Video Sampler of commercials and film trailers feat. Acting in Columbus students, staff and alumni

Passage - Marie Kamara Monk

Actress recalled for talent
Thursday, November 13, 2008
By Michael Grossberg
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Central Ohio actress Marie Kamara Monk, who appeared at Contemporary American Theatre Company, is being remembered for her talent and promise. Kamara, 33, died Saturday of complications from kidney disease.

"We were hoping that dialysis would correct her condition, but she took an unexpected turn," said her husband, Samuel Monk. The couple, who married in 2005, lived in Dublin.
"Her acting was her passion. It's what she did up until the very end, and it's what she wanted to do for the rest of her life," he said. "She loved working with everyone."

Monk received good reviews in the past two seasons for her CATCO roles, playing strong-minded Grace in The Piano Lesson, a single-minded mother dedicated to her son's future in Doubt and sassy Wanda in the musical Crowns. "She dug deeply into her characters and was very thoughtful about her performances, . . . which generated strong responses from critics and audiences," said CATCO Artistic Director Geoff Nelson, who directed her in Doubt.

Otterbein College professor Ed Vaughan, who directed The Piano Lesson, praised her professionalism and positive spirit. "What I liked most about Marie is she made me laugh and kept everyone loose. . . . She had a great smile when she came into the room, which made everyone smile." Monk also appeared at MadLab Theatre and in corporate films, training videos and TV commercials.

"She was a very sweet-spirited person who worked very hard in MadLab's Too Much Christmas," Artistic Director Chris Lane said. Acting teacher Kevin McClatchy, who appears frequently on TV shows shot in Los Angeles and New York, said Monk was "the kind of person you love to be able to teach because she was willing to try anything and talented enough to make it work. . . . For central Ohio theatergoers, it's a big loss because she was something special."

Monk, who worked as an executive recruiter and certified public accountant with Ajilon Finance, is survived by her husband, parents Albert and Mary Kamara of Dublin, brothers Ishmieal Kamara of Columbus and Albert Kamara of Maryland, and sister Ema Kamara of Maryland.
Viewing will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday and 12 to 1 p.m. Saturday, followed by a "celebration of life" memorial service at 1 p.m. Saturday at Rutherford Funeral Homes, 450 W. Olentangy St., Powell.

Donations in Monk's memory can be sent to the Lupus Foundation of America, 6119 E. Main St., Columbus.

Detroit: the new haven for Mid-West feature film production

After passing a comprehensive tax-incentive package earlier this year to lure film production to Michigan, the state is experience a big increase in film projects. In fact, the state has gone from having only a couple of movies filmed here each year to over 50. Some of the films in or near production in Michigan include a film directed by Drew Barrymore, Whip It; a Jack Black comedy, Ye Olde Times; and a zombie/buddy flick, Dead Heads (the zombies are the buddies).
The incentives package was not the state’s first attempt to break into the movies. Back in 1979, Michigan created the Michigan Film Office, an organization dedicated to attracting production companies and assisting them in securing locations for their films. The 1980s saw a bump in movie production in the state as a result, but 2008 saw a much bigger bump because of the tax breaks.

The 2008 tax incentives allow film producers a credit against Michigan's Business Tax in the amount of 40 to 42% of the production-related expenses incurred in the state. Additional incentives reward production companies that train Michigan residents to work on a film crew.

Over 120 movies have had a scene or two filmed in Michigan through the years. The film incentives package passed in 2008 by Michigan's legislature, however, will drastically increase film business for the state in coming years. List of current films shooting in Detroit:

• Whip It (In Production) Drew Barrymore directed movie starring Drew Barrymore, Ellen Page, Juliette Lewis and Jimmy Fallon


• Demoted (In Production) Comedy with Sean Astin and David Cross


• The Steam Experiment (In Production) Starring Val Kilmer


• Butterfly Effect 3 (In Production)


• Ye Olde Times (Anticipated Production) Comedy with Jack Black

Link to Michigan Film Office: http://www.michigan.gov/filmoffice

How to Break into Film Acting

PHOTO: Former student/LA resident Kate C.

There is no one sure way to become a successful film actor. In fact, there are as many different ways as there are actors. Each actor finds success in their own way, using luck, connections, and perseverance. There are, however, some basic tips that can help any new actor get their foot in the proverbial door. Here are some major issues you should consider:

(1) What do you want to be doing acting-wise five years from now? Seven years? Ten years? Will you be happy to act in local productions for no money? Or do you want to be paid to act? If you are considering a professional career in acting (i.e. if you want to be paid to do it), then you'll have to get on a dedicated career track.

2) How old are you? While there is no "right" age for a person to come into acting, your options -- particularly regarding training -- will be different the older you are. Perhaps you do not want to spend time in the university system so enroll in a la carte professional level acting training -- a scene study and a commercial audition class, perhaps an improv workshop.

Theater: Almost every city and town has at least one small community theater where local actors gather and put on performances. Central Ohio has a flourishing theatre scene and to get a sampling of what's available check out the TheatreRoundtable website (http://www.theatreroundtable.org/ ) or click on this link for a listing for theatres in Ohio: http://www.curtainrising.com/usa/usa_oh.php.

Take advantage of this opportunity, even if your primary interest is film and television. Acting is acting, and it changes very little between media. Any practice and exposure you get while doing community theater will only improve your chances of making it in the film industry. Also, many agents and casting directors attend plays and showcases in hopes of finding talented new actors. Remember, opportunities can come at any time.

Student Films: Is there a college in your hometown? If so, chances are they have some kind of film, media arts, or broadcasting program. Film students always need talented actors, and you could be just what they're looking for. They probably won't be able to pay you anything and the final product may not be that great, but the experience will be more than worth it. Just be sure to get a video copy of your performance and keep in contact with student director. Who knows... he or she may be the next Spielberg. Here is a list of some solleses who have film departments: Wright State, Dennison, Ohio University, and Toledo University to name a few.

Independent Films: Many low budget films can not afford to hire experienced actors and will hold open calls. You can find auditions for these kinds of productions in trade publications or even local newspapers. However, it's a good idea to be cautious when responding to these ads. Take a friend with you to the audition and know what you're getting into. Most small films are wonderful experiences, but others can be purely exploitive. Always use your best judgement. Be sure to check out the audition listings in this publication!

Get an Agent: After building credits and experience doing some or all of the things listed above, you should be ready to find an agent. Unless you live in a major city, this may be difficult. But even some smaller cities have reputable agents who submit their clients for commercials and the occasional film. (See sidebar for more details)

Be Persistent: You may be the most talented actor on the planet, but you'll never get anywhere without determination and hard work! Believe in yourself and never give up. If you want it, you can succeed in this business!

CORNHOLE: The Movie features local talent (Trailer)

Photo: Acting in Columbus Alumni Drew H. in make-up on the set of CORNHOLE: The Movie

Every summer hundreds of hardcore fans pour in from all over the Midwest to witness the most cut throat, competitive sport ever to be played on a back acre of farmland or at a family reunion – cornhole. The set up is simple, a board with a hole in the center, a few kernel filled bags and with a sweet toss victory is yours. The skill involved to be the best of the best, in a game many mistakenly believe better suited for a retirement community, is far more involved than the average person realizes.

“Cornhole: The Movie” follows four teams as they make there way to the National Cornhole Championship in Cincinnati, Ohio. CORNHOLE: The Movie was shot entirely in Cinninati featuring many Acting in Columbus Alumni. Posted below is the trailer and a shout out from Director Tim Clarke:

Hey Everybody,

Just wanted to drop you guys a line and let everyone know we are days away from finishing up with post production. Hooray!!!!! We couldn't have done it with out you. A BIG thanks. We are now entering the next phase of the process and want to duplicate the public relations success we had while we were filming. As part of an effort to get word out we have posted the Cornhole Trailer on Youtube!!!!! (See video player below)

I know many of you have seen it on the website but please visit Youtube whenever you need a chuckle or a "crotch chop" and PLEASE forward it to ALL your friends and family. The more hits we get the easier it will be to demonstrate that there is audience for the movie.

Thanks again!
-Tim Clarke Director

P.S. We couldn't have done it without you.

Upcoming Auditions

THEATRE

Martin Luther King Celebration (Televised Live!) seeks actors for the following roles:

Actor to play Martin Luther King

Black Woman: 30 –50 years old.

Black Man: 50 – 60 year old

Contact Richard Mason: actingincolumbus@yahoo.com

Columbus Children's Theatre

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Auditions December 8–9, 2008 running February 5 - 22, 2009

Contact Theatre for Details: www.colschildrenstheatre.org

Curtain Players

The Twilight of the Golds by Jonathan Tolis Directed by April Olt Auditions January 4 & 5, 2009

Contact Theatre for Details: www.curtainplayers.com

Emerald City Players
Messiah on the Frigidaire By: John CulbertsonDirected by: Brian Cheslik Auditions: Sunday, November 23, 2008 - 7:00 PM Monday, November 24, 2008 - 7:00 PM

Contact Theatre for Details: http://www.emeraldcityplayers.com/audition.htm

FILM

Productions Assistants needed for a new reality show on November 13 through the 16th. MUST have vehicle and valid drivers license as well as insurance. Prior experience preferred.

Send resumes to jack@nashtownmedia.com.
Location: Ray, OH Compensation: 125/day

Upcoming Classes and Workshops.

Eight-Week Scene Study for Beginners - Saturdays beginning January 24 - March 7, 2009 $200

No matter what the medium, acting principles are the same, and scene study is the place to learn them. This is the Mother Ship, the arena where you work on acting as a craft and art form, developing acting techniques you will be able to use anywhere

Actors are assigned scenes which they rehearse outside of class for presentation in class. Stage plays comprise the primary source material. This workshop also presents a good opportunity to prepare monologues that you will need to use in the industry.

At the end of this eight-week course students present their scenes and monologues at our public STUDENT SHOWCASE.

To register please click on this link: http://actingincolumbusdregistrationform.blogspot.com/

On-Camera Workshop - Introduction to Acting for the Camera - January 17, 2009 12-8pm $200

Learn how to audition for and break into the local commercial and industrial industry. If you already have an agent but want to increase your "Bookability" this workshop will give you the edge over your competitors! This workshop will give you experience with the actual audition/filming process (See sidebar for details)

Acting for Film - January 24 - March 7, 2008 $200

This intermediate level class, ideal for actors who have some training and/or previous experience, offers a focused introduction to the process. Actors work, stage, and shoot several film scenes during the eight-week session. We work in depth on concepts central to the actor's role development for film. We use Shurtleff's 12 Guideposts as our basic text to help students make strong choices with a wide variety of scenes. Your ability to make active, personal choices is essential for dynamic auditions and performances.

To register please click on this link: http://actingincolumbusdregistrationform.blogspot.com/

CLICK ON THE VIDEO PLAYER BELOW TO SAMPLE EIGHT LOCAL, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL COMMERCIALS FEATURING ACTING IN COLUMBUS STUDENTS, STAFF AND ALUMNI

CRAFT NOTES by ED HOOKS

"Avoiding conflict"

In acting, you want to make choices that get you into the most trouble because that makes the acting experience richer. This actually runs counter to the impulses most of us have in life, however. We generally want to make nice, to compromise and to get along. In my classes, I joke at times, "Audiences don't go to the theatre to see people get along; they go to see people get it on!"

I am not suggesting that scenes should turn into fistfights, only that you be better off if you find the conflict. The word "conflict" in acting is not necessarily a negative thing. You can be in conflict about whether to eat the apple pie or the blueberry pie, whether to wear the blue dress or the tan pants suit. You can be in conflict about whether to take that vacation in Paris or in Mexico. Actually, "conflict" in theatrical terms is a synonym for "obstacle", and both of those words are inherent in "negotiation." The presence of conflict is a major distinction between theatrical reality and regular on-the-street reality.

Actors learn that conflict is their good friend. In life, we take classes in "conflict resolution". Psychiatrists will teach us how to be non-confrontational in our dealings with one another, how to just be happy people. Actors, by contrast, are always looking for the cutting edge in a scene.

Remember, there are only three possible kinds of conflict: (1) conflict with yourself, (2) conflict between characters and (3) conflict with the situation. At least one of them needs to be there all the time, and you can have more than one. Again, let me stress that conflict in theatrical terms is not necessarily negative. It is not necessarily a painful thing. It is better to think of conflict as a kind of cutting edge, something to work against. In life, we seek ways to relax and not to have conflict. In acting, we learn that conflict is our ally.

BOOK OF THE MONTH

AUDITION by Michael Shurtleff

The casting director for Chicago, Pippin, Becket, Gypsy, The Graduate, the Sound of Music and Jesus Christ Superstar tells you how you can find your dream! Absolutely everything an actor needs to know to get the part is here: What to do that moment before, how to use humour; create mystery; how to develop a distinct style; and how to evaluate the place, the relationships and the competition. In fact, Audition is a necessary guide to dealing with all the "auditions" we face in life. This is the bible on the subject.