Indian Actors Workshop facts for kids
The Indian Actors Workshop was a special group created in the early 1960s in Los Angeles. It was started by a famous actor named Jay Silverheels, who played Tonto in The Lone Ranger. He had help from other talented people like Buffy Sainte-Marie, Iron Eyes Cody, and Rodd Redwing.
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The Indian Actors Workshop: A Place for Native American Talent
What Was the Workshop's Goal?
The main goal of the Workshop was to help Native American actors and writers in Hollywood. They wanted to train Native American actors in how to perform on stage and in movies. The Workshop also worked to show Native Americans more accurately in films, TV shows, and plays. This was important because, for a long time, Native Americans were often shown in ways that were not correct or fair. In 1973, Jay Silverheels said that their biggest goal was to find and use the amazing creative talent that Native Americans already had.
Where Did the Workshop Meet?
The Indian Actors Workshop held meetings every week. They met in different places, like the Los Angeles Indian Center and the Echo Park United Methodist Church. These regular meetings helped the actors learn and practice their skills.
Learning to Act
Famous actors taught lessons at the Workshop. Jay Silverheels himself shared his acting knowledge. Other teachers included Noble Kid Chissel and William Bassett. These lessons helped Native American actors improve their skills and get ready for roles in Hollywood.
