ISSUE #4 - June 2008
ACA Celebrates 21 years in style
On Friday May 30, 2008 ACA played host to over 200 industry guests and friends of the company including many actors and their agents, casting directors, producers and directors at a glittering red carpet event. Even Judy Garland's daughter, Lorna Luft partied the night away!
In addition to celebrating ACA's 21st birthday, ACA officially welcomed ACA graduate Hugh Jackman as company patron on the night.
Introducing ACA's Creative Director, Dean Carey, Hugh spoke fondly of his time at ACA and reaffirmed his belief in ACA's vision and philosophy while clearly impressed that ACA has survived and thrived as a self-sustaining independent arts organisation without receiving any government funding or corporate support. Hugh also paid homage to Dean noting the strength of his vision, spirit and leadership that has continued to inspire both students and staff alike.
In his speech, Dean paid tribute to the passionate and hardworking staff and tutors at ACA including all of the people who have contributed to the Centre's growth since 1987 and thanking the assembled guests for their continuing belief in and support of ACA.
To round out the official part of the evening, ACA's current 3rd year students, led by Andrew Hazard, sung of the powerful journey one takes after making the leap of faith necessary to embark on a career as an artist. In an 'unscripted' moment of pure joy, one of the guests (ACA grad, Dale March) relieved Andrew of his microphone, and headed back down the red carpet to Devonshire Street sprouting a Shakespearian-style monologue celebrating life, passion and merriment. As he was escorted by security the band swung back into action and the party kicked into high gear.
The sweeping lights lit up the facade of ACA well into the evening as the night continued to resound with a magic and joy as we celebrated our industry and all those called to it.
A Journey Party for all Graduates and current students is set for September and we’ll be in touch with everyone once a date is set.
Click here to view pix from the night
The return of AMERICAN DREAMING
Due to the enormous success and extraordinary feedback from the first season of AMERICAN DREAMING, ACA decided to remount the production, this time playing host to ACA patron Hugh Jackman, Deborah-Lee Furness, Federal Arts Minister Peter Garrett as well as NSW Arts Minister Frank Sartor on its second opening night.
Directed by legendary Australian theatre/tv/film director and writer, George Ogilvie (MAD MAX III/THE DISMISSAL/BODYLINE/THE SHIRALEE/THE CROSSING), AMERICAN DREAMING plotted classic scenes from the repertoire of iconic plays by American writers including Clifford Odetts, Arthur Miller, Thornton Wilder and John Steinbeck. George and ACA's current crop of third year full-time students created an entertaining evening of powerful and innovative theatre with an epic, sweeping narrative. Congratulations to all involved.
Dramatic Success
With over 100,000 visitors, Surry Hills Festival 2008 was bigger and better than ever. ACA was invited to return for the second consecutive year to program dramatic INtent – a series of panel interviews hosted by ACA's Creative Director, Dean Carey with leading directors, casting agents and actors.
Guests included Paul Goddard - actor (HOLY SMOKE/THE MATRIX/BABE), Kate Mulvany - actor/writer/director (THE SEED - Co. B/MR BAILEY'S MINDER - Griffin Theatre Co.), Kallista Kaval - actor/Journey Graduate (BED OF ROSES - lead role - ABC TV), Jon Sivewright - actor/Journey Graduate (HOME & AWAY regular), Helen Dallimore - actor (THE UNLIKELY PROSPECT OF HAPPINESS - STC/MIDSOMMER MURDER UKTV - BBC1), George Ogilvie - theatre/tv/film director/writer and new Journey Board of Review member (MAD MAX/THE DISMISSAL/BODYLINE/THE SHIRALEE/THE CROSSING), Egile Kipste - Head of Directing nida, Lewis Fitzgerald - director/writer/actor (As director: HOME & AWAY/McLEOD’S DAUGHTERS/PONDEROSA/WATER RATS), Eamon Flack - Artistic Associate (Co. B), Kari Harris - Casting Director (Kari Harris Casting), Tim Littleton - Casting Director (Helen Salter Casting - McLeod's Daughters/Blue Water High) and Christopher Hurrell - Theatre Director/Literary Manager (Griffin Theatre Company).
Over 500 people visited dramtic INtent throughout the day and got the inside scoop on so many areas of the craft and the industry. It was a truly wonderful day with great feedback and great weather!
POWER OF PERFORMANCE FREE WORKSHOPS
Discover the joy and power of acting at one of our FREE 3hr Acting Workshops held prior to our July PoP intake on Wednesday, June 25 at 7pm and Saturday, June 28 at 1pm.
Tickets are now on sale...
For our 2nd Year Students' Voice & Physical Theatre Double Bill directed by Jennifer West and Sam Chester.
Also on sale are tickets to the Journey Company 2008's Showcase performances from Friday, June 27 to Tuesday, July 1.
Click here for dates and more information about both shows.
ACA now on FACEBOOK!
ACA has a brand new website and an official ACA page on Facebook. Click here to view our new site and take the tour!
INside ACTing
Last year ACA launched this series of talk-show style live interviews with leading national and international experts in the arts. High profile acting coach Susan Batson was our first guest with standing room only on the night. Her book – signed by both her and Nicole Kidman – was sold after the event and offers incredible insights into acting approaches and the way Susan works with the Hollywood heavyweights on preparing for a role. The book is on sale here at ACA or click our ON LINE STORE to purchase your copy.
STAY TUNED – 2008’s next exciting INsideACTing guests will be announced soon!