Hello and Happy Fall!
Classes have started, and everyone’s working hard.
The Winter Session starts on January 10 and 11. Please contact me in November or December if you’re interested, as classes seem to be filling up quickly!
Actor News
I love to celebrate the work of actors I’ve trained—especially actors who started with me as their first acting teacher. And I love when they keep returning to class periodically after they train and work elsewhere.
Eli-Bella Wood
[IMDb link]
I was Eli’s first teacher and after five years of training and being cast in smaller projects, she’s booked lead roles in two features! The specifics are super secret (famous people involved!), so nothing more can be disclosed. She’s having a great time, says “hello” to everyone in class, and will update me with the details soon!
Sean James Lee
[IMDb link]
Sean started acting in my classes 14 years ago. After two years of steady training, I coached him on his successful audition for LAMDA’s two-year program in London.
When he returned, he started working professionally while taking class every few years.
Recently, his commitment to the craft was noted by the producers of Sheriff Country where he had a day role. His character was expanded to a reoccurring role!
Right now, he’s back in class exploring and deepening his craft.
Recommendations
Film
The Invite
Olivia Wilde is such a great inspiration as a director and now as an actor in her own film with Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton. There are some excellent monologues as well.
The Odyssey
This is the first film I’ve seen in a theatre since before COVID! It was interesting, with some excellent performances, and an interesting modern interpretation of one of our most important stories.
I somewhat agree with scholar Emily Wilson, who dislikes it: it’s too loud, lacks subtlety, Matt Damon’s Odysseus is too earnest and lacks the cunning and humour of the character as written by Homer. Plus, the Trojan Horse doesn’t have wheels!
But I did admire the filming.
Television
All Her Fault
So many crazy, unbelievable plot twists, too much melodrama, and too many coincidences. But despite all that’s going against them, the actors are uniformly excellent.
Ludwig
So silly. So much fun. Especially Season 1!
Furious
Intense, with committed, raw, and vulnerable acting choices by the three female protagonists and the male actors as well.
Live-Filmed Plays in Cinemas
(In theatres this weekend only!)
The Misanthrope with our own Sandra Oh
I’m looking forward to this! It’s good for you all to see as they seem to be following the staging ‘rules’ I try to impart.
GIANT
The towering John Lithgow won this year’s Tony for Lead Actor for his portrayal of the complex author Roald Dahl.
Online: Stream on BroadwayHD
You can pay $10.00 for one month and immerse yourself!
Some aren’t so great, but here are the best I’ve seen so far:
Incident at Vichy
One of the best filmed plays I’ve ever seen. Incredible acting. Richard Thomas leads an impeccable cast, and the directing is outstanding.
If I Forget
Fantastic, subtle acting and minimal, naturalistic staging. From 2017, the story predates current politics but is even more relevant in today’s world.
Don’t forget to stay in touch and send me updates!
Warmly,
Miriam