The Actors’ Society

I have been to my fair share of talks and workshops with industry experts - with my handbag stuffed full of headshots and pen and paper at the ready, hoping to jot down an acting epiphany. To be honest, I have always been dubious of the companies that take our hard earned, out-of-work-actor, dead end job money for such events. I always imagine they have been set up by some fat cat who smokes cigars and lounges in swivel chairs, cashing in on our vulnerability and ‘keen to be seen’ mentality…

Luckily, this was not the case or my experience at the Actor Attainment Society’s (http://www.actorattainment.com) interactive seminar with Ilenka Jelowicki of Mad Dog Casting this week.

In an unusual night off as an ‘actor’, I was there to observe the seminar on Casting for Commercials and it made for great viewing. It felt strange to be on the other side and I had to literally stop myself at one point from jumping up and mock selling car insurance or weight loss plans. Often the environment at events like this can be quite daunting and competitive but the relaxed and intimate set-up was very encouraging for the actors. I felt witness to a little supportive actor haven which was inspiring improvement rather than bitterness and “I’m going to out-act you” battles amongst its ranks.

I have to admit to feeling secretly quite relieved that for once I would escape the section in which everyone tells the group about their latest work and the dread when the word ‘improvisation’ is first mentioned. However, if I had of been in that magic circle of actors I don’t think I would have felt as much horror as I usually do when these occasions invariably occur. There was a genuinely positive atmosphere and the tea and biscuits galore complimented this perfectly!

Review by Anneka Harry - TheStage.co.uk

http://blogs.thestage.co.uk/gradsclub/2008/11/the-actor-attainment-society/