Wednesday, April 30, 2003

 
'FUNNY WOMEN FEST 2003 - The Funny Women Fest is entering its fourth year on July 24-27th and we're bringing new and improved classes, workshops and programs to Chicago for women all around the world. The FWF is designed specifically for women who want to explore their own creativity so whether you're a rank beginner or advanced student, there's something at the Funny Women Fest just for you. We're offering workshops in improvisation, writing, clowning, acting and much more. All workshops are taught by some of the most experienced, talented and interesting women from around the country and Chicago. In addition we're hosting the Adjunct Series on Wednesday, July 23rd taught by three of Chicago's foremost instructors; Andy Eninger of the Chicago Comedy Company, Michael Gellman and Brian Posen of the Second City. Workshops and Forums will take place at the Audition Studio and the Theater Building in Chicago. The entire FWF weekend includes four intensive workshops, the Thursday Forum and Meet and Greet, Teacher Show, participation in the Student Show and discounts on performances. All for only $200. (Adjuncts are priced separately.) Find out more about our workshops, teachers and programs on-line or call 773-320-4575. On-line registration is now open and all major credit cards are accepted.'

Tuesday, April 29, 2003

 
Illinois Production Alliance Spring Forum - Chicago Hilton & Towers 720 S. Michigan Ave. (Yahoo Map), 6:30 PM Monday, April 28 (5:30 PM Social Hour, Cash Bar with Free Snacks).
Agenda
Introduction of Officers and Board of Directors
Report of Pending Legislation to Stimulate Business
Question and Answer
Scheduled to Appear:
Jack Lavin - Director of Illinois DCEO (Newly Appointed)
Brenda Sexton - Director of Illinois Film Office (Newly Appointed)
Skip Saviano - State Representative
Judy Barr Tropinka - State Treasurer
Who Should Attend:
Production Companies, Post Production Companies, Talent, Craft Union Members, Industry Support Companies, Industry Service Companies, Industry Manufacturers, Industry-related Governmental Groups, Educational Group; Basically anyone who earns income from local production of independent/feature films, commercials, video production, or visual media
More info:web, e-mail or call 312-867-5504

Sunday, April 27, 2003

 
Unlike Chicago, Boston is becoming more of an Equity stage town, and I'm not sure why (from The Boston Globe).

Thursday, April 24, 2003

 

Wednesday, April 23, 2003

 

William Shakespeare's 439th birthday is today

William Shakespeare's 439th birthday is today (read his plays and sonnets). anagramgenius.com points out that rearranging the letters of 'William Shakespeare's birthday' gives: 'April's skies: we may hail the Bard.'

 
The Second City Training Center - Coached Ensemble Auditions: The Training Center will hold auditions for Coached Improv Ensembles on Friday, May 2nd, 4 PM - 6:30 PM. If you would like to sign-up for an audition please contact the Training Center at 312-664-3959 (I believe you must be a current student, or alumnus, to audition).

Tuesday, April 22, 2003

 
Actors Network Meeting - V.O and Marketing Beyond Agents:
  • April 27 - Sunday, 12 noon
  • 1803 W. Byron St. (Mapquest map)
  • $3 at the door - bring a friend
  • Presenting: Tim Dadabo (one of the most successful Voice Over talents in Chicago)

 
Administrative Professionals Day (also called Secretary's Day, Administrative Assistants Day, or Exceptional Assistants Day) is Wednesday, April 23, 2003; so if that is your day job, tomorrow you'll find out how much your boss really likes you.

 
Got Your Back Survey 'You are invited to take an important survey about improv in Chicago. We are using this survey to get a better understanding of the well being of people in the improv community. This survey will ask you general questions about your life, your health, your finances, and your knowledge of different types of services, such as low cost health care. This survey is the first step to building an organization - Got Your Back - that will help improvisers in need. We need you to participate in this first step. As a bonus, each person who completes the survey will be entered in the 'TJ and You' drawing for a chance to perform with TJ Jagodowski in his highly recommended show at the Improv Olympic! One entry per person. All responses will be kept strictly confidential. The survey will take about five minutes to complete. Thanks for your time! Questions? Email us at gotyourbackchicago@yahoo.com.'

Monday, April 21, 2003

 
The Second City box office is hiring phone representatives to handle incoming calls from patrons. Must have excellent customer service skills, box office background preferred. Night/weekend hours required but scheduling is flexible. Please fax resumes to Steve Lund at 312-664-9837 or e-mail to slund@secondcity.com.

 
Some agencies in Chicago, and other places, try to charge talent to be in a book, on a CD or on a web site. Real agents make their money when you do; they get a percentage of the money you are paid. There is an article that discusses this: 'the legitimate agencies never charged their clients to be in a book. It was the modeling agencies' marketing tool, and they naturally footed the bill.' and if an agent asks you to be in a book, on a CD or on a web site, 'ask the agent to pay... and then deduct it from [your] first professional booking. He'll say no, and [you]'ll finally start to understand what the con was all about.' (from Backstage).

Sunday, April 20, 2003

 
More playwrights are writing for TV and film; this article examines some of the financial realities being a playwright. For example, playwright Kate Robin says playwrights either 'teach or write commercially' to make ends meet (from The Boston Globe).

Saturday, April 19, 2003

 

Women's Character Improv Goddess Workshop

'SIRENS present: Women's Character Improv Goddess Workshop - Summon and unleash your powerful characters from within. Break free from playing the mother, girlfriend, and the wife! Trust strong initiations and take risks! Celebrate the joys of improvising with women, brought to you by Chicago's most successful all women's improv group, SIRENS.

  • When: Saturday, May 17th, 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
  • Where: The Cornservatory, 4210 N. Lincoln (Maquest map)
  • Price: Just $40 (includes workshop, tee-shirt, and one ticket to Sirens' show Kink on Saturday, May 17th at 10:30 PM)
  • To Register: E-mail sirensimprov@hotmail.com or Call 773-509-6433
  • Class Size Is Limited

The women of SIRENS currently teach and direct at The Second City, Improv Olympic, Columbia College, Gilda's Club, Barrel of Monkeys, The Playground, and Northwestern University'

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Friday, April 18, 2003

 

Monica! The Musical Reading in New York

 

Genealogy of American Improvisation

Thursday, April 17, 2003

 

Frankie J's Seeks Running Crew

For any run crew friends: 'Hi There, I'm looking for a person to run lights and sound for my Table For One show at Frankie J's on Tuesday, May 6. You must be available for the show date, and have some experience doing lights/sound for shows. If you know the board at Frankie J's, that's great, but if not, don't worry. There will be at least one rehearsal with me and the director. I will provide you with the script. There is some pay. In US Dollars. If you're interested and available, write me at redrobin67@aol.com before this Friday, April 18. Thanks, Steve'

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Wednesday, April 16, 2003

 

Acting for the Camera Workshop April 22nd

'Acting for the Camera' a workshop by the Actors Center of Chicago for IFP members and guests at 160 N. State, April 22, 6 PM-8 PM. IFP members free/$5 others. Call 312-435-1835.

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Tuesday, April 15, 2003

 

Salazar and Navas is Moving

Salazar and Navas isn't accepting any pictures from represented talent because they are moving out of their 760 N. Ogden Avenue offices at the end of this week. Their new location is yet to be determined.

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Free Associates Seek SM

For any Stage Manager friends: The Free Associates is accepting Stage Manager applications for their upcoming season. There is pay. Interested applicans can send resume to office@freeassociates.com, or fax (312-255-1716) or mail to The Free Associates, Attn: Stage Manager Search, 1633 N. Halsted, Suite 200 Chicago, IL 60614.

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Monday, April 14, 2003

 

Steppenwolf Generals Today and Tomorrow

Steppenwolf generals are today and tomorrow from 10 AM to 4 PM at their rehearsal space (758 W. North Ave. - Maquest map).

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Sunday, April 13, 2003

 

Smoke Machine Smoke is Unhealthy

 

Taxes Due in Two Days

Taxes are due in two days... you can file for an extension, but the money is still due.

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Saturday, April 12, 2003

 

Actors and Reality Shows

The risks and realities of actors doing 'reality' shows; often a bad career move, think it through first (from backstage.com).

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Equity Votes Due May 16

Equity members must have their vote in by Friday, May 16 for it to count (you can vote on-line or with your paper ballot).

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Friday, April 11, 2003

 

Films Screen at North Beach Tonight

Zombies are coming. Prepare yourself. In search of gas, travelers follow a local to her farm where they fight for their lives.

'Stay Dead' is one of five short films screening tonight at 9 PM at North Beach in Chicago (coarse humor and sexual situations, parental guidance suggested).

Stay Dead Review: the competency on hand throughout seems 2 strike a pose 4 bigger & better things 4 everyone involved

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Odd Day Job

Make cash working for The Screenwriters Group this Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Call Kevin now at 773-665-8500 for details (I know nothing more about this job, caveat actor).

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Thursday, April 10, 2003

 

72 Hour Film Challenge Memorial Day Weekend

A 72 hour film challenge is planned for Memorial Day Weekend (May 23-26). The challenge is for a film to be completed in three days (one to write it, one to shoot it, one to edit); and you can apply to be a part of it (from reelchicago.com).

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Pulicis Bought Burnett

Ironically, Pulicis Groupe, a French corporation, now owns Leo Burnett (company info), who makes the commercials for the US Armed Forces.

Leo Burnett is Headquartered in Chicago. Bcom3 owns Leo Burnett, and Pulicis Groupe purchased Bcom3 for about $3 billion last spring making it the forth largest ad agency on earth.

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Wednesday, April 09, 2003

 

Contest for Artists with Migraines

 

Broadway Down Due to War

Business on Broadway is down due to the war; I don't have any information on how the war is affecting Chicago stage business (from sunspot.net).

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Slow Film Production

 

I Begin

I begin.