ARTS AND CULTURE ADVOCATES CRITICIZE BC BUDGET
B.C. arts and culture advocates have expressed dismay over what the province's new budget means for the sector. Chong's ministry estimates spending on arts, culture, and sport will be $20.9 million for 2012-2013, down around $59,000 from 2011-2012. The province plans to keep that funding level at $20.9 million until 2014-2015.
http://www.straight.com/article-612191/vancouver/arts-and-culture-advocates-criticize-bc-budget

FOR NEW RELEASES IN CANADA, IT'S STILL THE BIG SCREEN OR NOTHING
"Cineplex would not show a movie that would be going to [premium VOD] earlier than the traditional windows," said Pat Marshall, vice-president of communications and investor relations for Cineplex Entertainment. A growing number of distributors believe that's closed-minded.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/television/for-new-releases-in-canada-its-still-the-big-screen-or-nothing/article2346701/

HOMEGROWN COP SERIES JUST GETS DARKER
Bleaker than a Canadian midwinter morning, the edgy homegrown series has maintained a relatively low-key presence on premium cable for three seasons. Much like The Wire, the show unfolds under the guise of a routine crime drama, but in the process it creeps into nasty little corners of the human psyche. This is not family viewing.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/television/homegrown-cop-series-just-gets-darker/article2348824/

FORMER 90210 ACTRESS GIVEN GREEN LIGHT TO SUE BC FILM COMPANY
Los Angeles actor Gabrielle Carteris, known for playing Andrea Zuckerman on the TV show Beverly Hills 90210, has won a workers' compensation ruling giving her the right to pursue a lawsuit against a film company in B.C. Supreme Court over injuries she suffered in February 2006.
http://www.theprovince.com/news/Former+90210+actress+given+green+light+film+company/6201148/story.html

CANADIAN ACTRA AWARDS NAME CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER BEST ACTOR
The veteran Canadian stage and screen star on Saturday night was named best actor by ACTRA Toronto, a branch of the Canadian performers union, for his star-turn in the Canadian indie movie Barrymore.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/canadian-actra-awards-name-christopher-295070

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UPCOMING TRAINING

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TARLINGTON TRAINING, SPRING BREAK BOOTCAMP!
March 19th to 23rd
A Week long workout, designed for young actors of all skill levels who want to spend the day doing what they love - Acting. An intensive week of work to sharpen your skills! Places limited. www.tarlingtontraining.com for more information. Call (604) 664 0315 to register.
About Tarlington Training - Vancouver's most respected Youth Actor Training, we offer a variety of Programs, from very young actors to young adults, beginner to working professional. Our instructors can challenge and support you to improve your acting skills and give you honest, reliable advice on your career.

CHICAGO-STYLE DROP-IN IMPROV JAM WITH SECOND CITY ALUM TONY ALCANTAR
Ongoing Saturdays, 12pm-3pm, $12
Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts, 900 Helmcken at Hornby
Chicago is the capital of improv; do it like they do there! No silly teams, refs or whistles...just high end improvisational exercises, games and scene work to keep you learning while laughing! Bonus: after every class, you'll be treated to a live improv performance by The Windy City Women!
"Alcantar made me laugh out loud!" - Chicago Sun-Times "A standout comic!" - Edmonton Journal.
Guarantee your spot: tonyalcantar1960@gmail.com, 604-418-1192 or first come, first serve. All levels welcome.

SOUNDSWRITE WORKSHOPS
*NEW! Cartoon Double Teacher Feature Mar 16/17: "Improv for Cartoons" w/Tony Alcantar (Second City Chicago) plus "Killer Cartoon Characters" w/Alan Marriott ("Planet 51", "Bob the Builder")
*Intro to V/O March 24/25: Spend hours in our professional studio voicing commercials, narrations, cartoons, ADR, and Walla. Learn about our industry, where to find, work and how to set up a home studio. Includes fully produced spot for your demo. Max 5 students = Max mic time.
*NEW! Fully Coached Demos. Copy, coaching and production to make a lasting impression.
Info at: http://www.soundswrite.ca 604-985-5532.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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CHUTZPAH! FESTIVAL
February 11 - March 4
The Chutzpah! Festival is a dynamic multi-disciplinary performing arts festival featuring both established and emerging professional artists from across Canada and around the world.
http://chutzpahfestival.com

TALKING STICK FESTIVAL
February 20 - March 4
This vibrant citywide festival provides a stage for extraordinary Aboriginal artists; established and emerging, national and international, performing live music, dance, theatre, multi-media, storytelling and performance art.
http://fullcircleperformance.ca/content.asp?ChapterID=2&SubchapterID=5&PageID=4&portal=1

VANCOUVER WOMEN IN FILM FESTIVAL
March 8 - March 11
The 7th annual festival kicks off on International Women's Day with a talented line-up of Canadian, US and International women filmmakers. The VWIFF will showcase six features and over 50 short films.
http://www.womeninfilm.ca/filmfestival.html

GVPTA MEMBERS UNIFIED GENERAL AUDITIONS
April 19-20
Audition once and get seen by a large group of directors who are actively casting shows and projects taking place in the coming season. Qualifying auditions are necessary for non-equity actors. You must be a paid member of GVPTA to audition.
http://www.gvpta.ca/unified-general-auditions/