Golden Globe winner Brenda Vaccaro (right) directs students at New York Film Academy
New York Film Academy is proud to announce the NYFA Ensemble West Showcase, directed by legendary actress Brenda Vaccaro. Vaccaro is the winner of a Golden Globe, People’s Choice Award, Theater World Award, and an Emmy, and has been honored with 3 Tony Award nominations, 2 Academy Award nominations, and 4 Emmy Award nominations. She leads master classes in acting at New York Film Academy.
Brenda coaches NYFA student actors before a scene
NYFA Ensemble West is a select group of New York Film Academy acting students in their second year of studies at the Universal Studios campus in Los Angeles. Over 80 actors auditioned for the opportunity to work with Brenda Vaccaro on the production. This group was narrowed down to about 20 students, who spent long hours rehearsing with Vaccaro. “I wanted to do unusual material,” she says. “We have a great concept for a great show. The students are so wonderful, so flexible, and so talented. I love every one of them!” says Vaccaro.
Students rehearse a physical sequence
According to acting student Cameron Crowe, “Brenda’s passion, experience and overall dedication to our growth as both students and as artists has helped make this project something really special for everyone involved. She really believes in us, and her enthusiasm and generosity has helped make this an unforgettable part of my experience at NYFA.”
The team share a laugh between scenes
The showcase is a mix of comedic and dramatic scenes. It also features a modern dance take on a letter from Martha Graham to Agnes de Mille, choreographed by New York Film Academy movement instructor Giovanni Ortega. Says Ortega, “It was a big task, because it’s a movement piece, a poem, a letter… We really got the students to tap into their creativity.”
Brenda whips the group into shape