STUDENT ACTORS ATTEND MIKE LEWIS WORKSHOP
 | Author:
Nancy Marks
Nancy Marks: MT43 News Secretary and News Editor |
STUDENT ACTORS ATTEND MIKE LEWIS WORKSHOP
Stage and television actor Mike Lewis warned the workshop participants on Saturday, July 22 to be careful what they sign up for when they audition for a part. “Be sure you can physically and emotionally do whatever it takes to play the part,” he said.
Lewis, who is a Butte native and graduated from the University of Montana theater arts, is a thirty-year veteran acting in regional theaters and in several television series. He gave an example where in his part for the Emmy award-winning series “ The Black List.” He was tied to a board for five hours during the takes. “It was grueling, but I got through it,” he said.
Lewis led the MSU college students, one BHS graduate who is going to UM this fall and a high school student who is visiting her grandparents in Townsend. He walked the group through emotion-based acting, according to Broadwater Community Theater organizer Carla Amundson.
Board members Amundson and Anne Hall coordinated the two-day workshop.
He taught them how to cry for 7 seconds, then showed the difference between kinds of crying-a scream or a whimper. Other types of acting included the group reacting to someone dying or passing out. “How did they feel – afraid or in control?” he asked the others.
An expert singer and musician, Lewis walked the group through a variety of singing styles while he played both the harmonica and the ukelele.
The second day of the workshop, which was held at The Lodge, was more serious as Lewis focused on movement on stage and the recital of various lines from Shakespeare. As the participants spoke, he coached them on voice levels and enunciation. “The workshop was a good introduction to acting and the realities of life as an actor,” Carla noted.
Broadwater Community Theater is planning to bring Lewis back next year. He is in Townsend visiting relatives.
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PhotoCredit: Michael Lewis
Image 1 Caption: Michael Lewis
Photo Credit: Michael Lewis
