Back to school...

So in my new found self improvement jag (Kickboxing class today!) I have started thinking about what skills I want to hone. After my acting intensive last summer, I was sort of classed out. Now Im ready to hop back in. While our nation's economic troubles (okay, really just mine) prevent me from doing them all- here is a wish list of all the classes I want to enroll in. We'll see which ones I actually end up taking in the coming months.

1) Meisner.
We all know I have a love affair with Sanford, and I'm really eager to continue my training. The most kick ass teacher just started a Meisner training studio and I want to enroll in a class ASAP. Meisner is so tough because there are so many people who claim to know what they're doing even when they don't. A great technique can turn into bad acting or a therapy session right quick. So while I'm here and available I need to sign up for an Audrey Francis Meisner class right now.

2) Salsa
Ahh, the dance of passion. I've been traveling to Latin America (and to the many clubs in Chicago and New York) for years and I've picked up a few things. But I would really adore learning it in a more structured way- I guess I would feel a little better about having it on my special skills section.

3) Spanish
All of the trips to Latin America (and the years of working in restaurants) has done little for my conversational Spanish. I understand it, but would really love to speak it. And for some reason (is it just me?) I have seen a million audition notices lately that say "Must Speak Spanish"

4) On-Camera
Of course, everyone should be taking on-camera classes. Of course. But that's why there are a million offered and some of them are shady to say the least. While I already have a few on my resume, I really want to find another GOOD on-camera class with an experienced teacher who knows the business and can advance me. So its just not weeks and weeks of "Don't look INTO the camera!" The other tough thing is that these classes are usually a little more expensive because they give you a copy of your work at the end. That's one I'll have to save up for.

5) Circus/Movement
I love movement-- what can I say?? I really want to develop this from something I dabble in to a real skill that I am good at and can pull out of my bag of tricks whenever.

6) Singing.
Oy. The bane of my existence. I can't sing. "But everyone can sing!" you say. No. You're wrong. I can't sing. And so, this one will be an extended regular class once I decide to take the plunge, because its starting to be OBNOXIOUS how many parts I'm losing because of my inability to sing a solo line.

So there you have it. My 2009 class wish list. Let's see how many I can get through before the end of the year!

--Sharina Martin