Heidi Swedberg and Laura Mathis rocking out!

I may be the worlds worst musician..and that’s okay!  I still love to play anything I can get my hands on, and often noodle with the harmonica, banjo, and other random toys.  So when Heidi Swedberg ( most known for her role of Susan in Seinfeld) approached me to offer a Ukulele workshop at Sol, I was thrilled! ( On a “Small World” side note, Elaine Pope ( my pal) was a writer on Seinfeld for many seasons, and Heidi knows Elaine!) Anyway, we had over 20 people show up, our youngest student was around 5 months old, oldest around 60 years old. Within moments , we were all playing real songs on the Ukulele! It was really a blast, and I enjoyed being a student for a change instead of the Instructor.  I think its important to make time to be a student. And guess what?  This morning, in my hammock, with my dog Hoss, I played Kookabura, by heart, and it actually sounded really good!! Heidi is a teacher from my own heart, passionate, funny, and very supportive.  If you missed the workshop, Heidi will be back in October, so keep checking the website!  Play on!

Similar to creating Ninja skills, this class is Full of New Information, Very Interactive, and Intense! Meet new friends, laugh, and grow into the Phenomenal Public Speaker you know you can be!

We will cover a different topic each week, including Gestures, Voice, Overcoming your Fears, Body language, and Ending your Speech with a Bang ( and we promise this is not because you have fainted!!)

Here is what past students of Laura Mathis’ Public Speaking classes have said:

“Laura was fabulous. Key to me was the idea of practical public speaking in daily activities and interactions rather than just the focus on presentation. Also the tip on preventing cottonmouth…thank you, thank you, thank you! Exceptional event. SO glad to have come today. Cheers to you, Laura!” Laurie F.

“Fun and informative. I’ve got pages of good stuff!” Justin J.

“I learned how to calm my nerves before speaking. This workshop was amazing and I would recommend it to everyone. I really learned a lot from it.” Christina F.

Ages 18 and up

Date- Wednesdays, from 3 pm- 5 pm. Starts Sept 8- Oct 13, 2010

Cost: $125.00 (plus applicable tax)

Location- Nob Hill Studio- 127 Bryn Mawr Drive SE, Suite D. We are located right in the heart of Nob Hill, steps from the Nob Hill Bar and Grill, just South half a block on Central , between Central and Silver

Register today, this class will fill quickly!

HEY FRIENDS AND FANS OF SOL- Please vote for Sol Acting Academy in Albuquerque the Magazine’s “Best of the City” Awards! Just follow this link: http://www.abqthemag.com/bestofsurvey2010a.php and type in Sol Acting Academy for “Best Kids Classes” and “Best Summer Camp.” Also, for “Best Category We Left Out” please write in: “Best Acting Coach: Laura Mathis”. Its fun to do and super easy! If Sol Acting wins in any of the catagories, we will have a POOL PARTY with food and refreshments for anyone who voted for us! Awesome!

Sol Acting Academy is seeking experienced improvisation performers and will be holding auditions on July 23 and 24, 2010.  Please respond if interested in performing in improv shows along with other talented actors. The group will be performing short-form, “Whose Line is it Anyway” type games in its shows, and those wanting to audition should at least be familiar with this style of improv. Must be 21 or older to audition.

To reserve an audition time, contact Sol Acting Academy at: info@solacting.com, and type Improv Auditions in the Subject Line. Audition times are Fri July 23 from 2 pm- 6 pm, and Sat July 24 from

 11 am – 3 pm.  Audition will consist of group auditions playing various games and exercises. Please state in your email

1)      Your full name

2)      Your email address and phone number

3)      The day you wish to audition, or you can state “ either day” if you are open both days

Please do not call Sol Acting Academy to book your audition. Your email will be returned with your booked audition time, studio location, and all necessary information. We ask that all Improvisers please bring a headshot (or updated photo) and an actor’s resume to the audition.

Wednesdays, Oct 20- Dec 15, 2010
 

This workshop is for actors who want to work on layering their close up performances and explore character development. This class allows you to take your craft to the next level and get SHARP! The Actors will work on creating the role through specific emotional and character building exercises, employing improv and direction with regard to choice making to inform their on camera work. Contemporary feature film monologue material will be used. Note: Intermediate to advanced ability. You must have either taken Acting 101 for Film, or have worked on set with speaking roles.  Max 10 actors. Last class will be open to visiting Casting Directors and Talent Agents.

Ages 18 and up
Wednesdays 6: 30 pm-8: 30 pm

Cost: $185.00 (plus applicable tax)

Location
1111 Carlisle SE ( Nob Hill area)
Albuquerque, NM 87106
At Healing Gate near UNM

Taught by a Professionally trained improviser, this class will have you  jump into the fun and fascinating world of improvisation.  Whether you are an actor looking to sharpen your skills, a business professional that wants to work on communication and listening, or just an open minded person ready to learn a new skill and make some new friends, improv is for you!  In this nine week class, learn the top secret skills to a great improv scene, with lots of games, props, and new exercises every week!  The final class will be a performance open to the public.

Ages 18 and up
Thursdays 6: 30 pm-8: 30 pm
Cost: $185.00 (plus applicable tax)

Location:

The Source

1111 Carlisle SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106

THIS CLASS ALWAYS FILLS QUICKLY, ENROLL TODAY!

This is the perfect class for someone who is ready to explore the exciting world of acting on camera. Get the vital info on all of the basics as you work on camera every class: auditioning, cold reading, commercials, movies, television shows, and what to expect when you’re on set. We will also discuss networking, resumes, head shots, finding an agent, and gaining access to auditions.  Class is limited to 10 students. Enroll now, this class filled quickly last semester! Some our past Guest Visitors Include:

Darlene Hansen- Casting Director

Lenni Davey- Applause Talent Agency, Owner

Carmen Martinez- Casting Director and Talent Agent

Chad Mathis- Local Entertainment Lawyer

Ages 18 and up
Wednesdays 6: 30 pm-8: 30 pm

Cost: $185.00 (plus applicable tax)

Location:

The Source ( Nob Hill area)

1111 Carlisle SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106

THIS CLASS IS FILLING QUICKLY! STILL SPOTS LEFT! WILL CLOSE WHEN CAMP IS FULL, OR REGISTER BY SAT JULY 24 AT 2 PM!

Last Teen Camp of Summer

PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR NEW CLASSES FOR AGES 12- 18 IN THE FALL!

 This class allows teens to explore all aspects of acting in the exciting world of Film, Movies and Television!  At Sol Acting Academy, the scripts we use are based on real movies and TV shows, like Twilight, Mean Girls, Napoleon Dynamite, Ugly Betty, and Glee!   We will also cover auditioning for movies, commercials, and learn lots of hilarious improv games you can teach your friends!  The last class will be a show starring you on our television for friends and family! Meet new friends and learn where to find real Movie auditions this summer!!

Ages 12-18

Cost: $ 250.00 (plus applicable tax)

9 am- 4 pm ( Early drop off and Late pick up of up to One Hour is available at check out)

Location- The Source:

1111 Carlisle Blvd SE

Albuquerque, NM 87106 ( south of Nob Hill area)

Contest
Start Date: Wednesday, 5-5-10

End Date: Friday, 5-28-10

Open: Ages 3-18, Parents are responsible for entering their children under 13.

Who: Albuquerque, NM locals

Winner: The video with the most views by the end of the contest will be the winner. Multiple views by the same person IS permitted. Be sure to send the link to your video to all of your friends and family and tell them to watch so that you will win!

Prize: Summer Acting Camp at Sol Acting Academy valued at up to $300.
——————————————————
How to Enter
1.Watch “Laura’s 3 Silliest Faces in 3 Seconds” on www.youtube.com/solacting .
2. Upload your 3 Silliest Faces in 3 Seconds video to your YouTube account. Videos should not be longer than 10 seconds and your 3 silliest faces should be made in as close to 3 seconds as possible.
3. Title your video using your “FIRST NAME” ONLY, followed by “Sol Acting Academy 3 Silliest Faces in 3 Seconds”. See Laura’s video on the Sol Acting Academy Channel at www.youtube.com/solacting  for an example.
4. Visit the Sol Acting Academy Channel at http://www.youtube.com/solacting and click the yellow subscribe button.
5. Send Sol Acting a message from your YouTube account that includes the entrant’s:
*Full Name
*Phone Number
*Email
*Age
*Attach your “3 Silliest Faces in 3 Seconds Video”
* Send Sol Acting Academy your message
6. Share your video with your friends and family! The video with the most views by the end of the contest will win! Multiple views by the same person IS permitted.
7. Received videos will be uploaded regularly and listed on the Sol Acting Academy Channel at www.youtube.com/solacting under the Playlist, “3 Silliest Faces in 3 Seconds.”
8. The winning video will be revealed on homepage Sol Acting Academy’s Channel Saturday, 5-29-10.  Winner will be notified the same day by Laura Mathis using the contact information you sent when submitting your video.

*Need help creating an account, uploading your video on YouTube and sending your message? Go to

http://www.google.com/support/youtube/bin/topic.py?topic=16546

August 9- August 13- LAST CAMP OF THE SUMMER!! Ages 6-11

This class allows kids to explore all aspects of acting, from working on plays and scripts to creating their own character on stage.  We will also learn face painting, make our own commercials, puppets, and learn lots of hilarious improv games you can teach your friends!  The last class will be a show starring you for friends and family. Taking a class more than once ensures mastery and fun, since we always learn NEW GAMES and perform NEW SCRIPTS!!  The last 30 minutes of class will be a SHOW starring you for friends and family!

Cost: $250.00

9 am- 4 pm ( Early drop off and Late pick up of up to One Hour is available at check out)

Location- The Source:

1111 Carlisle Blvd SE

Albuquerque, NM 87106 ( south of Nob Hill area)

August 2- 6. Ages 6-11

Here’s a Camp where the kids do it all! Give your child a chance to explore leadership skills in a fun creative environmnet. The kids will brainstrorm ideas for a movie, write the script, create characters,design costumes, cast the parts, decide on locations to shoot at our studio, and MAKE A MOVIE!!  The last 30 minutes of class will be a Special VIP Movie Screening,  starring you, for friends and family!

Cost: $250.00

9 am- 4 pm ( Early drop off and Late pick up of up to One Hour is available at check out)

Location- The Source:       

1111 Carlisle Blvd SE

Albuquerque, NM 87106 ( south of Nob Hill area)

 Must be high energy, outgoing and creative to lead games, improv, play rehearsal, and more. Candidates must be available to teach classes between (but not all) the hours of Mon-Fri 2:30-5:30pm. Opportunity for longer hours for Summer classes are there for the right fit. Prefer teaching experience but Sol Acting will provide extensive training on classes once you are hired. A happy face, punctuality and flexibility ARE required. You must be able to pass a background/fingerprint check.

If you or someone you know is a fit – let us hear from you. Interviews start Tuesday, Jan 12th, Saturday, Jan 16th and Sunday, January 17^th. Email prior to dates please and allow for a fun 30 minute meeting with Laura.

 Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!  Sol Acting Academy and @solacting

 Sol Acting Academy

Laura Mathis

505-206-7707

lauramathis@solacting.com

NEWSFLASH-  OUR NEW FANCY PANTS SOL ACTING ACADEMY T-SHIRTS ARE HERE, BY A DESIGNER IN NEW YORK CITY! THEY ARE SUPER COOL, ORDER ONLINE WHEN YOU REGISTER!!

Also, there is still room in our Winter Break Acting camp for ages 6-11…Join the fun and enroll now! The kids will have a blast!

Session One- A Million Laughs- 6 Classes

This class allows kids to explore all aspects of improvisation, from developing teamwork, funny voices and stories, to creating their very own character on stage.  We will also learn the secret tips for a great Comedy scene, make up our own wacky commercials, use crazy props and costumes, face paint, and learn lots of hilarious improv games you can teach your friends!  The last 30 minutes of class will be a show starring you for friends and family!

Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2- (August 23, 30, Sept 13, 20, 27, Oct 4) Cost: $60.00 plus tax. Class is on Mondays, one hour long and runs from 2: 30 pm- 3: 30pm

Grades 3- 5 ( August 24, 31, Sept 7, 14, 21, 28) Cost: $96.00 plus tax. Class is on Tuesdays , one and a half hours long and runs from 2: 30- 4 pm

Session Two- Lights, Camera Action! 6 Classes

Here’s a class where the kids do it all! After learning great Acting and Drama skills in Session One, give your child a chance to explore leadership skills in a fun creative environment. The kids will brainstorm ideas for a movie, write the script, create characters, design costumes, cast the parts, decide on locations  to shoot scenes, and MAKE A MOVIE!!  The last 30 minutes of class will be a Special VIP Movie Screening,  starring you, for friends and family!

Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2- (October 11, 18, 25, Nov 1, 8, 15) Cost: $60.00 plus tax. Class is on Mondays, one hour long and runs from 2: 30 pm- 3: 30 pm

Grades 3- 5 ( Oct 12, 19, 26, Nov 2, 9, 16) Cost: $96.00 plus tax. Class is on Tuesdays , one and a half hours long and runs from 2: 30- 4 pm

The above dates take into consideration all Bellehaven EM calendar events.  Sign up for one or both sessions!  New material in each session, and all classes are age appropriate, to challenge and thrill your child creatively. We also offer multi child discounts for siblings!  

 Session One- A Million Laughs- 6 Classes

This class allows kids to explore all aspects of improvisation, from developing teamwork, funny voices and stories, to creating their very own character on stage.  We will also learn the secret tips for a great Comedy scene, make up our own wacky commercials, use crazy props and costumes, face paint, and learn lots of hilarious improv games you can teach your friends!  The last 30 minutes of class will be a show starring you for friends and family!

 Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2- (August 23, 30, Sept 13, 20, 27, Oct 4) Cost: $60.00 plus tax. Class is on Mondays, one hour long and runs from 3: 40 pm- 4: 40pm

Grades 3- 5 ( August 24, 31, Sept 7, 14, 21, 28) Cost: $96.00 plus tax. Class is on Tuesdays , one and a half hours long and runs from 3: 40- 5: 10 pm

Session Two- Lights, Camera Action! 6 Classes

Here’s a class where the kids do it all! After learning great Acting and Drama skills in Session One, give your child a chance to explore leadership skills in a fun creative environment. The kids will brainstorm ideas for a movie, write the script, create characters, design costumes, cast the parts, decide on locations to shoot scenes, and MAKE A MOVIE!!  The last 30 minutes of class will be a Special VIP Movie Screening,  starring you, for friends and family!

 Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2- (October 11, 18, 25, Nov 1, 8, 15) Cost: $60.00 plus tax. Class is on Mondays, one hour long and runs from 3: 40 pm- 4: 40 pm

Grades 3- 5 ( Oct 12, 19, 26, Nov 2, 9, 16) Cost: $96.00 plus tax. Class is on Tuesdays , one and a half hours long and runs from 3: 40- 5: 10 pm

The above dates take into consideration all SY Jackson calendar events.  Sign up for one or both sessions!  New material in each session, and all classes are age appropriate, to challenge and thrill your child creatively. We also offer a multi child discount for siblings! Kids will be picked up and dropped of from Campfire if they are also enrolled in Campfire this year by our Instructor.

 SOL ACTING ACADEMY is “Dressing Up and Playing the Part” at this year’s 10^th Annual Hinkle Family Fun Center Fall Festival where any kid in a costume gets free admission to the Fun Center.

Catch Laura as The Queen of Hearts and her cohort, The 6 Foot High Giant Cockroach, at Hinkle Family Fun Center from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Sol Acting Academy will have a booth on the miniature golf course to hand out candy and have kids participate in a GRAND PRIZE drawing for a FREE Four Day Winter Break Acting Camp (valued at $200)! Winter Break Acting Camp starts on December 28^th. Additional drawings are for 50% off a private acting lesson that can include teaching you how to audition and get the part for film, theatre and more!

SOL ACTING ACADEMY was founded in 2009 and is taught by successful writer, actor and director, Laura Mathis. Laura, who was the star of television series “Distant Roads,” has been in numerous commercials and award winning films, and has done extensive voice-over work for Yahoo and Whole Foods.

For more information on Sol Acting Academy, please contact Laura Mathis at 505-206-7707.

Our Drama and Spanish class for ages 4-8 also proves to be amazing class, and so valuable for kids!!

For our Fans on the West side, we have two great classes at the Taylor Ranch Community Center, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. These are discounted classes, as they are shorter in length. What a great excuse to get involved and sign up!

Harwood will also host two neat classes for both 3-6 and 12-18…a great space for great classes. Drop the kids off and relax in Old Town!

We are also offering amazing classes for teens on Saturdays and Sundays at Healing Gate, in Nob Hill.

And finally, Adults have heard the buzz about Sol Acting Academys Acting 101 for Film, and the class is filling! Learn all the basics, and be ready to have a blast on camera and fill up your creative side!

All of the above classes currently still have openings….enroll now to reserve your spot!

Best Classes for Kids
and
Best Summer Camp

And vote for Laura Mathis as best business owner in Albuquerque!

Just follow the link below and fill in the form:

 http://www.abqthemag.com/bestofsurvey2009.php

presents

I will be performing in Program 1, which is Saturday July 25 at 2 pm, and Sunday July 26 at 6 pm.  I will be performing a musical Parody song, in the most ridiculous cowgirl outfit my mind could imagine. You gotta see it to believe it!  If you truly want to help support local artists, you can print this page, and write “Laura”  on it.  Every person that arrives with a flyer with my name on it helps save the world ( well, okay, it helps me add to my costumes, facepaints, camera equipment, and all the good stuff that makes a successful Acting School  get bigger and better every day! )  Hope to see y’all there!!

1) Even if you don’t have much ( or any!) past experience on camera, go ahead and create an actors resume.  Also, if you just can’t afford professional headshots, or don’t plan on investing much money into acting, have someone take a close up picture of you.  A headshot and resume are very valuable to an Extra Casting Agency, or at an Open Call for Extra’s.

2) Get a wardrobe together.  Often, when called to set, you will be asked to supply a lot of wardrobe choices.  Be sure to stick to muted jewel tones, unless you are told otherwise.  In general, stay away from white, busy patterns, bright colors and logos.  Be sure your clothes are clean, pressed, and you have lots of options!

3) Know where you are going ahead of time.  You will need plenty of time to park, catch a shuttle to Extras Holding, and check in with your contact for the day.  Plan to be at least 15 minutes early!

4) Listen carefully.  Be on your best behaviour.  If you ever need to run to the bathroom, be sure to tell your contact for the day.  It never fails…the second you think you have time to run to the bathroom, its always time to shoot!

5) Have fun!  Bring business cards to keep in contact with other Actors.  A day on set is a great way to network, and chat with other Extras about the Biz!

For more info on Film Acting, stay tuned for our Fall lineup of On Camera Classes, like How to be the Perfect Extra, Audition Technique for the Camera, and Film Acting Technique for Commercials.

Sol Acting Academy Invites you to their Grand Opening!

May 28, 2009

Brand new Acting and Drama School Opening in Albuquerque!  Give your kids something fun and creative to do this summer.  Sol Acting Academy is a fun, supportive Acting School for kids ages 3-18.  Drama gives kids the chance to develop self esteem , public speaking skills,  and have a blast being the Star of the Show!  Weekly acting camps in Stage Acting, Acting for Movies and Commercials,  Improvisation and Comedy Writing.  The camps are taught by energetic, highly trained and caring teachers that inspire your child to let their creative and dramatic side out to play!  

Please join us as our guest at our studio for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday May 28 at Healing Gate, 3212 Monte Vista Blvd ( a few blocks from UNM) from 5:30-7:30 pm.  Come by to meet the teachers, play some games, and enjoy complementary snacks and refreshments.  Let your Sol Shine this summer!  For more info on Sol Acting Academy, log on to www.solacting.com, or call (505) 206 7707.

Also, we are in full swing for summer camp registrations! For those of you who have already signed up in the past, or for this summer, THANK YOU!  We can’t wait to get started and have a great time exploring Drama, Acting, Games and Laughter!  For those of you who are new to Sol Acting Academy, we offer a wide variety of classes for Kids ages 3- 18, Adult Acting Classes, and Private Lessons.

Please swing by the Ribbon Cutting to say hello, and be a part of this wonderful world of Drama and Creative Expression!

We look forward to seeing you this summer!

Laura Mathis

Wendy Hall- La Cueva High School
Drama Teacher

“Laura Mathis’ Acting club was a BIG plus for the Desert Ridge Middle Schools after-school programs! She has a real love for acting and sharing it with students!”

 Gina Lonz
Desert Ridge Middle School
After-School Coordinator

Every actor needs audition monologues to dazzle and amaze at a moment’s notice. The Monologue Boot Camp, a 2-hour, 9-week class, will help you prepare a solid and appropriate monologue (or several monologues), classical and/or contemporary, for any audition situation. You’ll work with master acting teacher and coach, Robin Lane, also a stage director and Broadway performer, in order to learn the necessary techniques to astonish your auditors, be it for an onstage production, or film and/or television. 

Ever wanted to be a Fly on the wall at your last audition, wondering what was said about you or your performance? Robin has sat in on many auditions, and can give you top secret tips on wardrobe, personal introductions, monologue choices, and MORE! You may, for the first class, bring in one monologue for review (no longer than 1 and 1/2 minutes); or, if you’re not sure how to go about researching an appropriate piece, in its very first class Boot Camp will help you find and employ the proper resources. And at the end of the 9-week course, each of you will perform a chosen monologue in a showcase for an invited audience!

Ages 18 and up

Date- Mondays, from 6: 30- 8: 30 pm. Starts Sept 20- Nov 15

Cost: $185.00 (plus applicable tax)

Location
1111 Carlisle SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
At Healing Gate near UNM