A successful performance on stage or screen is a well-woven tapestry of personalities and talent; every actor has his or her own flair and signature to add. That’s what keeps the craft exciting, no? This week’s menu of goings-on has its own specialties, from networking with producers to exploring network dramas to conjuring up spells at Hogwarts. So let’s dive in!
See a fresh slate of short films, then meet their producers.
Beyond the Emmys or Oscars, there’s one event that honors the best and brightest in the up-and-coming short-film field. On Nov. 10, NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA) joins forces with the Producers’ Guild of America (PGA) to present awards to the producers of 10 short film entries in the Make Your Mark Weekend Shorts Competition, and honor the legacy of the legendary Sydney Pollack. Beyond experiencing emerging work, the evening is also a great opportunity to meet and greet a wealth of producers. You never know what might come of it! ($15)
Explore the world of magical movie makeup.
If you’ve ever been to the phenomenal Hollywood Museum, you already know it’s housed in the iconic Max Factor building. Factor, of course, was a groundbreaking makeup artist to many stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age, but movie makeup has evolved to enhance actors’ storytelling like nothing else. Now through the end of the year, head to the museum to check out its newest exhibit, “30 Years of Make-Up, Monsters, and Magic.” According to the museum, its collection celebrates Amalgamated Dynamics, Inc., which is responsible for “iconic monster and creature characters of the last three decades.” It’s a rare treat to pull back the mask on movie makeup, but this exhibit exposes all from horror films past and present. ($5–15 museum admission)
Hear from the lead on a popular TNT period drama.
Over the past decade, TNT has been making strides to become a go-to for excellent dramas. The current jewel in the network’s crown is arguably its stellar show “The Alienist,” centered on the darker side of the Gilded Age in New York City. (This is definitely one for the true-crime lovers among us!) Head to SAG-AFTRA Foundation on Nov. 12 to see this buzzed-about murder mystery and hear from its star, Daniel Brühl. Not only is this a perfect opportunity to go behind the scenes of a period drama but also find out more about what it’s like to work with a traditional TV network. (Free for union members)
Pay tribute to everyone’s favorite boy wizard.
One of the best parts of being an actor is celebrating work that has inspired you. For some, the “Harry Potter” films have left lasting impressions on their dramatic aesthetic, unforgettable score, or performances from the likes of Alan Rickman and Daniel Radcliffe. This Sunday, Nov. 11, take a break from the grind and head to Universal Studios Hollywood for the “Dressed to the 9 ¾ Day” celebration at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Don your finest duds, enjoy challenging trivia, and take advantage of exciting photo opps that’ll make your Instagram positively magical. (Free with park admission.)
Check out a timely production created and staged by an all-woman team.
Paying tribute to the culture of East L.A. while managing to zigzag through many of today’s pressing issues (i.e., immigration and deportation, women’s rights, body image), “Real Women Have Curves” bills itself as “comedy cut from a different cloth.” Centered on Ana, a young dreamer with her sights set on becoming a writer as opposed to going into the family business making clothes, it’s a rich production that makes many statements. See it now through Nov. 18 at the Garry Marshall Theatre in Burbank. ($57–65)
Check out Backstage’s Los Angeles audition listings!