Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Danner.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born the daughter of a producer, my father became the president of the William Morris Agency in Paris, he opened their very first offices and my mother was an entertainer, a singer. She had a beautiful voice and she would perform in Europe. So I have memories of hiding under my dad’s desk at the agency, watching artists come in every day and of my mother rehearsing and singing. As I grew up in Paris, I was exposed to a lot of arts, I was an avid reader, I would read every book that I came in contact with. Watched movies, went to see plays, became fascinated at an early age with story-telling on all levels. I was lucky enough to take many classes and always dreamt about putting together a conservatory where actors could learn, be inspired, grow and keep raising the bar for themselves.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Well, nothing is a smooth road. When I was building the theaters in Santa Monica at the Edgemar Center for the Arts it was certainly very challenging to get permits and the right people to build. I remember giving birth at 9.30 in the morning and 2 hours later being on the phone with the city of Santa Monica. I don’t like to think of things as a struggle, more like a chance to step up to the plate and find a solution. Everything can be overcome.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am very proud of the creative home that we have here at the Michelle Danner Acting Conservatory in Santa Monica. I am very happy and energized by all the people that come and study with us from all around the world. I always felt that the community of artists is worldwide. I think what sets us apart are our teachings and syllabuses and the fact that we have an extraordinary faculty of teachers that is passionate about sharing their knowledge, experiences and enthusiasm with our students.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
In the future, I am in the middle of editing that I just shot, called “The Runner” with a great cast (Cameron Douglas, Elisabeth Rohm, Eric Balfour, Nadji Jeter, Kerri Medders) and I am also waiting for the release of “Bad Impulse”, a movie that I also directed and prepping to direct more projects.
I am in rehearsals with the wonderful Anne Archer with a play called “A Ticket to the Circus” that will open in May about Norris Mailer, the wife of Norman Mailer and it’s a slice of political and literary history and at the Acting Conservatory, we always have on-going classes, Improv shows and soon our Summer Camps.
Pricing:
- Golden Box Intensive $235
- 8 week acting class $545
- Kids Filmmaking Summer Camp $780
Contact Info:
- Address: Michelle Danner Acting Conservatory
2437 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405 - Website: www.michelledanner.com, www.losangelesactingconservatory.com
- Phone: 310.399.3666
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @michelledannerla
- Facebook: Michelle Danner
- Twitter: @actingclassla
Image Credit:
Headshot: Bjoern Kommerell
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