If your ambitions include the silver screen, we’ve got a load of film-centric events you’ll want to check out. Go back in time to L.A.’s glamorous, movie-palace past, get camera-ready with a class, and hear two famous personalities discuss their journeys to the small screen and beyond. Inspiration lurks around every corner, so be prepared to soak in lots of it this week in the City of Angels.
Find out how to go from actor to politician.
Fancy yourself a career in politics someday? Comedian Al Franken made the controversial leap to become one of America’s most liberal senators. On July 8, Franken will sit down with Chelsea Handler at the Alex Theatre in Glendale to discuss his new book, “Giant of the Senate,” and talk about his experience going from a prominent satirist to an outspoken and colorful senator. Bonus: all tickets include a copy of the book. (Tickets: $45-100)
Experience downtown L.A.’s magical movie past.
While New York had musicals and plays, L.A.’s Broadway showcased the latest and greatest films of the Jazz Age and beyond. Join the L.A. Conservancy for a walking tour of DTLA’s great movie palaces on July 8 and, pending availability, experience the ornate interiors of theaters built between 1913 and 1931 like the Palace Theatre, the Orpheum Theatre, and the grandiose Theatre at the Ace Hotel. (Tickets: $10-15)
Hone your on-camera skills.
Get pilot-season ready with an immersive TV- and film-acting class designed to hone your scene study, cold reading, improv, and monologue skills. Join Peter Valentino and class full of potential scene partners on July 6 and walk away with on-camera experience, feedback, and the confidence to get out there and prepare for your next big audition. (Tickets: $10)
Unleash your inner nerd.
You know Bill Nye as “the Science Guy,” but learn his life philosophy, which, believe it or not, will definitely apply to your career as an actor. Join him for an “ideas exchange” on July 12 at the Theatre at the Ace Hotel as his imparts wisdom about creativity, exploration, and trial and error. He’ll also discuss his rise to beloved TV scientist and his new book, which is included with some tickets (as is a VIP reception). (Tickets: $25-100)
Watch “Harry Potter” with a Philharmonic accompaniment.
Envision yourself at Hogwarts as Harry Potter comes to the Hollywood Bowl. Watch “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” on July 6 or “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” on July 7 and 8; all showings are accompanied by the Los Angeles Philharmonic performing John Williams’ iconic scores live-to-screen. The chance to witness these elaborately produced films along with a world-renowned symphony definitely comes close to a once-in-a-lifetime experience. (Tickets: $14-147)
Check out Backstage’s Los Angeles audition listings!