The Director’s gym was developed to fulfill a need for both directors and actors. Born out of our Master Class, The Director’s gym matches some of Los Angeles’ top acting talent with established and up-and-coming directors in a format that allows for experimentation and collaboration in a good old fashioned creative work-out.
Many film and television directors have expressed to the studio an interest in having a place where they could practice and explore their craft , free from studio and producer constraints. However, they needed talented actors to do so. As Director Michael Suscy (director of Grey Gardens with Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore) remarked, “EMAS has many skilled, willing actors who want the experience of working with a variety of directors. This is the perfect venue for directors to tap into that talent.”
Established film and television directors work with EMAS actors to develop, polish and refine their directing skills.
THE FORMAT:
 Directors work with 6 – 8 actors in two separate sessions.
Sessions are from 2 to 3 hours in length.
Directors can choose the material or have the actors bring in scenes. They can experiment with original work, or practice on established theater, film or television scripts.
The Gym caters to the specific needs and desires of each director.
Actors must be ready and able to meet any directorial request.
THE DIRECTORS:
Michael Sucsy is currently directing the feature film ‘Grey Gardens’ starring Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore. He is the producer of the award winning short, ‘Katherine,’ and a graduate of the M.F.A program at Art Center College of Design.
Michael Beach has been acting and coaching for over 20 years. His long list of credits includes: Robert Altman’s ‘Short-Cuts,’ James Cameron’s ‘The Abyss,’ Tony Scott’s ‘True Romance,’ and the role of Doc Parker on the television show ‘Third Watch.”
Christopher Rich is a veteran television director and actor.His credits include the role of Miller Redfield on Murphy Brown and directing over 100 episodes of the hit television show Reba.
Kappy Kilburn is the Associate Director of Artistic development at Pasadena Playhouse. She has directed both on and off Broadway productions as well as regional theater. Among her many directing credits are: Lanford Wilson’s ‘Burn This,’ Arthur Miller’s ‘All My Sons,’ and Jon Baitz’s ‘Three Hotels’.
Cindy Popp is the emmy-award nominated director of the long running daytime drama ‘The Bold and The Beautiful”. Other credits include ‘Fraiser’ and ‘Passions.’
Paul Weber is the head of casting at MGM. He is a graduate of the theater program At University of Arizona and got his start in the industry as an actor. Paul is well known throughout the industry as an “actor’s casting director”. Casting credits include: ‘Stargate- SG-1,’ ‘Stargate: Atlantis,’ ‘Dead Like Me,’ and ‘The Outer Limits”.
Howard March is a screenplay writer working in Los Angeles.
Stu Pollard is an independent film director and producer.
THE ACTORS:
To be an actor in The Director’s gym you must be a member of EMAS’ Master Class and a member of the studio for a minimum of 3 months. For more information on the Gym call the studio at 323-528-6280.
THE FEEDBACK
The Director's gym is constantly looking for new ways to tackle Hollywood by seeking new ideas for actors to help themselves grow as informed artists. It was my pleasure to spend time with them and share my 25 years of experience.
-Michael Beach, Actor/Director, Third Watch, ER
I found the Directors gym an invaluable tool in many ways. Itprovided an opportunity to test the material, to see what different actors brought to the roles, and to experiment with ideas while not “on the clock.” I would definitely do it again."
-Howard March, Writer / Director
“The Director’s gym is a win–win situation for both the directors and our students. It provides our student actors the opportunity to work with a variety of directors and it provides directors top-notch actors to practice with and refine their skills. "
- Elizabeth Mestnik – Founder / Director EMAS
“No preparation? Brief commitment? Great actors. - Why not? The Director's Gym is an easy, fun, and effective way to stretch before a shoot.”
- Michael Suscy – Director: Grey Gardens with Dru Barrymore and Jessica Lange
"The Director's gym’s innovative format gave me an opportunity to flex my directing muscles with a talented and versatile group of actors".
- Paul Webber – Head of Casting: Paramount Pictures
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