It is truly a challenge to put the sheer exhilaration, magic, and energy of the LA Backstage Tour into words.  The actual journey began a couple of months prior to the trip to Los Angeles within the studio walls of the LA Acting Workshop. Each participant, with the aid of Bob Luke, chose both a one-minute monologue and thirty second commercial to work with and polish for the purpose of showcasing one’s talent in Los Angeles.  After choosing these pieces, the participants then had the honor of developing their character and honing their craft in a series of sessions with Bob Luke – well-known acting coach, Teri Lynne – a successful talent within the Orlando market, and Amy Allen – she needs no introduction!  The actual whirlwind began on a 7:00 am flight to LAX where the group was met by their personal driver for the Los Angeles portion of the journey. Here is a brief, high-level review of the more significant activities comprising the tour. 

Warner Brothers Studios VIP Tour

We grabbed a bite to eat in the commissary and sat among some of the most creative minds and executives in the industry…I get chills just thinking about how many multi-million dollar deals were being closed in the offices above.  You will be in awe if you truly take the time and reflect on all of the great talents that have worked on some of the soundstages and sets you will step into.

L.A “Shine Session” with Mary Lou Belli

Despite one’s initial intimidation of being in the presence of royalty in the Entertainment Industry as both director and producer, one cannot possibly feel anything but comfortable, and at ease when in the presence of Mary Lou Belli.  She exudes both humility and warmth. Her passion and commitment is contagious and charged our creative energies.  Within a moment, she seemed to understand our strengths and weaknesses as actors and was able to individually polish both our monologues and commercial performances.

Talent Agency & Manager Office Visits

Special thanks to Debra Lynn Findon, and her associate, Lucius, for taking time to meet with us and answer all our questions.  Debra Lynn offered invaluable advice, as both a talent manager and casting director, on the inner workings of the Industry.  Following, they graciously put each of us on camera, in a true Hollywood casting office.  What an invaluable tool this will be to watch after the tour and be able to analyze our own performances!  Of course, I must extend my gratitude to all of the other agents at KSR, The Gage Group, Hervey-Grimes Talent Agency, and Pinnacle Commercial Talent for allowing a novice actor such as myself into their offices and affording me the same respect they would proffer to the A-List actors they represent.  It just does not get any better than this…I was interviewed, provided the opportunity to showcase my talent, and given the time to ask any questions I may have had…all this in the office of legends where dreams are made to come true.  An immense and heart-felt thank you to one and all for making this Jersey Boy feel like a star for the day!

Sony Pictures Studio VIP Tour

What an amazing studio lot steeped in history!  Home to such legends as Jimmy Stewart…just when I thought there could not possibly be any more to look forward to on this whirlwind of a tour. 

CBS Studios – TV Land Pilot of “Hot in Cleveland”

I find myself in the presence of greatness…Sean Hayes, Betty White, Valerie Bertinelli, Wendie Malick, and Jane Leeves at a live taping of the TV Land Pilot “Hot in Cleveland” – “Dead is the new 90”.  The show written by Suzanne Martin, executively produced by Sean Hayes, Suzanne Martin, and Todd Milliner, and expertly directed by Michael Lembeck was phenomenal.  I can’t think of a better place to gain an education on the reality of acting, writing, and directing for the modern situational comedy.  Even better, we all got to experience what true art and stellar acting looks like up close.

Actors Forum

We all had the honor and pleasure of meeting and listening to award-winning actor Doug Jones, Charles Dougherty, Antonio Elias, Maura Soden, and Judd Pillot. What better way to get a feeling for the daily ins-and-outs of a career in the entertainment industry then speaking with those that are currently living it!  A special thanks to each of them for generously sharing their time with us.  Their humility and warmth engaged everyone in the room and made everyone feel as if they were amongst family.  There was an instant sense of camaraderie. As a tall, lanky, and goofy looking aspiring actor, I felt an instant connection to Doug Jones who has made these very traits the cornerstones for a lifetime of success.  Doug, thanks for the encouraging words!

Tourist Attractions

Hollywood Sign

Hollywood Walk of Fame and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

Farmers Market

Third Street Promenade and the Santa Monica Pier

Lessons learned:

Keep it conversational!

Bring your personality into the character!

Study, study, study!  Train, train train!

Never be afraid to re-invent yourself.

Loyalty is the name of the game.

Know who you are and be who you are!

In summation, I cannot possibly properly thank those responsible for making this the trip of a lifetime for me but I definitely intend to do what I can to show my gratitude.  Thanks to the other LA Backstage Tour acting participants – Elena, Johanna, Juvelie, Marisha, Matt, Chris, Yasmin, and Dinae…the Producer of the tour and woman who made all of this possible – Amy Allen…the associate Producer of the tour who kept us all in line and on time – Erika Pektas…and our van driver – Antonio.  Of course, thank you again to the industry professionals who dedicated themselves and their time to this cause.  Due to the sheer dedication and commitment of everyone involved, this became so much more than an educational trip to Los Angeles…it was a journey of self-discovery and self-affirmation.  Whoo hoo!