QOTW - Inspiration for actors

"Any form of art is a form of power; it has impact, it can affect change - it can not only move us, it makes us move." -Ossie Davis

Inspiration for Actors

"People say I make strange choices, but they're not strange for me. My sickness is that I am facinated by human behaviour, by whats underneath the surface, by the worlds inside people." -Johnny Depp

Summer Schedule 2010

Summer Schedule 2010

Film Intensive
July 2nd – 5th
Fri 6:30pm – 10:30pm
Sat 6:30pm – 10:30pm
Sun & Mon 10:00am – 6:00pm

Instructor: Christianne Hirt

*An original screenplay, written specifically for the actors participating in the Intensive

In today's "Indie Film' culture the Rogues Film Intensive closely simulates the on-set experience through guerrilla- style shooting. This four day intensive challenges actors to work with scenes from screenplays under the same rigorous demands of a professional film set. Instructor Christianne Hirt assumes the role of director working together with a dedicated group of 12 actors who will also assume the role of crew when not working on scenes. This hands on Intensive provides a thorough understanding of and respect for the film making process in the 'real world'. Actors will have a copy of their work on as a result of their efforts.

The premise of the story for this year's screenplay focuses on 12 seemingly very different people from various walks of life, yet they all share a common problem-there's something missing in their lives-each of them are seeking self expression and creative fulfillment and are driven by the need to become more of who they really are. Each Character in his or her own way discovers the craft of acting, embarking on a journey of self discovery. Considering the sad state of Alberta's virtually non-existent Film Industry, this is a timely story whose message is that Art is an essential part of cultural fabric (Copyright Philosophia Films Inc.) I have three months to write the screenplay. I would like to write authentic Character's that are created specifically for each individual actor. Therefore, it is essential that I know well in advance who is participating in the Intensive. If you are interested in being a part of the Film Intensive then please let Michaila know ASAP.
- Christianne Hirt

Level: Intermediate – Advanced
Prereq: At least one film class (admission at discretion of studio)
Cost: $400 plus GST

Performance Intensive
July 12th - 25th
Mon – Fri 6:30pm – 11:00pm
Sat & Sun 10:00am – 6:00pm
Performances on Sat, Sun, July 24th & 25th

Instructor: Joe-Norman Shaw

The Rogues classic is back! A group of dedicated actors rehearse a play under professional conditions, then mount the show for three public performances in the final two days of the course. As demanding and challenging as it is rewarding, the Performance Intensive is designed for anyone seeking to gain experience both on stage and in the rehearsal process, regardless if this is their first publicly-performed play or their fiftieth. Early registration is essential in order to help facilitate the selection of a script that features roles which are suitable for the students in the course.

Level: Intermediate – Advanced
Prereq: Essentials of Acting or Equivalent (Scene Study recommended)
Cost: $400 plus GST

Meisner Intensive
August 16th – 20th
Mon – Fri 6:00pm – 10:00pm

Instructor: Stacie Harrison

Whether you’re seeking an introduction to the Meisner Technique or a chance to brush up on your work, the Meisner Intensive will serve either of these purposes. Over the course of five consecutive evenings, students will participate in Meisner’s word game and improv exercises, culling from the actor emotional authenticity by working truthfully off their partner, moment to unanticipated moment. A strong introduction for those thinking of taking the Meisner Technique class in the Fall and a great way to gain more experience for those who have already undertaken this training.

Level: Beginner - Advanced
Prereq: Essentials of Acting (or Equivalent)
Cost: $300 plus GST

Essentials of Acting
July 27th – August 12th
Tuesdays & Thursdays 7:00pm – 10:00pm

Instructor: Stacie Harrison

Jumpstart your study of the craft!
Kick it into high gear with this rare opportunity to get a head start on your actor training with this summer introduction to 'The nuts and bolts of acting.' This class provides an introduction to acting techniques, drawn from the teachings of Stanislavski, Uta Hagen and Michael Shurtleff. Class work includes scene analysis, character development and playing for truth. Each actor is assigned a scene and a partner. Scenes will be developed with the instructor’s guidance over the course; however, rehearsal outside of class time is also required.

Level: Beginner - Intermediate
Prereq: None
Cost: $300 plus GST

Teen Film Intensives
July 16th, 17th and 18th
Fri – Sun 6:00pm- 9:00pm (Ages 14-17)
$150 + GST

August 16th – 20th
Mon – Fri 9:00am - 12:00pm (Ages 14-17)
$250 + GST

Instructor: Michaila Skye

A perfect opportunity for teens seeking to get involved in the Film & Television industry to gain valuable knowledge of the audition experience while committing scenes to tape. Students will work with the instructor on a selection of scenes from contemporary scripts, while also learning to work creatively from the text; encouraging students to make specific, informed and engaging choices. At the end of the Intensive students will receive a copy of their work.

Level: Beginner - Advanced
Cost: $150 + GST (July Intensive), $250 + GST (August Intensive)

Teen Improvisation Workshop
July 24th & 25th
Sat-Sun 10am-4pm (Ages 14-17)

Instructor: Michaila Skye

Improvisational skills are the foundation of moment-to-moment authentic acting. Students will be challenged in this two-day workshop in learning to step into theatrical moments and carry those forward with confidence. These skills can be applied in future scene study, improvisation, and on-camera acting experiences.

Level: Beginner - Advanced
Cost: $175 + GST

Auditioning & the Camera for Kids
July 10th, 11th & 12th (Ages 8-13)
Mon - Fri 9:30am-12pm

Instructor: Michaila Skye

This week-long intensive is specially geared for kids who are currently auditioning or wish to become more involved in the Film & T.V. industry of Calgary.
This fast-paced class is filled with explorative drama activities, improvisation, voice, movement, and on-camera work. Children will learn how to approach monologues and sides and prepare for an audition.

Level: Beginner – Advanced
Cost: $150 + GST

NEW FILM WORKSHOP OFFERED AT ROGUES !

THE HERO'S JOURNEY with Christianne Hirt


This 3 day intensive workshop focuses on Actor's crafting a Character's journey from a film perspective. Because most films are shot out of chronological sequence, coupled with the fact that the performance is the nucleus of the Story, it is vital that the Actor is skilled in serving the Story by creating a comprehensive and emotionally active through-line.

The Hero's Journey, while based on Three Act Structure, offers so much more. It is an odyssey of exploring, Character, Story Structure, Myth and Archetype-the foundation of all great films and film acting. By understanding and applying The Hero's Journey, actors will gain a profoundly deeper ability to make pivotal choices that not only humanize a Character but drive the story forward in emotionally compelling ways.

Over these three days we will delve into the heart and soul of the Hero's Journey, whereby each actor will receive selected scenes as well as the screenplay from which they are derived. Each scene is specific to major turning points in the Story and replete in Character and Archetype.

As a teacher, I truly love imparting this information. I am as passionate about Story as I am about the Craft of Acting and I know that this workshop will be extremely worthwhile.

The workshop requires a great deal of preparation work on the part of both the actor and instructor, therefore early registration is essential. Actors must have read the entire screenplay several times. Preparation and information are key to getting the utmost benefit from the process. Highly committed students only please.

Dates: May 14th (6pm -10pm), 15th & 16th (10am -3pm)
Cost: $300+ GST

Maximum of 12 Students.

| TO REGISTER |

Email: info@corogues.com


Or Call: Company of Rogues (403) 228-5526

STUDIO UPDATES: HOW MANY SPOTS ARE LEFT FOR SPRING?! Why you should study here & SHOWS YOU MUST SEE!

STUDIO UPDATES

SPRING REGISTRATION: HOW MANY SPOTS ARE LEFT?

Registration is really picking up at the studio and most classes have very few spots remaining -DO NOT DELAY!

Company of Rogues is now accepting registrations for the following courses:


Advanced Film & TV
An advanced class that strengthens the actor's film foundation through challenging
scene work, with the instructor working as a director to refine the actor’s repertoire
with potency, nuance, subtly and emotional life.

Prereq:Essentials of Film & TV
Admission subject to interview with instructor.
Call to book an interview

Instructor: Christianne Hirt
MONDAY
April 12-June 28
(12 weeks)
12:00-4:00pm 5 SPOTS LEFT!!
or
6:00-10:00pm 3 SPOTS LEFT!!
$635 + GST
Scene Study
Advanced scene & monologue work using demanding scripted material to challenge the actor.
In the Spring session, actors work from the contemporary era (1960’s-present).

Prereq: Essentials of Acting
Admission subject to interview with instructor.
Call to book an interview

Instructor: Joe-Norman Shaw
THURSDAYS
April 8-May 13
(6 weeks) &
May 20-June 24
(6 weeks)
7:00-11:00PM 1 SPOT LEFT!!
$350 + GST

Advanced Meisner Technique
Challenging scene work approached through the use of Meisner Technique, allowing the actors
to bring inner life and emotional truth to the work. Some of the work from this class will be featured
as part of the Rogues Showcase at the end of the session.

Prereq:
Meisner Technique.
Admission subject to interview with instructor.
Call to book an interview

Instructor:
Christianne Hirt
April 11-June 27
(12 weeks)
6:00 -11:00PM 5 SPOTS LEFT!!
$635 + GST

Meisner Technique
An exploration of the acting principles of Sanford Meisner through his word repetition and
Improvisation exercises. Meisner Technique is used to develop the ability to work moment
to moment, and cull from the actor a more emotionally charged inner life; infusing an actors’
performance with greater authenticity.

Prereq: Essentials of Acting
Admission subject to interview with instructor.
Call to book an interview

Instructor: Stacie Harrison
FRIDAY
April 9-June 25
(12 weeks)
6:30-10:30PM CALL FOR NUMBERS!!

Essentials of Film & TV
The development of on-camera acting technique through scene work and the audition process.
Prereq: Essentials of Acting
Instructor: Joe-Norman Shaw
Begins: April 10 or May 22
(6 weeks) 10:00-1:30PM CALL FOR NUMBERS!!
$350 + GST

Movement for the Actor
Strengthen physical presence by freeing the body to organically follow impulses.
Prereq: Essentials of Acting
Instructor: Aaron Coates
April 10-June 26 (12 weeks)
10:00-11:30AM CALL FOR NUMBERS!!
$200 + GST

**Combine Movement/Voice
$500 + GST (save $50)**

Voice for the Actor
Find an organic connection to breath and learn to maximize the effectiveness of your voice.
Prereq: Essentials of Acting
Instructor: Stacie Harrison
April 10-June 26 (12 weeks)
11:30 AM–1:30 PM CALL FOR NUMBERS!!
$350 + GST


Essentials of Acting
The principles of acting are developed through scene work and improvisation.
Instructor: Aaron Coates
Begins: April 10 or May 22
(6 weeks) 1:30-5:30PM CALL FOR NUMBERS!!
$350 + GST
*Note: This class is a prerequisite to all other classes

Why should I study at Company of Rogues? How does Rogues compare with other schools?

Every Instructor at Company of Rogues is a working professional. This means that your Instructor has up-to-date industry information that informs your education. They bring home the goods to you from being on set, actively auditioning and also Directing. This is the Studio to come to for up-to-date industry informed training in Western Canada. Our well rounded Instructors are working as ACTORS/DIRECTORS/WRITERS/and INSTRUCTORS. Training professional actors in Calgary since 1996 Company of Rogues was established in Vancouver in 1993. How do we compare? Read below.
What Makes Rogues Training Different Than Other Schools?
Our training is rooted in the tradition espoused by the major studios in NYC and other American based institutions. From the teachings of Constantin Stanislavski and his interpretations through Sanford Meisner and Uta Hagen, our focus is on "authentic performance". This is based on the Stanislavski concept of "the actor living the part". Working from the first person, subjective tradition, an actor’s performance is deeply rooted in truthful human behaviour and emotion. This authenticity is the hallmark of many of the great, New York trained American film/stage actors—like Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, Jessica Lange, Faye Dunaway, Diane Keaton, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Harvey Keitel, to name a few.
At Rogues, we train actors to apply this authentic style of acting to both theatre and film. Our actors have an honesty and raw emotional power not taught by most other actor training programs in Canada that are based in other traditions. While we provide training in all aspects of the craft including Voice, Movement, Scene Study and Shakespeare, setting us apart is our in-depth classes in Meisner Technique and Acting for Film & TV. It is our belief that a well-trained actor can work in all mediums if their work is grounded in the truth of human behaviour and emotion; this is the essence of an "authentic performance style". This is what separates us from other actor training programs.
Point Form Reasons to Choose Rogues
• Customized programs free of academic requirements
• Instructors are working professionals
• Most classes offered evenings & weekends (allows for employment during training)
• Strong ties to the professional Film and Theatre communities in Calgary and Vancouver
• Is represented at Theatre Alberta’s annual EMERGE Auditions
• Actors are actively sought by local/regional agents, casting directors, film makers and theatre companies
• Lifetime Mentorship
• Flexible Payment Plans
Company of Rogues Actors’ Studio provides a positive environment that fosters the development of the individual actor within a supportive ensemble of highly dedicated creative artists.
We invite you to audit our classes and discover why Company of Rogues is the place to be.

Also visit our website www.corogues.com for additional information on the studio, including biographies of our Instructors.

Shows You Simply Must See

What was your first time like? Ok, are you wondering where that came from? Good, because you should be.
My First Time, presented by Ground Zero Theatre and Hit&Myth is a hilarious, touching, raunchy, real and fun night at the theatre. You will definitely have lots to talk about and laugh about afterwards! And it's cabaret style too!


"I remember my first sexual experience. I was alone at the time!" (Story #6509)
"I still have the Metallica shirt he wore that night." (Story #23960)
"File mine under clumsy and awkward!" (Story #4294)

MY FIRST TIME
A GROUND ZERO THEATRE / HIT & MYTH CABARET!

After running two and a half years in New York, MY FIRST TIME closed Off-Broadway on January 22, 2010, and now Calgary’s own Ground Zero Theatre and Hit & Myth Productions bring you the Canadian Premiere.

Was your first time awkward or “like Christmas morning!” (Story #19553)? Were you with your high school sweetheart or with your psychology professor (Story #7779)? Were you in Washington Square Park (Story #5049) or a Burger King bathroom (Story #2995)?

If you did it, you probably remember it. And now you can hear about everyone else’s! MY FIRST TIME features four actors, in hysterical and heartbreaking stories about first sexual experiences written by real people . . . just like you.

First sexual experiences are one of the few things that almost every single person on this planet has in common, yet we rarely talk about them. Until now . . .

In 1998, a decade before blogging began, a website was created that allowed people to anonymously share their own true stories about their “First Times.” More than 40,000 silly, sweet, absurd, heterosexual, homosexual, shy, shocking and sexy stories flooded in, making the website an instant phenomenon.

And now, four amazing Calgary actors bring these stories and their unique characters to life in the acclaimed MY FIRST TIME!

MY FIRST TIME will have you laughing and reminiscing about your own first time . . . and thinking about your next one. I’ll tell you mine, if you tell me yours.

TICKETS NOW ON SALE!
WWW.GZT.CA OR 403-221-3708
The Studio at Vertigo Theatre Centre (Base of the Calgary Tower)

The cast features (in alphabetical order) Tyrell Crews (Man #1), Karen Johnson-Diamond (Woman #1), Jamie Konchak (Woman # 2) and David Trimble (Man #3).

Directed by Ryan Luhning, Set Design by Luke Dahlgren and Ian Kelly, Lighting Design by Luke Dahlgren, Costume Design by Deitra Kalyn, Production Management by Derek Paulich, Stage Management by Emma Brager, Video / Sound Design by Michael Gesy, Crew / Tabulation by Elaine Weryshko and Co-Produced & Assistant Directed by Joel Cochrane of Hit & Myth Productions.

Would you like to see the newest show by the Downstage Creation Ensemble? The group that brought you such inspiring works as BUSt and Arm's-Length Embrace now brings you In The Wake.
If you like creative theatre with great story and an innovative approach, this is your show!


Downstage proudly presents the World Premiere of
In the Wake
by the Downstage Creation Ensemble

April 8-10 & 13-17, 2010
8pm nightly with a 2pm matinee April 17
@ EPCOR CENTRE's Motel
225 8th Avenue SE, Calgary, AB
Tickets $15-$25, call (403) 294-9494 or
visit www.downstage.ca

Downstage proudly presents the World Premiere of In the Wake, a darkly humourous and highly theatrical look at the complex dilemmas surrounding geo-engineering and eco-terrorism.

An oxygen-deprived dead zone is spreading off the Western coast of Canada, and fisherman Jack Travail is feeling the impact. Frustrated with an ineffectual union and government inaction, Jack begins to seek out alternative solutions. When scientist Charlotte Wallace discovers that her research has the potential to bring life back to the ocean, Jack feels it can't be implemented fast enough. But Charlotte quickly discovers that such radical solutions aren't easily implemented amid the contentious issues surrounding climate change.

As Jack and Charlotte get caught in the wake of escalating tensions, they contemplate the possibility of radical action. But with so much at stake politically and personally, to what depths will they go to bring about necessary change? Four actors bring this fast-paced and topical tale to life on a 3 foot by 6 foot illuminated platform, portraying dozens of characters and locations with the help of composer Ethan Cole's original score.

"Too much tension and the line will snap."

Downstage's production of In the Wake is performed by Ellen Close, Col Cseke, Nicola Elson and Braden Griffiths, directed by Simon Mallett and designed by Anton deGroot, with an original score composed and performed by Ethan Cole.


TO REGISTER FOR COURSES OR GET MORE INFORMATION EMAIL info@corogues.com or CALL 403.228.5526 Mon-Fri / 1-6pm

Hero's Journey for the Actor, with Christianne Hirt -CALGARY?

Christianne is currently organizing a workshop in Vancouver for our Vancouver Rogues Students called The Hero's Journey for the Actor. As the facebook event has garnered much attention from our Calgary Students we are now considering holding an identical workshop in Calgary.

Please have a look at the description of the course below and let us know if you are interested in such a workshop; your responses will help us conclude if this workshop will take place:

This 3 day intensive workshop focuses on Actor's crafting a Character's journey from a film perspective. Because most films are shot out of chronological sequence, coupled with the fact that the performance is the nucleus of the Story, it is vital that the Actor is skilled in serving the Story by creating a comprehensive and emotionally active through-line.

The Hero's Journey, while based on Three Act Structure, offers so much more. It is an odyssey of exploring, Character, Story Structure, Myth and Archetype-the foundation of all great films and film acting. By understanding and applying The Hero's Journey, actors will gain a profoundly deeper ability to make pivotal choices that not only humanize a Character but drive the story forward in emotionally compelling ways.

Over these three days we will delve into the heart and soul of the Hero's Journey, whereby each actor will receive selected scenes as well as the screenplay from which they are derived. Each scene is specific to major turning points in the Story and replete in Character and Archetype.

As a teacher, I truly love imparting this information. I am as passionate about Story as I am about the Craft of Acting and I know that this workshop will be extremely worthwhile.

The workshop requires a great deal of preparation work on the part of both the actor and instructor, therefore early registration is essential. Actors must have read the entire screenplay several times. Preparation and information are key to getting the utmost benefit from the process. Highly committed students only please.

To confirm your interest send an email to info@corogues.com

SPRING REGISTRATION IS HERE! Confirm your spots!!

As the season turns and turns and turns and hopefully reaches a consistent springtime weather, so too our classes for Winter come to an end.

The new session of courses at Company of Rogues is coming up!

IT'S SPRING TIME!
If youa re currently registered in an intermediate - advanced course and would like to continue your enrollment into the Spring session NOW IS THE TIME TO CONFIRM YOUR SPOT. We have been collecting quite the waitlist of students whom wish to participate in this upcoming session.

You have until Friday to confirm your spot -and then we open up to the waitlist!

TO VIEW OUR SPRING SCHEDULE VISIT OUR WEBSITE HERE!
TO REGISTER CALL 403.228.5526 OR EMAIL info@corogues.com