0
Time has been flying by since the semester started, and now it’s almost time to open our first show of the term! You can see the summary for the show by clicking on the 2010-2011 Season button at the top of the page. Come support the Warehouse Theatre Company next week!
The Professional Connection: Justin Hoffecker
Posted: December 15, 2010 in Guest Blogger, Real World
1. Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Justin Hoffecker, a third year MFA candidate in lighting design at Mason Gross School of the Arts (sounds more pretentious than it actually is) at Rutgers University. I also am a freelance/over-hire electrician at a number of local/regional theaters in the area.
2. What do you like most about lighting design?
It’s funny…I was just asked to sum up my “creative philosophy” for a USITT contest…I find it just as difficult to fit it to one page, but to be brief: the ability to subtly make an entire audience of people’s hard fought attention dart around the stage for 90min, while simultaneously creating an atmosphere perfectly suited to the action at hand evoking a true emotional response from that same audience.
3:Why did you choose the graduate program you did? The undergrad program?
When I went to URT/A years ago, they (Mason Gross School of the Arts) were one of only a few schools who seemed excited that I had scenic, costume, and light designs to offer in my portfolio. They seemed a pleasant enough bunch. Now here for 3 years, they have their fair share of issues, but the students are really here for each other and that makes all the difference. Also, the Lighting Design professor is a big wig in the union with a Tony under his belt—that helps.
Undergrad (Lehigh University) was a different story. I entered with the intention of a computer science degree. After a semester dreading each and every class, I realized it may not be for me. I found their small theatre dept one day, and had a good long talk with Jeff Millet (LD professor), then summoned up my courage to drop the news on my parents and changed majors. Aside from joining my fraternity, Psi Upsilon, it was the best decision I’ve made in life thus far. Catching up as a theatre dork has taken time, but I’m getting there.
4.What is one of the most important things you’ve learned as a designer/technician?
Most important? That’s a tough one. The ability to remain flexible/open to new ideas while maintaining a positive attitude. Mind you this is an ongoing lesson…but it’s how you make long lasting connections and have those that can offer you gigs remember your name. It’s all about who you know and believe me when I say it: The Business is so much smaller than you think.
5:What is your best advice for young designers?
WORK! Any gig you can. As much as your tired legs can carry you, never stop working. Not only to meet new people, but to remain current with designers, technology, trends…and when not working, go see shows, Watch TV/movies, pay attention to the who’s who (something I must do MUCH better at). ‘Tis a fast train we’re on and it can quickly pass you by.
6.How important is graduate school in your field?
Not very, honestly. Again, it’s who you’ve impressed that will get you gigs. Training is invaluable, such as on new boards from ETC, but much is just on the job and on the fly. However (and this is huge) an MFA will get you that extra push up to the top of the pile in any job you apply for. Not to mention the quality training I’ve received from Broadway designers and their own circle of contacts. Hey, in the long run, an MFA will get me a professorship at some school….just about the only stable gig in my field.
7. Where do you hope to be in five years?
Five years from now…I don’t know where I’ll be in May! But if I had my way, I’d be living in Mid-Town Manhattan working as a full time electrician somewhere so I can part time Light Design anywhere. Realistically, I’ll be in Queens part timing a number of theatre companies, and LD anywhere that will hire me. Either way, I’d be rather pleased to pay the bills while still having fun.
That’s what it’s all about for me: Looking forward to work every morning. Not many on this rock can say that.
Train rides into The City are a great opportunity to get overdue work done, btw.
Be Well, Dream Deep, and Good Luck!
What would you like the Warehouse to Poll? Write in your question and it might end up on the blog! It must be a question with multiple answers, not open ended. You can choose to leave the answers or not!
Click on the Comment bubble at the top of the post to the right and leave your poll idea.
The Professional Connection: Erin Stegeman on Living in LA
Posted: November 9, 2010 in Guest Blogger, Real World
Welcome to the second installment of The Professional Connection! This week we’re hosting Erin Stegeman, a Stephens graduate, who has lived in LA and NY. She shares with us why she enjoys LA and she gives some very good advice about theatre as a career.
1. Who are you and what do you do?
Erin Stegeman. I’m an actor/producer originally from St. Louis. I’ve worked on both coasts, but my home is in Los Angeles. I own my own theater/film production company called Porcelain Productions. On occasion I direct environmental theater and tend to gravitate towards the dark, quirky, and vulnerable acting-wise. Central Park is my favorite place on the planet. I also love gluten free pretzels, wearing bright or sparkling clothes, and drinking champagne with my friends.
2. Why did you go to LA and why do you like it so much? As an actress and as a person.
I was living in NYC when I decided to head to LA. It was such a strong calling it couldn’t be ignored. I was 23 and I knew what I wanted was here and I had to trust that. LA is great because there are so many opportunities here, and so many people who just want to help. I literally could shoot a feature in a week on a shoestring budget and then have it premiere at a local film festival. I’m a creative person inspired by spaces and I’m currently obsessed with the downtown warehouses. I went to an underground theater piece there last night, and now I’ve got a show in my brain that’s dying to be performed there. I didn’t feel like I could do that so easily in NYC. Plus, you can’t beat the fact that the beach, the mountains, and Vegas are a short drive away. No joke when I made my list of reasons to move, Vegas and Coffee Bean were in my top 5.
3. What kind of work have you been doing recently?
Recently I just shot a commercial for Vtech phones. I also did voice overs for a weight loss website and White Fang on audiobook. I’m currently filming the leads in an indie drama/thriller and in a film noir. I’m also producing/acting on my web series, Stiletto Yoga. I’m soooo excited about it. I’ve got an incredible team on it. And now my brain is cookin’ on that show for the warehouse space as well. It’s going to be Swing Kids meets burlesque meets Inglorious Basterds meets Carrie. Crazy. It’s hard to focus on one thing sometimes. That’s the trick…..
4. What are good side jobs to have in LA that work around an actors schedule? What do you do?
Make sure it supports your expenses and career without draining you or pulling you from your focus. I cannot tell you how many actors I see destroy their lives by letting their day jobs take priority. This business is all about risks. It’s so easy to get sucked into comfort. I’ve done it. I used to be a personal trainer, but it started to mentally drain me. I realized one day that I was choosing work over my career. So I quit to follow my heart and go to NYC for a month. That was in June. I haven’t had to work a day job since. I recommend teaching fitness classes, tutoring, waiting tables, – do something you don’t really care that much about so you can leave easily. If you don’t have an exit plan, you won’t get out.
5. Advice for recently graduated students moving to a large city?
Be bold. Make that phone call. Why are you here otherwise? It’s too long and painful a journey to hold yourself back. I would say take an acting class, but too many people become students of acting and not actors. Let’s face it – you’re here to be a star so be a star!!!
6. Best neighborhoods to live in.
I live in Brentwood (with my boyfriend who is also a Stephens grad), which is fantastic and a short drive to Hollywood and the beach. I prefer the west side because I like to get away from the hustle and bustle and live in peace. My neighborhood is also a walking neighborhood, which I need. You can’t go wrong out here. It just depends what you like. If you prefer the beach and a more laid back feel choose Venice, Santa Monica, or West LA. If you like to be close to auditions and want a busier night life go for hollywood, the valley, west hollywood, los Feliz. If you want to be near the money, go for Miracle Mile, Beverly Hills, Bel Air. If you want to be completely out of the LA world but still be close, go for Pasadena, Hermosa beach, Manhattan Beach.
7. Is LA a type specific place? Should only certain people really think about moving there?
Anyone can move here. You just have to know who you are and which roles you are MOST CASTABLE as. You have to remember that it’s all about a package. Your agent, the producer, etc has to immediately be inspired with what to do with you. Rachel McAdams and Amanda Seyfried both broke in by playing dumb, lovable blondes. Now they do whatever they want.
8. What was the best thing Stephens taught you, that you still apply today?
Without a doubt, Stephens gave me a work ethic. I wasn’t cast a lot in college, nor was I the best student. But I wanted it. And Stephens taught me how to work and stay humble. I will never forget Rob Doyen’s speech at the beginning of each year – “Remember it’s a privilege to be on stage, not a right.” My experience is entitlement gets you no where, so just prepare to work smart and know that the only rule in this business is that there are none.
9. Is there a large Stephens network in LA that you know and use?
There’s no LA network out here. A couple of us do meet up for tea every once in a while. It’s a shame more students aren’t here. We could really create some amazing things.
Thanks, girl!!
Erin Stegeman
SAG/AFTRA
Here is Erin’s CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:
Erin Stegeman
24-30. Fun with an edge. Beautiful, classic European looks but not a model. Such a Midwestern-girl-next-door that she once won a cherry pie eating contest. Certified boot camp instructor. Trains at a gym in East LA where she likes her boxing classes a little too much. Orders champagne at sports bars. Firmly believes calories don’t count in macaroons and dark chocolate. Loves the mutt she rescued. Might bring a hairdryer on a camping trip. Considers Olivia Benson, Dana Scully, and Lois Lane all personal heroes. Has a bottle of fake blood in her car at all times. Strong swing dancing, comedy, and hula hooping skills. Once had a flock of crows follow her around all day at The Animal Kingdom after making her infamous bird calls. Buys anything that sparkles. Daughter of an evil genius.
________
If you’d like to contact Erin Stegeman, you can email her here: erinstegeman(at)yahoo.com
Or visit her personal website: www.erinstegeman.com
Let’s hear it for Stephens Women! And leave a comment about what was useful to you!
Until next time,
~Sascha
Warehouse Theatre Company's Blog 