Within the intimate atmosphere of the black box in the ACME Comedy Theatre, tales of alien invasions, post-apocalyptic worlds and chilling tales of supernatural beings unfold. In the first-ever Los Angeles Sci-Fest, these beloved science fiction concepts come to life in a series of live one-act theatrical performances. The pieces range from comedic to dramatic and rely heavily on stellar performances since they use minimalist effects, costuming and set design.
The Evening B performances feature talent from popular television shows such as “Lost,” “Supernatural,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Fringe.” Among the cast is UCLA alumnus Erich Lane from the School of Theater, Film and Television. The piece “A-li-en The Family” parodies the style of a 1940s radio show, and Lane plays a dreamy alien named Spitznerggle who comes to Earth with the purpose of enslaving the human race but falls in love with a beautiful Earth girl instead. Daily Bruin reporter Kelsey Rocha spoke with Lane about his experience as part of the Sci-Fest and his advice to aspiring actors.
Daily Bruin: How did you get involved in Sci-Fest?
Erich Lane: I had actually been auditioning for a part in “Modern Family” for a couple of times, and a casting associate from “Modern Family” had seen and remembered me. I didn’t get the part for “Modern Family,” but they offered me the part in Sci-Fest and I loved the script. I was blown away with the comedy of the piece and by all the people involved with Sci-Fest, so I accepted as fast as I could.
DB: Are you a big science fiction fan?
EL: I would say yes. I’m not as caught up on “Twilight Zone” and everything but I love it anyway. People think science fiction is all about explosions and CGI, but real sci-fi is science fiction of the mind and it kind of messes with you a little bit. That’s what I love about this festival.
DB: Besides your own piece, which act is your favorite?
EL: I love “The Wife’s Story.” It’s by far my favorite and (L. Scott Caldwell) is incredible. I think the writing is amazing and I loved Caldwell on “Lost.” Every time I’m backstage and I hear it, I just have to stop and listen to what she’s saying.
DB: Do you think you have any similarities to your character Spitznerggle?
EL: I think every character you play you have to find some type of common ground with. When you do a character you have to think, “What do I have in common with this character?” Then eventually they become a part of you and the character is also an extension of you.
DB: In that case, what do you have in common with an alien looking to dominate the human race?
EL: I would say I can be very lovelorn and have my head in the stars. I mean I’m still discovering what love is, and he’s very much the type of person who wants to have his cake and eat it too. It’s not until (his true love Marilyn) self-sacrifices that he really learns that love is about sacrifice.
DB: What’s the best advice you can offer to aspiring UCLA actors?
EL: Don’t worry about whether or not you book the job. It’s about showing who you are and what you can do as an artist. If you show them your work ethic and who you are, they will bring you back. That’s what happened with this. I went in to “Modern Family” and just had fun, and that’s how I ended up being a part of Sci-Fest and it’s been an amazing experience.