me! me! me!

hey grant thanx 4 the 'fo. i don't need an agent unless i'm getting professional gigs, right? what's the deal with television series & stuff, is anything shot in perth? i think the only television made here is 'maurice meade' hair salon commercials... i don't have the discipline 2 be completely anorexic - i'm normal weight so i can't be a model - but i have the face & height for modeling, hence my interest in its sister profession - acting. i finished high school 2 yrs ago & that was the last time i did any drama. my renewed interest in performing comes from my friend mark naglazas telling me i should pursue it cos i have the looks & personality 4 it, & by my reflection in the mirror! also, i have a great ego & thick skin - 2 prerequisites 4 showbiz. unfortunately there's about 3 billion other wannabes on the planet so i won't be burning my books anytime soon... but it looks like fun & i'd like 2 give it a go. any suggestions on how 2 get started? does amateur stuff get u any exposure?
anyone know how far away melville is from the city center? which is closer 2 the city - kalamunda or melville? (don't know south of the river well).
thanx kids

the daveaholic,
k. silverstone

Dear Mrs Letterman:

1. Anyone can have an agent if the agent chooses to represent you. In my experience agents are happy to take you on if you have graduated from a performing arts academy or have already done something professional. If not, my advice would be to visit all the local agents in person and dazzle them with your attributes. How could they resist?

2. Here's my advice if you are serious about working professionally in show biz
a) Get some training - acting, singing, dance, it all helps. The more versatile you are, the more employable you are. Audition for a performing arts school or take private lessons, group lessons whatever.
b) Don't stay in Perth! There is not all that much professional work here and it's often the same actors who get the work.

3. Amateur shows may get you some exposure (local professional directors, such as John Milson, sometimes direct for amateur companies) but don't count on it. It would be better to think of amateur theatre as a way to put your skills into practice. Many trained and/or professional actors/singers/dancers are regularly involved in amateur productions.

4. Melville is not too far away from the city. Kalamunda is up in the hills.

My final piece of advice is: Do it because you love it, if you don't love it, don't bother!

GOOD LUCK!!!
Gill

PS: Some television (esp. Kids TV shows such as those made by Barron Entertainment) is made in WA. Many, many ads are made here!

thanx 4 the info gillian. i'm kind of sceptical when it comes 2 performing arts schools i think it'd be great 2 learn the different aspects of performing 4 say, 6 months or so, but ultimately i suspect a natural talent 4 performing may have a bigger part 2 play. i think the people who spend 3 or 4 years "studying" acting r a little ridiculous... it's not rocket science.
anyway, i need 2 know where 2 look 4 auditions other than this website, the blue room notice board, & community newspapers.
thanx kids!

Letterman's heart surgeon,
Kim R. Silverstone

Kim,

Personally, I find your complete lack of courtesy and tact an anathema to assisting you in any way.

Some people in this profession tend to think of acting as a serious artform - the discipline for which can only be acquired after years of hard practice and study. The subtle nuance and sustainability of characterisation do not come naturally. They are skills and, as such, require learning.

While I grant you that not everyone is a graduate of an institution such as WAAPA, I think you will find that in 99.9% of cases where you see an excellent performance from someone who has not studied formally, you will find *years* (more than 3 or 4!) of maturity, practised technique and a committment to and respect for the audience and text which has been built up through tedious trial and error.

To expect to be able to waltz in and obtain roles and be good at them - with what sounds like very little training of ANY sort - is a virtual impossibilty.

By the way, you probably don't know, but Gill is a graduate of WAAPA and an extremely capable one at that. To rubbish peoples beliefs, training and ideas will not, I'm afraid, get you very far in this (or any other) profession.

To be honest, I find your complete naivety and demeaning attitude "a little ridiculous".

And, BTW, I think you've had adequate answers to your original question...

Jason

letterman uberfan wrote:
-------------------------------
thanx 4 the info gillian. i'm kind of sceptical when it comes 2 performing arts schools i think it'd be great 2 learn the different aspects of performing 4 say, 6 months or so, but ultimately i suspect a natural talent 4 performing may have a bigger part 2 play. i think the people who spend 3 or 4 years "studying" acting r a little ridiculous... it's not rocket science.
anyway, i need 2 know where 2 look 4 auditions other than this website, the blue room notice board, & community newspapers.
thanx kids!

Letterman's heart surgeon,
Kim R. Silverstone

Oh, Jason, you are a champion! Thanks for saying it all for us!!

:) Hugs ~ Tracey.

Here, here.

Sorry should read - hear, hear

Your attention-seeking attitude would appear to have rubbed more than a few people up the wrong way. Perhaps it's not the first time?

> i suspect a natural talent 4 performing may have a bigger part 2 play.

Talent? Schmalent!

I've auditioned hundreds of talented people. The difference between someone who will do the role and someone who might eventually get cast one day is skill, determination, dedication and a willingness to learn that expresses itself as an overwhelming thirst for dramatic truth.

> i think the people who spend 3 or 4 years "studying" acting r a little ridiculous... it's
> not rocket science.

Call me about an audition when you learn differently.

:)

Cheers
Grant

Excellent letter Jason.
My question is, "Why bother? The kid actually LIKES Letterman"

Kim

Are you for real or are you just having a lend of us all???

Cheers,
Gill

Kim

Are you for real or are you just having a lend of us all???

Cheers,
Gill

jason: firstly, bite me! i don't really give a damn what u think. secondly, quit being so sensitive. my "lack of courtesy & tact". how the hell was i supposed 2 know gillian was a WAAPA grad? & i was hardly rubbishing anyone's beliefs, training, etc. it's fine & great if u wanna study performing go ahead i'm merely pointing out that it's not real study compared 2 what i do (2nd yr med student, thank u very much). now that's study 4 u ... & how much can u "study" 4 a career that's almost solely based on appearance? & as 4 being naive, you're kidding yourself if u think extensive dramatic training is the key 2 a showbiz career. sure, it may be very helpful, but you're dealing with an entirely superficial industry as far as i can tell, so how u look is gonna be a bigger factor. generally in tv & film indie flicks r the only exception 2 the pretty people rule. i think basic drama study is worthwhile but doing a whole degree in it seems excessive ... why not spend all those years studying something u know you'll be paid well 4 no matter what u look like or how old u r.

Kim,

Haven't you embarrassed yourself enough yet? I can't believe you're a second year med student and you can't even spell 'for' (4- 4 your convenience). I'm amazed you've survived through life thus far with such a narrow minded view on life and the people around you.

And I don't think offering chunks of your flesh to anyone will help any, so bite yourself.

Good luck with your obviously expanding career in Perth...

Angela. xxoo

I just couldn't let this one slide...


Kim,

I would really like to believe (as Gillian suggested) that you aren't for real and are just having us on, but just in case you are - God give me strength! - please read on...

I am currently in my Honours year of a Drama Studies degree at Edith Cowan University. Over the last three and a half years I have worked tirelessly at trying to improve my abilities as an actor. To be told that all my hard work isn't "real" study is utterly insulting. You say that you have no intention of rubbishing anyone's beliefs or training and then you go right ahead and do just that. Now before you tell me to "bite you" (No thanks, I decline), let me just say this - the thing is Kim, despite all my "ridiculous" (!!??) study, I still feel that I have so much to learn and discover. You treat the art of performance as if it is something you can pick up overnight. As Jason argued, that just isn't the case. You obviously do not have the foggiest conception of what dramatic performance is all about...and if I have to explain it you - well, that just says it all!

Cheers,
Warren.

Theory of a child having a tantrum - ignore them and eventually they will go away, realising the attention is not on them any more. React, and they'll realise what they can get away with. Perhaps the same applies with Kim, Ms Silverstone, Mrs Letterman, whoever the heck she chooses to portray herself as today?

Still sick & sniffly (grumph grumph)

Siobhan

Dear Kim,

You certianly have created a stir with your opinions on various issues. As I first read your reply to Gill's email offering you advice I knew you were bound to stir up the type of response that we see here.

I would like to make a few observations and perhaps offer you some advice, WITHOUT making it a flaming, and hopefully without receiving a 'bite me' response.

Firstly, as a confident dynamic young person stating their personal opinions, and broadening their horizons (for which I commend you) you need to be able to take criticism more gracefully. If you are going to make clearly controversial statements like "i think the people who spend 3 or 4 years "studying" acting r a little ridiculous... it's not rocket science. " you need to be able to take whatever response you get back (especially in a public forum like this) without telling the respondees to 'bite you' or dismissing their opinions with a 'whatever - who cares'. I don't feel that any of the responses were excessively harsh, but by responding as you did, you turn all reading these message against you (dangerous in Perth theatre circles). Try not to burn your bridges. You come over as naive, antagonistic, and someone that is likely to be 'hard to work with'. What is this going to do for you changes of getting involved ?

Many of the respondents to this site are experienced people dedicated to theatre. I would suggest you begin learning some HUMILITY. You need to acknowledge, that as a 2nd yr med student straight from high school, you are NOT an authority on the issues you are addressing. You have clearly stired some experienced people up with your opinions because they ARE controversial. Take their response as a message that - "Hey ... perhaps I'm not right in thinking that formal study of theatre is worth little and looks count for just about everything" The responses here are your first wake up call - and if you ignore the personal attacks (about your 4 - for and U - you etc.), you should be able to see that your opinions are not shared by those already successful in the industry.

As for your 'Med = real study, Drama = micky mouse' attitude ... well, that will get you in hot water with any intelliget person you try it on. It is a clear beakon saying to all who read your messages that you are young, and naive (which is fine, we all started at the same place, as long as you are open to learn)

I agree with you that some level of natural talent is essential for anyone who is serious about being successful in the industry, but I would also say that ... EVERYONE you see who is successfully earning a living in theatre/music theatre has combined their natural talent with years and years of experience (probably mostly amature, initially at least) and serious study, either personal or through an institution. I would argue that, in its own way, studying theatre is infinately more challenging than rocket science. This is because the study of theatre and acting involves not only historical knowledge/awareness and interpreative skills amoungst many other things, but also personal and emotional growth and awareness, which rocket science, medicine and other, highly paid, professions don't. I know plenty of doctors and lawyers etc. (who earn mega bucks) but are dreadfully emotionally immature. Just because they are in these professions does not afford them more legitimacy than other, more lowly paid forms of work.

@!#$ ... time to end the lecture ! To close, as Gill pointed out, NO ONE, not even those out there doing brilliantly in theatre currently, were drawn to it for monetary gain or indeed the thought to being a 'big celeb' one day. They slaved at crafting their skills because they love doing it, being on stage, being invovled.

Don't loose your verve and energy ... and keep stiring people up ... BUT ... know that you have much to learn ... that you loose no face in admitting your inexperienced ... be prepared for criticism, and as any intelligent performer does, learn what you can from others opinions ...

I am not the font of all knowledge, though I like to think I have something valuable to offer you.

David


letterman uberfan wrote:
-------------------------------
thanx 4 the info gillian. i'm kind of sceptical when it comes 2 performing arts schools i think it'd be great 2 learn the different aspects of performing 4 say, 6 months or so, but ultimately i suspect a natural talent 4 performing may have a bigger part 2 play. i think the people who spend 3 or 4 years "studying" acting r a little ridiculous... it's not rocket science.
anyway, i need 2 know where 2 look 4 auditions other than this website, the blue room notice board, & community newspapers.
thanx kids!

Letterman's heart surgeon,
Kim R. Silverstone

I agree with David, Kim.
All hostility aside, it looks like you've obviously come to the wrong place.
The people who frequent this site are serious theatre practitioners (as you've obviously gathered by now). Our interests lie in the CRAFT of theatre. Believe us (and no one is trying to patronise you) there is A LOT more to THEATRE than you realise at this point.
HOWEVER, I believe you said you were more interested in SCREEN than STAGE. There are just as many serious practitioners working in TV as there are on Stage BUT you may find that there is a greater element of the superficial in TV and Film simply because they are catering for the masses.

Kim, it HELPS to have attitude and looks. But it also is a GREAT help if you have the training and experience to back up your statements and bravado. I think the reason you got flamed on this site is because you simply do not know what you are talking about just yet.

Stick with medicine - you'll have a greater chance of financial security. But if you do want to become a performer, listen to the people who know what they're saying (despite the hostility). Most importantly though - go your own way. If you don't want to study, you don't have to. Just remember, there are NO guarantees in this business. You could have the looks, I could have the training, but it all comes down to who 'They' want for the part. And it definately IS often not what you know but who you know.

Careful what you say, Kim. You need as many friends as possible to survive in "Show Biz".

~ Tracey.
P.S: Thanks for affording us all the opportunity to reflect and 'debate' (ahem) on our own beliefs, values and Motivations (teehee) in regards to The Theatre ;)

My word, aren't we a touchy lot? Surely performance is more art than craft and as such, open to interpretation and criticism? So why are we being so adamant about the right and wrong approach? Why not just accept that there are people who think Letterman is tasteful, put it down to life's rich tapestry and leave it at that? -And what about the bald prima donna?

I have been following the Letterman's woman saga over the past few days with much interest. It is one of the most entertaining debates i have heard in a long time!!! In fact, being the enterprising person i am. I think it would be a good idea to formalise this whole circus and charge admission. I would defintiely pay to see Kim get up in front of an audience and present her arguments face to face.

I would just like to speak on behalf of the 5 or 6 other David Letterman fans. We do not necessarily condone Kim's views, opinions or unorthodox use of the english language. Thank you.

Jason,

You are a hero, I've been wanting to slap that girl for weeks.

Do they teach you to be arrogant and conceited at "MED SCHOOL"?

By the way what "MED SCHOOL" are you at?

eye'm sowwy :(

Dear little Kim
Yes the attitude with this industry is superficial and based on how you look TO THOSE WHO LOOK IN FROM THE OUTSIDE. So "as far as you can tell"? You've posted a few things on this website, and that is the only bloody thing you seem to have done in this 'industry'. You show me a history of experience in the actual industry - not just playing doctors and nurses when you were young - and then you have the right to criticise thousands of people's career choices. Keep up with the English skills BTW, you seem to be only mixing the numbers and words up a little bit.


letterman uberfan wrote:
-------------------------------
how much can u "study" 4 a career that's almost solely based on appearance? & as 4 being naive, you're kidding yourself if u think extensive dramatic training is the key 2 a showbiz career. sure, it may be very helpful, but you're dealing with an entirely superficial industry as far as i can tell...

You wrote :
jason: firstly, bite me! i don't really give a damn what u think.

My what a charming bedside manner you have there Kim. I certainly hope you are better with your patients diagnosis than you are at summing up the theatre industry.

I think you fail to identify the REAL reasons people go into community theatre.
TO HAVE FUN - or have you forgotten what that is with the stresses of your "real course".
It is all about having a go and doing something we may not normally do.
And yes people do hone their 'natural talents' or 'learned skills' in community theatre and then have the opportunity to take these improved skills into the professional arena.

Why don't you go into surgery - maybe that kind of theatre will suit you better.

Dearest Kim

It needs to be warned that one of the reasons that actors attend acting school is to hone their bitching skills in preparation for the industry. It seems to me from all that has gone before that you are ready!!!! A very brave move to take on the "fam" with such an attitude.

In all seriousness a med student huh? Studying psych by any chance? Because here in front of you you have a wonderful case study! Your assignment is going to earn you a high distinction. You have tapped into one of the most impassioned professions, the only profession perhaps that would be defended to the grave, though it took them a long time to rise to the bait. And now you have met the family! I love them!

You are right! You do not need training or experience to enter this profession...you only need it to survive in it and even then it is no guarantee. The answers you are looking for you will not find in Perth. "Neighbours", which films in Melbourne employs models as opposed to actors (all based on looks as opposed to experience and training). The last family to enter the show were all models with no acting training or experience. And only one of them decided, after 3 weeks filming, that the acting profession was not for her and so left. Leaving the production company three weeks behind and a character short. This model was then replaced by an actor (who had the training and experience). The directors kept ringing this girls agent saying "she's great!!!! she can do anything we ask of her" to which her agent replied "of course she is, she's had the trainingl".

Test it out Kim. That is my only advice. You don't want to upset a production company if you find out you don't like the profession. And there is more to the profession than acting.