Posted Friday September 16, 2005
Five
bucks is squat. So, come one, come all(who are there to read/write and/or
direct), support the space and be sensitive to when someone has a
concern. Just like you have been.
Of
course it seems odd when you come into a space like ours and sometimes there
are scenes that are written for other people in the drop-in…that’s pretty weird
and unusual and sometimes when people come in with a request for a scene
and/or a partner that surprises me. The opportunity for abuses is vast,
and you have handled the space very well.
While
it’s true that in the industry on-time is the right time…this drop-in is a gift
for all that it is.
I
was under the impression when I started coming that on-time was before
Then,
there were people who were going away and coming back and scenes about them,
and when they came late, there was excitement and allowances made…this space is
convenient in its own way, and confronts in its own way.
It
is a huge opportunity to learn, and to relax and trust and engage, and I don’t
know if this is the place to do more than generate a space and a group dynamic
just like we’re doing with all this interaction.
With
respect to a rule: It will be broken. I doubt anyone is saying do
it this way or you’re out.
Thanks
again,
p.s.
I think you should reward all the people who write…oh and have bonus points for
people who write and show up on time…and…I liked the bringing food
idea…not…just like we don’t waste a lot of time in between scenes doing
anything else.
Just
a thought.
I've
always viewed the drop-in as being very organic. My own life circumstances have
been such that I couldn't come by at times but
I do follow and read all the e-mail bulletins. I'm sure there are
also other people who can't make it on a regular basis but still remain 'in the
loop.'
It's
giving everyone a chance to do something according to their needs. For those
who come really late, that may change for them eventually. For those who come
early, it gives them a chance to experience
more.
On
with the work at hand!!
I've been coming to the drop
in for a short time and haven’t noticed the
"issue" as brought
up by one participant.
I see a group of actors that
support each other in a positive way and read
scripts. The only rule is
"don't read ahead" and $5 fee. (this keeps it
simple) More
"rules", I believe, would break the drop in environment and
informality of the session-
and this is what I treasure- the informality
puts everyone at ease to
support each other. So I don't see that
anything
need to be changed--- except
for those that do come in late to be more quiet
and seat themselves between
scenes as not to upstage a scene in progress.
Otherwise, I would like to
say that this group of people is wonderful and
the energy in the room is
positive, helpful, and rooting for everyone to
win! I'm grateful to watch
scenes and learn, to read scenes and play...
whatever angle I look at it,
I'm grateful to have found this group of actors
and positive space.
Dear Henri,
Interesting that someone
would voice themselves .. Although I haven't attended that much, I have to
agree with this person...Perhaps you should set
up some sort of guidelines with regards to latecomers, therefore
they do not take for granted their privileges.
Since this is not my workshop, session....I feel you should set the
guidance....Hope that helps.....all the best
Hmmm...that's a good point. I never looked at it that way
before. I've never had a problem with latecomers getting to read, I've actually
never even thought about it until now. That said, it does make sense to reward
the punctual. As for people getting their "money's worth", well, it's
up to them to maximize it by being on time. As a comparison, a bus ride still
costs you $2.25 whether you're going 5 blocks or 5 miles.
One potential solution : Shorter scenes (
max 2-3 pages) done until 8-8:30, longer scenes and three/four
handers done after
If you'd like any help organizing your scene box
along those lines or would like help compiling more short scenes, let me know.
Perhaps a challenge to the regular members to write or bring in 5 short scenes
each ,that are new to the group. OH-OH-OH...it can be like a potluck...each
person is assigned, like, dramatic scenes, quirky scenes, comedy, melodramatic
and so on :)
Hope this helps
hello Henry,
the person who sent you the letter
is absolutely right; drop in does not mean chaos and that is what things are
turning into. you know how much some of us love the opportunity and challenge
but things and the numbers game are slowly eroding the quality of work. when
some of us take 3 hours in an evening we like to get up and work as much as
possible but with those kind of numbers it is impossible. when I first started
it all seemed possible with about fifteen max. I congratulate you for the
popularity of this wonderful idea but numbers can be a cause for watering down
the whole concept which would be a shame. I know that with less people it will
be less money but the trade off is better work and more growth for everyone. perhaps
an idea would be to have 4 week sessions and limit each session to a maximum of
fifteen or so. this is not a perfect solution but a beginning and to see where
it goes. I have noticed how the large numbers have affected you also over time
so you must feel the frustration as well. you asked for feedback and this is
mine; it is only an opinion and perhaps there is some fine tuning to do. you
must proceed the way you wish and how you are comfortable to do so. Tuesday
nights is one of my weekly highlights because of some of the more regular participants
and of course your supportive energy which you generously share with all of us.
I say bravo to you again for how you have managed to get us all enthused and
comfortable to be part of a positive an creative time. a solution will come to
you I’m sure.
cheers
Henry, I just want to say...
As miserable a time I had
with the downer actors, bad coffee and lack of
support in yesterday's
drop-in: I am so coming back next week!!! Regarding this message; at first I
found it odd that the late comers were getting to read the same amount and
everything, but then thought about it and realized it was fair. If it were to
be improved in any way, I would suggest a more of a 'first come first serve'
basis. Just so the early birds don't have to wait as long. (It didn't really
bother me, personally. But that might help a tit bit with the other folks) Ha
ha, I was sad it only went on until ten.
Hey Henry. Since this person's email was directed at me
being the late one,
I will reply with my
feedback.
Frankly..... The last time I
checked, the actor's workshop was known as a
drop in. Drop in
meaning...drop in, not show up on the dot or you will lose
marks and we will send the
report home to your parents. As far as I
know
medals are not given out for
punctuality. We all pay the same amount
of
money for the night no
matter what time we show up. As
anonymous mentioned,
we all have differing
schedules. In addition, we all have different reasons
for coming to the drop
in. Some come to watch and not read at
all. Others
come for fellowship, and
others come for an opportunity to present
themselves publicly with the
purpose of keeping their skills sharp as we do
not all act 5 days a
week. The reason I come is to do my 3
reads, keep my
skills honed, and maintain
relationships with attending friends. The reason
I slowed down my visits to
the drop in, or have been coming in later, is
because I find that the 2
hours and 45 min of not reading is too long for me
to sit around for without getting
tired and irritable. I find that 90 min
works fine for me. We're all
different.
To answer her question,
nothing is stopping her from coming in later. If
that works for her, she
should do it.
My 2 Cents.
I haven't been in a while.
to the below e-mail I say why are you having trouble with this. You come early
(because you can) you do a couple of scenes (pardon the spelling). Then you get
some feed back from Henry and a group of your peers. Some one else does there
thing etc. Three or four or five time over. You get to hear some ideas that may
work for you or not even as you hear the feed back that is meant for others. So
you get a whole evening of great ideas to work on for your five bucks. now the
people who have come late have still paid their five bucks but have missed out
on all those good ideas that you have had a chance to hear and maybe use. I
think the ones really cheated here are the ones coming late. It’s just my
thought
P.S. coming late is OK any
practice is good practice.
Hi
Henry,
Over
all, I don't see a problem. So, no solution required.
The
way I understand the drop in, it is flexible and how it functions depends on
who shows up on a given night. For example, there is an 'actors challenge' thing,
however I have only seen it used on nights when fewer people show up.
I
didn't realize we were buying a set number of opportunities to play. I see the
money as more of a contribution to funding whatever costs are incurred (i.e.
rent or whatever).
I
appreciate the egalitarian nature with which you host, in that you attempt to
get everyone up to play the same amount of times. However I don't see it as
being set in stone and count on it.
Furthermore,
if it was to be a rule, then it's less flexible. i.e. say you wanted to pair
two people who hadn't worked together before but it would mean that one of the
players was up once more than anyone else. If everyone was supposed to get the
same number of turns, you couldn't do this. I wouldn't like that. I would
rather have the choosing being based on the dynamics of the room at the time of
the choosing.
Which
leads me to an interesting concept. As actors, one of our challenges is
to live truthfully in the moment. Here's a perfect opportunity to apply that.
The choosing is based on who is in the room at the moment. So people come and
go. Work with it. Don't legislate it, tie it up with rules.
As
for this person being frustrated or disappointed by the situation described,
that's their business.
As
I walk in I seem to recall seeing a sign on the door every night to knock
loudly if the door is closed. In other words, I know it is an open door for the
duration. So it's up to me whether or not I want to participate given that it
is an open door.
Also,
this person seems to want to be rewarded for promptness. Again, being prompt is
their business. Be prompt or don't be prompt, it's up to them. I am prompt for
myself, not for what it buys me. I am prompt so I can be in the space and own
the room before I play. I am prompt to take advantage of maybe playing with
someone who has to leave early. I am prompt so that maybe I can do a little
warm up exercise with another like minded actor. etc, etc, etc.
So,
in closing, it appears that this person is only seeing a downside to the open
door, all comers welcome, at all times policy. Doesn't the world exclude enough
people already? (how deep do we want to go here ;-) )
I
invite this person to think about what the upside to this policy is for them.
To
me it is the possibility that someone walks in the door at
It's
the possibility that matters. Not 'Did I get my 5 dollars worth tonight?'.
I
trust this helps. If not, thanks for the opportunity to get passionate today.
I
trust your judgment
Writer seems to make good
point.
Maybe latecomers could
observe UNLESS before the eve in question they have cleared with you.
Feedback for you, about drop in. Anytime. If you wanted me to run the thing one week cause you couldn't damn I do that too. Uhm, I agree and disagree with this person's comments. I am never perturbed at drop in. It's such a positive environment it’s hard to ever really be disappointed by anything. My opinion is that this individual is missing out on part of the process. That watching is part of the experience. That even though ya everyone is there to get on their feet it would be pointless if people weren't there to watch.
And of course everyone wants to read as much as possible. But it is a drop in. Maybe my feedback is pointless because I am kind of on the fence. I don't think people who are there right from 7 should be missing out on chances to read because some people come in the door at like 9. I think that the people at 9 should get read though. Everyone there should be reading in my opinion regardless of the time they show up at. It's a drop in. But I don't think other people who have been there all night should get to read less because people who arrive at like nine need to get in three readings? Am I making sense. I feel like my email is all over the place. If it needs more clarity please just ask me.
That being said, I feel you run an excellent space. A space where there is equal opportunity for everyone to read, to expand as actors and to be comfortable taking risks in front of people who will not judge them. It's a space where being an audience member is just as much a part of the process as being a performer. It's open to people of all skill levels from the brand new to the old school pros. Which I think is amazing because it allows new people to gain new skills and reminds the old pros what it was like to be the fresh face on the scene full of enthusiasm and spunk. I think you run a excellent space, that is for the most part balanced.
I hope all my babbling helps. I'll see you soon.
Chow!
I've been in this situation, I wasn't there last night and
haven't been for some time mainly because of around this problem. Because of
the atmosphere it gets really ansie and it’s hard to only go up two or three
times. Since becoming a committed actor it was hard , I say committed actor
because I felt a lot of people used the space even though they were not trying
to find work actors. When I came across your space it was like heaven, and I
was new on the scene but I could outlet all this ( as
Thank you Henry , what ever is done, you are a big helpful outlet.
PS. I know the cold reading series if you want to act you have to be there by a certain time correct? And thanks to your space I networked and now have my first role in a feature
I agree a cutoff time sounds like a
great idea! Maybe if someone does have a
special issue they could give you a call or e-mail or something.
I know I haven't been in awhile but
I often think of you guys, it’s such an awesome thing that you’re doing. Say, I don't know if this is the case anymore
(it really has been awhile) but I thought I'd mention this as we're talking
about feedback. We would always play
this great game that
you couldn't look at your lines
before you went up to do a scene. It's a
fantastic exercise that does help you listen and be in the moment more. I was just a little concerned that we were
doing it all the time and for some of our more inexperienced drop ins might go
to a cold read
like that. (I've never been to an audition where I
couldn't read the side first) and it
seemed to be an issue when Carl Sagan came.
So there's my two cents and I wish you many blessings and lots of fun.
It
seems to me that due to the sheer increase in numbers at the drop-in that
perhaps a sort of system be put in place. Yes, it can be frustrating
sitting there from 7-10 and only reading a couple of times if the size of the
drop-in is large (it doesn't really matter if you have fewer people because
people get to read 3 or 4 times). Perhaps there should be a cut off time
of say, 8.00 p.m. and anyone coming in after that can sit in and observe (at no
cost). I suspect some people may not stay to watch because they are
really there to participate. I guess you may need to consider
establishing some boundaries, now that it's such a large group. If everybody
shows up on time, you're still stuck with people only reading 2-3
times!!! Oh boy.....I don't know.....
Good
luck!
One of the things I like about the drop-in is that I can come late. I'm in a work situation that does not give me a lot of time to work on my craft. I can't really think of too many alternatives either. If I come late I don't expect to read two or three times. I'm just glad I made it. As someone suggested late comers should join in what ever round of scenes the drop in is at as they arrive.
Well, the only response to
that email is that I agree and I don't. I do find
that it seems some people
take advantage of coming into class much after
early as possible. As to
them coming in after
should be cut off from doing
any scenes, but maybe just not as many as the
people who show up on time.
BUT, on the other hand, it's not like you'll be
able to remember who came in
on time and who didn't. To be honest, it
doesn't really bother me to
that much of an extent. I like the
dynamic in
the group and wouldn't want
to jeopardize people not coming at all. So really
this email probably doesn't
help you out much, ha ha. I'm happy with the
"class" either
way.
Cheers
Hi Henry, I have only made
it to one drop in session with my room-mate and his friend. I myself have been busy with other
things. (I am in a play at the moment
that runs next week so of course I have been busy with rehearsals etc..)
However there have been a
couple of nights that I have chosen not to go to the drop in because I knew I
couldn’t make it by 7pm, so I was somewhat surprised to hear that actors have
been turning up as late as they have!!
Isn't there a saying in the acting industry that goes something like..
"If you are early, you are on time; if
you are on time, you are late; and if you are late, you are fired!"??
I understand that you try to
'keep everyone happy', and that can be a difficult; and of course the more
people that come then the more money you have available to facilitate and
improve the sessions.
Obviously some peoples
attitudes are that they can cruise on in at anytime, which does seem to me to
be a tad unfair to those who make the effort to get there at
A few possible solutions...
1) an
2) those that arrive before
after
3) shut the doors after
4) anyone arriving after
I'm hoping to make a drop in
session,(arriving by
Although I've only been to
your drop-in a few times and have been late, myself, I think there's one more
issue here, too - BEING LATE ! I think it is disruptive to the group when
someone is late.
YES ! I do include myself in
the "disruptive" category. In regard to allowing latecomers to read
as much as the "arrivers-on-time", this IS a "drop-in"
rather than a formal class. ........Solutions ? How about......
1. Setting a definite
cut-off time for arriving such as
2. Putting a list of script
reading series on your website. Alibi, First Draught & Cold Reading Series*
(I know CRS has finished for the year, but, actors could get on their e-mail
list - Now- until they start again)
3. Start holding your
drop-ins.......Two Nights A Week ! If you don't have the time to do this, ask
the group if someone else would like to run the drop-in, one night a week, in
exchange for a percentage of the "take".
It
strikes me first off that of all nights that this should become an issue it is
the first time I have arrived late. That said, it is unlikely that I will
be late again. I know I’m not the only one being addressed
here(obviously), but I thought I should start there because one of the things I
liked about being able to drop in late was that I could be there at all,
because I feel a part of the group and just because I was helping a friend get
a job finished because today was the deadline to show his house, it was great
to be able to still come by. I did not expect to read, I was gratified
that I got to, and the second time was pure gravy.
My
feeling on the “issue” is this. Even the person who wrote you
acknowledged that there are extenuating circumstances that can affect a
person’s arrival time(work, etc.)…I think an effort should be made for people
to arrive on time who are able to. Enforcing that might be as simple as
making the request that out of respect to the group as a whole(not some
imaginary group of “good people who show up on time”), and the discipline of
theatre(which of course does not allow latecomers to enter a performance in
progress unless the building is on fire), that people make every effort to be
there on time. Reiterate the start time.
With
respect to the writer’s feelings. C’est la vie. We all live with
frustrations.
With
respect to the five bucks…that’s a weird one and clearly your call. If
people who drop in regularly come late and audit, perhaps that’s something that
shouldn’t have to be paid for.
As
for a cut off time…I’m thinking maybe it was an error to have me read twice…and
possibly I should have just paid a twoonie…it was after nine.
Honestly
I think the person complaining has been there too infrequently to judge but the
feedback is relevant as it relates to the impression we all are making.
It is both something I respect and like about the drop-in that it is flexible,
and at the same time, conversations at the back of the room are annoying,
As
much as I want to be rewarded for being on time, I guess I’m willing to
acknowledge the contribution all the people who come make to the drop-in and
maybe just a request for every effort to be made by all to honour the space and
get there on time whenever truly possible can suffice.
Regarding
the letter; I do feel the importance of being on time. I am a bit old school
and was taught by LA standard that being on time is crucial in this business. I
studied with Brian Reise for years and if you were not there at the time your
class started, you wouldn't get sides and just sat there and watch the others
perform. I did realized that this town is a bit laid back when it comes to
being on time and in the long run it might hurt you when you're late for an
audition. A 17 year old kid was late for an audition for Da Vinci two weeks ago
and when he got there, he realized his agent had sent him to the wrong
studio....He was then in a rush and was really late and blew up his audition.
If he had given himself more time since he also lives in
(S)he has a point. I go to several writers' workshops here
in LA every week, and if we are not there on time, we do not get cast, as the
casting is done before we begin. All the actors and the writers
who are "up" that evening get there at least fifteen minutes earlier
than start time so that the casting is finished before we begin. For what
that is worth.
Interesting
e-mails you get to deal with!!
I'm
not there obviously but wanted to throw my 2 cents in. I had the same concern when I was attending,
and for a while wanted to mention it.
But then I realized
that
ultimately you (and I) and the drop-in are better off with having as many
actors show interest and attend, regardless of when they arrive and how long
they
stay. In our industry I think we should
support everyone who wants to improve and participate, even if it means that
the punctual ones among us have to grin
and
bear it. Everyone will ultimately learn
more from seeing as many actors perform and meeting as many actors and other
industry people as well. Henry, you'll
notice any actors that are taking advantage every week. Just deal with them personally
rather
than making some broad, sweeping statement that gets everyone uptight,
competitive, and worried about stuff.
For fairness setting a time limit if fair unless they call
you beforehand to inform you they are working a little late and will show up at
8:30 about say. I can understand and appreciate what was
said. We all have lives and if someone just shows up late cause he
knows he will still read same amount of times as another who shows up on time
then why show up on time. You could say if you show up
between 8and 9PM you get to read at least twice and after 9PM only
once. I don't know but their is some validity to what is being said but
whatever you decide I am ok with it.
I
know I haven't come for a long time but since I did go quite regularly and
experienced
what the person has to say I have to agree.
And I'm one of the
people
that come in late sometimes!! It just
makes perfect sense to me.
Whatever
you do the drop in will still be awesome!
looked at your e-mail and have a few thoughts. I will admit that I haven't been around , but as someone who was around in the beginning , here's my two cents.
I think there are two sides.
This is a drop-in. The key word is drop in. If the late comers aren't being disruptive. Then what is the big deal. On another note, perhaps having a cut-off time like 8pm would work as a reward system for those that do arrive early. More scenes for the early birds.
I think the most important thing is that you have created a great environment for actors to come and work their chops, connect and contribute to the community. I don't know how many times your group has donated money to independent projects. It's fabulous!! My company with Lori T has benefited from the actors group. Perhaps this actor needs to open their perspective and realize that their is a lot to learn from watching.
I agree with the writer. There needs to be a cut off to read
scenes or I would feel the same way. At the same time, congratulations on
getting huge numbers like that. You ROCK!!
Best of luck.
Thanks for the night, it was great. Actually, another actor
and I were discussing this issue as well on our way to Red Robin. I totally
agree with this person. We both showed up at 7 pm and got to read
twice while some people that got there in the last 45 minutes got to read twice
as well. It kind of sucks since most of us go there to read as much a possible
since that is we get better at this. I understand that you want to collect
your money as well and I can't remember if the 5$ fee is mandatory right
now. I totally think it should be. Maybe there should be a cut off time like
any classes or event organizing. 8 pm is not bad. Last night did feel like
there was not that many people at first and then it filled up out of the
blue. I think lots of actors don't have the habit of being punctual and
are abusing your generosity by showing up at anytime since they just know
they'll get to read anyway.
You are doing a great job a this. Your one of the
doers, not just a talker! Congrats on your gig as well! And I'll see you
around.
I
know I have yet to make it out to a session, something I plan to rectify in the
next couple of weeks but my thought is if you are not counting on
the money that these extra people generate, then pick a time, like
this person suggested, tell people it is still a $5 cover or drop it down to $3
and they just do one scene. I know if I were this person, I would be perturbed
at the beginning of the night with 12 people thinking that I may get a good
work out of more than 2 scenes, just to have another 20 people saunter in.
Or divide the night into 2 groups and charge less. Just some thoughts for ya
and hope to be out there as I said in the next couple of weeks!
Keep
doing the good work you do Mate,
Cheers
I definitely think that’s a fair concern. What is
likely the fairest is that anyone in past like 8pm get a ‘bye’ as far as the
first round of reads, and after 9pm, maybe 2 byes… which in some cases may
cause them not to read, but I’d have to agree that fair is fair and they are
late. While its never bothered me because I like to see everyone get up their
and do their thing, I think the writer is right in this case, it is unfair to
those who come early/on time.
Hi
I came to a few sessions in the summer, I’ve been
trying
to fit in the time to come because I also take ballet on Tuesday
evenings...
so this question is very applicable to my situation. Ballet ends
at
730 and it's right down the street so I would appreciate the cut off time
being
at least 8pm. That being said I think the person has a point, perhaps
late
comers can understand that they might not be able to read as much as
on-time
folks (depending on numbers). From my experience this is a great
opportunity
for actors and I can understand that the numbers are growing,
so
it is probably in everyone's best interest to resolve this ASAP.
I
think if this drop in is from 7 to 10, people should
come
on time if they want to participate cause
actually
when I think about it, it's not fair to all
those
who do come on time. The nice thing about the
drop
in is that it is a 3 hour session and watching
latecomers
do all their readings at the end was not
great.
I
can't remember this happening before to such an
extent...but
you know, what's wrong with being on
time...you
have to be on time for everything else so
why
not for such an important event as this?
Perhaps latecomers can just watch if there are seats.
this would bug me if I was going
if you’re late you should get less to read than other people
if you come after 8,30-9,00 you are an observer for that
nite
I bet you will see people being more punctual.
so many people that aren’t truly committed have so many
reasons for there defects in life
would this be acceptable in the mastery or better yet
on a set
we need to be in life what we want be in the business
My thought would be that the
later you come, the less you read. You still pay 5 bucks. incentive
to come on time.