Professional actor opens acting studio in Holland
Deborah Johnson WoodKurt Dreyer says his career as a model gave him fashion experiences all over the world, working with French Vogue, Perry Ellis, Giorgio Armani – and even Grand Rapids’ former Rogers Department Store where he got his start. But after the acting bug bit, he turned all his energy into writing, acting and producing films. Now the thespian who received his training at the elite Howard Fine Acting Studio in Los Angeles has returned to his hometown of Holland and opened the Kurt Dreyer Acting Studio, 496 Lincoln Ave., Holland.The studio launched its first 12-week series of teen/adult acting classes on June 16, and Dreyer says there are just a few slots open in the upcoming fall classes. Dreyer wrote, produced and starred in “Underestimating Jake,” a film that garnered several Indie filmmaking awards. But it was Michigan’s tax incentives for filmmakers that got him back to West Michigan to produce “Blue Sky,” a film he created and wrote. Blue Sky is on the shelf for now, but coming home to West Michigan inspired Dreyer. “We had over 250 actors come to auditions with great looks and great talent, but none had any training,” he says. “They really are trying to work, but a lot of them won’t have a shot other than as extras. Because of the film incentive program, one of the things you recognize in L.A. is that a lot of films are being shot in Michigan. So I decided to open the studio.”Dreyer says his training centers around realism: emotional recalls, personal transferences and body-mind connectivity. His class, Comprehensive Techniques, teaches the techniques of actors Uta Hagen and Howard Fine. “It’s really scary for first timers when they come into a studio, so we’re developing this as a really safe place,” Dreyer says. “We’re locking the rest of the world outside and we’re all here to be open to what our craft is and what our job is.”Source: Kurt Dreyer, Kurt Dreyer Acting Studio Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com. Development News tips can be sent to info@rapidgrowthmedia.com.
Deborah Johnson Wood
Kurt Dreyer says his career as a model gave him fashion experiences all over the world, working with French Vogue, Perry Ellis, Giorgio Armani – and even Grand Rapids’ former Rogers Department Store where he got his start. But after the acting bug bit, he turned all his energy into writing, acting and producing films.
Now the thespian who received his training at the elite Howard Fine Acting Studio in Los Angeles has returned to his hometown of Holland and opened the Kurt Dreyer Acting Studio, 496 Lincoln Ave., Holland.
The studio launched its first 12-week series of teen/adult acting classes on June 16, and Dreyer says there are just a few slots open in the upcoming fall classes.
Dreyer wrote, produced and starred in “Underestimating Jake,” a film that garnered several Indie filmmaking awards. But it was Michigan’s tax incentives for filmmakers that got him back to West Michigan to produce “Blue Sky,” a film he created and wrote. Blue Sky is on the shelf for now, but coming home to West Michigan inspired Dreyer.
“We had over 250 actors come to auditions with great looks and great talent, but none had any training,” he says. “They really are trying to work, but a lot of them won’t have a shot other than as extras. Because of the film incentive program, one of the things you recognize in L.A. is that a lot of films are being shot in Michigan. So I decided to open the studio.”
Dreyer says his training centers around realism: emotional recalls, personal transferences and body-mind connectivity. His class, Comprehensive Techniques, teaches the techniques of actors Uta Hagen and Howard Fine.
“It’s really scary for first timers when they come into a studio, so we’re developing this as a really safe place,” Dreyer says. “We’re locking the rest of the world outside and we’re all here to be open to what our craft is and what our job is.”
Source: Kurt Dreyer, Kurt Dreyer Acting Studio
Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com. Development News tips can be sent to info@rapidgrowthmedia.com.
Author
Related Articles
Grand Rapids Public Museum’s journey to Sensory Sunday built empathy into its infrastructure
On every second Sunday, the Grand Rapids Public Museum dims the sensory “noise” of a typical visit, enabling more families to experience wonder, enhance their learning, and foster a sense of belonging for everyone.
The museum as a classroom
Educators increasingly rely on the Grand Rapids Public Museum as a dynamic classroom where students can “wake up” history, learn through listening, and find that curiosity and a sense of belonging can be cultivated together … and sometimes through the sharing of individual stories.
Voices of Youth: Theater offers kids skills beyond the stage
Our Voices of Youth narrative shows how theater fosters empathy, confidence, and belonging. City High Middle School student Ineke Petroelje explains why this art remains a deeply human experience.
