Actress Jennifer Coolige had to repeat Basic three times before they let her move up to Level Two. So as we were finishing up our last class session, I began steeling myself for the possibility of repeating the intro course.
At the end of class, our instructor set out a sign-up sheet and pen whilst the seething horde of students high on improv and caffeine literally wrestled for pole position. I struggled to scratch out my initials on the legal pad while my legs were being held in the air and I was being dragged away by an actor who played serial killer Norman Bates in a haunted house (and you think I'm kidding about this). Despite this grandiose effort, I was only able to secure my place in the middle of the pack (#5 of 12).When I finally met with my instructor, she let me know that I was ready to move on to Level Two. Yippee! I was quite flattered when she said the following of my work:
"You take really good care of your scene partners, which is what this is all about. You are very good about taking care of the who, what, where and you've always got solid character work. You're talented and you're funny, which is something that I can't teach, so good for you. I hope that you go through the rest of the Groundlings program, you're entertaining to watch."
Unfortunately when I went to register for the Level Two class, all of the slots were filled and I signed up for the sketch comedy writing class instead. I'm excited to do more work with The Groundlings, I'm learning a ton and I feel like I'm a much better comic actor as a result.
3 comments:
Yays! Someday maybe you'll even be as good as Pork Chop!
Donovan, it's eerie how many time a google search has led me back to your blog. This time it was "Dallas Travers" + "Career Cooperative," http://www.google.com/search?num=100&hl=en&safe=off&client=safari&rls=en-us&q=%22dallas+travers%22+%22career+cooperative%22&btnG=Search which netted FOUR hits.
Are you still working with Dallas? Also noticed you mentioned Groundlings (two years ago). I'm considering moving over there. I did audition & get into Level 1. Are you still there?
Hey Cat,
I'm not working with Dallas at the moment, but I have been tempted to schedule a session with her. She is very much on her game and will help you plot some sensible next steps for your career that will make you feel like your doing something productive, not just busy work. In addition, she has a knack for finding ways to market yourself which embrace one's flourish for the creative. Her basic philosophy is "do less, more often."
The Creative Career Co-op was good, but it got a little vag-tastic at times. 1/3 of it was really great marketing advice, 1/3 of it was establishing a framework for setting and pursuing goals, but 1/3 devolved into what felt like a women's support group where folks were crying, hugging, and giving each other permission to pursue their acting careers.
If you've got the money and feel like you need a change in the way you are handling your career, my advice would be to sign up for the co-op. Just take what works and leave what doesn't, there's gonna be a lot of stuff that doesn't resonate with you but the stuff that does is really key.
As far as The Groundlings go, I feel like they offer the best training around. They're expensive as hell, but the instructors are all incredibly sharp and don't fuck around when it comes to observing your work and giving insightful notes. It can feel pretty competitive there, especially as you move up the ranks - but I feel like that's actually a productive thing. Again, if you've got the money it's really great improv training.
I've also heard good things about the Upright Citizens Brigade training program. My impression is that their work is more "writerly" in nature. Lots of really smart, funny people are working there. But their character work isn't nearly as strong as The Groundlings. That said, the writing program at The Groundlings is very much sink or swim, so UCB might be the better choice if that's your area of interest.
Email me your phone number if you want to talk more about this.
Post a Comment