Mosaic Acting Academy
Voted Sacramento's Outstanding Training Resource for Actors

Auditions, Announcements, and Other News
for February 8  
Greetings!
Alyssa Montalbano
 Wow!  It's hard to believe how fast 2011 is flying by!  I've been buried in "stuff" for the past several weeks and out of touch with you - I apologize, staying in touch with you is important.  Among other things I've been rehearsing for the Northern California premier of Dave William's (formerly at KFBK) wonderful play "There should be Roses".  We open this Friday night at the Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom.  More info is below.
Now down to business . . .

The last couple of newsletters I've been writing about character development.  (If you're new, check the archives.)

Last time we wrote about how a character's Physical History can shape and affect an actor's performance.  Every character also has an Intellectual History which can determine how you (the character) sees the world.  What kind and how much education do you have?  There's a big difference in how a person with a PHD and a person who dropped out of grade school speak and act.  Some times there are clues in the script, such as the character's grammar.  Do you say "It don't mean nothing," when you mean "It doesn't mean anything?"  One is proper grammar, the other isn't.  Which is appropriate for your character?  What kind of books do you read?  What kind of music do you like?  Do you watch "reality" shows, or do you prefer public TV?  Are you a Movie person or a Theater person, or do you attend both? Those are things that can help shape your character, so give them some thought.  Every character also has an Emotional History, but we'll cover that next time.

But now, a word from our sponsors, and some news.


Charlie
 
Here's a Special Offer  . . . Enrollments close soon, so hurry!

THE MOSAIC ACTING ACADEMY

Voted Sacramento's Outstanding Training Resource for Actors

PRESENTS

 

"ALPHA COLD-READING TECHNIQUE"

 

SATURDAYS FROM 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

FEBRUARY 12 - MARCH 5


It's Simple . . . Good Cold-Readers get the job! 

There are two skills and actor must learn in order to work in movies and TV - Cold Reading and Improvisation.  Unlike Theater auditions, which often request monologues, Movie and TV auditions don't generally use prepared memorized material. In this class you will learn a technique of the Mosaic Acting System that allows you to use the subjective mind to quickly create a character with depth and substance, rather than just trying to "learn the words". These same tools can then be used to create a character for Screen, Stage or any type of performance. As the class progresses, we cover cold reading and audition techniques, as well as scene and monologue work. As the class size is limited to a minimum of 8 and maximum of 12 new students, pre-registration by the Monday before the class is required. This class will be presented on four consecutive Saturdays from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Tuition is $300, and includes an audio CD. (Repeat fee for prior students $200)

To register, send your minimum $150 deposit to: Charlie Holliday, PO Box 1142, Rancho Cordova, CA 95741-1142, or to register with your Credit Card or PayPal account click here

or you may call 916.361.0952, or send your $150 deposit to:
Charlie Holliday, P.O. Box 1142, Rancho Cordova, CA 95741-1142

******************************
Visit www.charlieactor.com for more class schedules.
Special Audition Skills Workshop

The Audition Skills Workshop at Back 2 One was a big success!

Thanks to all who attended.  It sold out very quickly, so we'll be having another one soon.  Watch this space for details.

Thanks again,

Ric & Charlie


In This Issue
Classes and Special Events
Film Auditions and News
Theatre Audition Notices
Current Theatre Productions and Other News
IMPROV Tuesdays 7:30 - 10:00 PM
Mosaic Acting "Gear"
Join our Mailing List!

About choosing a class . . . 

Although tuition for Charlie's classes at the Mosaic Acting studio is very reasonable,  when deciding whom you want to study with there are a lot more things to consider than just the price.   The first thing I do is look up the instructor on IMDb.com.  That will tell me what they have actually done.   Do their credits consist of a couple of independent films that they wrote and/or directed?  Have they only been in "kid shows" on Nickelodeon or Disney?  Is their background only in theater?  I want to work with someone who has worked with major directors and has appeared with "A list" actors. There is a reason why Charlie Holliday has been voted Sacramento's Outstanding Training Resource for Actors time after time.   

Check all the classes at www.charlieactor.com 



Film Auditions and News . . .
Spinning Movie Reel
It's usually a bit slow this time of year, but here's what's happening . . . If you know of anything going on, let me know and I'll post it.

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Local startup Production Company is casting for its first promotional 7  minute family-comedy-adventure movie.

 Independent Promotional Video

 Casting will be held on Tuesday, February 8 and Tuesday, February 15 from 7pm
- 9pm at the Villagio Luxury Apartment Club House, 4101 Innovator Drive,
 Sacramento, CA 95834
.
 
GERMAN FAMILY AUDITIONS 7:00 pm - 7:30 pm:
 
German Caucasian male early 40s who has blond hair and blue eyes. Must be
 bilingual with English and German. Please come dressed European.
 German Caucasian female mid 30 to early 40 who has blond hair and blue eyes.
 Must be bilingual with English and German. Please come dressed European.
 German Caucasian female 11-13 years old who has blond hair and blue eyes.  Must be bilingual with English and German. Please come dressed European.
 German Caucasian male 9-11 years old who has blond hair and blue eyes. Must
 be bilingual with English and German. Please come dressed European.
 German Caucasian male 5-6 years old who has blond hair and blue eyes. Must
 be bilingual with English and German. Please come dressed European.
 

 TEAM DUDE (High School Team) AUDITIONS 7:45 pm - 8:15 pm:

Mexican or Samoan male who will play a Senior in High School Average
 Caucasian male who is the leader of Team Dude, a Senior in High School
 Average Caucasian male who is a Senior in High School

  ILLEGAL LANDSCAPE TEAM AUDITIONS 8:30 pm - 9:00 pm:

 Zulu male 30 - 40 year old who is no shorter 6'5". Must be bilingual with
 English and tribal African Language, prefer the languages of Bantu or
Maasai). Please bring authentic clothing. 
Korean male 30 - 40 years old who is no taller than 5'4." Must be bilingual
 with English and Korean. Come dressed in something one would see from North
Korea
.
 East Indian male 30 - 40 years old. Must be bilingual with English and Hindu
 or Pashtu. Please come dressed in turban.
 Ukrainian male 30 - 40 years old. Must be bilingual with English and
 Ukrainian. Please come dressed in clothes worn in Ukraine.
 
BAD GUY AUDITION 8:30 pm - 9:00 pm:
 
James Bond type British male mid 30.
 
This is a nonpaying acting commitment with film dates projected to be
 Saturday and Sunday, February 19 -20 and Saturday and Sunday February 26-27.
 Shooting Schedule will be sent out Thursday, February 17.
 
Be prepared to leave your headshot and resume.
 
For more information contact Jay at:   [email protected] or Phone:  (916) 753-7462.

Cindy Schmidt, Secretary

West Sacramento Community Theater

Board of Directors

 

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Casting Notice - SAG 

 

Beau Bonneau Casting is seeking members who can portray individuals of Nordic or  Spanish ethnicity, 18 years and older for background work on the HBO film "Hemingway and Gellhorn" starring Clive Owen and Nicole Kidman, directed by Philip Kaufman ("Twisted," "Quills," "The Right Stuff"). This wartime story takes place in the 1930s-40s. The San Francisco Bay Area will be the backdrop for other countries (i.e. Finland and Spain). Background needs are very specific and everyone must be approved from photos by the director.

 

Seeking actors who are able to portray the following types (Local Hires only):

Finnish/Nordic appearing: 1930s-40s Finland, to portray Finn people in wartime rushing to shelter.  Must appear of Finnish/Nordic descent, for example,  fair skin, natural, lighter hair colors:  blonde, brown, or red and preferably light eyes with lean to average physique to reflect wartime and physically able to scurry away, run etc.   No chunky highlights, asymmetrical or ultra modern haircuts.  Director approval required from photos. 
Must be available for paid fitting 2/7-2/9 and willing to get paid haircut.
Must be available for fitting week of 2/7 and a one day shoot 2/16-2/22, exact date and location still TBD.
A new group of Finnish looking men will be needed 4/14 to fit to uniform as Finnish soldiers.

 

Spaniards/Spanish appearing: 1930s Spain/Madrid to portray Spanish men and women (loyalist soldiers, residents, workers, press, prostitutes etc.). Age range to 75 years old, with small to average statures and lean physiques and/or interesting and unique faces filled with character, expressive, lived-in or weathered looks. Natural hair colors only (no chunky highlights or ultra-modern hair styles). 

Spain scenes shoot in Oakland over 9 weekdays from 3/8-3/18. Seeking people that can work 5-9 days for continuity. In order to submit you MUST be available these 3 days: 3/10, 3/11 & 3/14 at minimum and for a fitting around or after 2/9. Those hired to portray Spanish soldiers may work additional dates, TBD.

 

Required Background Submission Information (Local Hires only):

        Name and SAG number.  If Beau Bonneau Casting has not cast you for SAG work before please include a copy of your SAG membership card or recent payment receipt for proof of membership.

        Age range (late teens, 20s, 40s, 60s etc)

        Contact Information:  Cell number and home or alternate number (if you have one)

        Please include your available dates and dates you are not available:
Finnish roles: Fitting dates 2/8-2/11; One day shoot currently scheduled for 2/16-2/22
Spanish roles:
Fitting dates 2/14-2/18; Shoot dates currently are: 3/8-3/11, 3/14-3/18

        Height, Weight & Clothing Sizes:
Men to provide: Suit, neck x sleeve, waist x inseam, shoe
Women to provide: Dress, pants and shoe sizes as well as bust, waist, hip measurements (low hips, over bottom)

        Photos: Two new simple digital camera type color photos that can be submitted to the director.  A close-up from chest up and one standing view. Both facing camera with natural hair (long hair down) and faces (little to no make-up) wearing casual but fitted clothes so we can see physique.

 

Submission Delivery Options:    1. E-mail [email protected]. Place Finn or Spaniard (depending on your look) along with your name and  SAG ID#  in the subject line. Include required submission information in the body of the e-mail and attach your two photos. Jpeg files preferred. Need actual photo attachments. Do not send website links or your submission will be ignored.

2. Drop off your hard copy photo submission in person with required info printed on the back of each photo to:

Beau Bonneau Casting
84 1st Street
San Francisco, CA  94105

(near Mission Street, one block from the Montgomery BART Station)

Envelopes should be marked Attn: H&G SAG Background

 

You can come by any time Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. or 4-5 p.m.  If you have a natural look that may fit our needs it's possible we may ask to take additional photos of you for the director's consideration but you must have photo submission to leave behind. There is a mail slot in the door for after-hours or U.S. mail submissions.

 

Your photos will not be returned and submitting does not guarantee employment. Specific types are being cast that require the director's approval.

You will be contacted only if selected.  No phone calls please.

 

Thank You!

++++++++++++

 
  Are you registered with the new

Alyssa Montalbano

If not, go to www.mediacastinggroup.com and register.  The old website will be shut down April 1, 23011, so you must re-register to be kept in our files.
We've finished casting both principals and background for an infomercial, as well as principals and background for The Mentalist and two other projects.  So check "Updates." frequently on the website.  There are some other projects that will begin soon. 
++++++++++++++
 
 
For other news about what's happening in the Sacramento Film World and more, go to http://www.californiafilm.net/.  Registration is free!
++++++++++++ 
 
Alright folks, that's a wrap for now.  Let me know if you hear of anything.
Charlie 
Theatre Audition Notices . . .
Theatre Masks
Break your other leg!

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

SUTTER STREET THEATRE AUDITIONS 


Auditions for Noodle Doodle Box by Paul Maar will take place on Wednesday, February 9 at 7:00pm at the Sutter Street Theatre annex, 710 Figueroa, Folsom. The Annex is the white building across the alleyway behind the theatre.  Enter the door marked "office" on the side of the building.

Noodle Doodle Box is a delightfully absurd play for young children. It is about two clowns, Zacharias and Pepper, who are constantly squabbling, both verbally  and physically. Then along comes the mysterious Drum Major, a trickster who makes the clowns re-evaluate their friendship. Lessons about authority and relationships are portrayed with wacky slapstick comedy that appeals to young children--and will delight all ages!


Three teenage actors are needed, either male or female.  The roles are very physical.


Rehearsals are in the afternoons from 4:30pm-6:30pm, Monday through Thursday, March 7-17 plus 7:00pm-10:00pm during Tech Week March 20-24.


Performances are on Saturdays, at 4:00pm from March 26 through April 30.  The play is about 45 minutes in length.


Please bring a headshot and resume if you have them.


The show is directed by Maggie Upton.

Questions? Call 916-353-1001  

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West Sacramento Community Theater Audition notice

 

Phillip Stommel will be directing our very first production in the new Black Box Theater in the soon to be open West Sacramento Community Center.  Phil has chosen one of his favorite plays "Picasso at Lapin Agile" by Steve Martin a very funny and sophisticated play. 

 

Below is information if you'd like to audition or volunteer in any capacity for this production.  The play will be presented the last two weekends in March and the first weekend in April, 2011.

 
West Sacramento Community Theater
 Open Auditions
"Picasso at Lapin Agile" by Steve Martin
 
Sunday January 9 & Monday January 10
7 p.m
.
205 Stone Blvd. West Sacramento, CA  95691
(blue house in Sam Combs Park)
 
Open auditions will consist of a 2 min. monologue (if you have one prepared) and cold readings from the script.  Please bring a headshot and resume if you have one.  Rehearsals wll run Monday through Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
 
Characters in the play:
 
Freddy, the owner and bartender of the Lapin Agile
Gaston, an older man
Germaine, waitress and Freddy's wife
Albert Einstein, age twenty-five
Suzanne, nineteen
Sagot, Picasso's art dealer
Pablo Picasso, age twenty-three
Charles Dabernow Schmendiman, a young man
The Countess
A female admirer
A Visitor (dressed as Elvis Presley)
 
We hope to see you there!

 Cindy Schmidt, Secretary 

West Sacramento Community Theater 

Board of Directors

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 


Detailed information about these auditions is on seeaplay.com 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
City Theatre and Sacramento Shakespeare Festival Productions
The Sacramento Shakespeare Festival's 2nd 30 Hour Comedy Shakespeare Marathon
is looking for actors to read at the marathon to be held in late January. We can use anywhere from 40 - 60 actors
to read twelve plays. Please send pic/resume to Christine Nicholson - [email protected]
We will begin casting in December. For more info go to citytheatre.net or check out our facebook page.

City Theatre announces auditions for Charley's Aunt, directed by Kim McCann.
Auditions will be held Tuesday, February 28 at 7 pm at Sacramento City College, Temp 8-2 (access on 12th Av).
Call backs will be later in the week TBA.
Casting 10 - 12 actors: 6/7 male, 4/5 female from 18 - 65 years.
Rehearsals are weeknights and weekend days beginning in early March.
Performances begin in late April and run weekends for 4 weeks.
For more info:  558-2173, citytheatre.net or check us out on facebook.
++++++++++++++++++++

Anything Goes, El Dorado Musical Theatre, February 28 

Charley's Aunt, City Theatre, February 28


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That's it for now . . . Fracture a femur! 
Charlie 
 
Current Theatre Productions and Other News
drama masks 2

      Theater Tickets make a great gift!!

                      Go see a play!!                      
 ++++++++++ 

There Should Be Roses

by Dave Williams        

Directed by Connie Mockenhaupt

                 (February 11-March 13)

Performances are:

Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00PM and

Sundays at 4:00PM

A West Coast Premier! There Should Be Roses is a wonderful romantic comedy that will make you laugh and cry. Follow Lester and Albert as they "break out" of the retirement home to deliver roses to Lesters' wife of 60 years. Watch and see if Kevin and Megan can come to an agreement on when and/or if they should get married. Perfect for the Valentine Season with a surprise ending which is a true delight.

 

Tickets are $23.00 for General

$21.00 for Seniors and SARTA

$15.00 for Children 12 and under

++++++++++ 

 

Cast:

DOTTY FAIRBURN.....................Jackie Clauson         MRS. MACMURTLE...............Amy Brandolino

LESTER BLUM...........................Charlie Holliday        FLOWER SELLER, EILEEN......Gina Hillmer

ALBERT SMITH..........................Paul Greisen            STREET PUNKS..Shane Burrows, Dylan Gray   

MEGAN.....................................Yuri Tajiri                POLICE OFFICER, MIME.........Shane Burrows

KEVIN.......................................Colin Coate            MARY HANDLEMAN.................Hazel Johnson

 

For more information or to purchase tickets call (916) 353-1001.


 

Now Playing 

Show times and ticket information at www.seeaplay.com 


opening in February 2011

Shirley Valentine, Bob and Ro Productions
The Studio Theatre, 1028 R St., Sacramento, CA 95811
February 18 - March 20, 2011

Macbeth: Resurrected
Resurrection Theatre, 1723 25th Street (25th and R) Sacramento, CA
The Wilkerson Theatre - 25th and R - behind the fence
February 24 - March 19, 2011

Blithe Spirit
American River College, Theatre Arts Department
4700 College Oak Drive, Sacramento, CA  95841
February 25 - March 6, 2011

Hairspray
El Dorado Musical Theatre, Folsom High School, 1655 Iron Point Road Folsom,CA
February 25 - March 13, 2011

Proof
Big Idea Theatre, 1616 Del Paso Blvd, Sacramento, CA  95815
February 24 - March 19 2011

+++++++++++++

PLAYWRIGHTS COLLABORATIVE MEETING AT THE LAMBDA PLAYERS THEATRE:   

On Sunday, February 13, at 7:00 p.m., Playwrights Collaborative will read and discuss several short plays that were submitted to the Big Idea Theatre for its "One Night Stand" script competition.

 

The meeting begins at 7:00 PM at the Lambda Players Theatre, 1127 21st Street, in Sacramento..

 

There are no dues, fees or other charges for participating.

 

We thank the Lambda Players Theatre and Big Idea Theatre for hosting the Playwrights Collaborative workshops.


For further information contact Gary Agid, chairman, at [email protected] (916-383-9267) .

+++++++++ 


That's it for now.- I'll see you in the lobby! 
Charlie

IMPROV Tuesdays 7:30 - 10:00 PM
Fun Stuff gif

IMPROV Tuesdays 7:30 - 10:00 PM

Join us for Sacramento's longest running IMPROV workshop!
Come have fun with us at this drop-in class from 7:30 - 10 PM every Tuesday at the Mosaic Acting Studio in Rancho Cordova.

Improvisation is one of the two most important audition skills an actor can develop. It helps you to think quickly, concentrate, increase mental agility, eliminate "brain freeze" and learn to take risks. It is a skill that absolutely must be learned, and it's fun! No previous experience required ... This workshop focuses on fun and laughter!
Tuition: Ten Bucks Cash.
Cheap Therapy!!
For even cheaper therapy, become a member and attend as many as FIVE sessions per month for just $25.00
To subscribe with your PayPal or favorite credit card go to
Become an IMPROV Member
Please e-mail Charlie at [email protected]
if you plan to attend and/or need directions

 
From a Mosaic Acting Academy Student and Working Actress ...
Heather Pier
I recently made the switch to working in the Sac/SF area to the LA scene. I had taken classes from local teachers and had gotten tons of feeback about what to expect and strategies to use when I got to LA. However, with one exception, the advice that I got from people up here were just plain WRONG! Perhaps they have worked in this business in the past, but in the acting business (just like any technology) changes happen fast.
The one exception was Charlie Holliday. It pays to get advice from an actor with so much recent experience in Hollywood. All of his advice turned out to be right on the money.  LA is a big and expensive move to make. Save yourself time, money and frustration by taking Charlie's classes. He's a pro and a wealth of information. He'll give you good, solid, up-to-date information that you can use.  -  Heather Pier
Click here to see more student comments or add your own!
Shirt Logo             Mosaic Acting "Gear"
is now available!
Ladies polo People have been asking where to get the MOSAIC ACTING clothing articles with the beautifully embroidered logo I've been wearing - polo shirts, long sleeved Tees, hats, jackets, etc.
I get them from a company called Queensboro.  If you'd like to order something, go to the Queensboro web site and check them out.  When you find what you want, email the article number and color selection and size you want to me and I'll put together an order as soon as four of you give me payment for the items.  (I'll pay the shipping charges for you.)  You can mix and match items, and there's no minimum order for you.  Give me a call or email if you have any questions.  Thanks,
Charlie
 
Quick Links and other Resources
Mosaic Acting/ACT Workshops
Charlie Holliday on IMDB
Media Casting Group
From Charlie's Desk
Now Casting
The ActorSite
Okay, Folks, that's it for now.  Let me know if you have anything you want posted.
I hope to see you soon!
Charlie

 Contact us at:
Charlie Holliday
Mosaic Acting Academy
916-361-0952
[email protected]
Snail Mail PO Box 1142
Rancho Cordova, CA 95741-1142