Acting Up
Scott Rogers is elevating the talent level of Hawaii actors and actresses at his Academy of Film and Television, while making plans to get into producing shows as well
By Norise Jastillana
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The Wednesday night class at the Academy
of Film and Televistion
writing, directing and composing credits; and Jeanne Rogers, a teen acting teacher and a professional actress for 30 years who has performed opposite such actors as Nick Nolte, Don Johnson, Ron Howard and Henry Winkler.
Guest lecturers include L.A.-based screenwriter (and Scott’s brother) Steven Rogers, the author of box office hits such as Hope Floats
For student actors, training focuses on on-camera acting method, text, audition technique, character development and emotional preparation. Class work includes scene study, improvisations, emotional preparation exercises, independent activities, role-playing, mock auditions, on-camera exercises and “mock shoots.”
“We spend 15 to 20 minutes prior to each class just talking about industry issues,” says Rogers, who says it’s essential for actors to understand what’s going on in the business: upcoming productions, audition opportunities, marketing techniques and the like.
“You’ve got to market yourself,” he tells his Wednesday class. “Do you have a website? If you don’t, you’re crazy.”
Rogers sits atop a director’s chair, observing class members as they work through prepared scenes. “Really, really well done,” he offers about one characterization. “I don’t understand the transition,” Rogers interjects later. “When you see how upset she is, it should draw you in,” he tells another actor.
They listen and discuss. “I felt the sadness was forced, but the anger felt real,” says one performer about her portrayal. Another actor can’t stop crying, even after the scene ends. Her eyes well with tears as she continues to feel her character’s pain.
“Class should push your emotions and give you mastery so that you can control and use them,” Rogers explains.
Future success for actors, says Rogers, is in direct proportion to time and persistence applied to their craft.
“That’s the reality. You have to identify what you’re doing wrong and fix it as well as understand the industry.”
Rogers: Push your emotions
Rogers’ alumni have gone on to appear in such productions as Lost
Rogers has high hopes for the academy and the film industry in Hawaii.
“I think Honolulu is an incredible supporter of the arts,” says Rogers.
“Community theatre is thriving. There are hundreds of films produced here - and we could have a lot more.”
Now on the radar in Hawaii is the Universal Pictures comedy You, Me and Dupree, starring Owen Wilson, Kate Hudson and Matt Dillon. This is the kind of information Rogers shares with students before each class.
On his own radar is the formation of TAO - The Actors Ohana - a company of trained actors who will produce and stage productions in a 50-seat theater Rogers plans to create at the academy.
“This will be a black-box theater that can be turned into a soundstage,” he explains. “We’ll work on one project at a time, really focusing on making it good. The material may be original or classic, but something timely.”
His aspirations reach even further. “Our goal eventually is to shoot the production, to make a film,” Rogers explains, adding that TAO (an acronym that translates to “the way” in Chinese) hopes to have its own products within five years. A Teen TAO is also in the works.
In early September, the TAO board met for the first time to chart its course. Board members include: Pomai Brown, a Big Island actor who appeared as the chef in 50 First Dates
Beyond big plans and ideas for the academy, Rogers’greatest satisfaction comes from his role in the classroom.
“I direct sometimes, produce sometimes, but nothing gives me the rush class does, especially when students come in and work hard.”
For more information on the Academy of Film & Television, call 596-8300 or go to: www.AmericanFilmActor.com
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