BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Meeting Edward Norton’s acting instructor isn’t quite the same as meeting the Columbia-born star, is it?

Unless you’re actually an actor, budding actor or local director — then it might be better, right?

Who knows, maybe he’d reveal that one tip — that key insight —that changes your craft and career forever.

But even if that doesn’t happen, tonight at Gardel’s Cinema Lounge should be insightful.

Terry Schreiber taught Norton for four years, and the “Primal Fear,” “Fight Club,” “American History X” and “Rounders” star raves about Schreiber. The renowned acting coach is coming to town to discuss film versus theater acting, share some clips from “The Hours,” and then hang out for from some Q & A.

The event costs $20 at the door ($15 in advance), but it’s open to the public. Actor John Astin (of Addams Family notoriety), now works with the Johns Hopkins drama department, and will attend as well.

Gardel’s, the South Front Street diner and nightclub, hosts the weekly Wednesday night gathering of the Baltimore film crowd known as the Cinema Lounge. It’s cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and oeuvre, but also an opportunity for artists, writers, producers and industry businesspeople to network, spread some head shots around and screen their latest projects. Schreiber’s appearance kicks off the Lounge’s second year while highlighting Charm City’s place in American movie culture.

“Terry Schreiber coming to Gardel’s, along with John Astin’s attendance at the event, shows the prestige that Baltimore has attained as a force to be reckoned with in the film industry,” said Tom Moore, emcee of the event, a WCBM talk show host and Examiner contributing writer.

Gardel’s Cinema Lounge was started last year by actor Johnny Alonso, whose family owns Gardel’s. Alonso had a recurring part on WB’s “One Tree Hill” and appeared in “Stateside” with Rachael Leigh Cook, as well as many local films and commercials. It’s now hosted each week by Stacie Jones, one half of the production team behind Black Ink Films, a Baltimore production company. Typically, the doors open at 7:30 p.m., with a $5 cover and screening at 8:30 p.m.

"Though it will be difficult to match the record year that the film industry has had in Maryland,” said Moore, who also has an episode appearance in the “West Wing” on his resume, “it’s events like Cinema Lounge that keeps the movie business alive and well in Baltimore."

rcassie@baltimoreexaminer.com