience to college students and emerging artists in the professional theatre. Positions are available in Stage Management, Costume/Wardrobe, and Production with the opportunity to attend 4-5 Master Classes taught by professional artists in such areas as Voice & Speech, Directing, Casting and Shakespeare’s Verse.

Visit website for more information on the intern program and application instructions!

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