Went to an acting class tonight. A disaster!

[Jerry]

I met with the teaher this morning.  I overlooked the fact that she was busy and had no time for me. I did read for her and she had some good tips.  She said I was likeable,talented and ideal for commercials. But my head shots stunk!
I audited her class. this eve.  I told her I had a problem hearing. Yes, I wore an aid, I rarely do.  She sat me in a place where it was impossible to hear.  I heard maybe 75% of her but zero of the students whose backs were to me.
We took a break and I told her.  She said, "It will be like this wherever you go."   Wrong again, I know better.
She is stupid!  I had the made -out check in my pocket. All she had to do was sit me in a better spot, there was plenty of room. 
As a former teacher I always asked if I could be heard!  It was insulting she dismissed me so easily. No accomodations whatsoever.  She dismissed me out of hand.

I left feeling sorry for myself.  By the time I hit Ventura Blvd. I felt blessed and lucky  that it turned out this way.  Onward and upward!

Young actors are so vulnerable.  Tell them anything as long as it's what they long to hear!  I feel sorry for the fresh faces that I left behind.

I don't give up, ever.  I have succeeded in most things I've done.  I will in acting too.
Sorry if I sound mad, I am not.  Annoyed, Yes

[miguynmkoi]

  Sorry you came away with a bad taste of poor teaching.  Luckily you seem to be a resourceful person.  Be yourself....who needs acting class 

If anything find someone to teach you proper poses for those head shots 

You're a star in my eyes 

[Sean]

I only have one thing to say and that is "What a Bitch"

Oh My...

Cheers,
Sean

[Sandye]

OK, she said you were "likeable, talented and ideal for commercials," SO GO FOR IT!   You don't need her class if that's the kind of teacher she is. 

[Jerry]

LOL Sean, I wanted to call her that too.
Thanks Anette and Sande too.  I will presist.  She said I was lucky on my first part, I was too. That show, "El Papel" will be shooting again in a week or so and the Director-Producer said, via email, " You are in!"
It will be shot in the high desert, a border crossing scene.  I suspect I will be a bad guy.

[whis4ey]

Sounds like you are hooked Jerry
I have always found that when you are hooked and want something bad enough you always succeed
The main thing is to enjoy it and enjoy yourself

[MikeW]

What's that old expression Jerry - "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach" Sounds like she was a frustrated actress who never made it.

Cheers,

Mike

[barb]

What a shame!  Sounds like she just didn't care.   

[Jerry]

She does have many credits.  I kept thinking about it in bed!
She wanted me to take classes for doing Commercial.  That is fine, but  I now see the classes I wanted won't be available til September.  She may have been selling what she had.
I am "Googling" the local colleges this morning.
I taught  part time for 22 years.  I always asked, "Can everyone hear me?"
Sean said it best!

[Ky Kim]

  for Sean, he said it well.

There was an actor in a movie that would say, aaah Forget about it.  That's what I say forget about her, and move on to bigger and better things. 

This was just a small pebble in your path, kick it out of the way and follow the golden road.  Then when you put your name on Hollywood Blvd, give her a call and say I looked for your name but it seems that it was missing.  Remember a fellow saying he couldn't hear, and you didn't give a care.  Well, can You Hear ME....I MADE IT!!!      Hurray for Hollywood! 

Kim

[Jerry]

Gee whiz, you said it even better than Sean! 

Keep in mind I  have no illusions about ever being a "name", just want to do some good things.
The bitch was also, initially talking about a 2 year program!  I said  whoa! I am not 23, I am not waiting.

[Esther]

And she calls herself a teacher? A teacher's main goal should be to share the information, and experience they have, to her students and help them/EACH learn what is being taught in the class.

My stepson had a special ed math teacher in 9th grade. At a meeting of the student's parents, she told us, "I WILL TEACH YOUR CHILD MATH." She gave several examples of the different ways she used to reach these kids who struggled with learning. I know she was specially trained to deal with learners who have a difficulty, but anyone who has a "calling" to teach should have the heart that goes with it. Some teachers are busy showing how "smart" they are and being superior to their students and the poor student is the loser. To me your teacher was showing her stupidity. 

[thedahlialama]

what was that you said jerry? could you type a little louder please? 

there is a fine line between constructively criticizing a student and projecting one's own disappointments onto a student. sounds like you got the latter treatment.

also puzzled about your asking to be seated somewhere else. was this teacher so rigid that she assigned people to certain spots? and if that's the case, one has to wonder what her criteria is. and if not, then what was it that she said or did to intimidate you into not simply relocating yourself. i know you are not shy!

sounds like you are doing the right thing by continuing to search for someone that will teach you and not simply allow you to be in their 'presence'! i'd suggest finding someone close to your own age who would have a feel as to exactly what there is to be offered for someone like you. after all you're not going to be competing for the same spots as those "fresh faces". not much sense in your learning how to be a youngster again!!

as always, BEST OF LUCK to ya!!!

[Jerry]

Since I was only auditing I was not to speak! OK, I can handle that.   I was asked (told) where to sit. It was behind 2 big couches where the students sat.  Their backs were to me!
At the first break she did ask how it was hearing, I had told her that morning of the problem.
All she had to do to collect $400.00 bucks was say, "Try it here and see how it goes."

I am tempted to write to her and unload, but that would accomplish nothing.  She is who she is.
besides she is  well over 50, so not a kid.
The search goes on....  thank you

[Kittyzee]

So sorry to hear of your "nasty" experience...but being 50 I know I have not nearly learned everything there is to learn, but it sounds like her mind is CLOSED! 

MikeW took the words out of my mouth, and yes Sean's answer was the jackpot...

I was talking the other day to some friends and we were wondering -- you know there are nice people everywhere but doesn't there seem to be an overabundance of a$$holes?  Everywhere, just like that woman, do they spend extra time perfecting their craft or are there more of them being born?      

[Jerry]

LiAnn, an ex actrees friend is 50 also, she carries on all the time about the a$$holes in the biz.
I think it is especially hard for women.
An old pal from my basketball days loved me to "Hang" with him.  This was 8 years before I had any interest in acting.  What I saw, I can't even repeat here.
Let's put it this way, they were exploited!  If you catch my drift.