As an actor, finding inspiration is half the fun (and sometimes half the battle). This week’s events are designed to ignite that fire and build on your passion through talks, screenings, and even tours highlighting the best Hollywood has to offer its community.
Go behind the scenes at the world-famous Egyptian Theatre.
We’ve mentioned this one before, but it’s worth repeating because it’s a quintessential Hollywood experience, especially for actors who want to know the inside scoop of the industry’s history. Few venues are as storied as the glorious Egyptian Theatre built in 1922 by Sid Grauman. Many of the screenings and special events we profile in our very own Intermission series take place within its hallowed walls. On Jan. 19, you’ll have the rare opportunity to go behind the scenes at the Egyptian and see the little nooks and crannies usually off-limits to visitors. ($7–9)
Sing along with Queen and “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
“Bohemian Rhapsody” is proving to be one of the most unlikely film sensations in recent memory, first dominating the box office, then cleaning up at the Golden Globes. Next step, as we all know, is Oscar glory. See the film that explores the legendary history of Queen and the life of enigmatic frontman Freddie Mercury as SAG Foundation hosts a special sing-along screening on Jan. 19. Exercise those pipes along with your fellow actors and have a little bit of fun with your film community! (Free for union members)
Discover one of the most female-dominated decades of Hollywood: the ’20s.
During the silent-film era in Hollywood, women held more power than ever, becoming writers, studio founders, and showrunners on major films of the time and immediately afterward. In fact, research shows that in 1923, women outnumbered men when it came to running independent picture houses. But by the sound era, all of this had changed. Join the Academy on Jan. 17 as it explores what happened to these women with a screening of some of the most prolific films of the time along with a talk with Academy Film Scholar Jane Gaines, who is the author of a new book exploring the topic, “Pink-Slipped: What Happened to Women in the Silent Film Industries?” (Free)
Learn how an entertainment professional-turned-writer develops characters for page and screen.
Nina Sadowsky’s résumé includes past stints as an entertainment lawyer, film executive and producer, and her current role teaching production and screenwriting at U.S.C. She also is a novelist and is currently promoting the next, upcoming book in her series, “The Burial Society.” On Jan. 23, join her in conversation with L.A.L.A. Society founding member Sandra Ann Miller as they discuss how Sadowsky’s past in the entertainment industry informed her choices as a writer and how she takes characters from the page and puts them on screen. You’re sure to walk away with tidbits for your own character development. (Free)
Hear Cybill Shepherd discuss her new film and incredible career.
From “Taxi Driver” to her eponymous mid-’90s sitcom, Shepherd has long established herself as a mainstay American actor who can truly “do it all.” On Jan. 20, catch her latest film, “Being Rose,” co-starring the great James Brolin and Pam Grier, at the Ahrya Fine Arts Center in Beverly Hills followed by a Q&A with Shepherd herself. She’s sure to touch on not only her new project, a love story centered around an ex-cop and a cowboy, but also her storied career. ($7–13)
Ready to get to work? Check out Backstage’s Los Angeles audition listings!