Happy Birthday! |  |
JANUARY
1: Alec Pursell
2: Steve Fajardo, Sandra Stolworthy, Rachel Marek
4: Holly Addison
7: Malik Robinson
10: Chrissy Gerik, Shaina Sandoval
11: Jeanine Copperstone, Jayme Davis
12: Charlotte Quarrie, Lauren Clark
17: Heather Baker
18: Sally Ann Francis
19: Judith Eisenberg, Anthony Jones
20: Darby Johnson
23: John Newell, Jayda Canisales
25: Debrah Hensley, Jenny Solberg, Sarah Bihms
28: Constance Beckford
30: Diane Senffner, Lauren Pokras Frank
31: Neo Martinson
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Welcome Gene Ganssle!
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Gene is an award-winning actor, producer and sound designer in the Phoenix market. In addition to having hundreds of TV/radio commercials, films and industrial projects to his credit, he has over 20 years of professional onstage experience and teaches Acting for the Camera and Film Production at Arizona State University as well as independent workshops.
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Studio Update
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Raise the Roof! We raised the ceiling in the theatre by 12" over the holiday break, giving more headroom to the stage area!
The chocolate curtains are in and hung, giving the stage area wings and a backdrop.
Haven't seen the space yet? Call or e-mail Amanda to arrange a tour, or better yet, enroll in a class!
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AFTRA Phoenix Conservatory Workshops to be held at Verve Studios in 2012
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Verve Studios is pleased to announce that we will be the home for the AFTRA Conservatory workshops in 2012.
Workshops, covering a variety of topics, will be held the third Thursday of every month.
The season kicks off with Commercial Acting Workout with Verve instructor and working actor Jennifer Pfalzgraff. More details coming soon!
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Ryan Nicholson Headshot Photographer
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(Mary Clare Coleman)
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by Michael Cristofer
In this compelling dramatic triptych, three terminal patients dwell in separate cottages on a hospital grounds. The three are attended and visited by family and close friends: Agnes (Mary Clare Coleman) and her mother Felicity (Dolores D'Amore Goldsmith), estranged further by the latter's dementia; Brian (Tony Hodges) and Beverly (Julie Lee), whose marital complications are exacerbated by Brian's new lover, Mark (Christopher Bradley); and Joe (Steve Fajardo) and Maggie (Amanda Melby), unready for the strain of Joe's impending death and its effect on their teenage son (Dennis Cowan). A poignant and compelling look at the emotional journeys of the patients and those who love them, The Shadow Box is the winner of a Tony AwardŽ for Best Play and the Pulitzer Prize. Directed by Wanda McHatton and featuring Mary Robinson as the Interviewer.
Performances are January 13-29, with shows on Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m . and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Benefit performance on Thursday, January 19, 7:30 p.m. with a portion of the proceeds going to Hospice of the Valley.
or call the Box Office at 602-765-0120.
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Dear Supporter
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
As we gear up for 2012, I hope you'll take some time to set your artistic goals for the year. What kind of jobs do you want to book? What technique skills do you want to gain?
Part of what we do at Verve is mentor and support you and help you reach your goals. If you're not sure how to get where you want to be, ask us. We'll help.
We have a lot of classes this first quarter, with more to come. Old favorites return, plus brand new ones are being introduced. There is something for every age and for every skill set! Don't hesitate to ask which class is best for you.
I wish you a successful and artistic fulfilling 2012!
Warmly,
Amanda Melby
Owner/Head Coach
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| Scene Study (Intermediate/Advanced)
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 | | Mitch Etter the 2011 Showcase |
Verve's Scene Study classes are a safe, vigorous, nurturing environment for you to build and practice your technique. Only through long-term training will you achieve your goals, stretch your previously held limitations, and learn to be flexible and adaptable while remaining true to the character and the script.
Scene Study is month-to-month, and ongoing. Students are encouraged to stay in class for a minimum of six months. Entrance into the class is through audition or completion of THE CORE.
CORE/FORMER STUDENTS: Now accepting re-enrollment for January start. REGISTER: Online or Mail.
SHOWCASE: The annual showcase is in May 21, 2012 and students that have been in Scene Study for 6-months or longer, since May 2011, are eligible.
AUDITING: Any prospective students interested in taking The Core or Scene Study should plan on auditing the Monday night Scene Study class. Audits are free and available the 4th Monday of the month; January 30 being the next opportunity. RSVP to Amanda@VerveStudio.net by Sat, Jan 28 at noon.
DATES: Ongoing, MONDAYS | 2012 Schedule and pricing
TIME: 1-4 pm and 6:30-9:30 pm
INSTRUCTOR: Amanda Melby
PRE-REQUISITE: THE CORE, Private Study or audition
PRICE: $175 per month
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| Commercial Acting | 
In this market, Commercials are the bread and butter of the industry. An actor here must be well versed in commercials to get an agent and to get work. COMMERCIAL ACTING gives the actor the tools and on-camera experience to successfully navigate any commercial audition. The course will cover the commercial business, components of the audition, creating reality on camera, one-word and multiple character scripts, improvs, using props and food, and more. Actors will break down scripts and will work on-camera at every class. A DVD of the class work will be provided to the student at the conclusion of the course. DATES: Wednesdays, January 25-February 29, 2012 (6 weeks) TIME: 6:30-9:30 pm INSTRUCTOR: Jennifer Pfalzgraff PRICE: $300 (+$25 studio registration fee for new students) REGISTER: Online or Mail |
| Advanced Commercial Workout |
ADVANCED COMMERCIAL WORKOUT is a rigorous, fast-paced afternoon for those who have already taken the COMMERCIALS course. Multiple scripts will be covered audition-style. This workout is offered quarterly and students are encouraged to take it regularly to keep skills sharp. DATES: Saturday, January 21, 2012 TIME: 9 am - 12 pm INSTRUCTOR: Amanda MelbyPRICE: $40 REGISTER: Online or Mail
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| TelePrompTer |
More and more local producers are requesting actors
 | | Amanda Melby teaches TelePrompTer |
proficient in TelePrompTer for commercials, industrials, and television work and now they're even being used in auditions frequently. Those actors that do have a class and experience with the TelePrompTer under their belt have a definite competitive advantage. Class participants will have multiple opportunities to use the Prompter during the class with a variety of scripts. Class size is limited to 8 students and a personal DVD of class is available for an additional $10. DATE: Saturday, January 28, 2012 TIME: 9 am-12 pm INSTRUCTOR: Amanda MelbyPRICE: $75 REGISTER: Online or Mail
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| Intro to Voice Over
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 | | Gene Ganssle |
This two-part course is an overview of the field of Voice Over and includes application and practice. You'll learn to break down scripts, create variety and attitudes in your read, microphone technique, and more from a working Voice Over actor. DATE: Sundays, February 5 & 12, 2012 TIME: 10 am - 1 pm INSTRUCTOR: Gene GansslePRICE: $150 REGISTER: Online or via Mail
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| Advancing Acting: Shakespeare Scenes and Monologues
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Are you ready for a challenge? Beginning and advanced students who wish to hone their craft by working on the plays of the greatest playwright ever need apply!  | | Chris Michael Dennis |
In our Shakespeare class, students will prepare and work monologues and two-person scenes from Shakespeare's plays. With expert coaching and self assessment, each student will learn how to act Shakespeare confidently and with ease. We will incorporate literary study of Shakespeare's text along with the physical theatre training of Jerzy Grotowski and Michael Chekhov. Students are expected to come to the first class with a prepared and memorized monologue from a Shakespeare play. We will work on monologues and physical training first and move into scene study in the second half on the class. Attire: Please wear loose fitting clothing. Be prepared to move and have fun! DATE: Saturdays, February 25-March 31, 2012 * no class 3/24 TIME: 1-4pm INSTRUCTOR: Chris Michael DennisPRICE: $250 REGISTER: Online or via Mail
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| More Adult Classes coming in 2012
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Coming in first quarter 2012 for Adults:
* Get Personal: April 14-21
* Film Acting: March 21-April 25
* Standard British Dialect: April 18-25
* Auditioning
* Voice Over - Ensuring Studio Success: March 19-26
* Core/Technique: Mar 25-May 20
Watch the website for more details!
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Teens and Kids: Winter Semester -On-Camera Acting Technique
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 | | Jennifer Pfalzgraff coaches Toryann Kolstedt and Charlotte Quarrie |
The class meets every week for 11 weeks and provides Teens and Kids a place to practice and learn acting technique. Curriculum includes Technique, Script Analysis, Commercials, Film and On-Camera presence work, plus The Business (agents and casting directors). This class is essential for students wishing to get agency representation.Class is limited to 10 participants.
INSTRUCTORS: Jennifer Pfalzgraff and Amanda Melby
PRICE: $500
LOCATION: 7735 E Gelding, Suite #5, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Teens (ages 13-17)
DATES: Mondays, Mondays, January 23-April 2, 2012
TIME: 4:30-6 pm
REGISTER: Online or Mail
Kids (ages 8-12)
DATES: Wednesdays, January 18-March 28, 2012
TIME: 4:30-6 pm
REGISTER: Online or Mail
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Kids Winter Semester: Acting Foundations
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 | | Jayda Canisales in a warm-up game. |
Winter Semester - Acting Foundations
The class meets every Saturday for 12 weeks and provides Tweens/Kids a place to practice and learn acting technique and build a solid foundation. Curriculum includes Technique, Script Analysis, Monologues, Improvs, Scene and Character Development.
DATES: Saturdays, Feb 25-May 12, 2012
TIME: 9:30 - 11 am
INSTRUCTOR: Jessica Holt
PRICE: $500 (or three payments of $190)
REGISTER: Online or Mail (pdf)
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| Intro to Music for 4-6 year olds
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Pre-schoolers and Kindergarteners have an innate love of music and this course allows them to explore music through a fun atmosphere. Kids will learn to identify instruments and the instrument families, the concepts of rhythms, pitch and dynamics through hands-on activities, fun, games, videos and more. Each session is 8 weeks long and class size is limited to 8 students. INSTRUCTOR: Amanda MelbyPRICE: $120 There are two sessions: DATES: Tuesdays, Jan 10-March 6 (no class on 2/14) TIME: 4-4:45 pm REGISTER: Online or MailDATES: Thursdays, Jan 12-Mar 8 (no class on 2/16) TIME: 10:15-11 am REGISTER: Online or MailSpring Session starts March 20.
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| | Student and Staff Success Stories
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FILM ROLANDO ZEE wrapped production on his first short film "I Will Find You." STEVE FAJARDO played a supporting role in "The Detective's Lover" on Jan 3.
STAGE STEVE FAJARDO and AMANDA MELBY open Theatre Artists Studio's "The Shadow Box" Jan 13; it runs through January 29. STEVE FAJARDO also did a staged reading in December of Gary Santorella's play "The Favorite" at Theatre Artists Studio. MADDIE WILMINK is in the ensemble of "Charlotte's Web" Feb 3-19 at VYT; she also sings at Carnegie Hall Jan 16 with the All Saints Choristers. ERIC CHAVET was cast in an original musical, "Count the Moon" as Owen at CSYT; it runs Feb 17-March 3. LAWANNAH CURRY is in Waymire Studio's "Teen Angel. JAIME DOSS was cast as the lead in "The Drowsy Chaperone" at Notre Dame Prep. GEORGE BUFFORD is in Joe Bousard's "Reminders" at the Herberger Lunchtime Theatre January 3-12. COMMERCIAL  | | Lawannah Curry |
AMANDA MELBY booked a principal role in a Courtyard by Marriott national commercial that shot at the end of December.
PRINT/OTHER GABRIELLE LEE booked a print job for the Girl Scouts.
CONGRATS CATHY CAPOZZOLI published "Solstice Windows," a collection of her ghazal poetry. CODY BALLENTINE joined AFTRA. LAWANNAH CURRY, a registered RN, has starting her Medical Scene Consulting Services for film, print and theatre productions: whiteflower6@cox.net. |
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As always, thank you for your support! And have a wonderful start to 2012!
Sincerely,
Amanda Melby
Owner/Head Coach
Verve Studios |
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