Tag: improv

July 8, 2015

Posted onAuthorGary Wimmer1 Comment

Esther’s Follies

Esther's Follies

On Wednesday, July 8th, the Network Austin Mixer will proudly present Ted Meredith, Shaun Wainwright-Branigan, and some surprise stars from Esther’s Follies as our guest speakers. This is a rare opportunity to experience the chemistry and magic behind this fantastic Austin tradition, and is a “must attend” for all actors, as well as writers, directors, and producers. (Be the visionary who produces the movie!). Get precious insights about their delivery, attitude, and improvisation, which make the fast-paced humor, dancing, and singing the trademark at Esther’s Follies. This is your chance to experience the clever minds and personalities behind what has made the magical world of Esther’s Follies so bizarrely unique in musical-comedy theater for more than 35 years. You will be inspired!

Esther’s Follies is one of Austin’s longest running musical comedy theaters. The destination party spot for fun and laughing beyond all control, Esther’s Follies follows the funny in Washington, Austin, and on the internet – with sketches, musical numbers and magical illusions! If laughter is the best medicine, Esther’s Follies can cure what ails you. Get your update on local, national and world news with a high energy Texas point of view!

 

 
“Shaun originally hails from Boston, Massachusetts. He studied theatre at Emerson College and after college hit the streets with nothing but a song in his heart and $75,000 in student loans. He’s been with Esther’s for 10 years, and also performs and teaches children’s theater at Zach Scott Theatre. His bit role in ‘Sin City’ has garnered him thousands of fan letters from across the world.”

 
 

 
“Originally from Dallas, Texas, Ted graduated cum laude from Southwestern University with a BFA in Theater. His work in Austin started as a company member of the Austin Shakespeare Festival and as a founding member of the Austiner Ensemble.”

 
 

So join us on Wednesday, July 8th for a fun-filled evening at Baby A’s. Network, meet like minds, have a cold margarita, some great food, and take advantage of this rare opportunity to witness the magic behind Esther’s Follies.

 

Last Month…

We are extremely grateful to Ingrid Edwards, CPA for being our guest speaker on Wednesday June 10, 2015. As the principal of Ingrid Edwards CPA, PC, Ingrid brings 20 years of experience in public accounting, works with both individuals and businesses, has provided accounting and tax solutions to companies in a wide range of industries, and has conducted audits for companies ranging in size from 1-150 million in annual revenues. She provided attendees numerous tips and great insights about how to save money on taxes at our last Network Austin Mixer. Ingrid was well-greeted and deeply appreciated… and she knows her field very well. Thank you, Ingrid, for your time, energy and pointers!

 

Let friends interested in the media worlds know about our monthly mixers. We put them on to provide opportunities for you to network and get information about acting, films, television, and media.

Pass along our website and check it for details about each month’s speaker(s)!
Get on our mailing list and keep up with us on social media:
Like our page & join our group on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

NOTICE: We all know traffic is horrendous, so… come early and carpool if you can. If Baby Acapulco’s parking is full, you may park at either the Capital Inn (just north of Baby A’s) for $5 or at Super 8 motel (just south of Baby A’s) for $8. Be sure to pay the desk person at either motel when you park there so your vehicle doesn’t get towed away and DO NOT PARK IN FRONT OF DUMPSTERS!

Mixing & Networking begin @ 6PM, then the Speakers start @ 6:45.

August 13, 2014

Posted onAuthorGary WimmerLeave a comment

Merlin Works Improv Panel

Merlin Works

It’s quite important to develop and exercise spontaneity in life. Let’s face it, if we don’t improvise, we get nowhere. Spontaneity and improvisation are of special concern to actors and performers, and the Network Austin Mixer is proud to offer some great insights into these important skill sets! How? Via our Guest Speakers on Wednesday August 13, 2014: Shana Merlin & Ted Rutherford!

Founder of Merlin Works, Shana Merlin, is one of the most experienced and effective improv teachers in Central Texas. The former Dean of The Heroes School of Improvisational Theatre, Shana has been an internationally touring performer and award-winning teacher since 1995. She has trained with some of the top teachers in the field of improvisation including Keith Johnstone, and members of Second City, The Annoyance, IO, The Groundlings and more.

With more than 20 years of performing and teaching experience, Ted Rutherford is a theatrical heavyweight. In the past, Ted has taught improvisation with the We Could Be Heroes School of Improvisation and has trained various corporate clients. For the last 7 years, Ted has performed with the Heroes of Comedy, Foolish Mortals, Vertigo Ramp and currently with Junk. Ted has a B.F.A. in Theatre from the University of Mississippi and a M.Ed. from the University of Montevallo.

Merlin Works‘ Award Winning Instructors have won Best Improv Teacher and Best Improv Class, Austin Critic’s Table Awards, B Iden Payne Awards, Best of the Fest at Frontera Fest, and Best Improv Troupe in The Austin Chronicle. Check out more about Merlin Works and their instructors.

So join us on Wednesday August 13 at the Baby A’s Central Location, have a cold margarita, network, meet new folks with like minds, enjoy a fun-filled evening meeting our attendees, and tap into the magic, the art and the training involved in improv offered by our Guest Speakers Shana Merlin & Ted Rutherford!

Who knows? You may even be part of the show!

 

Last Month…

We are proud to have had the one and only Robert (Bob) Hinkle as our Guest Speaker on Wednesday July 9th! Mr. Hinkle is a genuine legend in the entertainment business. Actor, writer, director, and dialogue coach are just a few of his titles. Visit Texas Bob online to see some of his accomplishments and pick up a copy of his book, “Call Me Lucky, A Texan in Hollywood” for a great reading experience. Bob’s insight into the business during the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s was not to be missed. Thank you, Bob!

Dean Reading interviewed Bob. Dean entered the entertainment business as a child actor, rode in rodeos, became a TV producer & director of the syndicated series, “Dale Berry’s Six Shooter Junction”, and hosts his own syndicated show, “Entertainment Clipboard”. Dean has also been an extras coordinator, location casting director, location scout and driver on film sets. Dean has taught advanced film acting, television production and film history. Thank you, Dean!

 

Let friends interested in the media worlds know about the Mixers. We put them on to provide opportunities for you to network and get information about acting, films, television, and other media.

NOTICE: PLEASE CARPOOL! Arrive early! If Baby Acapulco’s parking is full, you may park at either the Capital Inn (just north of Baby A’s) for $5 or at Super 8 motel (just south of Baby A’s) for $8. Be sure to pay the desk person at either motel when you park there so your vehicle doesn’t get towed off and DO NO PARK IN FRONT OF DUMPSTERS!