"Stories From the Set: A Masterclass”: Local Actors Spill Their Secrets to Success in the Film and TV Business April 6, 2010

Acting is a tough business to break into, and even tougher in which to succeed and thrive. But the allure is often too hard to resist for would-be thespians. On Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at 7PM at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Grace Street Theatre (934 West Grace Street), VCUarts Cinema and the Virginia Production Alliance will host “Stories from the Set: A Masterclass.” A panel of some of the best character actors in the country will tell students, aspiring actors, and film buffs how to survive in the business, and share some of the humorous, insightful, behind-the-scenes tales that only few are privy to. Many will also be surprised to learn that each panelist lives in our own backyard (re: Virginia)!

With Rob Tregenza, Chair of VCUarts Cinema, moderating, panelists will include actors Raynor Scheine, Jeffrey Wincott, Jennifer Massey, Rick Warner, and Irene Zeigler.

Raynor Scheine of Emporia, Va. has three decades of experience in a variety of film roles including “The New World,” “Transamerica,” “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” “My Cousin Vinny, “ “Fried Green Tomatoes,” and such TV shows as “Law and Order: Criminal Intent,” “ER,” “Deadwood,” and “The Cosby Show.”

Jeffrey Wincott of Richmond, Va. has an established acting career in both the U.S. and Canada. His latest film is “Unstoppable”(out in 2010) with Denzel Washington, Chris Pine, and Rosario Dawson in which he plays Pine’s brother Jesse. His TV credits include “The Wire” and “24,” but he may be best known as the lead in “Night Heat” (1985-91), the first Canadian-produced drama series to broadcast on a U.S. network (CBS).

Jennifer Massey of Richmond, Va. is a popular local actress who has appeared on such television shows as “One Tree Hill,” “The Practice,” “7th Heaven,” “Charmed,” “Married With Children,“ and “Melrose Place.” Many will also recognize her from “Wedding Crashers,” the “Uncorked,“ unrated full screen edition.

Rick Warner of Richmond, Va. is perhaps most recognizable from his longtime appearances in Haynes Furniture commercials. Rick’s film and TV credits include “Evan Almighty,” “Twelve Monkeys,” “Bastard Out of Carolina,” “Dawson’s Creek,” “Law and Order,” “Homicide: Life on the Street,” and “Matlock” among others.

Irene Zeigler
of Richmond, Va. is well-known for her voiceover work (she‘s the voice of the “talking bus” for Richmond’s Greater Transportation System). She’s also had roles in “Nights in Rodanthe,” “Shelter,“ with Julianne Moore, “Lake City” with Sissy Spacek, “Premonition” with Sandra Bullock, and “Dawson’s Creek.”

With the General Assembly just days ago voting to pass the best film incentives plan in Virginia history as a backdrop, area moviemakers, aspiring film and television actors, and even movie enthusiasts will want to attend to find out how these local actors beat the odds with their stories from the set, and how they got to work with some of the top film and TV professionals in the business. Admission is free for all students as well as VPA members and $5 for everyone else.

About the VPA:
The Virginia Production Alliance (VPA), headquartered in Richmond, was formed to promote production in the Commonwealth. We unite the Virginia creative community — professionals involved in film, video, audio and new media — and provide valuable educational, social, and networking opportunities that help grow the industry.