This week’s slate of activities is a bit TV heavy, but why not? After all, you’ve probably been on more than a few pilot auditions or at least dreamed of one day starring in a sitcom. Let yourself be inspired by the story of a cast on a hit network comedy or hear the king of bringing weird cinema to the small screen tell his story. Or, you know, slink down in your seat while listening to real teenage diary entries. As you do.
Take in a silent-film doubleheader.
Silent films prove that you don’t need scores of dialogue to express emotion, plot, or develop a character. Probably the most well-known silent comedian, Buster Keaton, made over 20 films and created iconic moments in that period of cinema. See two of his classics, “College” and “Steamboat Bill Jr.” on October 12 during CSUN’s Buster Keaton retrospective and see firsthand that much of acting doesn’t have anything to do with words. (Free)
Indulge your “Twin Peaks” obsession, and see David Lynch in person.
After the massive “Twin Peaks” comeback, director David Lynch is certainly having a moment. During his two-day long Festival of Disruption (Oct. 14–15) at the Ace Hotel in DTLA, catch screenings of films like “Lost Highway” along with Lynch’s shorts; hear chats with notables such as Ed Ruscha, “Twin Peaks” collaborators, and, of course, Lynch himself; and dance to artists like TV On the Radio, The Kills, Bon Iver, and more. (Tickets: $299-999)
Meet the Goldbergs.
To celebrate the 100th episode of ABC’s “The Goldbergs,” join a chunk of the principal cast along with executive producers and actress/director Lea Thompson at the Paley Center on Oct. 17. It’s a unique opportunity to glean insight into a show that’s become a modern-day “Wonder Years,” banking on the nostalgia of its audience—a segment of TV that never seems to go out of fashion. (Tickets: $20-30)
Learn how spies became a television obsession.
In the 1960s, America was fascinated with spies thanks to TV shows like “Get Smart” and “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” Explore the history of this still-fascinating genre at “Hollywood Heritage and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association Celebrates the Incredible World of Spy-Fi” on Oct. 17. “Spy-Fi” expert Danny Biederman will be on-hand with television props, along with “Hollywood Spytek,” a documentary that profiles fictional spies with their real-life inspirations. (Tickets: $7.50-15)
Watch improv inspired by teenage diary entries.
Head to “London Calling Improv Diary Show” at M.i.’s Westside Comedy Theater in Santa Monica on Oct. 18 and hear a cast of diarist reveal their cringe-worthy secrets and witness how those moments come to life with improv. As you’re watching, think about how you can use events from your own past to inform your next role. (Tickets: $5)
Check out Backstage’s Los Angeles audition listings!