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Miami Herald, Neighbors Sunday November 7,2010
Kids get acting chops at Bluedog School
The curtain is up for child thespians to learn and rehearse the acting craft with working professionals.
BY EILEEN SOLER SPECIAL TO THE MIAMI HERALD
If all the world is a stage, then tiny Bluedog School of Acting for Kids is a mustard seed. ``We're really big on growing talent,'' said T.R. Durphy, co-owner of the storefront studio at Plantation Towne Square. There, more than 100 Broward and Miami-Dade children turn out six days a week to cultivate dreams of stardom.
Durphy, an actor for 35 years and the owner of 25-year-old T.R. Durphy Casting Inc., said the school lets kids experience acting before rushing out to casting calls or auditions. With more than 500 commercial, movie and television credits to his acting and casting career, Durphy knows that professional acting requires more than just desire. It is a craft that demands skill and practice, he said. ``A person does not learn to act on a casting call,'' Durphy said. ``The best place for an actor to crash and burn is in acting class.''
Dotted in props, stage lights, a row of audience seats, cameras and back screens, the studio staffed with working actors and acting teachers provides a place for young egos to fall, get up, and try again.
Lexii Jaye, 17, of Cooper City, called Bluedog School ``a no judgment zone.'' ``We learn to get rid of all fear. We don't have to be nervous or scared. We can act like we were born to do it,'' Lexii said. Lexii is already halfway there. With two agents on her side, she recently signed for a supporting role in an upcoming feature film.
One of the school's famous success stories is Bailee Madison, 11, of Fort Lauderdale. Bailee's extensive credits include the movies Bridge to Terabithia and The Last Day of Summer. She also appeared in television's House, CSI: NY; Unfabulous and Cory In the House. Bluedog, co-owned by Elena Maria Garcia, who is an actress, acting teacher and Durphy's wife, moved from Miami to Plantation in June.
Durphy said eight to 10 classes are available in five-week sessions for kids ages 3 through high school. Prices range from $87.50 for yoga focusing classes to $195 for Voice and Movement, a master class. Acting for Rugrats, a class for 3- to 5-year-olds, teaches the tiniest tots the basics about working for the camera. One-liners, facial expressions and ``slating for the camera,'' which is to state their name and the part they are reading for, are covered. Kids in all classes get a theater workout. ``A year and a half ago, all I knew is that I wanted to act. Now I know so much about how to do it,'' said Andrea Guzman, 13, of Miami. They learn to use the most important instrument for acting -- the body -- by practicing how to focus, breathe and use body movement and voice to communicate believably to an audience. They strengthen mental and creative agility through improvisation skits that require emotion and character on demand. They work imaginations and muscles with challenges to become inanimate things like a toaster.
Garcia, a two-time Carbonell Award winner who also teaches drama at New World School of the Arts in Miami, is a master of improvisation and a champion for the form. Garcia, founder of Separate Checks, also founded the first Spanish-speaking improv group in the United States (Quién sigue a quién) and the first all-female improv group on the East Coast (Big Purse and Matching Shoes). Durphy said improv skills are important whether students become actors or not. ``They can take the skills with them and apply them to any career -- lawyer, teacher whatever,'' Durphy said.
Henrietta Jacobson of Deerfield Beach said she enrolled her 11-year-old daughter, Elizabeth Grace, a ballerina, in the acting school to satisfy her child's curiosity. ``Ballet requires so much discipline. Acting gives her a more spontaneous way to express herself. If she never acts, she will use those mental processes to be more of a presence when she dances,'' Jacobson said.
Though most students attend acting school with dreams of performing in an Oscar-winning movie, Bluedog kids agree that one word keeps them in class -- fun. ``We love it. We take one class for fun then take more classes for more fun,'' said Alexandra Roddy, 16, of Plantation. ``We learn how to use our voices, how to act to the camera, they teach us how to present ourselves at castings, how to create characters.''
Alexandra, a student at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, recently had photograph composites completed. She hopes to attend New York University or Columbia University and study drama while working in television or movies.
Ty Christensen, 16, who began acting in elementary school for Pembroke Pines Theater of the Performing Arts (Hello Dolly, Music Man, Oliver, Bye Bye Birdie, Annie), said Bluedog gives him a chance to hang out with other teen actors. ``It sounds strange for an actor to say, but I don't want to be the center of attention,'' said Ty, of Pembroke Pines.
For more about Bluedog School of Acting for Kids, 6909 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation, visit www.bluedogacting.com or call 954-584-5006.
Miami Herald, Neighbors Sunday November 7,2010
As the owner of The Green Talent and Model Agency on South Beach, and the mom of Sammi-Jack who has wanted to be an actress since she was 6, I was so pleased when TR Durphy called me about Starting BLUEDOG.
So placing Sammi-Jack and 3 other Clients from The Agency in the school was an obvious choice. After Elena Garcia's very first class, I was there to greet my 4 clients who were happy and extremely excited. Each week as class day is here, all four of my kids give up any other activity that would interfere and have always chosen Elena Garcia’s class. I know they are learning improv and I know they are happy! -Lauren Green,Owner The Green Agency
Hi TR,
I am proud to announce that Brad took 1st Place in the Kid's Division for the Hollywood Across America Contest for Florida. He competed against 80 other children and was judged by 8 Los Angeles Movie Industry moguls including casting directors, Janet Hirschenson (Angels & Demons, Transformers, Frost/Nixon, Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone, The Da Vinci Code, Cinderella Man, A Beautiful Mind), Lisa Beach (Wedding Crashers, 17 Again, Hannah Montana The Movie, V), Jason La Padura (The Event, Heroes, High School Musical 1, 2 & 3), brandi Brice and Dana Gergely from Suite Life on Deck, Jason Egenberg Agent for keanu reaves and Johnny Depp and a few others.
Many, many people came up to us afterwards wondering who his acting school/teacher is and I highly recommended you/Bluedog! As always thanks for your hard work, connections and friendship. In debt to you.
-Albert and Brad Benzrihem
Hey TR, Since Elizabeth started at your school she is so much more spontaneous, outgoing and comfortable in her own skin. And when she comes out of that room she is so full of energy. I noticed all of you come out with that high positive energy, it is infectious like one continuous feedback loop! I wanted to thank you all for giving so much of yourselves to these kids! After many years of dancing she is on point and had the chance to take another dance class to complement her skills but she chose to take your classes instead.
-Henrietta Jacobson
Dear TR - "Dalton is loving his classes with you. He feels great
about learning different ways to do the same dialogue and using
inflection in his voice. His confidence is growing stronger and can't
wait for Monday nights anymore...he is finally understanding the love of
acting and role playing!!! Thank you for making him so comfortable and
successful, he is finally getting some callbacks and even booking! We
can't wait to see him on Burn Notice July 1st with his first little
speaking part! Hands down, You're the best coach!!!"
-Marni Tice
Award Winning Actors T.R. Durphy and Elena Garcia Open BLUEDOG, School of Acting for Kids!
By: Valerie L. Moran Communications, Inc.
Bluedog, School of Acting for Kids, has quite a pedigree! Not only do owners T.R. Durphy of Miami and Elena Garcia of Plantation have awards galore under their belt, famous students and combined experience of 70 years in the acting, coaching and casting field, Elena recently won two more awards!
“April was intense, my students won a state title at the Florida State Thespian Festival in Tampa, and a week later I won the 2010 Carbonell Award for Best Supporting Actress/Play,” said Garcia. “My students had a lot on the line and they gave great performances,” continued Garcia, whose students at the New World School of the Arts in Miami have won five state titles and two state championships. “Needless to say I was delighted for my students!” Garcia competed at the 34th Annual Carbonell Awards held in Ft. Lauderdale. “To be recognized by ones peers is very gratifying,” continued Garcia who won Best Supporting Actress/Play for Summer Shorts: Signature Shorts, City Theatre.
Durphy and Garcia have an interesting history. Durphy, an award winning casting director has coached many well known kid actors including, Bailee Madison, (Bridge To Terabithia) and several other child stars. Durphy has also coached hundreds of Florida child actors many who can be seen anywhere from The Disney Channel to Nickelodeon. Durphy met Garcia when she auditioned for him over 16 years ago. “I've always liked what I saw in Elena; she has great talent and is a very generous and gifted actor.” At about the same time Durphy wanted to slow down from casting and simply coach, Durphy and Garcia talked about their love for not only honest true acting, but the importance of helping children shine with what they have with who they are. Themselves! “Bluedog was born out of our desire to be more than just an "average acting school,” said Durphy. “We want to help children become confident, and to create and build on their skills.” Durphy and Garcia selected the City of Plantation to open Bluedog School of Acting for Kids… “We liked their leash law,” joked Durphy!
Bluedog staff consists of ONLY professional actors who specialize in teaching acting skills and methods to children ages 3 through 18. Classes are Monday through Saturday for groups and individuals.
www.BluedogActing.com 954-584-5006
Dear TR, Hope this note finds you well. I want to thank you and Elena for offering Ciel a great first class on Saturday. She was in great spirits after Elena's class and enjoyed the company of her classmates. As a fan of great education and the arts I appreciate both your interests and dedication in bringing an hour of something special into their lives. Whatever the outcome or their "professional goals," these kids' lives will undoubtedly be enriched by the opportunity to use their imagination, language and pure play in the company of gifted professionals. The benefits of this study are multi-fold and as I mentioned in our first conversation, ALL kids should benefit from this sort of study. Glad to have found Bluedog.
Best, see you Saturday -Georgia
TR Durphy and Elena Garcia, the Founders of the unique Bluedog Acting School, have truly demonstrated such a high level of expertise with their Acting Workshops. I have never seen such a MOTIVATED and HAPPY group of kids going into AND leaving the Workshop. At the end of the day, my son exclaims, " So when is the next class!! I had a blast"
Elena is a terrific coach for the kids. She has such a gentle and inspiring nature. Both she and TR are wonderful teachers and you can really see that they enjoy the kids! They are two of the lucky people in this world that possess a gift with children and are at the right place in their lives. Elena and TR demonstrate patience with the kids as well as an incredible sense of humor.
Their guidance and knowledge have been invaluable. I believe that the kids are having such a great time while they are simultaneously learning the Art of Acting. It is such a honor and privilege to be a part of the BLUEDOG Team! -Sharon Dufek- Mother
TR,
Thanks again for a great coaching session.
THANK GOD FOR YOU, is all I can say. Seriously, you are the
best! I don't know why anyone would go to someone else for coaching... Your
email made me laugh and almost cry at the same time...It's nice to know Taylor
has so much love and support from people like you. That means a lot to us. I
truly feel so blessed to have met you, and to get the opportunity to have my
child work with you, and learn from you.
I think you have a special knack for taking any script and
getting to the core of it, and figuring out what it's all about, and how to
make it work. That takes a certain talent, and you definitely have it! I think all your years as a child actor
have helped you become the coach you are today. And it's great because kids
like Taylor get to benefit!! And I know Taylor feels so comfortable with you
because you DO get it from a kid’s point of view. So thank you for that! I think you are the best acting coach
around!!
Once again, we appreciate your kindness and all your amazing
help.
-Meredith Nelson Blackwell Mother of Taylor
"Thank
you TR and Elena for offering the best Improv classes for teens. My
daughter Ciara has learned a lot during the 2 sessions she took there.
Her improvisation skills got her into a Magnet School for next year.
Your classes are a great investment towards my daughter's future
success." -Carnettia Johnson Harris
Thank
you TR and Elena for the incredible coaching that the boys have
received. Today when I watched the tapes I could not believe their
progress! I always knew they could do it but it was your believing and
patience that made it a reality. I also wanted to thank TR for all the
insight into the film industry. You are so knowledgeable and open about
what you know...this is priceless information to me and I know others.
-Dawn Moreno
T.R. & Elena-we wanted to thank you for all of your dedication in what you both do at BlueDog and for keeping the fun in the learning process. Nikki has learned so much in the two sessions of Improv and we feel that it has been a key contributor in her recent success. She is so excited about the next session and hoping to be part of it. Keep up the good work!
-Marcus & Zaida Acosta
Hello T.R: I just wanted to thank you so much for a wonderful year. You have taught me so much, and if it was not for you , I would not be the actress that I am today. I am grateful that you have taught me so much, and have faith in that I can make it. I promise to work hard and give it all my best because this is what I love doing...
-Catalina Tamayo
When Bluedog opened it's doors....We knew our daughter Taylor, 8, had to be a part of this unique school. Having never acted or auditioned she began her first lessons privatly with TR. He opened her eyes to the wonders and fun of acting. With the creation of Bluedog...she never wants to miss a class..
She not only enjoys meeting up with her friends.. learning new skills each time..all while having fun! Elena is an exceptional instructor and actress whose advice and teaching have only improved my daughter's acting.
The best part... is that she LOVES it and continues to want to learn more. Thank-you TR and Elena! -Marni Goldman
Dear TR and Elena, Naomi had an incredible time at Improv class last night. I just wanted to thank you both for offering such an inspiring, instructional acting seminar. We both look forward to the next month of classes. Best regards, -Karen and Naomi Neal
Hi T.R. and Elena: Staci wanted me to say a BIG THANKS!!! Due to just finishing the 1st - 6 week long class with you, (Bluedog) she booked a commercial for Cartoon Network that will be shooting next week. Have a great holiday season, and we'll see you next session. -Susan Lyon
Hi TR Durphy, Elena and Tori:
I wanted to let you all know how much Jake is enjoying class. Jake actually came home this past Saturday and asked me why he missed the last Saturday class, he didn’t realize he missed a class and was quite upset. He said to make sure he never misses another class that it is the most fun he has ever had. He absolutely loves the class and the instructors, more than I would have ever imagined. What Jake didn’t realize was that he missed the past Saturday class, because he booked his first Disney show. Thank you Bluedog for making this class not only fun, but for showing the fundamentals that important on all casting calls. Kind regards,
