HOMEPAGE for this issue: February 23, 2011 Download PDF Version

Beware Hollywood, meet Holy Wood

By John Gleason

Hollywood!  Even the name piques interest—a place where dreams and fortunes can be made and fame beckons to those who want it. 

The reality, and anyone who’s ventured to California in search of a career on the silver screen knows this, is that the cradle of the movie industry can chew you up without a second thought.
Max Espinosa has firsthand knowledge of what the movie industry can do to the star- struck individual.  He has worked in the entertainment industry for decades and has seen many come West for their big break, sometimes with sad consequences.

Espinosa is the director of operations of Holy Wood Acting Studio. Located in Culver City, Calif., the studio aims to help young performers hone their craft while at the same time, assisting them in keeping their values straight.  The mission of the institution is to turn out actors who will lead the way toward a moral center for the movie and television industry.

The school’s mission statement begins with a line from Pope John Paul II’s Letter to Artists.

“Remember,” urged the pontiff who was himself an actor and playwright, “that you, artists, are the custodians of beauty in the world.”

The school’s mission statement says it strives to turn out graduates who will make a difference in the world. On its website, the studio also quotes Pope Benedict XVI.

“Faith takes nothing away from your genius or art,” the pope said, “on the contrary, it exalts them and nourishes them.”

Conservatively, Espinosa estimates there are 3 million people looking for work as actors in Southern California.  It’s a tenuous career choice at best.  And most who attempt it eventually either find work in other fields or return home wondering what happened.  Others who have found success sometimes find the price of fame is high, and that price can be personal values, family and even God.

“I see these people as needing balance in their life,” he told the Denver Catholic Register by phone. “I want them to realize that, although it’s good to pursue a goal with energy, there are bigger priorities in life than just winning awards and being recognized.”

Classes at Holy Wood, which is slated to open March 28, will be consistent with the finest acting schools in the area, according to Espinosa. 

“In addition to acting, we’ll have classes on leadership, personal growth and development and health and fitness,” he said.  “We want to train people in their craft, but also to not be influenced by the industry. To have them lead by example rather than follow and to know that real balance in their lives will come, not from the entertainment industry, but from God.”

Denver native Ted Kuenz has been performing since he was a teen.  After studying acting at the University of Colorado, he went to California to try his luck. 

Today, he lives in Denver and continues to act, boasting a long list of movie, television and stage credits.  He said the pull of the acting profession can be very strong and it’s not unusual to go into it with blinders on.

“It’s a need for acceptance,” he said.  “The creative person will try to mold things in their life but they also need recognition for that work.  I’ve seen people sell themselves out for fame—and I don’t know that it’s helped them achieve what they want.”

Not everyone sells their soul to the devil, but Holy Wood was created for those who want help keeping themselves on track.

“You don’t just automatically strike a balance between personal life and career—it takes effort,” Espinosa said. “And in this industry, even the effort needs help. 

We want the actors to know they don’t have to compromise their values.  You can be a performer in this industry and take care of your faith, your family and your morality.”

Details about Holy Wood, including classes and tuition, can be found on the school’s website, www.holywoodactingstudio.com, e-mail contact@holywoodactingstudio.com or call 310-428-6165.

“Many actors compromise their values because they have no option,” Espinosa said. “Well, now they do.”