Sunday, February 20, 2011

'Gram of the Week (1/24/11 - 1/30/11)

Bronwyn's folks live in Dubai, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates. Her Dad is a self-employed HR consultant there. Bronwyn is a young actress-in-training, attending the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in NYC. Dad asked if we could deliver a singing gorilla in a tutu at the Institute for his daughter's Birthday.

Despite the fun and festive nature that defines a singing telegram, I made the assumption that the school may have some misgivings about a gorilla walking into class to "interrupt" for five minutes. I called the school the day before to get clearance and was not surprised when they told me they had to think about it. At the end of the day, I called back to say I hadn't heard and I needed to let my client know.

They begrudgingly allowed it, but gave me a list of conditions that had to be met and insisted it be done at the very beginning of a dance class. I made sure I was there a half-hour early. They scooted me away into the Strasberg Library, a small, musty-smelling, stifling room (foreshadowing?).

Class started at 9:00 AM. By 9:15, I was still waiting. I ventured out to see if they had forgotten me and was told the teacher hadn't arrived yet. I suggested that I do the telegram now, since I'd be done by the time the teacher arrived, but they wouldn't hear of it.

Finally they escorted me up to the room, whereupon I walked in and sang to Bronwyn. The teacher scowled at me the whole time and the Birthday girl understandably sensed her disapproval and kept apologizing.

I felt badly for Bronwyn and wanted to tell her that there is a difference between being SERIOUS and being SOLEMN. I hope the Institute doesn't teach actors to be SOLEMN about their craft. You should be serious about your work as an artist, but there's no room for solemnity.

Theatre is about entertaining and having fun.

Kerry
Preppygrams

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