I'M MOVING MY BLOG TO MY WEBSITE

My brilliant tech advisor, Michal Pavlik, moved my blog directly to my website. Now doesn't that make sense? From now on, please see: http://www.nancybishopcasting.com/blog/
for my blog.

Currently casting Czech and Slovakian Actresses.

SELF CASTING HINTS for SPARTACUS

Since I'm asking actors to self tape for SPARTACUS, I'll re-post an article that I wrote about this recently in the Actor's Voice: http://more.showfax.com/plus/pov/2010/08/

Also here is an excerpt from my book, Secrets from the Casting Couch.
SELF CASTING DOS and DONTs

SHOOTING:

DO	DON’T
Start with a wide shot that shows your entire body, both profiles, and then zoom in for the introduction. Introduce yourself breifly, saying your name, height and agent.	Announce your age
Keep your shots simple. Face camera and expose at least three quarters of your face most of the time.	Get fancy with editing or shooting.
Have your scene partner read off screen and close to the camera lens	Focus the camera on any actor other than yourself. Unless you want to audition your scene partner as well, the camera should always be on you
Use a simple background	Shoot on a location, use elaborate sets, costumes and props
Sit close to the mic, or get a professional seperate mic	Stand far from the mic, so that your scene partner is louder on the tape then you are
Practise with several takes, but just choose two,	Send in many takes
Choose a variety of takes so that the director can see your range	Send in takes that are exactly the same (there is no point in seeing it twice unless we get more information)
Send in one medium shot (from the waste up) and one close up (just face)	Show a lot of blank wall space over the head of the actor
Upload your file onto a site like yousendit.com, or savefiles.com or send it via Vimeo or You Tube link

CASTING STARRING ROLE IN SPARTACUS

SPARTACUS BREAKDOWN

Project: Spartacus, Episodic TV Series

Network: Starz, US

Producer: Chloe Smith

Casting Director: Nancy Bishop, Europe

Start Date: January, 2011

Location: New Zealand

Casting for Lead Title Role: Spartacus

Age Range: 25- 38

Physical Type: Muscular, athletic, leader of men, smart, intense, passionate.

Spartacus is a hero with a deep inner intensity. He is a champion gladiator. The actor for this role should have experience with stage combat and be comfortable with showing his body, (there is backside but not frontside nudity). He needs to speak fluent English, preferably with a British accent. The actor must be willing to re-locate to New Zealand for part of the year and sign a three year overall option.

SPARTACUS BLOOD AND SAND is a very popular action/drama series in the US. It dramatizes the lives of gladiators in ancient Rome. The second season continues as Spartacus and his men plot to seek revenge against Rome.

For more information about the role and the series, please see:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8kJ3KlPKjE&feature=related

http://www.starz.com/originals/spartacus

Please send photo and CV to

Casting@nancybishopcasting.com

Please put ‘SPARTACUS’ in the subject heading

AUDITIONS FOR PRAGUE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Prague Shakespeare Festival 2011 Season Artistic Company Auditions

WHERE: Prague Film School, Pstrossova 19, P1
WHEN:Sunday October 10th 2010 (Attic Studio in main building) from 13:00 - 16:30 +
Monday October 11th 2010at the (Acting classroom in annex building) from 17:00 - 20:00 
PRODUCTIONS: As You Like It and King Lear  
PRODUCTION DATES: April 14 - May 1, 2011 in Houston, TX USA and May 11 - 29, 2011 in the Czech Republic.
(Czech actors will be travelled to Texas for rehearsals starting 7 March)
FOR INFORMATION: contact Artistic Director Guy Roberts, 
guy@pragueshakespeare.cz


All actors should bring a photo and resume and present one memorized
Shakespeare monologue, performed in English, not exceeding 2 minutes. Actors
should be prepared to stay immediately following their audition in the event
they are called back for Rehearsals for the production will begin March 7,
2011 in Houston, TX. This project is an international collaboration between
the Prague Shakespeare Festival, located in Prague, Czech Republic and the
Classical Theatre Company, located in Houston, TX.

Callback sides from As You Like It and King Lear will be provided for all
actors who are called back. All auditions will be videotaped. Actors who
have previously worked with PSF or Guy Roberts and who are interested in
casting opportunities may contact Guy Roberts directly, bypassing the
general audition and schedule a callback. All others must come to the
general audition and then be invited to callbacks.

All artists selected for participation in the production will be paid
minimum of 4.000cz per week for a total of ten weeks of work (40.000cz).
Individual artists may be offered higher weekly salary commiserate with
experience and scope of work performed. All housing and transportation
expenses to Houston, TX will be paid for by the producers.

All actors will be seen on a first-come, first-serve basis. Designers and
Stage Managers may also come to the open call to submit resumes and
portfolios. Designers and Stage Managers must submit a portfolio and/or
resume that can be taken to Houston for consideration by the producers.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Prague Shakespeare Festival presents professional theatre productions,
workshops, classes, lectures and other theatrical events, of the highest
quality, conducted primarily in English by a multinational ensemble of
professional theatre artists, with an emphasis on the plays of William
Shakespeare, bringing to the Czech Republic, European and World audiences
performances that are fresh, bold, imaginative, thought-provoking, and
eminently accessible, connecting the truths of the past with the challenges
and possibilities of today.

VISION STATEMENT

Presenting high-caliber, classic yet cutting-edge English-language
performances of Shakespeare's timeless, cross-culturally relevant work by a
dedicated ensemble of multinational theatre artists is the core of our
artistic mission. The Prague Shakespeare Festival is dedicated to presenting
to the Czech, European and World community a vibrant professional
Shakespeare theatre, essential in shaping Prague's global culturally dynamic
landscape.

SECRETS FROM THE CASTING COUCH AT DRAMA BOOKSTORE IN NYC

Please come to a special Casting Symposium in NYC and buy a copy of Secrets from the Casting Couch on Sept 30th:
http://dramabookshop.blogspot.com/2010/09/thurs-sept-30-430-pm-free-casting.html

Boy Actors needed

Looking for 8 yr old boy actors for feature film shooting in Prague in oct. BOYS MUST LIVE IN PRAGUE. Please send photos to casting@nancybishopcasting.com no later than 16 Sept, 2010.

FINAL AUDITION BLOOPER WITH CHIP PERSONS- the accent problem

Another bad casting. What's wrong with the picture?

THE DIALECT PROBLEM. I see a lot of resumes with several accents listed. I'm always suspicious of actors who have mastered so many dialects (although of course, some have.) The point is, only list the accents that are native to you or that you really have learned, under the direction of a coach. Accents are specific. When you come to the audition, you'll be expected to know the specified accent on that day.

AUDITION BLOOPER #5, CONFUSION ABOUT THE WHOLE PROCESS

MORE IN THE SERIES OF INTENTIONALLY BAD AUDITIONS

This type of thing happens with novice actors, new to the process, but even experienced actors need to think about orienting themselves in the audition process before entering the room. No one will do it for you. Figure out where you'll place the other characters you're talking to and place them near the lens of the camera so you have a good eye line. There will most definitely be a reader there (either the casting director herself or an assistant.) Some actors prefer to look at the reader, but it's not necessary as long as you have a good eye line near the lens.

AUDITION BLOOPER #4, Chip Persons messes up again.

More from the deliberately bad audition series. Taking direction from the director or casting director is one of the most important parts of casting. We are sometimes testing to see if you can take direction, and if the director can work with you. Actors often prepare themselves so much that they go on auto-pilot, unable to let performance breath and grow. Also in this audition... you might be surprised how much he is arguing with the direction. Yes, this sometimes happens. It's good to come in with your own ideas but they must be a) consistent with the intent of the script and b) abiding my the director's vision. 

BLOOPER Audition #3

This is not a blooper. Here Chip is making a correction from his last audition, watch:

Now, while the character of Janis (played by me) is speaking, he is not only listening, but reacting. He has a dynamic inner monologue that changes. He'll get plenty of screen time now because we can see his thoughts evolving. The camera likes this.

AUDITION BLOOPER #2

HERE IS ANOTHER FROM THE SERIES OF INTENTIONALLY BAD AUDITIONS, with Chip Persons

In this clip, Chip is making a classic mistake. He's not listening. He becomes very animated on his own lines, but a zombie while I'm reading. In fact instead of listening and reacting, he is reading his scene partner's lines. Listening is very important in acting, especially on-screen acting when the camera is often on the listener. Don't throw these moments away. If you're good at listening and reacting, you'll get more screen time. Casting directors are looking for this in the audition process.

Audition Bloopers with Chip Persons

In my classes, I show examples of good auditions so that actors can learn from them. But actors often ask to see BAD auditions t too. I figured that it was in pretty slimy taste (not to mention a breach of trust with actors) to show examples of poor performances. A few months ago, I asked actors to deliberately do some bad auditions for me to post for learning purposes, but actors were shy to come forward... probably because they didn't want anyone to mistake their deliberately bad auditions for unintentionally bad auditions. Anyway, with the help of actor and friend, Chip Persons, I made a series of audition blooper clips. We worked on a scene from Universal Pictures' Wanted. So for the next 6 blogs I'm going to bring you a blooper. He is blooper #1.

In this clip, Chip is site reading the text which is fine since the script had just been handed to him. What's irritating though is that he's reading the stage directions out loud. I have seen this quite a lot. Don't worry about the stage directions. Read them to  yourself and you can indicate them in your acting if they're not too complicated (ie slam your fist down if you're meant to be punching) but you don't need to read them. We already know the stage directions.

GLOBAL CASTING AND THE INTERNET

For those of you who couldn't attend the SAG Foundation Panel Discussion:
GLOBAL CASTING AND THE INTERNET.
Please see this link for a video of the event. I hope it's helpful to those actors who may feel intimidated to put themselves on tape for projects. We have examples of taped auditions here:


http://www.sagfoundation.org/videogallery/liferaft

SELF TAPING FOR FILM AUDITIONS

Please see my ACTORS VOICE POV ARTICLE about SELF TAPING FOR AUDITIONS

LOS ANGELES EVENTS

I'll be in L.A. 2-8 August to launch SECRETS FROM THE CASTING COUCH. Please join me for one of the following events:

4 Aug, Wed. 6-8pm *CASTING SYMPOSIUM WITH BREAKDOWN SERVICES

7 Aug, Sat, 11- 1:00PM, COLD READING SEMINAR AT SAG FOUNDATION

7 Aug, Sat, 4-6:00PM, **GLOBAL CASTING AND THE INTERNET PANEL WITH THE SNIPER:RELOADED PRODUCTION TEAM AT SAG FOUNDATION

*What: A free casting symposium, sponsored by Breakdown Services, designed to help actors prepare for the upcoming audition season and the launch of Nancy Bishop’s new book, Secrets from the Casting Couch. Casting is now happening fast, online and productions are conducting international searches with the Internet casting systems, giving actors new and unique opportunities. Seven leading casting professionals will explore the changing nature of casting in the Internet age and advise actors on how to gain an edge in the market. There will be a one hour panel followed by a Q+A session.

When: Wednesday, August 4^th, 2010

6:00 – 8:00pm PDT

Refreshments and book signing reception to follow symposium

Where: Showbiz Café

500 S. Sepulveda

Ground Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90049

Booking information: to reserve contact Jenna Albrecht, jennaa@breakdownservices.com

Who: Nancy Bishop, International Casting Director headquartered in Europe (“Prince Caspian,” “The Illusionist,” author of Secrets from the Casting Couch)

Bonnie Gillespie (moderator), Casting Director and Author of Self-Management for Actors

Meg Liberman, Executive Casting Director, CBS/Paramount Gary Marsh (sponsor), owner, Breakdown Services 
Rick Pagano, Casting Director (“24,” “X-Men”) 
Paul Weber, Casting Director (“Stargate” series) 
Gary Marsh: Head of Breakdown Services

**GLOBAL CASTING, AND THE INTERNET

JOIN THE SNIPER RELOADED PRODUCTION TEAM FOR A PANEL DISCUSSION ABOUT CASTING AT SAG FOUNDATION

WHAT: CASTING PANEL DISCUSSION

WHEN: 7 August, Sat.

TIME: 4-6:00pm

WHERE: SAG Foundation

5757 Wilshire Blvd. - Mezzanine Level

Los Angeles, CA 90036

To Book: Contact Rochelle Rose: RRose@sag.org

The production team for the latest film in the Sniper series discusses the immediacy of internet casting and how it impacts working actors.

Casting is happening quickly, globally and online. *Sniper: Reloaded demonstrates a trend of how many productions are now casting. As a South African/German international co-production subsequently acquired by SPE, both American and European actors were pre-selected, interviewed and then hired entirely based on their readings posted online. Actors sent Breakdown Services links to their auditions and the director, Claudio Faeh, conducted his final interviews on Skype.

In this climate, actors must develop not only their acting skills, but also their technological know-how to be ready to book a job.

Casting Panel:

Nancy Bishop, CSA Casting Director, and author of Secrets from the Casting Couch

Claudio Faeh: Producer and Director of 'Sniper Reloaded'

Gary Marsh: Head of Breakdown Services

Derek Power, Executive Producer of 'Sniper Reloaded'

Partner in Kahn Power Pictures/The Derek Power Company

RUSSIAN SPEAKING ACTORS FOR LARGE SCALE STUIO PRODUCTION SHOOTING IN PRAGUE IN OCTOBER

I am seeking Russian speaking actors, who also speak English, for a large scale feature film shooting in Prague in October.
Types:
Secrets Service Agents
Prison Guards
Prisoners
Businessman

Please send photo, resume and video clip to: casting@nancybishopcasting.com

Turkish Production looking for Slavic Actress

Turkish Casting Director, Sinem Sengulen, is looking for cast.(www.rendaguner.com). ACTRESS: between 17 – 22 years for leading role for a new TV. series.
Production company: Tim’s Production, (www.tims.tv).
Synopsis: “hurrem sultan” who has a big place in turkish history. Hurrem is a girl taken from her parents from Russia to become a slave, then given as a present to a Sultan, lived in harem and then become the most powerful women at the palace.

The actress must be beautiful, innocent looking and also feminine but most important she must be a very good actress andshe doesn’t have to know turkish (will take her language courses. )The shootings will be in İstanbul. And will start in a month

Please contact: sinem@rendaguner.com

PRAGUE FILM MAKER CASTING INDEPENDENT FILM

Isaac Hurtado is looking for two actors for main roles.

Old lady: 60 to 75 years old. Medium complexion.

Young kid: 6-7 years old. Medium complexion. 

Film will be shot in Czech, but actors must be able to communicate in English with director

Both actors should be skilled enough to perform emotional arcs

in their characters fluctuating from different anemic states.

Shooting:

Independent short film to approach film festivals.

4 days shooting out of Prague.

Transport, Accommodation + meals, granted.

Paying: Open to Negotiate.

Some references for Isaac'swork: http://vimeo.com/isaacth

Interested please contact: Isaacth@filmstudies.cz

California Gov passes laws to protect Actors from Shady Workshop Organizers

MYTHS AND RUMORS ABOUT THE NEW CSA GUIDELINES FOR CASTING DIRECTORS TEACHING WORKSHOPS

Recently, while in New England, I sat down with Bradley Van Dussen from New England Actor, and he asked me if I heard that casting directors aren’t allowed to teach workshops anymore. I realized that there must be a lot of rumors flying around about this, which I shall attempt to debunk.

Firstly, I’ll say that I am a member of the Casting Society of America (CSA) and have no problem with adhering to the guidelines and shall continue to teach my master classes.

The main areas of concern in the new CSA guidelines are as follows:

“WORKSHOPS SHOULD BE CONDUCTED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IT IS PERMISSABLE FOR CASTING DIRECTORS / CASTING ASSOCIATES TO RECEIVE A STIPEND FOR TEACHING SUCH WORKSHOPS IF THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES ARE ADHERED TO”

I have always tried to make this clear in my classes in the first place. I’ve noticed the occasional mumbling over the internet. Occasionally someone will anonymously write to me and suggest that this is a conflict of interest to both teach and cast. Or they will accuse me of favoritism towards people who have taken my classes. These guidelines will protect me from these accusations and make it clear to the actors who don’t come to my classes that they will not be discriminated against either.

“The Casting Director/Casting Associate (and Casting Assistant) (CD/CA) may not use workshops for the purpose of auditions, "pre-reads" or suggestions of future employment.”

In other words… the concern here is that actors should not be paying for job interviews. And the money paid for the workshops should not be perceived or interpreted as a bribe.

I personally am very happy that this clause is included. I remember one time, an actor who had taken my workshop, very rudely confronted me at a later date, demanding to know why I hadn’t called him in for any castings after he had taken my class, as if I owed him that.

Do I remember the actors from my workshops? Yes, I never forget a face. Have I cast people from my workshops? Yes… if a role comes along that is right for them, then yes I have called workshop actors in and they have on occasion booked the role. (Karim Rohoma, for example comes to mind, on a recent Fox pilot called Masterworks. He heard about the casting when I announced it on Facebook.)


But the purpose of the classes is NOT to audition actors or find actors for a specific project. The purpose of the workshop is to share useful information and above all to educate. A possible role in the future is a fringe benefit for the actor and the CD, but should not be an expectation. 

“The CD/CA may not retain a student/actor’s headshot, résumé, business card, reel, DVD, other electronic media, other promotional material, or any links thereto.”

OK so here’s the real kicker. I know this clause is upsetting a lot of actors. You’re thinking, So what is the ***king point of meeting a casting director if you can’t give her your material? Well actually in the case of my workshops, I already have a rule that I don’t accept headshots etc because I’m usually traveling when I give class, and I don’t have the room in my suitcase for thirty show reels or whatever. So I’ve made that my policy anyway.

However, in my case, I have a website that is public domain. Anyone and their mother can submit material to me at any time. Many of us CDs don’t like to collect paper copies anyway because we have a problem with storage space.

What this means in that you can meet the CD in the workshop, learn from her whatever is valuable then WAIT until a time when she is casting a project with a role for you THEN submit your headshot to her at the RIGHT time. I emphasize these words because it is a point that I’m making over and over again in my classes. Agents are talent oriented and casting directors are project oriented. We’re interested in specific actors at specific times. We don’t generally collect random resumes anyway. It’s understandable that an actor would want to shove one in our hand… actors are always looking for work. But that is my advice for the best way to use a CD workshop. Make the connection, learn and then keep an eye on what she’s doing. That means reading Backstage (US) or The Stage, (UK) keeping an eye on IMDB Pro, and in the case of my work, it’s easy (I keep a blog!)

Furthermore, the workshops organizers are required to take out a $50,000 bond with the state of California to confirm their legitimacy against fraud. This obviously does not apply to workshops taught outside of the state, but if you are in CA, you can check this out to make sure they're legit. 

This is a short article, but if you want a long and thorough explanation of the history of why this legislation came to pass, please see Bonnie Gillespie’s excellent analysis in the Actors Voice: http://more.showfax.com/columns/avoice/archives/2010_05.html

In short the new law is designed to protect children and actors who are being ripped off by shady workshop organizers who are exploiting actors with false promises. It’s certainly correct and fair that actors should not be paying to audition, which is what was in some cases happening.

ACTORS CREATING THEIR OWN WORK: WEB SERIES

Anyone who has taken a class with me or read Secrets from the Casting Couch,  knows that I'm really big on actors creating their own work. The entertainment world is going more and more in the direction of webs eries. My attendance at a panel discussion yesterday at the Karlovy Vary Film Fest, called Interfacing with Hollywood, confirmed it once again.  Leading Hollywood professionals are looking for content from small time actors and producers who are clever enough to develop ideas and produce them in web series.


Here are a few of my favorite ones. Please let me know which web series you recommend as well.

VERY MARY KATE:
http://vimeo.com/11139998
This actress is hilarious and is smart enough to keep her spots really short.

http://www.thedayplayer.com/
Helenna Santos is a PR machine, and has a wonderful sense of self mockery

Also her husband: Barry Levy has created the fun Ex Convicts Guide
http://www.helennasantos.com/The_Ex-Convicts_Guide/home.html

Lastly, Bonnie Gillespie turned me on to:
Etta Devine's hysterical Mary Olsen, the Girl's Night Out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bxot1Ng6YCo

TAX INCENTIVES FINALLY PASSED

Productions should come back to Prague soon.


http://www.filmneweurope.com/news/czech/eu-passes-czech-film-tax-incentives

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, "THE CASTING PROCESS"

Please join us in Edinburgh for "the Casting Process"


Casting the right actor is one of the most important aspects of filmmkaing; being cast is the most important things in an actor's career. Actors and directors--  Join a panel of casters to discuss the casting process. Question and Answer Session and networking session at Cargo to follow. 


HELEN RAW of Raw Talent Productions will moderate.
BILL PETRIE, of The BWH Agency in London
AMY HUBBARD, CSA Casting Director, London (the Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings)
DES HAMILTON, Casting Director, Scotland (Bronson, This is England)
NANCY BISHOP, CSA Casting Director (Prince Caspian, Wanted), Author of Secrets from the Casting Couch.


Where: Cineworld
When:19 June, Saturday
Time: 15:30 - 17:00
Cost: 6.50/5.50
to reserve: http://www.edfilmfest.org.uk/whats-on/2010/the-casting-process-a-panel-discussion

HINTS FOR COMMERCIAL AUDITIONS

Here's a little piece I contributed to about COMMERCIAL AUDITION HINTS in The Stage


Full text is below. You can also tune into John Bryne's site for more tips: www.showbusiness-success.com


Does anyone else have any success stories about how they booked a commercial job? Please write in to me here or at Facebook. 

Commercial Castings

When auditioning for a commercial most of the same rules apply as a for film or TV casting.

1) Make specific choices, and make sure you answer the “W” questions. These are the basic Stanislavski acting questions and yes, they apply to commercials.

            Who am I?

            Where am I?

            Who am I talking to?

            What do I want?

Know the answer to these questions so that you’re not acting in a vacuum.

The main difference between a commercial and film casting is that the ultimate goal in a film is to keep the audience watching, while in a commercial it is to sell a product.

2.) Therefore, know the product that you’re selling, and the specific ad campaign.  For example: Product: Federal Express. Slogan: “It’s not just a package. It’s your business.” You may not be able to do a lot of preparation in advance, but at the very least know this before you walk in the door, or ask your agent to find out.

3) Know your type. A lot of casting, regardless of genre, is about archetypes. In commercials, this is even more so the case. When you market yourself for a commercial, make sure you have identified the type that you can play well. I once ran into an actor friend of mine on the street, and he was dressed untypically in a bowtie, an argyle sweater, and a bookish pair of spectacles. When I asked him about his kit, he sheepishly answered that it was his “commercials costume”. Even though it’s not who he is in life, he and his agent know that those are the roles that he plays convincingly. So he markets himself that way and dresses the part. You may even have a separate headshot for commercials only. Commercial headshots tend to show a toothy smile; that’s what sells the conflakes.

4.) Lastly, Be open to play. Improvisation is a useful skill in commercial auditions. Commercial directors are less likely to be married to a script. It’s not Shakespeare afterall. When you walk into a commercial casting, there will be scores people in the room, balancing laptops and a cups of Starbucks. You won’t even know who the heck they are, but some will be copywriters, some from the ad agency, others from the product etc. They’ll be constantly revising the script and ideas for selling the product so the director may ask you to just take an idea and run with it. Don’t be afraid to go really far, and most of all have fun! 

VOICE OVER ACTORS NEEDED IN PRAGUE

Michaela Flenerova is looking for voice over actors in Prague who are native speakers of French, Russian and Spanish. Contact her at: +420 775386078 or misaflener@volny.cz. http://www.zastoupenihercu.cz

BLOOD, LOVE AND RHETORIC AUDITIONS

Blood, Love & Rhetoric are having their 2010/11 season casting at Divadlo Inspirace, 12pm-5pm, on Saturday 12th June. Please bring a 2 minute monologue and we will give you a piece to improvise at the theatre. Contact info@bloodloverhetoric.com for more info.
B,L&R has a full season coming up with 6 major shows planned for 2010/11 kicking off with a large scale production of Othello in the Autumn.
www.bloodloverhetoric.com

TRAILER FOR THE PRAGUE FILM SCHOOL ACTING PROGRAM

CLICK HERE FOR PRAGUE ACTING FOR FILM PROGRAM

Prague FILM SCHOOL ACTING PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT

PFS SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE FOR THE FILM ACTING PROGRAM.

PFS offers a scholarship of 1500 EUR for qualified and talented students of acting. Applied to the one year program only. To apply, applicants must complete the normal admissions procedure, plus an obligatory audition.

Audition requirements:

One monologue, comic or dramatic, 1-2 minutes in length. Material can be from theatre or film scripts.

Options for audition.

1. By appointment. Applicants can audition in person with the head of the film department. Contact: nancy.bishop@filmstudies.cz

2. By video link. Applicants can tape their audition and send it as a link to nancy.bishop@filmstudeis.cz

nancy.bishop@filmstudeis.cz

APPLICATIONS DUE 31 MAY, 2010 for September, 2010 semester

LOCAL FILM SHOOTING IN PRAGUE

Peter Smith is shooting a comedy pilot this summer based around the tourist industry in Prague. He needs actors for the main parts:

Male, native English speaker (ideally British), 45+

Female, native English speaker, 32-38 y.o.

Female, 22-28 y.o.

There are also supplementary roles - receptionist, coach driver, barman, retired couple and elderly, ailing male. Anyone interested please get in touch.

I also require a cameraman and a sound guy for the project. We envisage an abrasive, shaky cam, documentary style.

The script is ready to go and I am looking to wrap the shoot in 2-3 days.

Anyone interested in this project, please don't hesitate to call Peter directly on 731729646 or email: peter.smith@tiscali.cz.

Acting Shakespeare Master Class in Prague

Acting Shakespeare Master Class
www.pragueshakespeare.cz


Acting Shakespeare Master Class
led by Sidney Berger
Artistic Director Houston Shakespeare Festival
May 17-19, 2010 (3 sessions)
17:00-19:00 (5:00pm-7:00pm)
Old Burgrave's Residence, Vysehrad
Prague, Czech Republic

The Prague Shakespeare Festival is pleased to announce that we will be
hosting a unique Acting Shakespeare Master Class featuring Sidney Berger,
Artistic Director of the Houston Shakespeare Festival, and one of the
world's foremost experts on Shakespearean Verse May 17-19, 2010 in Prague,
Czech Republic. Space for this exclusive Master Class will be limited to 30
participants and a select number of observers. This is a wonderful
opportunity to learn from one of the most respected Shakespearean Theatre
experts in the world.

SIDNEY BERGER is celebrating his thirty-seventh year as founder and
producing director of the Houston Shakespeare Festival. He is also currently
the John and Rebecca Moores Professor of Theatre; the former Director of the
University of Houston School of Theatre; and co-founder and producer of the
Children's Theatre Festival, UH's professional summer children's theatre. He
has directed many productions for the Houston Shakespeare Festival, and over
sixty at UH. As Associate Artist at the Alley Theatre he directed FRANKIE
AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE, T BONE N WEASEL, and ALL IN THE TIMING.
Other professional directing credits include A DELICATE BALANCE, BETRAYAL,
SIGHT UNSEEN and THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE at Stages Repertory Theatre, where he
also served as Artistic Director. He also directed Albee's ALL OVER, with
Mr. Albee consulting. As well, he has directed JACQUES BREL for the QCC
Equity Theatre in New York, GREASE and MY FAIR LADY (with Noel Harrison and
Clive Revill) for Theatre Under The Stars and the film HOUSTON PROUD
narrated by Ben Vereen. In 1990 he co-founded and was elected President of
the Shakespeare Theatre Association of America, uniting all major
professional Shakespeare producers in North America. Dr. Berger also serves
on the board of governors for the International Shakespeare Globe Centre
project in London.

Cost:
Participants (limit of 30 total) - 1,500kč
Observer (limited seating) - 900kč for all days, 500kč for one day

To Apply and Request an Application form, email Guy Roberts:
guy@pragueshakespeare.cz

For interviews with Sidney Berger and more information contact:
Guy Roberts
Artistic Director
Prague Shakespeare Festival
guy@pragueshakespeare.cz

Come see me hit the boards as LADY CAPULET

ROMEO AND JULIET May 25, 26 & 27 @ 19:00

Open-Air Theatre, Vysehrad - Prague

Prague Shakespeare Festival, Prague's only professional English-language classical theatre company, is pleased to announce the limited engagement of a new production of William Shakespeare's ROMEO AND JULIET by PSF Artistic Director Guy Roberts at the Open-Air Theater in Vysehrad May 25-27, 2010 at 19:00.

One of the most beloved plays of all time, Shakespeare's masterpiece Romeo & Juliet is the premiere PSF summer production on the outdoor, open-air stage at Vysehrad, signaling a new annual tradition of "Shakespeare at the other castle" in Prague.

Roberts states, "Romeo and Juliet is clearly the greatest love story of all time. The question to me seems to be how to retain the beauty and romance associated with our expectations of the play, while still making the language and story accessible to a modern audience? We don't want to feel as if we are watching a piece of museum-theatre. By securing Romeo and Juliet in the past we are also distancing ourselves from the action of the play and allowing ourselves the freedom not to be transfigured by it. I think it is impossible to do a "period play." Plays can only occur in today's imagination - and that is where our play takes place. Shakespeare's Verona is not unlike our Prague today. It is a world that bridges the ancient and the modern-a world that is refreshingly relevant. At the center of the entire play is love - the kind of life-changing, soul-transforming love that we all dream of but perhaps never believe we will really find."

Fueled by the intense passions and moving poetry that the world has cherished for years, the play is presented in English under the direction of PSF Artistic Director Guy Roberts (who also appears as Mercutio) with a multi-cultural international company of artists: the titles roles will be performed by Lenka Novakova and Kendrick Ong. Returning to the stage, Emmy-nominated Casting Director Nancy Bishop (former Artistic Director of Black Box, Prague's original English language theatre) is joined by Prague favorites Laura Baranik, Brian Caspe (Artistic Director Prague Playhouse), David Fisher (Artistic Director, Bear Educational Theatre), Vanessa Gendron (co-Artistic Director, Miloco), Curt Matthew, John Poston and Jeff Smith (co-Artistic Director, Miloco)among others. From the United States, Steve Zinkgraf co-stars as Lord Capulet.  The production features costume designs by Tatiana Evonuk, scenic design by Ivana Nikolic and an original score by Ed Kliman. Amy Huck is the production stage manager and movement coach.  Sidney Berger, Artistic Director of the Houston Shakespeare Festival, is the verse coach and Anezka Novak is the voice coach.

  

PRAGUE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

in association with

PZ Adventures, Mermaid Theatre Company, Classical Theatre Company (USA)

Prague Playhouse, Bear Educational Theatre & Miloco (Czech Republic)

presents

THE WORLD PREMIERE of a new production of

ROMEO AND JULIET

by

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

ADAPTED & DIRECTED BY GUY ROBERTS

DATES:                    

May 25, 26 & 27

CURTAIN TIME:      

19:00

LOCATION:            

Open-Air Theatre, Vysehrad

TICKETS:

200kc General Admission,

150kc Student/Senior

  

RESERVATIONS:

pokladna@praha-vysehrad.cz

222.513.842 phone

ABOUT THE PRAGUE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

The Prague Shakespeare Festival presents an annual celebration of professional theatre productions, workshops, classes, lectures and other theatrical events, of the highest quality, conducted primarily in English by a multinational ensemble of professional theatre artists, with an emphasis on the plays of William Shakespeare, bringing to the Czech Republic, European and World audiences classical performances that are fresh, bold, imaginative, thought-provoking, and eminently accessible, connecting the truths of the past with the challenges and possibilities of today.

For interviews & more information about PSF and ROMEO AND JULIET contact

Guy Roberts

Artistic Director

Prague Shakespeare Festival

guy@pragueshakespeare.cz

ACTORS AND PLASTIC SURGERY

I was so glad to see this article in the New York Times. I've been advising actors for years not to get plastic surgery. But at the same time I know that there is so much pressure in this world to look young and perfect. I'd love to know what actors think about this? http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/25/fashion/25natural.html

CASTING WORKSHOP AT THE EAST END FESTIVAL

CASTING WORKSHOP - THE CASTING SCENE AND CASTING DIRECTOR ANNA KENNEDY - EAST END FILM FESTIVAL AT 4 - 5.30 PM, FRIDAY 30^TH APRIL Filmmakers’ Centre, The Cole, 16 Hanbury Street, London E1 6QR

Join producer Grant Keir (Faction North), Virginia Heath (Director, Casting Scene, online casting resource) and Anna Kennedy (Casting Director whose credits include MUM AND DAD, PIMP, WHEN BORIS MET DAVE) for practical advice about core casting skills for actors, directors and producers, plus debate between the innovators (online) and traditional methods.

PRAGUE FILM SCHOOL ACTING PROGRAM

Study film acting in Prague. We have one of the only acting programs that concentrates exclusively on film and TV acting. Click here to see the Prague Film School Trailer.

We are currently accepting applications for study in the 2010-11 year. Click here for details about the program. Or write to: filmschool@rexpats.com

PRAGUE SHAKESPEARE POSITIONS NOTICE

ROMEO AND JULIET PRODUCTION STAFF & CREW POSITIONS AVAILABLE

The Prague Shakespeare Festival, Guy Roberts Artistic Director, will be producing in English, William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet May 25-27, 2010 @ 19:00 at the Open-Air Theater in Vyšehrad. Rehearsals begin April 28, 2010.

PSF is currently seeking individuals interested in working on the production in the following capacities:

STAGE MANAGEMENT

Production Stage Manager – 4000cz total stipend

*Assistant Stage Manager* – 1000cz total stipend

*Assistant Director* – volunteer position – no stipend

DESIGNERS, PRODUCTION STAFF & TECHNICIANS

Light Designer & Light Board Operator – 3000cz total stipend

Sound Designer & Sound Board Operator – 3000cz total stipend

*Prop Designer & Prop Master* – 2000cz total stipend

*Hair & Make-Up Designer* – 1000cz total stipend

*NOTE*: These positions may be filled by actor, stage manager and/or other member of the R&J company

If you are interested in any of the above positions, please email Guy Roberts - guy@pragueshakespeare.cz or simply respond to this email!

If you are a new talent/resource to PSF, please send your resume and/or a brief background about your experience, skills & interest in English Language Theatre in Prague and Shakespeare in your job inquiry email.

Thanks so much – I look forward to working with you!

Guy Roberts

Artistic Director

Prague Shakespeare Festival

885/3 Janackovo Nabrezi

Prague 5, 150 00

Czech Republic

+420 603 968 536

guy@pragueshakespeare.com

www.pragueshakespeare.com

www.guyroberts.com