latimes.com

Professional actress Michele Messmer, who has had roles in Hollywood films and works onstage in Chicago, will conduct a six-day acting workshop for youth Monday through Saturday, Aug. 6-11, at the Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey.

"These young actors will get plenty of first-hand stories from the trade, as well as insider tips on auditioning for the Hollywood films made right here in Michigan," said Messmer in a prepared release. "We will cover scene work, voice and movement training and how to give an exciting audition that showcases your unique talent."

 Messmer is a director and actress whose resume includes productions in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and Michigan. She is a member of The Screen Actors Guild and Actors Equity Association. She holds a bachelor's degree in theater and performing arts.

Messmer's most recent film roles include performances in "Conviction" starring Hillary Swank and directed by Tony Goldwyn; "The Christmas Bunny" starring Florence Henderson; "Five Year Engagement" starring Jason Siegal and Emily Blunt and directed by Nicholas Stoller; "Flipped," directed by Rob Reiner; and the soon to be released "Detention of the Dead," directed by Alex Craig Mann and starring members of the Glee and Twilight television series.

"This will be a great opportunity for any student interested, or who thinks that they're interested, in acting and 'the biz,'" said Valerie St. Pierre Smith, program director at Crooked Tree. "It takes a lot of study, discipline and fortitude to be an actor. Students will take a lot away from this experience -- even if it is just a boost in their self-esteem for having conquered something as scary as live performance."

 Acting for Film and Stage for Young Artists: A Summer Workshop will be offered in two sessions: Session I is geared for grades five through seven and will meet 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Session II focuses on grades eight through 12 and will meet from 2-4:30 p.m. The actors will showcase their work from the week-long program on Saturday, Aug. 11.  Spaces are filling quickly; to register visit www.crookedtree.org or call the arts center at (231) 347-4337.