On March 27, East West Players in partnership with CAPE and Visual Communications held an orientation for those interested in ABC Talent Development Programs. Frank Bennett Gonzalez who serves as director, talent development & diversity for The Disney/ABC Television Group moderated the panel which consisted of Frank’s colleague Ollie Ashtari-Larki, former ABC writing fellow Milton Liu and current ABC writing fellows Eric Haywood and Aaron Serna. “We’re all in this together. Our goal is to make sure the industry represents us all in a realistic, positive light, ” said Ollie Ashtari-Larki. ABC has had a longtime history of nurturing writers of color. It’s writing program is a highly respected and coveted program. A wide variety of topics were discussed including: the ABC writing program, pilot season, and breaking into network television. Q & A allowed audience members to ask questions and panel members gave very honest and direct answers which included the competitiveness of the program, the highs and lows, the importance of networking and the absolute benefit of having hands on experience and access to people who may be their future employer. It was an invaluable evening for all! Thanks to Frank Gonzalez and Ollie Ashtari-Larki for their continuing support and outreach.

Longtime EWP Actors Conservatory teacher and mentor Leslie Ishii has begun her internship at Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF). “OSF is huge!  What a huge machine and incredible to see the inner workings and level of production and work.  Gives me great food for thought regarding training for our students,” said Leslie in a recent email. Some of you may remember that Leslie’s directorial debut of CRIMES OF THE HEART by Beth Henley on EWP’s mainstage last year won favorable reviews and was very well received. We look forward to having Leslie return to our conservatory in the Fall where she will be teaching Beginning Voice & Speech class. Leslie is a certified Katherine Fitzmaurice instructor.

On March 20 & 27 CBS conducted an industry workshop for members of both East West Players ACTS members and CAPE members. 14 lucky actors were selected to enroll in this 2 day workshop which included discussions surrounding headshots/resumes, monologue work, auditions, and self promotion. The first week VP Diversity & Communications head Tiffany Smith Anoa’i spoke about the importance of being the CEO of your own career and emphasized the role social media plays and how significant your presence is whether it be fb, twitter and ofcourse having your own website. “Having a website let’s people know your career is not just a hobby. These days it’s not enough to just audition, you have to do everything you can to be visible,” she said. VP of Casting Fern Orenstein provided feedback on headshots and explained what “giving a performance” was when having a photo session. She showed several examples of actors and pointed out what worked and what didn’t work. At the end of the first workshop, actors were given scenes and asked to bring them back the following week, memorized. Week two focussed on those scenes followed by feedback by both Fern, Tiffany and EWP Arts Education Director Marilyn Tokuda and Executive Director of CAPE, Jennifer Sanderson. Lastly actors were given the opportunity to perform another monologue (they did one the week before but were given the limitation of presenting a one minute monologue the second week). It was a great opportunity to listen and learn from professionals who do this day in and day out. Thanks to CBS and Tiffany and Fern for their time, talent and passion!

Welcome new ACTS Members: Emerson, Alan and Emily Miles, Jasmin Currey, Justin Jung, John Chang, Tam Duong, Peter Quon, Stefanie C, Christina Jun, Robert Lee, Jen Uyen, Jude Narita and Reesa Ishiyama!

Please welcome new ACTS members:  Cynthia Fujikawa, Kaito Shiode, Dinh Luu, Joy Regullano, Jason Chin and Preston Li!  Welcome also renewing members Jeff Manabat, Wai Ying Tsang, Derek Lui, Rich Liu, Aaron Aoki and Esperanza Catubig.

Congratulations to ACTS member Jon Lee Brody who is training to play the lead in the upcoming martial arts film THE HURRICANE KID.  Jon has been training 5-6 hours per day going from 160 lbs. to 180 lbs due to producers wanting Jon to “bulk up” for the role.  Read more about Jon in this article by Access Hollywood online!

http://www.accesshollywood.com/healthy-hollywood-get-movin-monday-train-like-an-action-hero_article_45489#

ACTS member Katherine Lee has appeared on the Conan show twice this past month and just booked an independent comedy feature film called, “Rock Barnes: The Emperor in You.”  Congratulations to Katherine!