Richmond-raised actors to share some wisdom

Local thespians and film-lovers, take note: VCUarts Cinema and the Virginia Production Alliance are teaming up to bring you “Stories From the Set: A Masterclass,” an evening with some Richmond-raised character actors who have managed to carve out solid careers for themselves in the industry.

March 31, 2010; 6:00 AM • by Valerie Catrow

The set up is going to be similar to what you’d see on Inside the Actor’s Studio with James Lipton (although I’m sure there will be considerably fewer blue cards). Rob Tregenza, Chair of VCUarts Cinema will be moderating the panel.

Guests include:

Raynor Scheine (of Emporia, Virginia) has appeared in a variety of films, including Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, My Cousin Vinny, and Transamerica and done stints on The Cosby Show, ER, and Deadwood. You might recognize him as Curtis Smoote from Fried Green Tomatoes (you know, the guy who LOVED that barbecue).

Jeffrey Wincott (of Richmond) has appeared on The Wire and 24, but is possibly best known as the lead on Night Heat.

Jennifer Massey (pictured, of Richmond) might seem familiar if you’ve seen Wedding Crashers (the Uncorked edition). She’s also appeared on One Tree Hill, 7th Heaven, Charmed, Melrose Place, and Married With Children.

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

Irene Zeigler (of Richmond) 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, Lake City, Premonition, and Dawson’s Creek.

Expect advice on how to survive in The Business, along with humorous and insightful behind-the-scene stories to which you normally wouldn’t be made privy.

“Stories From the Set: A Masterclass” will take place on Tuesday, April 6 at 7pm at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Grace Street Theatre (934 W. Grace Street). Admission is free for all students as well as VPA members and $5 for everyone else.

(Image courtesy of jennifermassey.com)

As the editor of RVANews, Valerie Catrow spends most of her time wrangling people over email and muttering to herself about the content calendar. She also contributes to our parenting column while maintaining her own blog, Made in Richmond. It should be noted that she loves tots, both the potato and child varieties.