As an actor, you learn many lessons...how to project, take on even the smallest idiosyncrasies of a character, and even how to recover gracefully if something goes amiss. This week, collect a few more lessons from seasoned professionals who’ve been in the business longer than your parents have been alive, creators of the hottest Netflix property of the moment, and one actor who’s making a leap to novel writing.
Pack your weekend with pop culture.
Considered by many to be in the upper echelon of all L.A.-based fests (and that’s saying a lot considering just how darn many there are), Vulture Festival L.A. (Nov. 18-19) celebrates the best, brightest, most controversial, and hottest entertainment out there today. While that sounds appealing to just about anyone, as an actor, the chance to attend talks and panels with the likes of Sofia Coppola, the creators of “Stranger Things” and “American Vandal,” the Franco brothers, and more is irresistible. (Tickets: Free-$495)
Hear how an actor took a chance at writing a novel.
You’ll know Krysten Ritter from “Breaking Bad” and “Jessica Jones,” but now she’s taking on a new role: novelist. Meet her at a signing of her new book, “Bonfire,” a psychological suspense thriller, at Barnes & Noble at the Grove on Nov. 17. She’ll also be discussing her work and presumably will touch upon how she went from small-screen actor to published novelist, which might be an avenue you’ll be interested in exploring later. (Tickets: Free with book purchase)
Learn how to sustain a career as an actor from a couple of pros.
As far as showbiz longevity goes, few can claim as long a legacy as Dick Van Dyke. At age 91, he’s still performing and making a bevy of appearances, including a string of recent ones promoting a documentary about his fellow actor pal Rose Marie, his co-star on “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” See him at a screening of “Wait for Your Laugh” (Nov. 18), an incredible testament to Rose Marie, a living legend in her own right who has a thing or two to teach young actors. (Tickets: $8-12)
Take heart that big-name actors were also babysat by the TV.
If you sometimes wax nostalgic for TV shows of yore (think “Supermarket Sweep” and “Rugrats”), you’re not alone. Actors Lauren Lapkus (“Orange is the New Black,” “Jurassic World”) and Jon Gabrus (“Comedy Bang! Bang!”) reminisce in detail about these classics and more at “Earwolf Presents: Raised by TV Live” at UCB Sunset on Nov. 20. With a promise of special guests and a discussion of Thanksgiving-themed TV episodes, I can only hope there’s a “Garfield” mention in there somewhere. (Tickets: $5)
Audition to act alongside Big Bird.
Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street? If you answered, “Practice, practice, practice,” first of all, wrong adage. Second of all, the answer is: “Audition!” On Nov.r 18 and 19, “Sesame Street Live!” will hold auditions in Los Angeles and Anaheim to find new cast members to fill character parts, dancing slots, and puppeteering positions. If you’ve always dreamed of being part of a touring cast or just challenging yourself to try something new (like working with one of the most beloved children’s entities of all time), give this a shot. Break a leg! (Free)
Check out Backstage’s Los Angeles audition listings!