Patel Conservatory instructor in next year's Hunger Games

With the The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 opening in theaters this weekend, we're giving at a shout out to Patel Conservatory theater instructor Eugenie Bondurant who will appear in the next installment of the blockbuster series.

The last book of the Hunger Games series was split into two films, and Bondurant appears in the second of the two, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2.

She plays Tigris, who, in the book, is the capital citizen with the surgically altered features of a tiger, who offers heroine Katniss Everdreen and her rebel crew a place to hide out in the war-torn capitol city. We're dying to see Bondurant's make-up for the role!

The Patel Conservatory celebrates our 10th anniversary next month, and Bondurant has been with us since the beginning.

She taught one of our first classes at the Straz Center, before the Conservatory was built back in 2004. She continues to teach her on-camera acting programs here, which she developed while living and working in Los Angeles.

She has appeared in films and television shows ranging from Fight Club to Star Trek: The Next Generation. In her newest film she worked alongside a star-studded cast including Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 is slated for release in 2015.

In the meantime, students of all ages have the opportunity to work with Bondurant through our Meisner and On-Camera Acting classes at the Conservatory.

In the Meisner class, students ranging from 9^th grade through college explore the techniques of Sanford Meisner with Bondurant, a certified Meisner instructor. When discussing the style she has said, “Even if you’re playing a killer transvestite, there has to be something of you in this character. You and the character must mesh, otherwise it will look pushed.”

The On-Camera Acting class, for 10^th graders through adults, helps students feel comfortable on camera and bring their own unique personalities to every performance. The class includes both technique and practical experience in front of the camera.

Space is still available in Bondurant’s spring on-camera class at the Conservatory. For more information, or to register, click here, or call 813.222.1002.

The Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center in downtown Tampa offers more than 100 classes in dance, music and theater, from beginner through pre-professional. For more information, visit patelconservatory.org or call 813.222.1002.

Theater student appears in independent film with Haley Joel Osment

Congratulations to Patel Conservatory theater student Shelby Ronea who makes her film debut this weekend in the independent film Sex Ed, starring Haley Joel Osment.

The film is about an inexperienced teacher, Osment (Sixth Sense, Pay It Forward), who tackles sex education with his inner city middle school students. It takes place and was shot in Tampa last year. Shelby plays one of the students.

Her role in Sex Ed is among many recent opportunities for Shelby. She was recently chosen to be a film critic for KIDS FIRST!, which posts film reviews by youth on Huffington Post and You Tube. In July, she attended the renowned Second City Training Center on full scholarship.

“Being at Second City, it was so surreal. Being there and talking to people who’ve been on Saturday Night Live, it left me speechless. I had so much fun and I learned a lot about comedy,” said Shelby.

A sophomore at Blake High School, Shelby has been studying theater at the Patel Conservatory for more than two years. She is currently a theater apprentice working with instructor Eugenie Bondurant (The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2, ) who teaches the on-camera acting classes.

“Before I started at Patel , I didn’t have a lot of acting experience,” said Shelby, “Eugenie has helped me so much with my career.”

She said her classes at the Conservatory have helped her gain the skills to audition for plays and films, and helped her land roles at school plays.

“Patel [Conservatory] is like a huge family full of professionals, helping you. It’s just a loving environment,” she said.

Sex Ed was her first film audition, which turned into her first professional opportunity. Working with Osment was also like working with family.

“He was like a big brother, he gave a lot of good advice,” she said.

Sex Ed premieres Nov. 8, 2014 at the Studio Movie Grill at University Mall.

On-camera workshop with Ellen Jacoby

Do you want to work in the film and television industry?

The Patel Conservatory is hosting a two-day workshop with Miami-based casting director Ellen Jacoby, one of the most in-demand casting directors in the Florida film and television industry.

If you work, or aspire to work, in the film business, this is the workshop that can jumpstart your career.

Jacoby has worked on such feature films as Ace Ventura, True Lies and There’s Something About Mary, and television shows such as Burn Notice, Miami Vice and CSI: Miami.

In this two day workshop, students will hear real life accounts of life in the world of film and television as Jacoby shares the ins and outs of the business of on-camera acting.

In Saturday’s introductory workshop, students will learn firsthand what casting directors are looking for and how to prepare for auditions. Sunday’s more advanced workshop will provide more details on self-taping, being aware of current trends, and understanding how to best represent yourself and your talents.

On-Camera Acting Workshop with Casting Director Ellen Jacoby
Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center, Tampa

Sat., Nov. 15, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

and

Sun., Nov. 16, 2014 from 1 to 5 p.m.

$200 for both Saturday and Sunday

$100 Saturday only
$135 Sunday only

Space is limited and pre-registration is required. For more information, or to register, call 813.222.1002.

On-camera workshop with Ellen Jacoby

Would you like to work in the film and television industry?

The Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center is hosting a two-day workshop with Ellen Jacoby, one of the most in-demand casting directors in the Florida film and television industry.

If you work, or aspire to work, in the film business, this is the workshop that can jumpstart your career.

Get one-on-one time with the Miami-based casting director who has cast such feature films as Ace Ventura, True Lies and There’s Something About Mary, and television shows such as Burn Notice, Miami Vice and CSI: Miami.

The workshop will cover important aspects of on-camera work. You’ll learn how to maneuver through the film business, dissect copy for auditions, and develop reliable on-camera acting techniques. Jacoby also will offer valuable recommendations on what your next step should be.

On-Camera Acting Workshop with Casting Director Ellen Jacoby

Sat., Mar. 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

and

Sun., Mar. 23 from 12 to 4 p.m.

at the Patel Conservatory,

located at the Straz Center in downtown Tampa

$135 for Saturday only

$200 for both Saturday and Sunday

Space is limited and pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, call 813.222.1002. 

On camera acting workshop with Ellen Jacoby

By Paige Strott, Patel Conservatory Marketing Assistant

How often do you get the chance to have one-on-one coaching from a leading casting director? Now’s your chance!

The Patel Conservatory is offering a two day workshop with Miami-based casting director Ellen Jacoby on Nov. 9 and 10.

Ellen Jacoby is one of the most in-demand casting directors in the Florida film and television industry. The intensive on-camera workshop will help students in grade 5 through adult develop their on-camera acting techniques. It will also cover such topics as understanding and maneuvering through the film business, and dissecting and comparing copy for auditions. 

Jacoby has worked on feature films such as Ace Ventura, There’s Something About Mary, True Lies and television shows such as Burn Notice, Miami Vice, and CSI Miami.

If you would like to pursue a career in the film business, Jacoby can jumpstart it by offering helpful advice. At the conclusion of the two-day workshop, Jacoby will provide students with valuable recommendations on what their next step should be. Jacoby has employed over 230,000 Florida actors, dancers, and performers throughout the years and we’re giving you a leg up to be next! 

The workshop will be Sat., Nov. 9 and Sun., Nov. 10, 2013 from 3 to 7 p.m. The cost is $200 for both days, or $135 for Saturday only.

For more information, or to register, visit patelconservatory.org, or call 813-222-1002.

On-camera acting workshop with Ellen Jacoby

Would you like to get one-on-one time with Florida casting director Ellen Jacoby?

The Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center in downtown Tampa is hosting a two-day workshop with the Miami-based casting director who has worked on such feature films as Ace Ventura, True Lies and There’s Something About Mary, and television shows such as Burn Notice, Miami Vice and CSI: Miami.

If you work, or aspire to work, in the film business, this is the workshop that can jumpstart your career.

“Ellen Jacoby is an actor’s casting director, she loves working with actors and helping them hone their skills, and has a knack for getting the best out of the actor,” said Eugenie Bondurant, Patel Conservatory’s on-camera theater instructor.

As a Florida-based film actor, Bondurant has worked with Jacoby throughout the years.

Jacoby will conduct a two-day intensive workshop that will cover important aspects of on-camera work.

You’ll learn how to maneuver through the film business, dissect copy for auditions, and develop reliable on-camera acting techniques. And, Jacoby will offer valuable recommendations on what your next step should be.

“Ellen really goes to bat for talent she believes in. She values actors who have worked hard on their craft,” said Bondurant.

On-Camera Acting Workshop with Casting Director Ellen Jacoby

Grade 5 through Adult
Sat., Mar. 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

and

Sun., Mar. 31 from 12 to 4 p.m.

$135 for Saturday only

$200 for both Saturday and Sunday. 

Patel Conservatory on-camera students receive 20% off.

Space is limited. Pre-registration is required.
For more information or to register, call 813-222-1002.

Great gifts ideas from the Straz Center and Patel Conservatory

As you embark on your holiday shopping, don’t forget a gift for your favorite performer!

Here’s some great gift ideas from the Straz Center and Patel Conservatory.

Tickets to The Nutcracker, the Great Imperial Ballet - A perfect gift for the entire family. Enjoy this classic holiday tradition together.

Tickets to Ballet’s Greatest Hits - Whether you have a dancer in your family or not, this one time only event is sure to excite! It’s a night of incredible performances from the world’s top dancers from such companies as American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and many more!

Dance Class Card - A great option for the dance lover in your family! A 5-class or 10-class card lets dancers try a variety of our dance classes. Class cards are good for the entire spring session, so dancers can come when they can!

Private lessons - When they open that shiny new instrument on Christmas, make sure they get some lessons to go with it! The Patel Conservatory offers private lessons in guitar, piano, violin, voice and more!

Rock School - Make their dreams a reality! With our Rock School program, students of any age can find their inner rock star. All participants get to perform on stage in our Rock School Blowout concert.

Reel Deal Card - Lights, camera, action! Our Reel Deal cards are good for our Saturday afternoon on-camera acting classes.

Gift Card - Give the gift of the performing arts and let them choose what they want. Straz Center gift cards are good for shows at the Straz, or classes or lessons at the Patel Conservatory. To purchase gift cards, call the Straz Center Box Office at 813-229-7827.

With more than 100 classes in dance, theater and music for all ages and skill levels, you're sure to find that perfect something for anyone who loves the arts. For more information on classes and lessons, please call 813-222-1002, or visit patelconservatory.org.

Class cards offer flexibility for adults

You’re a busy adult with work, kids and family obligations, a mile-long list of things to do, and a host of commitments pulling you in different directions.

Fortunately, with the class cards at the Patel Conservatory in Tampa, you don’t have to sacrifice personal time just for you!

Escape from reality and explore your creativity at a time that suits your schedule with our Class Card and Reel Deal Card.

CLASS CARDS

Class cards are available for adults and college students for dance classes and the new  class, Who Knew? Rather than register for one class, try them all by purchasing a class card, which allows you to attend any dance or Who Knew? class.

More than 80 people took advantage of our class cards over the summer, said Melissa Fortman, registrar at the Patel Conservatory.

“A lot of people who travel for their jobs or have family commitments enjoy the freedom of the Class Cards because they have the ability to drop in when it’s convenient for them,” said Fortman.

She points out that it’s also a great option for those who simply want variety.

“A lot of our adult dance students took dance when they were young. As they get back into it, they want to try different styles of classes, like ballet, hip hop and jazz,” she said.

Class Cards are $65 for a 5-class card, or $120 for a 10-class card.

They may be used for the following:

• Who Knew? This new class is a great way to learn about concerts, Broadway musicals or other events at the Straz Center. Discuss the music, study the script or chat with professionals involved in the performance for a behind-the-scenes look at how shows and concerts are produced. Who Knew? classes are available on a drop-in basis only. Topics to be announced throughout the year.
• Community Dance Classes Get your body moving and alleviate stress with one of our community dance classes.  Choose from ballet, contemporary, hip hop, tap, jazz and flamenco.

REEL DEAL CARDS

New this fall! We are now offering a Reel Deal card for our On-Camera Acting class.

The on-camera acting class helps students improve audition techniques and develop honesty on camera through exercises in improvisation, Meisner Technique and character development. Gain confidence and strengthen your acting skills, and prepare for professional auditions and bookings.

The class is offered Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 3 to 5 p.m.

The Reel Deal card is available for the Saturday classes only, and allows students to drop in when it’s convenient for them.

The Real Deal Card is $65 for a 5-class card and $120 for a 10-class card.

For more information about the Class Cards and Reel Deal cards, please call 813-222-1002.

Making movie magic

Due to popular demand, the Patel Conservatory in Tampa has added another session of our popular camp, Making a Short Film.

“Working with a whole team of people was pretty interesting,” said Jacob Ulintz, who took the Short Film camp in June.  

Fourteen-year old Jacob is a longtime Patel Conservatory theater student who has taken on-camera acting and musical theater classes since he was in the fifth grade.

“No matter what he’s taken [at the Conservatory], it has been quality,” said Angela Ulintz, Jacob’s mom. “I’m very impressed with the level of commitment, and expertise and knowledge of the instructors.”

“It’s more professional than any other theater group that I’ve been in,” said Jacob, who recently played Prince Dauntless in PCYT’s Once Upon a Mattress.

Jacob Ulintz, third from left, in Patel Conservatory's recent
production of Once Upon a Mattress

Recently, Ulintz took an interest in being behind the camera. He started making his own movies with his father’s video camera a couple of years ago, at first creating stop-action films using legos, and then editing them on his home computer.

“I started getting into watching films and wanting to know how they’re made. Steven Spielberg has been my inspiration,” said Jacob. He and a couple of friends made their own film, and Jacob taught himself to use editing and special effects computer programs (Final Cut Pro and Adobe After Effects).

He enjoys watching how-to filmmaking videos on You Tube, and said he learned more techniques about creating emotion through camera angles in the Making a Short Film camp. 

During the Short Film camp, students formed production teams. Then they collaborated to create a film from start to finish. They learned about the entire filmmaking process, from concept through story boarding, screenwriting, pre-production design, shooting and editing.

Ulintz was a co-writer, director and editor for his group. He said he enjoyed the collaborative process of having a film crew, from the writers to the set designers and make-artists.

His team’s finished film, Love After Life, will be shown along with others from all of the film camps in the Short Film Festival on August 10 in the TECO Theater.

Jacob will also perform along with 60 other kids in PCYT’s upcoming production of Beauty and the Beast, Jr.

“You learn something every day from that class,” said Jacob of the three-week camp. “I just love it all in general, [the Conservatory] is like my home away from home.”

The next Making a Short Film Camp, for grades 5 through 12, will be from July 30 through August 10, 2012. No previous film experience is necessary.

The classic Beauty and the Beast, Jr., with its lively costumes and musical numbers, is a great show to bring the kids. The show will be Thurs., July 19 and Fri., July 20, 2012 in Ferguson Hall at the Straz Center.

Adult classes start this week!

 This week kicks off our summer classes at the Patel Conservatory in downtown Tampa, and what a busy week it’s been!

It’s fantastic to see so many new faces trying out an array of adult classes, from ballet to acting.

It’s not too late to join us!

Try something new, or rekindle your passion for the performing arts with classes in dance, theater and music.

Our adult dance classes offer friendship, community, exercise and fun. Choose from tap, jazz, hip hop, ballet, contemporary or Latin. Register for one, or try them all with our adult dance card.

Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned actor, or a professional who wants to gain confidence in front of an audience, our adult acting classes can help you learn new techniques in a comfortable environment.

If you’ve always wanted to pick up an instrument, check out our private and group guitar and piano lessons to our popular Rock School.

With so many options, you’re sure to find a class that suits you and your schedule.

For questions or more information, call us at 813-222-1002, or click here for our online brochure.

Do you want to work in film and television?

The film industry in the Tampa Bay area is growing, with many Hollywood productions filming locally and hiring local talent. Some recent productions that have hired local talent include Parker, Magic Mike, Free Ride, Sunlight Jr. and Spring Breakers, with many more slated to film in Florida in the coming year.

When productions cast for supporting roles here, Florida talent needs to be prepared.

Get your training and network with other actors in upcoming on-camera acting classes at the Patel Conservatory in Tampa.

The upcoming Scene Study workshops take students through cold readings, script memorization, character preparation, the filming process and critiques. 

Learn to develop truthfulness in your acting, strengthen your skills and be prepared for auditions and bookings for television and film.

Read more about our on-camera student success stories:

Ashlie Dawn Stevens and Yao Tsai - performing this weekend in 12 Angry Men at Countryside Christian Center in Clearwater

Madeline Voges - booked a role in a film for the Sci-Fi network.

Grace Feeney - producing her own short film in Los Angeles

Sign up now for upcoming Scene Study workshops or summer classes!

Four-week Scene Study workshop series:

Adults

Mar. 20 - April 10, 2012

Tuesdays, 6 to 9 p.m.

Grades 6 - 12

Saturdays, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Mar. 24 - April 14, 2012

Summer On-camera acting classes:

Adults

June 7 - Aug. 9, 2012

Thursdays, 7 - 9 p.m.

Making a Short Film

Grades 5 - 8, June 11 - 22, 2012

Grades 9 - College, July 2 - 13, 2012

Take a film from concept through story boarding, screenwriting, pre-production design, shooting and editing. The finished short film will be shown at the end of the two-week camp and in the Short Film Festival at the end of the summer.

Spotlight on Grace Feeney

What’s the secret to success in the entertainment industry?

Stay active and stay fresh, says Grace Feeney, actor and producer.

“If I’m not actively in a show, then I take classes so that I’m constantly on my toes and ready for the next thing,” said Feeney.

Feeney, a former on-camera student at the Patel Conservatory, is currently in the Professional Producer’s Program at UCLA.

A perpetual student, Feeney holds a B.A. from the University of Miami. As part of her degree, she studied drama at Flinders University in Australia for a year and a half. She then received a law degree from Stetson University in St. Petersburg.

When opportunities don’t present themselves, she makes her own.

In 2007, she started APASI, a non-profit production company dedicated to promoting Asian American roles in theater and film.

Her idea was that Asians and Asian Americans shouldn’t have to wait for a stereotypical Asian role to appear on a casting breakdown in order to perform.

Though she is part Filipino and part Portuguese, “I’m from New Jersey. I was born and raised in the U.S., so I don’t know why we have these stereotypical roles,” said Feeney. With APASI, she produced stage plays and two short films.

Since she was young, her goal has always been to act and produce. She’s the consummate organizer who’d gather her artist friends to find scripts to perform. She got her law degree specifically to learn about entertainment law.

She paid her dues as a film actor through work as an extra and as an assistant to a casting director. And when she wasn't working on films, she performed in numerous theater productions, including many with Jobsite Theater at the Straz Center. She recently won Creative Loafing's Best Local Actress Award in the 2011 Best of the Bay Awards.

Her current project scheduled to shoot in February is a short film about the effect of technology on relationships, and the importance of family. She also interns for Joel Silver at Warner Bros.

Even with her long list of accomplishments, Feeney admits that trying to make a name for yourself in the film or entertainment business can still be intimidating.

"All of the other interns [at Warner Bros.] are younger and the majority are male, but, I'm still doing it!" said Feeney.

While some of her co-workers may be fresh out of undergraduate school, this young aspiring filmmaker is blazing her own trail. She does that by connecting with her artistic community whenever and wherever she can.

“I never want to be stale,” said Feeney. “Whenever I’m around other artists, its inspires me.”

The difference between acting for the stage and acting for the camera

Although veteran actor Grace Feeney had studied theater extensively, she never took an on-camera acting class before coming to the Patel Conservatory in Tampa.

Grace Feeney in our on-camera acting class.

“It was interesting to learn the technicalities of being in front of the camera,” said Feeney. “I have a lot of little quirks I didn’t know I had.”

The on-camera acting classes at the Patel Conservatory, taught by Eugenie Bondurant, focus on how to be truthful as an actor in front of the camera. Through improvisation techniques and acting exercises, actors learn how to stand out at an audition and how to be sincere and candid, showing off their true selves.

Bondurant is a certified Meisner instructor, and also offers private acting lessons. Students in the on-camera classes learn industry terminology and tips of the trade.

“She helped me get my first agent, which led to some of my first on-camera roles,” said Feeney, who now lives in Los Angeles.

Whether a veteran actor, or someone just learning about the business, the on-camera workshops are a great way to stay active, have fun and network with others. The camaraderie of working together with other actors with similar goals inspires students to be creative and take chances.

“The last time I took her class was in 2006, but we still talk. That’s what’s great about Eugenie,” said Feeney. “And that’s what this industry is all about, building relationships.”