The BackLight Theatre Group hosts an ongoing series of Actor's Labs on Tues and Wed evenings. If interested please contact Devlin Mann at devlindirector@mac.com.
Thank you
Devlin Mann
It is a bit difficult to articulate...
unlike a traditional class the Lab is made up of actors who all contribute to the process...
the focus is to refine/expand/explore/develop craft and technique.
It provides a safe space for actors to experiment with new methodologies or define more tried and true means to performance.
At its best it is a safe place to fail, flutter and explore... to stay in shape between roles and hopefully to grow as an artist...
We are very lucky to have a very talented and dynamic group already participating but we would love to have it grow.
The Lab is currently scheduled to meet this week Tues and Wed, with Acting for Camera on Thurs.
The Actor's Lab is great for the actor's mind, body and soul!
While there are quite a few beginning and intermediate acting classes offered in the area, there hasn't been a place for expereienced performers to exercise this skill. Similar to what Gill said, "Use it or lose it."
When around other actors, I constantly hear the same thing, "Wouldn't be great if we could all get together on a regular basis, and just 'workshop' stuff?" Any one of us has the ability to organize something like this, and while there have been a few from time to time, they've been rather inconsistent.
Here is a regularly scheduled array of programs for the beginner and advanced actor to apply what you have learned in class, or to keep your skills strong when between performances.
This is done in a warm, supportive, encouraging and welcoming environment, where everyone can share their experiences and contribute to the process. Think of it as an "actor's playground," and Devlin is an excellent resource!
If interested please contact Devlin Mann at devlindirector@mac.com.
Thank you
Devlin Mann
This week we have the full schedule, Tues/Wed Lab and Thurs Acting for Camera, email devlindirector@mac.com for details.
I've been working at this "Acting" thing for more than 45 years-- some professional and most in a community theater setting. I've been in two productions with Devlin, but went to his lab with a totally open mind. He would sink or swim based on the merits of what actually happened in these sessions, how well he taught/lead, etc etc. I've now tried both his Acting & Shakespeare labs. Based on my personal knowledge of his abilities, I expected a well run, informative 'class'. In both cases I was more than pleased. I had long wished for a space where I could work on my favorite material, either in preparation for future auditions or for roles I'll likely never do, but always dreamed of. This is the place. On top of that, Devlin "really knows his s***!" His time at The Central Acamemy in London was clearly well spent. And now, we can be the beneficiary of his advanced studies. The labs are great fun and very useful/practical. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned actor, if you're able, but choose not to avail yourself of this wonderful theatre asset, you might reconsider how committed you are to growing in this most joyous of arts.
This is hilarious.
??? cap z
A can't-miss one man show?
It's just interesting how many people joined metrojax for the sole purpose of advocating for this business.
I welcome and am humbled by the support and fully expect that all those who have joined will become involved contributors to the site. Time will tell, and isn't is a good thing to add new views and voices?
a quick look around the forums proves my point as I have seen post from several of these new members
I look forward to seeing even more
i love all the new glamour shots avatars
As one of the "many people" Capt. Z earlier referred to, I need to clear up his misguided implication. I was a fan of Metro long before I felt I had anything to contribute, and joined in order to do just that. I've never had the desire to make sarcastic comments about other people's posts, so until I had something I felt worthy of talking about, I kept quiet. Would that Capt Z felt the same. I don't see the hilarity in sharing what I honestly feel. And though it wasn't written to or for him, if my/our posts made the condescending Capt. smile, so be it. The labs are a new and welcome addition to our Theatre scene. I appreciate the opportunity to honestly discuss my experience with them in Metrojax. I'm also looking forward to reading Capt. Z's fascinating independent comments on Culture related topics. Or perhaps I already have.
I made the comment on this thread, but I have noticed it across the board on many different threads throughout MJ. “Glamour Shots†may not have been the best description, but I couldn’t come up with the proper term for the premeditated self portrait avatars that have been used by the newer users of this site. I think it is a very candid and public identifying, which is usually unfound on sites like these.
QuoteI appreciate the opportunity to honestly discuss my experience with them in Metrojax. I'm also looking forward to reading Capt. Z's fascinating independent comments on Culture related topics. Or perhaps I already have.
Wow, it only took 2 posts for you to stoop to my level.
QuoteI've never had the desire to make sarcastic comments about other people's posts,
Then I suppose I forced you against your will to make such scathing remarks about me. For that I apologize. No hard feelings I hope.
Re Capt Z's last-- If that's where someone wants to play, I have no trouble immersing myself in the mud & guts & beer. With that said, Understand. Done.
As it happens, I fancy myself an actor.
Friends have long suggested it due to what they have described as an "expressive" face. (whatever that means)
I've never tried it, and likely never will, which is due to my own admitted cowardess. That and the fear of failing... or worse; being successful.
Thanks Stephen. I wasn't sure what door I'd opened when I read the first 2/3 comments, but alls well that ends well. I was talking to Josh Taylor yesterday about Metro and our local theatre. How wonderful it would be to generate some real city wide press involvement. And it seems to me that MJ is the perfect tool to reach our untapped audience. We all bitch about "culture" in Jax, but that's usually about as far as it goes. Here's a chance....
In any case, thank you sooo much for opening Metrojax to a myriad of possibilities. Theatre practitioners and our city deserve it.
Quote from: stephendare on March 01, 2010, 11:30:56 PM
Quote from: JaxNative68 on March 01, 2010, 04:56:44 PM
I made the comment on this thread, but I have noticed it across the board on many different threads throughout MJ. “Glamour Shots†may not have been the best description, but I couldn’t come up with the proper term for the premeditated self portrait avatars that have been used by the newer users of this site. I think it is a very candid and public identifying, which is usually unfound on sites like these.
Ive been using a premeditated self portrait avatar for hundreds of years, jn. I rather like it!
I will only say that my avatar and my name are me, therefore if I say something here you know I said it, and I stand behind it.
Devlin, I respect the transparency.
If I could do my name over, I probably would. As it is, I was 18 when I made this name on whatever that old forum was (who kicked us all off for critiquing the moderators) and The Life Aquatic was popular at the time.
Thus, I will forever be known as "The Captain". In reality I'm a 23 year old financial analyst for a local company.
Thanks Captain Let me ask you something how do you feel about a professional theatre company in Jax? What would it take for you to attend (if you don't already)? and if you don't mind all the questions, what kind of things would you like to see? I am looking for honest feedback to enhance our goals for the year, we have some things set but also some flexibility and I am extremely interested in what people want to see, after all we strive to serve our audience without whom we are nothing...
I started another thread titled "what to do?" to solicit suggestions for productions, I invite everyone to please drop their ideas there.
thanks
I'm not sure what it would take for me to attend. Unfortunately, I haven't attended many of the live performances our city has to offer. I was actually thinking about that on the way to work. I saw a sign for the Marilyn Monroe exhibit at Moca Jax, and wondered what kind of art scene our city could realistically support at our current size and level of sophistication. I applaud any of the pioneers willing to take the risk, but our current market seems to favor monster trucks over monologues.
Attending an improv show would be a lot of fun. Anything geared towards humor or lightheartedness with the option of beer would get my intention. I'm in touch with my emotions, but I don't know if I could sit through anything too dramatic.
Thanks for the input CZ.
I hope that more people will weigh in on this...
I wish I could be more transparent with my avatar and screen name as well, but I do not want to jeopardize the company I work for by some of the comments I have made and will continue to make against our city leaders.
I agree with the Captain on anything geared towards lighthearted humor; hell even black comedy is up my alley. Judging by the posts of many people on this site, there isn’t enough of it going around, because they take everything way to serious. I would also be interested in family entertainment as well, I have a 7 year old who loves theatrical performances, and we have taken him to productions both locally and on Broadway. Unfortunately the local events offered in this wheelhouse seem far and few between.
thank you jaxnative68...
we may have something for you soon...
Quote from: JaxNative68 on March 02, 2010, 06:28:08 PM
I agree with the Captain on anything geared towards lighthearted humor; hell even black comedy is up my alley. Judging by the posts of many people on this site, there isn’t enough of it going around, because they take everything way to serious.
Since I've been in the thick of this site's discussions, let me attempt to explain my responses. Re yr above quote: Yes, I take acting seriously, but not myself. Nevertheless, I found Capt. Z's comments insulting, and would suggest that if your motives on a subject you hold near & dear were sarcastically questioned, you might also respond.
I'm looking forward to future topic related posts.
So far the theme emerging is comedy, or lighthearted fare... couple that with it's rightful counterpart and we may have something here
Quote from: redgie on March 03, 2010, 01:12:35 AM
Quote from: JaxNative68 on March 02, 2010, 06:28:08 PM
I agree with the Captain on anything geared towards lighthearted humor; hell even black comedy is up my alley. Judging by the posts of many people on this site, there isn’t enough of it going around, because they take everything way to serious.
Since I've been in the thick of this site's discussions, let me attempt to explain my responses. Re yr above quote: Yes, I take acting seriously, but not myself. Nevertheless, I found Capt. Z's comments insulting, and would suggest that if your motives on a subject you hold near & dear were sarcastically questioned, you might also respond.
I'm looking forward to future topic related posts.
I wasn't alluding to you.
On to the future...
We are currently in talks to confirm our season. These talks are challenging as they involve several actors and directors that are "high profile". I know that sounds crappy but if I said their names you would know them and as they don't commit until things are set and solid I run the risk of losing them...
suffice to say we may be bringing emmy, tony, and oscar winners...
now we need the right space and we want it to be downtown, any suggestions?
So devlin, if I understand you correctly, you are a looking to create a space/venue for local thespians with some already established talent to collaborate and hone their craft? Would this be drawing performers from already existing Jacksonville performance venues?? What is the local scene like? Is there a hub or center for actors to have dialogue, or is each venue largely independent?
That is largely what we have created already, the Lab is in session twice a week. It supports the existing venues and performers.
What we are interested in now is expansion and the move toward production.
Jacksonville has some excellent community theaters and a very strong acting community, we want to take that further, provide more opportunity, and establish a national and international identity.
I work a good deal in NY, LA, London, and France and it is my goal to make Jax a destination for theatre and film professionals... to make work, present work, workshop new pieces, shoot more tv and film here etc...
Lofty ambitions I grant you but more than achievable.
It will not happen overnight but I believe that it will happen here and that we will benefit greatly as a community when it does.
as far as the lab this is a quote from our website:
"The Actors Lab,
(Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6:30-9:30 pm email devlindirector@mac.com for locations)
An intensive session for advanced actors to "workout" in safe space focusing on particular areas of craft that interest the individual. It will incorporate scene work, monologues, technique development, warm up variations, vocal and physical enhancement and overall refinement of the individual. (Requires invitation/interview/audition)."
Welcome all.
<don't sweat the frat hazing>
After completing my Masters at the Central School of Speech and Drama (www.cssd.ac.uk) I was honored to be invited to direct at the Embassy Theatre in London.
Shortly thereafter I directed and acted in productions that premiered in London and toured through France.
My wife, who completed her Masters at the Laban Centre London, has had her work with The BackLight Dance Company presented in Paris, Berlin, Portugal, Peking and London.
Additionally, we have conducted extensive dance and theatre study abroad programs in France and Berlin.
While we establish the base of BackLight here in Jacksonville our goal remains to develop work here and then present it in some if not all of these cities again.
Now I may seem biased but I think anyone would objectively say that my wife is amazing!
She was the first Distinction ever awarded in Masters in Choreography program at The Laban Centre London.
Her work has been presented all over the world as I mentioned in an earlier post and now she is returning to the faculty of Jacksonville University as a co developer of their new MFA program.
Which is the first low residency MFA of its kind in the US that combines both European and American studies on advanced Dance practice.
The program will even have a residency at White Oak. The list of Guest Artists is extremely impressive on an international scale.
And she does all this while being the most amazing mother and wife! Ok I am biased after all.
The whole production team for that show was spectacular.
Shelley and I continue to work together on a number of things and he has expressed a desire to return to Jax for more shows...
I should leave the White Oak stuff to the experts but suffice to say it is a wildlife preserve that includes a Dance studio built for Barishnikov.
And plays host to international luminaries form time to time.
The lab will be open to new members this week. If interested please email me devlindirector@mac.com
Thank you
Devlin
Quote from: stephendare on March 04, 2010, 08:58:13 AM
White Oak?
I keep hearing about that. Can you explain what that is?
As close as you are to the performing arts, I'm sure you'd like to research this topic further.
Seems pertinent to this thread, so didn't start a new thread. I'm sure the moderator can split it, if deemed appropriate:
http://jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/052399/met_2a1White.html
Even those who live by White Oak hardly know about ithttp://www.WhiteOakPlantation.net
Official Site for the Conservatory upon which the studio is locatedhttp://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/21/arts/dance-sowing-the-acorns-of-the-white-oak-project.html
1990 - JACKSONVILLE, Fla.â€" Slender-horned gazelles and wattled cranes range listlessly in the late summer heat over the sprawling nature preserves of the White Oak Plantation on the Florida-Georgia border. In another corner of the 7,500-acre estate, the home of Howard Gilman, head of the Gilman Paper Company, a one-time equipment shed has been turned into a pristine white dance studio for another exotic species.
Dancers of the White Oak Project are at work rehearsing for a 3-week, 17-city national tour, consisting of mostly one-night stands, plus two-night engagements in Minneapolis and Tampa, Fla. The tour begins Wednesday with a performance at the Wang Center in Boston, the closest it will bring them to New York City. Produced by Mikhail Baryshnikov and Mr. Gilman, a dance patron and long-time friend of Mr. Baryshnikov, the Project will present five pieces choreographed by Mark Morris, performed by Mr. Baryshnikov and seven other dancers...http://mfa.ju.edu/whiteoak.htm
The residency program at White Oak provides a care-free, bucolic setting for the development of the new works by emerging choreographers and dance companies. Some of those who have stayed at White Oak over the past 12 months include The American Ballet Theatre - Studio Company, Trey McIntyre Project, and Julio Bocca - Ballet Argenino.http://search.jacksonville.com/index.php?query=%22white+oak+plantation%22+dance&scope=general&engine=Fast
Florida Times-Union Coverage
Excellent stuff scott, thank you
Quote from: scottjsmith on March 09, 2010, 09:24:10 AM
Quote from: stephendare on March 04, 2010, 08:58:13 AM
http://mfa.ju.edu/whiteoak.htm
The residency program at White Oak provides a care-free, bucolic setting for the development of the new works by emerging choreographers and dance companies. Some of those who have stayed at White Oak over the past 12 months include The American Ballet Theatre - Studio Company, Trey McIntyre Project, and Julio Bocca - Ballet Argenino.
This is the progam that my wife is the co developer for. It is going to be amazing!
This is the progam that my wife is the co developer for. It is going to be amazing!
Yes that is me, it should be noted for my ego that the camera adds ten pounds.
ANyone interested in joining the Lab...now is the time once again to set the spaces for the week please email me devlindirector@mac.com with your availabiliy for tue wed and thurs, 6:30-9:30 UNF Fine Arts Center
Thanks
Devlin
The Wed Lab and Thurs Acting for camera sessions are on this week.
Anyone interested please contact me directly at devlindirector@mac.com.
These are ongoing sessions so you can join at any time, pay as you go with no package commitment.
Thanks
Devlin
Damn, feels as if I am tripping. Perhaps I inhaled lawn clippings as I walked the dog. Dev was that you I just saw with the Watch Hound on public access? Not to bust you up but that guy in the dog suit freaks me out. He has been around Jax since I was a kid it seems. My wife is from Northern California and finds it REALLY disturbing that serious conversations are conducted with an old dude dressed as a dog. Have to say I concur ;)
Yes that was me, and it was a serious discussion, and that was a dog suit.
...the dog suit is a gimmick that Mr Kerekes, aka 'the watch hound', started some 30 years ago to get people to stop on and watch the show, I guess it still works.
It can be distracting but Mr Kerekes has written about theatre in Jax for many years and his show is watched by a great deal of the local theatre community. You just have to keep reminding yourself that he won't bite and keep some treats in you pocket if he gets out of hand....
Other than that what did you think of the interview?
honestly, can the viewer get past the dog suit to actually listen to what is being said? It takes all seriousness out of the discussion. Hard to watch.
Quote from: JaxNative68 on March 31, 2010, 09:33:33 AM
honestly, can the viewer get past the dog suit to actually listen to what is being said? It takes all seriousness out of the discussion. Hard to watch.
but did u watch and what did you think of what was discussed?
The BackLight Theatre Group, an internationally acclaimed theatre and dance company in Jacksonville is bringing in Dr. Rob Clare, formerly of the RSC, a Shakespeare and acting coach to Jacksonville April 12-14.
Topics will include: Intro to approaching Shakespeare, actioning text, physical approaches to (all) acting and demystifying the shakespeare text....the actor that can do shakes can do anything!! Also methods of devised theatre practiced will be addressed should time allow.
Devlin Mann is coordinating the visit, and can be reached at devlindirector@mac.com.
After his visit here, he is going to New York to work with the Actors Center .He has recently worked on the first ever production of Shakespeare (The Tempest) by the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago and often works as a freelance coach with the likes of Liev Schrieber and other stars of both stage and screen.
Rob Clare trained as an actor at the Central School of Speech and Drama (CSSD), London, and his various degrees from Oxford University include a doctorate in the practical interpretation of Shakespeare. He acted with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) for three years, including productions of Lear and Cyrano de Bergerace that toured to Europe and the USA. Subsequent work as an actor and/or director includes seasons with the National Theatre (as a Staff Director), The Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester and Compass Theatre (UK national touring). He has taught and directed in numerous leading UK drama schools and training institutions, including the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, The Guildhall School, Shakespeare's Globe (for Rutgers University) and CSSD, where he established the MA Classical Acting course which he also led for its first three years. As a freelance Shakespeare specialist, in recent years, he has worked regularly with the core company of the RSC, most recently doing special text and verse work on Hamlet, and at the Actors Center in New York. As a visiting director at the National School of Drama, New Delhi, he has directed Hindi productions of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Julius Caesar and Romeo and Juliet. He also works extensively in British prisons, where his work with political prisoners in Northern Ireland was the subject of the BBC TV documentary Act of Faith. When he is not working on Shakespeare, or in prison, he likes to punish himself by competing in triathlons and climbing mountains.
Thanks!
exciting read ^^
all 5 pages