I have had a great year in terms of the number of wonderful young actors I have come in contact with and had the pleasure of coaching/teaching in class.
What overwhelms me about child/teen actors is their lack of competitiveness. They truly want all others to succeed. They feel almost lonely without others being as successful as they are and truly wish to share this joy. I wonder where this falls by the wayside for some actors…not that the competitive spirit is always a bad thing – some actors thrive in its presence..but others, like flowers, shrink. Perhaps because children are constantly forced to share – share their toys, share their thoughts, share their discontent – this constant awareness of the world at large creates a generous artist. What a pleasure to enjoy. What a wonderful world it is full of this generous little souls. After all, there is work for all actors, of all dimensions. Why not think of each and every success as a feat for all actors? Interested in studying at the studio? Join us on Saturday, May 22 at 12:00 pm for a 90 minute information session where you can learn in depth about the techniques that are being taught and the classes we offer.
Call (323)630-0798 to register or email us at info@tesskirschacting.com. Space is limited and RSVP is required. Address: 7461 Beverly Blvd., Ste. 401 Los Angeles, CA 90036 Come have some refreshments and check out Tess Kirsch Acting Classes. I will be teaching teens in Baltimore in March and am really looking forward to it!!
I am really excited to see what students on the East Coast are focusing on and how our casting world compares to theirs!! I anticipate lots of Q and As about what goes on in La La land!! I can’t wait to hear their impressions. Look for video of our Baltimore Spring Break weekend, coming soon!!! Tess Kirsch’s One Day Adult Intensive – Warm up for PILOT SEASON
We will be doing an ADULT ON-CAMERA INTENSIVE ON JANUARY 17, 2009 from 12 to 3 pm. ONE DAY INTENSIVE COVERS: * BASIC approach to sides * FINDING your voice for any audition room * SCRIPT breakdown * TELLING the story rather than “planning how your story will go” as you audition for a job. * MAKING BOLD CHOICES in story, given who you are and what YOU uniquely bring to your reality!! * ALL ON CAMERA, EVERYONE WORKS FREE BUT YOU MUST RESERVE your spot. Limited number of spots available. To enroll, simply go to enrollment page and type in the FREE SUNDAY INTENSIVE. You will be confirmed via email or phone. Be sure to fill out the entire form!! SPACE IS LIMITED I have recently been looking at a lot of books/other media regarding the study of “great” acting. Being primarily a kids/teens coach for the last 9 years, many folks have asked me, “Why study? Can’t I learn what I need to when I book my first job?”
These are good questions, particularly in a recession. Hopefully whomever these questioning souls commit to as a coach/teacher will NOT teach them to act, but rather to accept. We spend our lives learning what is right and what is wrong. We learn to not “show” others how upset/hurt/angry we might feel so as not to give ourselves away. Film/TV require the opposite of this. We must be willing to show ourselves, no matter how scary that might be. A great coach will teach you to accept yourself in and out of the story. A great teacher teaches you to tell your story in the way that only you can tell it. So why study? Study so that you believe in your abilities as a storyteller. Study so that when you book that job, and all the others to follow it, you don’t spend ANY TIME on set wondering how in the world you got the job and how soon they will figure out that you can’t find your sea legs…. or set legs if you will. Study so that you believe in yourself. Study so that you don’t act at all..you simply exist in the story. Study to be a great storyteller and NOT a great actor… It’s December 31, 2009 and it has been a big year for so many. 2009 inducted a new president, economic challenges, shifts in the film/TV industry, eyeopeners for many who felt they had “control” of situations that they indeed did not and of course beginnings of new lives for many, creatively, spiritually and physically.
I am making an early New Year’s wish. I hope that 2010 becomes the year of acceptance. I have so many students criticizing themselves for not booking, for not getting called in for a project, for not being so-and-so on that TV show. All that is meant to be will be..in time. Thanks for a great year!!! Tess Kirsch It’s Christmas time and the business has slowed a bit, giving me time to buy those last minute gifts on my list. Of course, I have lost the list, but nevertheless….I remember the few that really got my attention. My husband has had a great request – that I buy him a mini-sax from the man down in Venice Beach. This is an elusive fellow. He has no website, no actual shop and is very rarely on the boardwalk. I did some internet research and found a great youtube video on this very gent:
I have now made it my mission to get this mini-sax. I won’t feel good about my husband’s stocking without it. In addition to my control issues, I know that my husband will deem this his greatest christmas gift. I will keep you posted on this sax pursuit. Of course, if any of you listeners (I have secret dreams of being a radio talk host) know the mini-sax man, please email me. He has something I need!! Check out our January Foundation Intensive – Great for new students who need to learn the breakdown process and on-camera techniques. This is also a great refresher for those who are a bit rusty. Happy 2010!!
I have watched the fall blow in as our world goes up in smoke. I was shooting reel today with a client on the streets of LA and thought…there is no end to what one’s determination can create/fight/extinguish. I am amazed at “Oh, how far you will go” if you simply ask for what you want. My client did this and now she is shooting a film, creating a reel and putting up a fantastic website, all in one month.
The fires will go out on the hills because the human souls fighting it WILL it to end…WILL your career to go up in a beautiful smoke of fire. It can happen…I’ve seen it. We have a two Fall Intensives scheduled. Get back in the game!! It’s time to get those acting chops a-chomping!!!
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