Weekly Blog: My Experience of the One Year Part-Time Acting Course with Alexandra Ryan (Term 3: Week 1/7)

Hi everyone,

I’m so happy to be back to our classes in the One Year Part Time Course at Dublin’s Gaiety School Of Acting.

We ended last term on a high with our showcase, which saw all of us perform scenes with a partner for the other part time class and now we are in preparation for our first public showase.

Parents and friends will be attending our performance on June 26 so everyone is working really hard to make sure we are bringing something strong to the table for our final performance together.

For the first time we will also be doing some group scenes, so we will finally be able to work as ensemble on stage, like we always do in the classroom.

We are taking everything we have learned from the last two terms and putting it into action this term. It’s clear that everyone has grown so much, and people are getting braver with their choices of scenes.

One of the great things about this course is that you learn how to work with people. You could be a great actor, with brilliant techniques, but it means nothing if you can’t work with your co-stars. And negotiating scenes, making decisions on a script, is all quite difficult, but through this course we have all learned how to express ourselves and work together without screaming at each other.

This term is all about perfecting our craft, whereas the last two terms were about discovering our abilities. Because we now all know our strengths the standard has risen hugely, it’s great to see everyone working so hard.

Last week the class were given a special course in Stage Combat. That’s one of the things I love about this one year program, you get to try out lots of different things.

Last term we had an Comedy Improv class with Donal Courtney, which I really can’t recommend enough. He is doing a full day on Sunday May 19th and if you are looking to get into acting this is the best way to test your skills, check out the Gaiety website or give them a call for more information on 01 679 9277.

There are a lot of workshops taking place over the next few weeks so make sure to have a good look through the website if you are looking to do a course for a day.

This week we will be focusing on our new scenes, and we are already beginning to choreograph our movements in our scenes. It’s a long process and there is a lot of work ahead, but it will be worth it when we take our final bow next month.

I will be updating a blog on my experience at the Gaiety School Of Acting on Miss Red.

And for more insights for my acting visit my acting blog: www.alimryan.blogspot.com.

For more information on courses at the Gaiety visit their website:

www.gaietyschool.com

Plus ‘Like’ them on Facebook:

Gaiety School Of Acting

Lots of Love,

A.R

xx

Tweet me: @SweetLikeAli

Like Miss Red on Facebook: Miss Red Blog

Comedian Sharyn Hayden’s Experience of TV Presentation with Bill Hughes (Week 2)

As suspected, myself and course facilitator Bill Hughes are fast on track to becoming Best Friends Forever. He isn’t entirely aware of this, of course, and despite the fact that he shares the exact same information with everybody else in the class, I’m taking it that he has seen some sort of special talent in me that no one else has noticed for the last 36 years, and he is directing all of his tidbits of information to me and me alone.

 

For example, here’s what I now know about Bill:

 

1. 1.    He has a sore leg.
2. 2.    His TV production company won an IFTA last year – BOOM!
3. 3.    He thinks I’m hysterical (at least, that’s how it went in my head when I told the class that I am extremely pro-ginger, but more on this later).

 

 

Week Two of the TV Presenting Course at the Gaiety School of Acting was as brilliant as hoped. Our assignment from Week 1 was to prepare a piece of script to camera, and I have to say, the talent in the class is pretty amazeballs. I was fully convinced that I wasn’t going to be as nervous as last week right up to the second when Bill called my name to take my turn, and then it all went a little fuzzy. The immediate effect of nerves upon hearing your name being called is so bizarre. You’re completely calm one moment and the next, your windpipe practically closes over and you have no sensation on your tongue. It’s as if a miniature Nerves Warrior sits under your seat, just waiting to attack you at the worst time possible. Someone calls ‘Sharyn Hayden!’ and PFFFTTT – the little (semi naked in my mind) Nerves Warrior instantly spits a dart of nerve poison onto the back of your knee, and the next thing you know, you look like you’re dying for the toilet in front of a roomful of strangers.

 

In fact, I did get through it in the end, and (my best friend) Bill coerced, praised and supported me throughout, as he did with everyone else. We then had to take some time to think about the type of show that we’d like to present, which is a particularly good idea for someone like me who has a long and muddled history of career and study choices (see last week’s blog).  Given my indecisiveness, I could have been in danger of rocking up to a production company, introducing myself as a would-be presenter and then staring blankly at the directors when they ask;

‘Of what?’

‘Hmmm??’ I would respond, obviously in complete panic, Nerves Warrior dart in place in side of neck, tongue lolling aimlessly around mouth.

‘What would you like to present?’

‘Oh you know, something with fashion, home improvements, kids drama and like an Playgirls of Fatima Mansion type show too maybe, could be hilarious….???’

 

*Interview Ends. Chances at becoming a TV Presenter finito. FOREVER.*

 

                                                 Chelsea Handler’s Little Nugget

Being forced to think of only one or two show types, and hearing examples of past students who played on their strengths and primary interests when developing a show that they would like to pursue, was a great idea. Shauna (my other BFF, she sits beside me every week and shares my stationary) already had Julianna Rancik’s job on the E! Network as her number one dream, so that was out for me, but I soldiered on. I pitched the idea of an Irish Chelsea Handler style show, late night and irreverent, where I could freely swear without any guff from the pre-watershed people. It turns out that a lot of the class were big Chelsea Handler fans, with a few offers to be my Chuy (Chelsea’s sidekick). It was at this point I mentioned that my side kick would have to be ginger, since I was going to spearhead a new pro-ginger campaign and Bring the Ginge Back….

…yes, really I did. I even pointed at the only red-headed guy in the room, John, when I said it. And then of course didn’t want to come off as a gingerphobe so had to panic-explain to everyone at high speed that I am personally a former ginger and that’s why I’m allowed to say that.

 

And then I sat down. Finally. Who knows if I’ll be allowed back next week. Maybe Bill will call me and let me know.  Or he could pop by the house, whichever suits.

We Want Your Opinion!!!

A new Internet business requires actors to provide real life feedback (on camera)
on their own experiences with famous brands products and services, anything
from Abercrombie and Fitch to Zara, Budweiser to Vodafone, Rabo Bank to
Ryanair.

This online initiative will enable consumers to provide video feedback on products and services
that they buy. So if you really love those new shoes you bought you can share it with the
world, and the company that made them, and maybe they will give you something towards
your next pair! Or, if your mobile phone provider is really letting you down, you can share your
dissatisfaction publicly and let them come back to you with their remedy.

Videos will be a maximum of 1 minute long and can be recorded on a camera, webcam or
mobile. The aim is to capture a few hundred videos in the next few weeks.

Gaiety School of Acting students have the opportunity to earn a little cash for being in front of a
camera (or behind it capturing their friends and family).

If you are interested, please contact Bartley O’Connor (bartley@sqeeler.com). For further
information, come to the Gaiety School of Acting on Tuesday, 9th April at 2pm where Bartley
will explain more!

Weekly Blog: My Experience of the One Year Part-Time Acting Course with Alexandra Ryan (Term 2 – Wk 7/7)

Hey everyone,

I’m delighted to say that our showcase went really well this week. Now term two of the One Year Part Time Acting Course in the Gaiety School Of Acting in Temple Bar is over and I have to say it was a very intense term.

Since coming back from our Christmas break we have been solely focused on pushing ourselves for this showcase, which took place on Wednesday in the school.

We showcased our duologues to the other part time course, and it was really interesting to see what the other class has been doing.

We are all so nervous before hand, I felt sick, but that feeling just pushed me to do my best on the night. I am so proud of our group, some people have just transformed in the past few weeks.

If you looked at us now compared to us when we started out in October, you would see a very different set of people.

No one made a mistake on the night, but most importantly everybody gave their best performance to date. At the end of the day we are all doing this course to perfect our talent, and we all have made some huge advances.

I’m not going to lie, there were some very tense classes the last few weeks, a lot of us were getting frustrated beacuse our scenes weren’t right just yet. And our teacher really pushed us to the edge, but that’s what made our performances so great in the end, there is no point in doing the course unless you want to reach your full potential, and to do that you need to be challenged, it’s not easy.

Now that term two is over we have a month off to relax and gear up for our final term. I’m guessing if term 2 was intense term 3 is going to be crazy, but I’m up for the challenge.

This time around we will be doing a public showcase, so there will be extra pressure, but that will push us to be the best we can be.

So far I am so happy with the course, The Gaiety School of Acting has such a sterling reputation and I can see why.

I’ve done many courses before but the focus on the physical performance, the text analysis, understanding the many layers to a character, has really helped me.

I am looking forward to having a little break but I really can’t wait for term 3.

I will be updating a blog on my experience at the Gaiety School Of Acting on Miss Red.

And for more insights for my acting visit my acting blog: www.alimryan.blogspot.com.

For more information on courses at the Gaiety visit their website:

www.gaietyschool.com

Plus ‘Like’ them on Facebook:

Gaiety School Of Acting

Lots of Love,

A.R

xx

Tweet me: @SweetLikeAli

Like Miss Red on Facebook: Miss Red Blog

‘The Restaurant’s’ John Healy experience of TV Presentation with Bill Hughes (Week 10)

Everything has a middle a beginning and an end.

And so we have reached the end of our 10 week course.

Its all about knowing what to do when and with whom.
Bill helped each of us with shaping our plan to move forward. I will miss him on Mondays.

The class sat around the table munching on healthy nibbles provided by Noirin. Everyone was scribbling furiously as Bill dished out the relevant names of Production Companies.
The 9pm curfew came rather quickly…..a sort of sadness, yet a sense of achievement  was very prevalent in the atmosphere. We lingered,  we took photos and wished each other well.

The past 10 weeks has not only helped me to respect the profession of presenting on TV,  but its helped me personally on many levels,  confidence in public speaking and my own self esteem.
I have discovered some strengths and weakness’.  If something doesn’t work, maybe its not supposed to.  Focus on what you’re good at and don’t try and fix whats not broken.

Thanks to our tutor Bill Hughes who is a master, and a credit to the industry, not to mention his dedication, patience and passion. The Gaiety School of Acting itself and everyone in it for promoting an outlet for talent or even the facility to explore that talent within. A wonderful and worth while experience I have had the pleasure to attend. ………..What am I going to do on Monday night now.

‘The Restaurant’s’ John Healy experience of TV presentation with Bill Hughes (Week 9)

The gathering ……..on Monday last was very interesting. Like the real world, Things can change very quickly, and not in a good way.

It could have been nerves or perhaps we all were trying too hard to impress Bill. At the start of this session, Everyone went in front of the camera and lost it. I mean let our nerves get the better us. Bill was a little disappointed to say the least.

After another hour we were pulled back on track. You see practice does make perfect. Its important to remember what you learn and it good to have the collective energy in the room.

Once we got our natural voices back, it was one of the best sessions we have had to date!

Next week is our final class – which is such a shame we have been having so much fun I don’t want it to end!

 

 

Weekly Blog: My Experience Of The One Year Part-Time Acting Course with Alexandra Ryan (Term 2 – Wk 6/7)

Hey everyone,

So sorry I haven’t been blogging about the course in  week or so, but it’s a good sign, it’s because we’ve all been working so intensely on our scenes.

Term two has kick of the One Year Part Time Acting Course in the Gaiety School Of Acting in Temple Bar has exceeded my expectations.

It has been so intense since day one. We knew there was going to be a slight shift this term but we have really upped it a knotch.

As well as doing our two classes a week we are spending a lot of time working with our scene partners outside school hours.

It’s great coming in to class an hour early and seeing all my class mates working at their scenes, everyone is so dedicated.

Our showcase is in two weeks, and we are all feeling the pressure. I definitely feel like I’m being pushed more this term, which is great because I want to keep on improving.

It can be frustrating some times but once you get it right it feels so good. Me and my scene partner are doing a really gritty scene from The Clink by Stephen Jeffrey’s, it is difficult but each time we rehearse we discover something new about our characters.

Right now the entire class are pushing themselves really hard to make this showcase the best yet. So I’m excited to see the scenes again this week.

In the meantime, our tutor Antoiette Duffy is directing a piece of theatre for the Collaborations Festival this week in Smock Alley Theatre.

It’s definitely worth taking a look. You can read more about it here: Salt On Our Skin.

I’m really excited for my next class, and I’m looking forward to our showcase. I will be updating a blog on my experience at the Gaiety School Of Acting every week on Miss Red.

And for more insights for my acting visit my acting blog: www.alimryan.blogspot.com.

For more information on courses at the Gaiety visit their website:

www.gaietyschool.com

Plus ‘Like’ them on Facebook:

Gaiety School Of Acting

Lots of Love,

A.R

xx

Tweet me: @SweetLikeAli

Like Miss Red on Facebook: Miss Red Blog

‘The Restaurant’s’ John Healy experience of TV presentation with Bill Hughes (Week 7)

IFTA winning producer/director Anne Heffernan took the class last Monday. Anne won the IFTA last year for ‘The Only Viking in The Village’.  She is a highly respected television professional, so it was great to have her!

We really didn’t know what to expect.  It was the classes first time in front of camera so we were nervous! In my experience it can be frightful to see yourself on TV for the first time! As you see things about yourself that you never see in the mirror. The good thing is that the only person to see these flaws is you (or so you hope!)

So in we all went last Monday evening to meet Anne,  She was lovely. Very professional and respectful. Everyone felt relaxed and comfortable.

Kate went first ……She set the bar very high,  a natural. As the saying goes “the camera loved her “. As each person finished,  Anne gave a critique and we watched it back.
I think everyone was a little shocked at seeing themselves.  Mind you the lighting was not really flattering to anyone. In fact it made us look a little scary, which is probably good as we can only get better. haha!
Facial expressions and hand gestures became very dramatic. The smallest movement magnified and took over the screen. Little movements were like earth quakes.

Eadaoin said ; “My first and lasting thought was Jeazus,,Really?..whats going on there?.speedial to hairdresser.”
Derek Said “Right, time to sign up for the radio presenting course!”
I thought …… Loose that weight now…A face for radio.

The camera really doesn’t lie and adds 10 lbs……. IT DOES
The weeks are rolling by now! See ya next week!

 

*************

The Gaiety School of Acting are offering a Radio Presentation course with Orla Barry of Newstalk this weekend (Sunday 24th February 2013) from 10am – 5pm, Call us on 01 6799277 to book in. http://www.gaietyschool.com/courses/part_time/short_course_adult/465/#details

‘The Restaurant’s’ John Healy experience of TV presentation with Bill Hughes (Week 6)

Gosh the weeks are flying by. I so look forward to Monday evenings now!

As personalities are revealed and everyone is well settled in the group, we are all actually supporting each other and helping each other with work for class.

One of the most exciting classes without cameras has to be the auto-cue session. You can really see the personalities coming out and the professionalism creeping in. Everyone is taking this very seriously!

Watching TV has taken on a new dimension. Especially watching the award shows and the celebs behavior on auto-cue, we picked up a few pointers, more what not to do than how to do.

Writing our own scripts for auto-cue was very interesting since most went from 180 words to 80 words during class. Confidence is building fast Next week we have cameras! Can’t wait for next week!

Weekly Blog: My Experience Of The One Year Part-Time Acting Course with Alexandra Ryan (Term 2 – Wk 4)

Hey everyone,

I am really enjoying term two of the One Year Part Time Acting Course in the Gaiety School Of Acting in Temple Bar.

We have dived right into scene and we have all finally picked our partners and our duologues. As I said in my last post I have picked a scene from The Clink, it’s a very gritty dramatic scene, and me and my partner are enjoying getting stuck in to it.

If anyone out there is looking for a good duologue book for female scenes or male and female, I bought a really great Duologue book to help me this time around, called More Duologes and it has some really good scenes in it.

One of the pros of being on a Gaiety course is that students get to avail of some other courses. There are a lot of weekend workshops in acting for camera etc and this week we got a two hour class in Comedy Improv.

I think a few people in the class were a bit scared of the idea of improv but we had the best laugh. We even stayed in class a half an hour late because we were so involved in what was going on.

We had the lovely Donal Courtney teaching us for the two hours and I was lucky enough to parter up with him for the entire class.

We had so much fun coming up with our own scenes and learning how to physically tell a story without saying any words.

Any of my class mates reading this will know things got a little bit weird later on in the class (our scenes were mad) but that just made us laugh harder.

Hopefully there will be a comedy improv workshop soon.

But next week we will be back to business as we work intensely on our scenes, our showcase is in a few weeks, and we are all pretty nervous but we know we can pull it off!

I’m really excited for my next class, and I’m looking forward to our showcase. I will be updating a blog on my experience at the Gaiety School Of Acting every week on Miss Red.

And for more insights for my acting visit my acting blog: www.alimryan.blogspot.com.

For more information on courses at the Gaiety visit their website:

www.gaietyschool.com

Plus ‘Like’ them on Facebook:

Gaiety School Of Acting

Lots of Love,

A.R

xx

Tweet me: @SweetLikeAli

Like Miss Red on Facebook: Miss Red Blog