It was in the early 1970s that I was introduced to a man who would influence my life beyond any expectations. I was just 25 years old, taking acting classes with Lee Strasberg and Milton Katselas, but they were busy teaching me to act, and somehow that just didn't fit with me. One day I walked into a home on Kings Road that belonged to this omnipotent one named Corey Allen. Every Monday night, 12 of us would sit in a circle, waiting for this quiet, soulful man to leave his peaceful balcony, his shoes adjacent to him, also patiently waiting for their owner to bring his wisdom to this group of eager young actors. And what wisdom he had! Very little was said except an encouragement to begin the process.
Corey, little did I know that the work I did with you 40 years ago would make me the teacher I am today. When I wrote my book "How to Get the Part…Without Falling Apart," I gave credit to you because you taught me that it is all about relationship. That the words are icing on a cake. That the person in front of you is more important than yourself. It is what I have preached all over the world, from England to Germany to Ireland to Australia and, just recently, to Indonesia. All actors are people wanting to impress rather than express. You taught me to communicate as a human being, and that is the gift I have passed on from you.
I just wanted to thank you for everything. For all the times you came to my studio and shared your wisdom with my students. And for helping me create a path of honesty and wisdom. I believe we are here to change people's lives. You have done that for me, and I will continue to do that for others. You will always live within me, and I will always be grateful.
To my mentor, to my prince, I give you my love and I wrap it up with a celebration of your life.
Forever with love,
Margie
Margie Haber is an acting teacher and author. Corey Allen, who died June 27, played Buzz in "Rebel Without a Cause" in 1955 and appeared in "Private Property," "Party Girl," "Darby's Rangers," and "The Chapman Report" and on television series including "Perry Mason" and "Alfred Hitchcock Presents." Meanwhile, he created, directed for, and co-produced the Freeway Circuit Theatre, which toured the Southwest for six seasons. Allen also directed numerous Equity productions in Los Angeles theater and had a 30-year directorial career in television and film.
A memorial service for Allen is scheduled for Sun., July 18, at 2:30 p.m. at Howard Fine Acting Studio, 1445 N. Las Palmas Ave., Hollywood, CA 90028.
Margie Haber
Margie Haber is known as Hollywood’s audition guru and for the last 30 years, has coached hundreds of well-known actors including Brad Pitt, Kyle Chandler, and Tiffany Haddish. The Margie Haber Studio provides acting classes and workshops in Los Angeles. Learn to audition with power and confidence and truly step into another person’s life. Remove the anxiety that creeps into your auditions and start booking. Every Monday at 2 p.m., Margie does a free mini-class!
See full bio and articles here!