The National Conservatory of the Dramatic Arts Presents Q&A With John Putch, 2/18

The National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts, the only accredited acting studio in the Greater Washington Area, announced today that, on Monday, Feb. 18, from 7 to 9 p.m., it would host an informative interview and Q&A with Hollywood director/producer John Putch that's open exclusively to DC-area actors and acting students. Tickets for the event are $70 and available through Brown Paper Tickets at JohnPutchNCDA.brownpapertickets.com. ($10 discounts are available for members of the Actors Center, the Actors Equity Association, SAG-AFTRA and Conservatory alumni and faculty.)

The son of renowned actress Jean Stapleton and the late producer/director William H. Putch, John Putch is often referred to as an independent film "maverick." One of his first indie efforts, "Valerie Flake," landed him at the '99 Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award. He followed that hit up with a string of indie movies, including "Pursuit Of Happiness," "Bachelorman," the award-winning "Mojave Phone Booth" and the 'Route 30" trilogy of films which were shot in South Central Pennsylvania.

On the studio front, John has directed big-budget comedies for Universal, including "American Pie Presents: The Book Of Love" and "Beethoven's Christmas Adventure." Last year, he directed the enigmatic "Atlas Shrugged, Part 2." For TV, he has directed numerous episodes of "Cougar Town" (including this season's upcoming finale); episodes of "Ugly Betty," "Scrubs," "My Name is Earl" and "The Middle"; multiple TV movies for Hallmark Entertainment; and NBC's epic mini-series, "The Poseidon Adventure." Prior to becoming a filmmaker, John was an accomplished actor who started in the theater, then enjoyed a successful TV and film career before making the switch to directing.

The free-ranging interview with Putch is expected to provide, not only reminiscences and anecdotes about working in the business, but "nuts and bolts" advice for local actors pursuing film and TV careers. Among the subjects anticipated to be covered are: what producers and directors look for when casting films and TV shows; how actors can stand out in their reels, resumes and auditions; and who influences and controls the casting process for film and TV. John's experience on both sides of the camera will provide invaluable insights to the entertainment business.

The evening at the Conservatory will be hosted by Ray Ficca, president of the National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts, and the artistic director of Totem Pole Playhouse in Fayetteville, Pennsylvania (where Putch got his start as a child actor at age 5). Attendance at the event is limited to 60 people. More information on Putch's career and accomplishments are available at www.putchfilms.com.

As an accredited actor-training academy, the Conservatory operates under the oversight of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, and the US Department of Education; and its students are eligible to receive federal student loans and grants. The Conservatory's two-year, intensive, actor-training program - which is firmly rooted in the teachings of Michael Chekhov, Michel Saint-Denis and Constantin Stanislavsky - provides students with 1,800 hours of instruction, practice and rehearsal in 16 months. The Conservatory's faculty consists of actors, directors and playwrights who are actively employed in the DC-area theater and film community. The Conservatory has been training people for careers in acting since 1975.