Actor, and long time friend of Vinny's, Joe Mantegna came to SPORT to address an eclectic crowd of about 70 people. Writers, artists, musicians, and the many actors contributed to the evening in an extensive Q & A with Mr. Mantegna. His generous personality imparted valuable information about the craft and the business. His stories had the crowd in hysterics; we still can't decide which story takes the trophy: “Bobo”, “Ringo”, or the “Flaming Crotch!”

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Deb Barylski came to THE SPORT OF ACTING. Simple, direct, and honest. What a gift for the SPORT students to get time with Deb. She covered everything from explaining the complexities of the casting process on a network level to what the actor must do to get ready to walk into the audition.

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Steven Banks, aka "Billy the Mime" came to THE SPORT OF ACTING. This guy never ceases to amaze me. There were about fifty of us there and everyone shared a passion for the craft of acting, so hearing this remarkable performer's take on the physicality of an actor's approach and the use of the body as the principal tool of exploration was fascinating and affirming. Actors sat there nodding their heads as Mr. Banks talked about and demonstrated some of his preparations for a “Billy the Mime” performance. We all left richer for the experience.

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