VANCOUVER PRODUCTION BOOMING AGAIN THANKS TO B.C.'S MANAGEMENT OF PANDEMIC: STUDIO HEAD
British Columbia’s ability to stem the spread of COVID-19 by having strong public safety orders in place also makes it a compelling destination, but Mitchell says 99 per cent of workers in the area right now are from British Columbia. https://www.citynews1130.com/2020/09/23/vancouver-film-booming-bc-pandemic-management/
THEATRE IN THE TIME OF COVID: VANCOUVER SEASONS MIX SCALED-BACK LIVE PLAYS WITH SCALED-UP DIGITAL STREAMING
Will audiences show up for limited-capacity shows? Will they pay for online productions? The Firehall, the Cultch, and other venue-based companies are about to find out. https://www.createastir.ca/articles/theatre-covid-season
CANADA JUST DOMINATED THE EMMYS — AND WE SHOULD ALL GIVE A SCHITT
The wins shine an international spotlight on something many of us here in Canada have known for a long time: we make great television. It can be a catalyst for more money being put into Canadian television production, and for more eyes around the world to take in what we're already producing. https://www.cbc.ca/arts/canada-just-dominated-the-emmys-and-we-should-all-give-a-schitt-1.5732138
VANCOUVER ART SCHOOLS FACE CHALLENGES HEAD ON DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Because acting, musical theatre, voice, dance and movement are all very much based on having the room to move as well as having others in the room to watch and interact with you, this model was best. It gives the experience to try things out online and in-person and it’s going great. https://vancouversun.com/entertainment/vancouver-art-schools-face-challenges-head-on-during-covid-19-pandemic
JASON MOMOA SLAMS WARNER BROS. AMID ‘JUSTICE LEAGUE’ INVESTIGATION: ‘THIS S— HAS TO STOP’
On Sept. 8, the “Aquaman” star first showed support for Ray Fisher and his allegations of “abusive” and “unprofessional” behavior from director Joss Whedon and producers Geoff Johns and Jon Berg while filming “Justice League.” Momoa was the first “Justice League” star to show solidarity with Fisher, posting to his Instagram Story with the hashtag #IStandWithRayFisher. https://variety.com/2020/film/news/jason-momoa-justice-league-ray-fisher-allegations-1234769729/
HOLLYWOOD UNIONS REACH DEAL WITH STUDIOS ON SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR RESTARTING PRODUCTION
“Guiding principles include strictly enforced testing regimens and safety protocols, a zone-based system, and diligent use of personal protective equipment,” the unions said. “The new measures will be implemented by employers in order to minimize the risk of transmission.” https://variety.com/2020/film/news/hollywood-unions-studios-safety-protocols-restart-1234778179/
BAFTA UNVEILS DIVERSITY REVIEW RESULTS
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has unveiled the results of a historic seven-month diversity review, which includes the expansion of the outstanding British film category to 10 nominations; a key longlisting round across all categories that aims to level the playing field in acting and directing in particular; and the introduction of 1,000 new members from underrepresented groups. https://variety.com/2020/film/awards/bafta-awards-diversity-review-results-2020-1234782301/
AN AUDITION TEACHER’S 3 STEPS FOR GETTING READY TO RETURN TO WORK
Since March, we’ve all had our lives and our expectations, not to mention our emotions, shaken. Now, work is starting to come back but there’s no need to panic or to try to regain some sort of pre-COVID normal. It’s time to take a look inside ourselves and attempt to find out where you are now and what you need to be ready. https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/an-audition-teachers-steps-for-getting-ready-to-return-to-work-71763/
EVERY ACTOR SHOULD FOLLOW ANSON BOON’S AUDITION ADVICE
My parents always used to say to me that there’s no point putting yourself down, because enough people will do it for you. This is something that I always try to bear in mind at work. Never beat yourself up. Be your biggest supporter and I firmly believe that if you work hard and believe it will happen, it will. https://www.backstage.com/uk/magazine/article/blackbird-anson-boon-71756/
MANAGING A GREAT ZOOM CALLBACK
Pandemic or no pandemic, virtual callbacks are quickly becoming the norm. While this may be exciting for those who don’t want to leave the comfort of their home, it comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some tips to help keep things professional during a zoom callback. https://news.castingnetworks.com/5-tips-to-managing-a-great-zoom-callback/
UPCOMING
TRAINING
ROGUES WEST ACTORS STUDIO
With studios in Vancouver and Calgary, the Rogues name is synonymous with the highest calibre of training and we have been training and mentoring actors for over 25 years. The online platform has proven to be a powerful and dynamic medium for developing relationship, character and creating complex human performances. Our next session of studio and online classes starts September 14th – email us for more info and book your intro meeting with Christiane Hirt! rogueswest@gmail.com | www.rogueswest.ca
A SHORT HISTORY OF JAZZ VIOLIN
November 16 – December 11, 2020
WHERE: Online | FOR: All ages
FROM: SFU Continuing Studies Liberal Arts Program
Learn about the role of the violin in the creation of jazz, and the significance of this instrument as a meeting place between the music of Africa and Europe. Internationally recognized jazz violinist Kit Eakle will examine the amazing breadth of African-American violinists and their contributions, and discuss the limiting nature of racial, cultural and musical genre-based stereotypes. https://www.sfu.ca/continuing-studies/courses/lib/232-short-history-of-jazz-violin.html
DISCOVERING SHARON POLLOCK, CANADA’S MOST IMPORTANT WOMAN PLAYWRIGHT
October 19 – November 13, 2020
WHERE: Online | FOR: All ages
FROM: SFU Continuing Studies Liberal Arts Program
Explore one of Canadian theatre's largest and most compelling bodies of work, with protagonists from Marilyn Monroe to Lizzie Borden, and settings from the Canadian "Wild West" to Guantanamo Bay. Theatre director and instructor Annie Smith takes you through a retrospective of award-winning Canadian playwright, actor, director and theatre administrator, Sharon Pollock. https://www.sfu.ca/continuing-studies/courses/lib/229-discovering-sharon-pollock.html
RAILTOWN ACTORS STUDIO
With a capacity allowance for 35 people, we are keeping our classes small at 8 to 10 students. All safety protocols are in place and we're ready to adjust at any time to move all classes to Zoom if and when that's necessary.
More Fall Semester Classes are open for registration with start dates in October and November:
* Friday and Sunday "Acting on Film" with John Cassini.
* Scene Study Classes with Ed Foy and Frank Cassini.
* A NEW Scene Study / Film Class with Jennifer Copping.
All Class Details: www.railtownactors.com/classes
Coaching and tapings available: www.railtownactors.com/coaching
LET’S TALK ABOUT THE FUTURE OF CANADIAN THEATRE
November 16 – December 11, 2020
WHERE: Online | FOR: All ages
FROM: SFU Continuing Studies Liberal Arts Program
Theatre is deeply embedded in our culture and society, and it’s been a wild and challenging year for all of us. Join theatre director, actor, choreographer and instructor Sarah Ferguson to delve into the impacts on theatre of COVID-19, systemic racism, the politics that surround what theatre productions and funding, and our national identity. How can Canadian theatre respond, and what is its future? https://www.sfu.ca/continuing-studies/courses/lib/233-future-of-canadian-theatre.html
BIZ STUDIO: ONLINE PROFESSIONAL FILM+TV ACTING CLASSES FOR KIDS+TEENS
Biz Studio has a seventeen-year track record of training young actors who work regularly in film and television.
Classes are like small-group personal training, and take a maximum of six students so that instructors can work with each actor to give them what they need. This is the place for young actors ready to take their work to the next level! http://www.bizstudio.ca/classes
DIALECT COACHING - TONY ALCANTAR
Hollywood producers trust Tony with their stars: Oscar winners Mel Gibson, Halle Berry, Billy Bob Thornton, Emmy winner Martin Freeman plus A-listers Sam Rockwell, Vince Vaughn, Joel Edgerton, Bob Odenkirk, Nathan Fillion, Stellan Skarsgard and MANY MORE. You can trust him too.
* Tony is Vancouver's #1 dialect coach recommended by agents and casting directors. Learn with confidence the most requested accents and dialects for the Vancouver market.
Book that role!
Contact: 604-418-1192, info@tonyalcantardialect.com, www.tonyalcantar.com
UPCOMING EVENTS
VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
September 24 – October 7
Film lovers will enjoy over 100 feature films and events showcasing exciting, groundbreaking and provocative cinema and creators from around the globe. Audiences across BC can watch VIFF curated cinema and viewers around the world can tune into our Talks and Conferences. https://www.viff.org
COVID-19 RISKS AND PRECAUTIONS FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
September 30
Hosted by the National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health, this presentation will review current understanding of the key risks associated with the performing arts sector, and the precautions for minimizing risks of COVID-19 transmission in various settings. https://ncceh.ca/content/ncceh-environmental-health-seminar-series
VANCOUVER IMPROV FESTIVAL
September 30 – October 4
Our 22nd annual festival returns online! Workshops, shows, and a panel, with guests from all around the globe. https://vancouverimprovfest.com
COALITION OF SOUTH ASIAN FILM FESTIVALS
Oct 3 - 17
A first of its kind event that brings together seven well-established South Asian film festivals across North America. The virtual festival will run for 15 days featuring free online screenings of latest films and web content, along with Q&As with the creators. https://tasveer.org/cosaff
COLD READING SERIES
October 5
Join us for a Live-Stream Zoom, from the Havana Theatre. Scripts with small/er casts will be featured. To maximize social distancing, we do not anticipate any in-person audience. http://www.coldreadingseries.com
