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Getting Plugged in:

Here are some resources, digital and otherwise, that are helpful for people pursuing acting in Los Angeles or the Bay Area:

actingbiz -- A webpage which displays recent updates from an array of blogs dedicated to the business of acting. A great way to keep your ear to the ground!


Los Angeles

Alexander technique teachers Jean-Louis Rodrigue and Kristof Konrad
See below ("Recommendations for Actors") for what I have to say about the Alexander Technique. These guys come highly recommended to me, and they have very impressive credentials.
AlexanderTechWorks.com

Roman Wyden, photographer
Roman is a professional photographer and filmmaker, with a knack for putting you at ease in front of the camera and a great eye for helping you put your best foot forward in black and white. Also, his site aggregates links to all kinds of resources for actors in Los Angeles.

Actor Factor
Two LA actors blog about events and resources for actors findin their way in "the Biz"
http://actorfactor.tv/

Backstage.com
Website for the premier industry newspaper for actors. Casting notices, advice, et al..
http://www.backstage.com/

Alexander Training Institute of Los Angeles
For information about the Alexander Technique, see below. Training institute for individuals wishing to become certified in the Alexander Technique in Los Angeles. These institutes often have opportunities for actors interested in receiving free Alexander work to be worked on by supervised trainees. They can also refer you to recent graduates who will be offering cheaper rates than the established professionals for Alexander work
http://www.atinstitutela.com/

Cafe Muse
In the heart of Hollywood's theater row, at Santa Monica and Hudson Place, this cafe is a gem. It serves vegetarian food, but I'm an avowed meat-eater and I could eat this food every day (Try the tofu cheesesteak!). The staff are lovely and gracious, there is free WiFi, copies of Bakstage and other relevant periodicals for the perusing, and a generous postard rack to help you keep up with what's happening around town.
http://cafemusela.com/

Now Casting
A great online resoure for actors. They do casting, publish an online magazine for ators, and provide a host of other services. The word on the street is that a lot is happening through this site these days.
http://nowcasting.com/



Bay Area


Bay Area Actors Network Group (BAANG) - Yahoo Group for actors: auditions, classes, etc. are announced periodically.

BATA - Bay Area Theater Association - An email list with audition announcements.

Bay Area Theater Bums - An email list for theater folk in the Bay Area. Includes audition announcements.

CoolAsHellTheatre - Website featuring Internet Radio Podcasts about where-it's-at happenings in the San Francisco theater scene.

RoleCall Listings - Yahoo Group for announcements of auditions.

SFIndieClub - Yahoo Group that provides casting notices for Bay Area independent film.

Recommendations for actors:

Capoeira

Capoeira is a martial art from Brazil that was created by slaves brought to Brazil from West Africa. In order to disguise their activites from their masters, the slaves developed the form as a kind of dance. It is practiced to chanting and the music of a string instrument called the berimbau. Martial arts are in general great things for actors to practice, as they promote alertness, focus, presence, strength, agility, and endurance. But capoeira has an advantage over other forms in that it has a rhythmic aspect, and rhythm is a vital faculty for actors as well. Also, capoeira has a swing to it, so it also promotes fluidity in movement, another aspect that differentiates it from other martial art forms. There are different styles of capoeira as well, so there are styles appropriate for people of all ages. Try out this exuberant and sly movement form-- you'll be hooked before you know it. I bring in folks from Omulu Capoeira (www.omulu.org) to introduce the form to my students. Check it out.

Alexander Technique

Most major acting conservatories offer training in the Alexander technique. Alexander was an actor in Australia in the early part of the century who evolved an approach to body-mind integration that is extremely valuable for recovering from injuries, maintaining health, and helping performers of all stripes to stay in the present moment consistently. You can find out more and contact a certified Bay Area Alexander practitioner at constanceclare.com or www.silverfoxstudio.net .

 

Headshots:

Matthew Whitley

Thiss guy does some pretty distinctive headshots. Check him out here.



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