TheBuzz
TheBuzz
New spot to study
until you’re ready
for your close upThe American Academy of Film and Television Inc. will open its doors for classes Monday in Kakaako. Kakaako?
Founder Scott Rogers acknowledges it is a high-falutin' name for such a humble 'hood.
"I tend to dream a little big," he said.
His dad did too. As a boy, Rogers saw his father, Herb, bring big productions to what was is now the Blaisdell Center; shows such as A Chorus Line, in 1979; Flower Drum Song, in which Don Ho starred almost by accident; and in the 1960s, The Wizard of Oz.
It was his first "equity job," meaning union work. But he said, "I understudied the Lollipop Guild."
FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM
Scott Rogers opened the American Academy of Film and Television on Waimanu Street in Kakaako. Behind him, Nani Morita read a script earlier this week.
His years alternating between Los Angeles and Hawaii gave way to L.A. for some 20 years and his credits reflect coaching, producing and directing work with well-known performers such as Steve Allen, Jayne Meadows and Sharon Lawrence. More than a decade ago he, his wife and family settled in the islands. Only a two-year stint on Guam interrupted his time in the local theater and film scene.
Currently an acting and dialogue coach on "Baywatch Hawaiian Wedding," Rogers divides his time between the set and the school at 1174 Waimanu St., tucked behind Tahiti Imports.
As a hook to spur interest, Rogers offers a free, no obligation screen test which includes a subsequent 10- to 15-minute critique.
It can all end there but people like casting director Anna Fishburn, who also teaches acting classes, encourage more training than that.
"Please don't expect to get a part in a movie without taking some classes," she said. "You don't become a plumber without going to plumbing school."
Well-known actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa also teaches classes in space rented from Fishburn.
Rogers' academy will offer three 10-week acting classes focused on commercials, sitcoms and soaps and film. Enrollment in one class costs $1,100 with price breaks and extra services for additional classes.
His wife, Jeanne, who is not a painter but plays one at the school (it's still getting some finishing touches) is an actress who trained with renowned coach Sanford Meisner. Her credits include roles opposite Nick Nolte, Ron Howard and Don Johnson. She will teach children's classes at the academy, as she has for the Honolulu Theatre for Youth and Temple Emanu-El.
A Monday night master class is offered to experienced performers by audition at $125 per class. Starting Sept. 23 fees will go toward funding a class-driven project, such as a film, Rogers said.
He is aware of horror stories about consumers who are promised stardom on a silver platter and charged large dollars each step of the way.
"We want to see people work and not be taken advantage of," he said. Rogers makes no promises about getting an actor an agent. Nobody can make that happen, he said. "Everyone is either looking for an agent or looking for a new agent."
Erika Engle is a reporter with the Star-Bulletin.
Call 529-4302, fax 529-4750 or write to Erika Engle,
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210,
Honolulu, HI 96813. She can also be reached
at: eengle@starbulletin.com
