Academia

This past month I've been able to focus on my teaching.
I must confess, I find myself surprised and never quite getting used to people calling me, "Professor" - though technically, I'm not.
It's that fact that makes me feel a bit unworthy.  However, I do enjoy it - the role in my life that provides a sense of worth, purpose and nobility. I know, I know...sounds a little over-inflated, but I can't help it.
While I feel I am constantly improving, I have much to learn; still getting too sensitive about those students who are just not interested - wondering what I do wrong that fosters their lack of engagement.
Of course, it could never be that they just don't care...
no, that would be the easy explanation...
must be me.

Each class is different: 3 this semester - Acting, Theater Appreciation, Stage Make-up. Each presenting its own challenges and hurdles.
I've been invited back to teach Theater Apprec., and Make-up next semester (Spring semester is usually a lighter load as fewer classes are offered; I am tremendously grateful to be invited back to both schools), which is a true compliment and evidence of their confidence and satisfaction.

Just finished grading midterms...more students are doing better.
I like that.

Winding down...

My several month run is winding down.
This stretch of work for this length of time is what we actors dream of.
But alas, all good things come to an end.
Small Talk has closed. The houses not only grew, but just got better and better throughout the run. As did the run itself - getting deeper and deeper into these eloquent, short plays.
Many came more than once, and complimented the growth of the show.

I'm 2/3's finished my role in A Guy Named Rick. My last and final day of shooting will be in November: a boxing scene - so I'll need to get in shape for that.

Law and Order: SVU is in the can. Airs Wednesday, October 19th. 10/9c

So for right now, it's just teaching. Which is great. My classes seem to be going well; good students, and I'm getting better at it, it feels.

Another ray of hope is that Small Talk is very likely to have another incarnation in the new year. This is a project that is just getting better and better as we work it more. Response was terrific, and we're hoping to find some $$ to make it a full production. I'm hopeful.

on set...

Loving the busy-ness.

Shot my Law and Order: SVU the other day - went well.
Whenever a co-star, it's good to NOT be a problem: know your lines, get your blocking, do your job.
My scene was with Kelly Giddish and Ice-T (very cool, very chill, crackin jokes the whole time). Apparently, it is also a bit of comic relief. Yes, it furthers the plot, but it should garner a laugh or two - at my character's expense, nonetheless. It takes place in a bar, at a halloween party, and my outfit? ooh - tune in and see.
It's a whole scene, just me and the two cops.
NBC - Wednesday, October 19th.
Tune in!

Today, I'm on set for A Guy Named Rick, an Indie I am now working on. I'm playing an interesting part. Not a normal role for me - but fun. More credits, more footage.
And, I still have Small Talk continuing this weekend and through the next.

It's so cool to be working this steadily. I hope it continues...

On another note, my dear Aunt Joan (my mother's youngest sister) passed away from Pancreatic Cancer last week. The funeral is tomorrow. I will head to PA early in the AM, go to the funeral, spend time with the family (extended), then head up to Rider to teach in the evening.
While it will be nice to see the family, it is sad that it surrounds such an occasion.
She is at peace, and is no longer suffering.

It's Deja vu all over again.

What a difference a week makes!

I closed one show last week, opened another yesterday, and...
I booked my first Law & Order:SVU! I feel like an official New York Actor, now.

I've gotten into the groove of teaching this semester (3 classes!), and I've been auditioning like crazy lately.

I cannot complain - at all. I am very fortunate

It amazes me how things can change in a moment. One week ago, I was completing a very challenging show within a challenging environment; and this week, I opened a show allowing me to work again with my good friend and mentor, Eric Michael Gillett. I am so excited to be a part of Small Talk, the show I did earlier this summer in Montréal.

Aside from myself and one other actor, it's a new cast, with two added pieces, and more in tune with Eric Michael's vision. We opened last night and the reception was tremendous. 

There is even hope of this show having a life beyond this run. That would be just fine by me! I am fortunate enough to be in four of the eight pieces (3 of which I did in Montréal). The cast is great; we have a terrific ensemble. 

Come and check it out! I am proud of this show.

I shoot Law & Order this friday...so excited!

Order Now!

The movie I shot 2 summers ago is on sale now!

Check it out!

Just click on the logo to order yours now!

or click HERE to go to the movie's official website.

(caveat - while this movie contains no nudity, it's not for the faint of heart)

Enjoy...

Aftermath

Woke up this morning after being serenaded to sleep (not sound) by steady, pelting rains and blustering winds with 68-80 mph gusts. While we have our electricity, and sewage system seems to still work, Chester County was hit by the most severe path of the Hurricane. Our house is OK; however, we are surrounded by floods, and power outages throughout the county.

My 1st hurricane. The name "Irene" will forever now have special meaning for me.

The rain has significantly subsided, but the wind is still steamrolling through the area; broken trees and limbs litter the yards, the already over-saturated ground is covered with newly formed "ponds" and "swamps."

At my parents home, where I located myself during the hurricane, there is a giant sycamore tree in the front yard that has been in a steady state of deterioration over the years. Looking at the tree, one can easily see decay of the interior that can be tracked down to the root system. This tree was the source of my unease during this entire event. Between the decomposition of the base of this tree, coupled with the over-saturation of the ground, add to that hurricane winds - I was (still am at this time) expecting this thing to come down. The cherry on that sundae is that the source of the decay is pointed directly towards the house.
Said another way, when that thing falls - it will do so ON the house.

Bullet dodged...for now.

Our TECH rehearsals were cancelled this weekend for "Midsummer." It is a huge show, with many elements that have yet to be worked out. A great deal of time has already been lost due to Irene. Personally, I am uncertain about my being able to get to New Brunswick by tomorrow, let alone Tuesday. Chester County is flooded at this time and it will take at least a day or two for the roads to be drivable. And we are NOT along a river, nor within a major flood plain. I can only imagine what New Brunswick is like right now as it is bordered by the Raritan River.
One preview has already been cancelled.
I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Keeping my fingers crossed that I will come home to an intact apartment in Jersey City.

Irene...

So those plans went out the window!

New Brunswick is shut down, TECH/Rehearsals are cancelled through the weekend.
So, now I'm at the parent's place in PA, which actually feels OK, considering. Best to be with family during this - I feel better knowing I can be there for them if anything should happen (unlikely, but...who knows?).
Left the apartment clean, dismantled computer, TV, etc.

Keep you posted...

Here's to you, Murphy...

"Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong."
Like the the production needed any more obstacles...in an effort to not be one of those, I have booked a hotel in New Brunswick. We start TECH this weekend (with any hope).
But, alas - meet Irene.

It appears the New York Metropolitan Area is in direct line to be hit by this agitated lady. The first time in recent history. "Hell hath no fury..."

Since I have a heavy work load scheduled for the show, and I happen to live in a flood plain; I figure I'd rather be "stranded" (flooding) where I need to work, rather than live.

Let's keep our fingers crossed for all those ounces of prevention.

I've never been through a hurricane before - new territory for me.

Jesus! We had an earthquake earlier in the week, now this?!

Maybe the Mayans are right...?

go(ing) swifter than the wind!

AWAY WE GO - We've had a few significant rehearsals thus far, and I finally feel like I might be getting a handle on this play. Don't be mistaken, I have quite a bit of work to do; but I have worked hard on my own - dissecting each line, making physical choices and presenting clear ideas. I am comforted that our director not only recognizes the effort, but is also open to working with me and collaborating on ideas. That gives me comfort.

I cannot speak for the rest of the show, I can only focus on my work, my scenes. This has been a problem for me in the past - my ego gets obsessed with everything being perfect that it can often be at the cost of my attitude, or worse, the quality of work. This will change. That said, the show remains to have great potential, and will do my part to ensure its realization. I am hopeful.

I've also been able to begin the make-up work with the apprentice company - what a great bunch! Their attitudes are fantastic, they're eager to learn and "get in there," and seem like genuine hard-workers. I was able to steal a few moments with them yesterday, and they are excited to move forward with their "fairy-looks." I gave them some homework to do, to practice and once we get kits for them, we should be able to really get some work done. While we still don't have a great deal of time, I am confident that we will be able to pull off something simple, bold and effective.

Again, I still have a great deal of work to do.
I am working privately with a trusted friend (and amazing dancer) who is helping me tremendously with the physicality of Oberon and, judging from the reception of my work yesterday - I think I'm on the right track.

"Our remedies oft in ourselves do lie,"

Why, what an ass am I!

I need to lighten up.
period.

Correction!

It seems that some of my last entry has been misconstrued...
Keeping a blog is tricky - I use it as a device to express myself, and purge, if you will.  The other side of that coin is "it is out there." In addition, my "stream of consciousness" style often blur my thoughts; things can be misread, or misinterpreted. This might be one of those times.
Bottom line - life is hard for many of us these days. I am no exception. I am going through my own creative struggles; for the past months I have been faced with some professional and personal crossroads that I am still in the process of negotiating; Familial responsibilities, career paths, personal goals seem to all be at odds right now. These are the issues weighing on me of late.

Professionally, I am so grateful and excited for the opportunities that have come my way. While I do not necessarily rescind what I wrote ( I am worried about the time available for me to do my best work - a common actor's lament, btw), there should be no inferrence that anything is "wrong." We've just begun, for god's sakes! However, I must acknowledge that there are those out there who have worked so hard, and have so much more at stake, I apologize if my expressing my thoughts not as carefully as I should, has lead to misinterpretation.

Roles that have been given to me are a gift, and I am lucky to have them. I look forward to working with those involved and am excited for the potential to be realized.

All that aside, I, for some reason, am having challenges accepting where I'm at in life, and in my career. It is my shit that I need to reconcile, somehow.

I think I'm also surprised to learn that people actually read this thing...

who knew?

What fools these mortals be...

While in the midst of a brutal heat wave, our government seems to be suffering from collective heat stroke as their ineptitude is growing more and more apparent; the debt ceiling crisis is getting more and more ominous. For the first time since the market crash of '08, I'm actually concerned about my future, as well the country's...legitimately.

Regardless, life goes on....
I've been teaching a summer session of Theater Appreciation at Rider U., and a few days ago we had our first read of "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

The summer session is proving rewarding as the students seem interested and engaged (for the most part). In addition, my teaching this summer is allowing me to hone the class to be not only more encompassing than my previous runs at the class, but also more succinct and clear (I believe).

While we had our 1st read for "Midsummer...," we haven't really gotten to work. I'm nervous; as Oberon/Theseus, I have a great deal of work. Our 1st rehearsals have been delayed, not sure why. Time already seems to be ticking away. I'll also be heading up the make-up for the fairy world. A challenge, but should be fun. I'm afraid that I'll have only myself to rely on to do the best work possible. More on that later -

change is constant...

It always amazes me how much can change in a matter of moments...

Sunday morning I am jogging in Montréal looking forward to returning to my "normal" life in NY- as I cross the border into the US, I find out my father has been rushed to the ER due to immense pain in his side. As I arrive to NY, within the hour, I am driving home to PA to be with him at the hospital. As I drive past Philly, I learn that my position at RSAC is no longer available, due to an unprecedented slew of last-minute cancellations (fuckin' recession!). Too few students, and I am the "low-man."

So much, so soon.

While the lost teaching position sucks, given the context of my father's recent medical issue, it's all ok. Besides, Rutgers was more than clear that I'm on their short-list for future positions, certainly at RSAC and possibly something in the fall. So, all in all, it's all just fine.

Dad is already on  the mend, which is a relief. This latest hospital "visit" was caused by complications and side-effects from some of his meds (blood-thinners); all of which has been cleared up (hopefully), and resolved.
Happy Father's Day, Dad!
Truth is, I was gonna be home anyways, just under different circumstances.
What a difference a day makes.

Au Revoir!

Well, we're off tomorrow in the am. Our final show tonight was our largest and most receptive house. All in all, it's been a good run. While the houses have been small (up until tonight), they've been receptive and responsive. I've met and worked some great people. Though I don't feel like I've done my best - something to strive for in the Fall.


I feel like I've had a bit of a Holden Caufield experience up here.

Merci et adieu.

 

"O" my

At our last performance, we received a standing ovation! That was quite nice. Our next performance is tonight at midnight. Midnight show? this could go either way, house-wise: either packed, or barren. We'll see. One never really knows how these types of shows will turn out, especially since marketing has been a bit thin.
Regardless, I'm bringing beer.

Eric, the playwright, seems very pleased as the show's reception has been pretty positive.
The other day, I took the initiative to make postcards, so all involved have something to hand to people as we promote the show. I totally understand that producing something like this, on a tight budget, there are things that fall to the wayside; but I just can't walk around with nothing to hand to people. So, I made them myself, and shared them with the cast, and Eric. We burned through those and he asked me to print up another batch - these will include quotes from all our press. Anyway...it's something to do. Give me a task, and I'm happy.

I've been fortunate to take advantage of some promotional deal at the local Y, so I've been able to workout all week for free. BONUS! In addition, as I mentioned before, I've been hiking all over the place. I must have walked at least 10 miles yesterday, including an intense hike up Mont-Royal that would've made Pat Tillman break a sweat. I found this one section of trail that was a pretty steep vertical rock climb (not quite the caliber of Cruise in MI:2, nor Sly in "Cliffhanger" but a worthy novice effort), the view at its top was pretty rewarding (take that, A!). I sat on this heath for a bit, to rest and took in the view.



Apparently, the city of Montreal was built around this mountain, from the campus of McGill University, outward. Interesting.

In the home stretch of this adventure. Show tonight, then Friday, and the last show on Saturday. Drive back on Sunday.

hiking, cough syrup and reviews - not necessarily in that order.

I woke up yesterday to not only another overcast morning, but also a full-on "bug." I don't know if it was a cold, or virus, or a severe allergy attack (see aforementioned "snow" in previous post).
Kinda sucked. The shit I was coughing up was pretty gross and the sinuses made me wish my head would just get it over with and just pop - ending my misery.

A misery, I fear, that compromised my performance the previous day. It was raining in some way that I never experience before (I find each city has its own type of rain. Weird...but true.) Having to carry all my crap to the theater in the monsoon was no fun. That, plus the fact that by time I got there I was soaking wet - I was a crabby bitch (Cancer, what can I tell ya!). Anyway, while the show seemed to be tighter than the previous, I inevitably "went up" in the end of the last piece. Fortunately, the actor's problem was appropriate for the character's problem, and therefore no one noticed. That is, except the playwright - he did write the thing after all.

And, to prove that the actor is the last one to really know what is going on - we received a great review! Check it out!
Goes to show, what is felt, and what is seen (perceived) are often two very different things.

So, as I said, yesterday was a off day from the show -  a recovery day. Considering my condition, I took a day off from my cardio regime and decided to take a light hike up Mont-Royal. It was a nice substitute for the usual routine, with the added spiritual bonus.

I found myself becoming quite reflective. 

In my Theater History class, when discussing Romanticism and its impact on theater, we cover (briefly, mind you) the Transcendentalists: Emerson, Thoreau, Dickinson, Whitman and their affinity towards nature and its impact. One must have a stone for a heart if such beauty has no affect on them. The solitude, sounds of nature (crackling leaves under your feet, a rolling brook, birds calling, the wind through the trees), a barely noticeable rock path discovered (evoking the poetry of Robert Frost). I wish had the stamina to make more of a day of it - but that will be tomorrow.

I made it to the Chalet, and took in it's stunning view of the city below.

So, after the hike. I went home, made dinner (found a cool grocery store that enabled me to eat a little more healthy and cheaply!). Took 2 giant gulps of Buckley's (this abhorrent tasting cough syrup [sirop]), watched "The Wire" on my laptop and went to bed.

This morning I woke up feeling much better and with a sense of accomplishment (It feels good when one is able to "will" himself into health - ego? perhaps...I don't care, I feel good!). Went to the gym, had a fantastic workout and ready for another show.

Sun is out, "snow" is back....

Looking forward to another hike of Mont-Royal tomorrow.    

Rainy Day...

Woke up to a cold, rainy morning.
I can't believe this is June....feels more like March.

Discovering I under-packed. Not prepared for this weather. Buying clothes, as needed. When I'm not performing, days spent wandering about...exploring as much, as inexpensively as I can.

There is a type of tree about that is releasing its spores - they're all over the place, floating around as if it's snowing, pretty beautiful. They are all over. Though I think it's kicking the shit out of my sinuses....battling allergies. I think it's allergies, could be a cold...I'll find out soon enough.

I don't have internet access where I'm staying, which still sucks, but I'm getting by through cafes.

Another show today.....'nuff for now.

Vive la Montréal!

So, here I am - Montréal, and what a fascinating place it is.


Performing in the Montréal Fringe Festival this year, I am based in a neighborhood called the Plateau. It is the very French (trés français) section of the city. I feel like I am in Europe...without the hassle of a trans-Atlantic flight. The city, for the most part is friendly, though I have encountered the notorious French condescension once or twice, but it's all good and kind of amusing when it happens-It's the exception right now. The people are open, and lovely. The city itself, at least the neighborhood in which I'm based, is kinda cruddy, but in this oddly cool way. While it is clear that the city has not been impervious to the global recession, there is still a vibrance and energy that makes me smile. Very safe. The architecture of the homes is fascinating. Mostly, because there seems to be no consistent style. In other cities I've been to, there is an overall style that one can discern. And while within a city the different neighborhoods have a variance of style, there is still the sense that you are in the same city. Not here. Moreover, it's is not even a block-to-block thing, nor a neighborhood thing. You will walk down a street and see a building that looks like it was transplanted from the French Quarter in New Orleans, and right next to it, there is a row of townhouses that should be in London, then Baltimore, New York, San Francisco, Paris....I love it!
 


While walking through the streets (of The Plateau) one hear's French being spoken, everywhere. I've been enjoying the outside markets of Avenue du Mont-Royal. Think of it as a French version of Promenade in Santa Monica (for the LA folks tuning in) with a view of the Parc Olympique in the distance. That sight is a flash-back for me. I'm not going to speak the number of how many years ago it was that I was visiting that landmark; but it was a lifetime ago-a reminder of how much has changed since I last saw it. 


Of course, I feel like an ignorant "Ugly American" as I do not understand much  of the language....if at all. I find myself saying "Je ne comprende pas," "Je regrette, " and "Anglais? si vous plait?"  quite a bit....disgusting. Ms. Shaw, are you out there? (my high school French teacher), 
"Je m'excuse!"


As far as our opening of Small Talk, by Eric Fallen:


We had a little over 20 people (more than I expected, really) and they were a pretty quiet bunch. HOWEVER, afterwards, the feedback was pretty outstanding. Many compliments, comment-cards were all raves. So, there that is. A friend of the playwright's (she happened to be sitting right next to him, btw) confessed she was withholding laughter because she wasn't aware that it was OK to laugh. One would think he would have given the "all-clear" to let loose with the chuckles, but apparently not. Weird...Regardless, Eric was very happy. The only thing missing was the presence of Eric Michael Gillett, our director. He had a performance in NYC last night that prevented his being able to attend, so he had a valid excuse. 
Hope it was fantastic, Eric!

Personally, the evening felt more like a dress-rehearsal. It was the first time we were able to  put it ALL together for the first time - a minor missed move here, a rushed light cue there, nothing anyone who didn't know otherwise would notice. Despite that, it seemed to be a success.

I look forward to being able to settle in a little more, I know I'm capable of much more. "Behind the Wheel" (the last piece that I am in) seemed to go over very well.

It'll be interesting to see how the rest of the run/this Canadienne adventure goes.


Will be keeping you posted....

mind f^ck

I don't quite get why I'm not more satisfied with things right now...quite frankly, this is the best stretch of work I've had, probably...ever.

Yet, I'm still not quite able to enjoy it. WTF?

In addition to the good stuff listed in the previous post, it is confirmed that I will be playing Oberon in the New Brunswick Theater Festival's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream later this summer. So, that's cool. Not exactly a role I feel I would traditionally be cast as; but I am psyched at the challenge.


I also just got cast in a SAG Indie Film, A Guy Named Rick, that is scheduled to shoot this autumn. It'll be a fun role.


This past week I've been rehearsing Small Talk, by Eric Fallen, under the direction of the great Eric Michael Gillett. This is the show we will be presenting at the Montreal Fringe Festival this June. I love the pieces I'm in, and the people involved seem great! What's more, it will be put up again in New York in the fall. So, I'll get to do it again! for the NY audience, to include industry....cool.


So, why aren't I more excited? Why aren't I happier?


Other than the possibility that it could be my diet (there are those theories that propose that higher fat intake make people happier... I'm still debating that one), I think it might be because I'm still struggling with "low-income syndrome." (I made that one up!)


Yes, I am working more these days; NO, I'm not making the money I feel I should. So, I'm trying to reconcile that; or, I need to trust that this is a trend and will continue to improve, ultimately getting me closer to my goals. In short, "Halladay - quit yer bitchin!"


My new pic options are on Facebook, would love to here some feedback.

momentum...

Finals have been taken, grades are submitted - the end of another semester was not without its challenges: resistant actors, disinterested students, and blizzards. While it is easy to throw ones hands up in resignation and complain, I believe a good teacher will face those obstacles and aspire to o'er-leap them.

My summer seems to be shaping up quite nicely.

I will be teaching again at RSAC (Rutgers Summer Acting Conservatory)
I will be teaching Theater Appreciation at Rider for the 2nd Summer session
I have been invited to perform at Montreal's Fringe Festival (J, timing never seemed to work in our favor - much to my regret!)
There seems to be the strong possibility that I'll be performing in another Shakespeare production in the end of the Summer.

...in addition, I have some other irons in the fire as well.

I like it! I like knowing there is work to be done.

I just took some new head-shots with the talented Siouxsie Suarez - Thank you, my dear.
I cut my hair, so look out for the new and improved me!

Pics will be out soon.

Momentum - a good thing...

Moving on...stirring the sh!t

I resigned from Dark Luna, the theater company I worked with for the past 18 months.

I won't go into the details - no, I'm not being noble, I just finished writing about it in my business blog - you can check it out there.

So now I am focusing on my teaching and auditions.

On that note, I've been asked back to teach at both Rider and Montclair for the fall semester - might even be teaching more classes. More on that when/if things are solidified. Regardless, I'm continuing to build a nice CV. Furthermore, I'm teaching a summer session at Rider, and keeping my fingers crossed for RSAC. I had a great experience teaching there last year, and hope to have that same opportunity.

I also started volunteering for NYCares!

I'm working hard to make some positive changes in my life, as you may be able to deduce.
Removing toxic elements, injecting myself into more constructive environments and around better people.

The Best Laid plans...

Alas,

Things did not work out between Sadie and I.
A word to the wise - when adopting a pet, or a rescue dog - one never knows what issues are there until you bring them home. This is especially true of older dogs. Sadie was between 3-4. Certain behavior was engrained in her.

Sadie was(is) a lovable, nurturing, kind spirit. However, she was unable to be left alone. Whenever I did (she would be crated, of course), she became hysterical: crying, screaming, breaking out, breaking into closed doors and chewing clothes. After a little less than a week, I soon found out that I was unable to provide what she needs. Between my acting and teaching schedules, I am not home enough for her. In addition, as I live alone (not even another pet) - I was on my own.

I am saddened and disappointed in myself. But I couldn't in good conscience try to push through this issue knowing that she was hurting herself.

Lessons learned....
G' bye, Sadie.

Spring hath Sprung! and change is in the midst...

Us vs. Them has closed. Dark Luna successfully produced their first show!
Admittedly, despite the rocky process, personality conflicts and horrible space issues - the show was a bona fide success. Goes to show, that when you have solid material, solid actors (for the most part), it is difficult to screw it up. Many lessons were learned. The question will now be - will we all (Dark Luna) grow from them?

I have been going through the usual post-show blues. I miss the world of the play, particularly the relationships Kris had in that world that Wesley so beautifully created.

I find myself wondering,
"where do I go from here?"
"what next?"

This was a fantastic piece for me. Showed me off very well (physically and artistically). Despite that, it was challenging to get many industry people to attend. A common problem - Yes, as a new company in NYC, one needs to keep expectations realistic; I just feel like Sisyphus, these past years since coming out of grad school - constantly pushing that boulder up a hill to move my career forward. I have been doing it, yes. I won't ignore that fact. My agents came, which is good, and rumor has it they were very pleased with what they saw....so, we'll see. I am looking to meet with them soon and have a conversation about the future. So, I must be objective about my progress - a constant challenge for me.

In addition, I find myself uncertain about my future with this group, Dark Luna. No sour grapes, mind you; nor is there any bitterness - at all. It's just, after all this, all the obstacles we faced (some external and out of our control, many were internal and could've been avoided, I believe) I cannot help but wonder if I am a right fit for this group? Might I be a disruptive force. While what I see and witness seems to be counter-intuitive to moving forward - maybe it's me? Maybe whatever issues that are present are because of me...? I cannot ignore that possibility.

It is because of that very possibility that I am choosing to make some life changes as well. I find myself to be more solitary these days than I prefer. So I am beginning to make an effort to seek new relationships in my life - a little internal "spring cleaning" if you will. Out with the old and dusty, in with the new. And it has to begin with me!

I am looking to begin to do more volunteering in the area (NYC/NJ), and I am adopting a dog!

Here she is: World, meet Sadie!

I have a sneaking suspicion that this little lady is gonna change my life.
Looking forward to it - I need it!

And, we're off and running!

We opened last week -
Us vs. Them, for the most part, is being well-received!

Click here for our first review

Not bad...

Now, our challenge is getting butt's in seats - hopefully the reviews will help.

Needless to say, putting up a show is a very difficult process-I've learned so much.
I do have some decisions to make however, when all is done.

Breakthroughs...?

I think I may have had a breakthrough with some of my students in my Acting class last week. While the specific student may be the last one to acknowledge the breakthrough,  it seemed evident that the rest of the class observed something new and remarkable. Acting truthfully, NOT performing.

That has been my challenge this semester in my Advanced Acting class. In addition, I have found that, when entering a new program and one is teaching an "advanced" acting class - one can be met  with a bit of resistance. Now, I admit, I am probably just as responsible for that - and a better teacher might be more skilled at side-stepping such behavior. Let's just say, I'm learning, and working on it...ALLRIGHT!...jeez, enough already!

I hope this forward motion for us continues for the rest of the semester...I hope I'm right in sensing a shift among them.

Us vs. Them is entering TECH. We open this Friday - shit! There is a fantastic show in there - it's all about retaining the work accomplished in rehearsal. Some of us seem to be challenged by sustaining the growth. I think this might be a negative factor of an amended rehearsal process. We could really use one more week. We also seem to be dealing with some resistance as well, different people have different processes...but I believe there comes a point where an actor has to put aside their own issues and have a greater grasp on the work as a whole...it's not just about them.


Again, there is a great show here and I believe we can get it....we're so close.
The beginning of a long week.....

A New Year

A new show

A new semester….

Once more in my life, I feel as if I’m in the midst of more change. It is difficult to explain, or perhaps dangerous. I find myself grateful for the opportunities that I have been given, while at the same time, I still yearn for more. I’m still not satisfied with my progress and I have to make some changes.

This new play should provide some possibility. It’s a good play, a really good play – and I have a great part. So for now, career-wise, Us vs. Them is my focus. The play has a great deal of potential, not only for the actors, but also, Wesley, the playwright. In fact, I believe this project will benefit both he and Michelle, the director, the most. Much deserved. It is Dark Luna's 1st full-length production.

Check out the Press Release

Could another move be in store for me? Literal, or otherwise, I feel a change is on its on its way…like I’m not sure if I belong here. Let me put it this way – when I got out of school, I was certain I was where I needed to be. Now, I’m not so sure.

This feeling is probably fueled by a recent implosion of a potential relationship: this latest effort plunged me deeply and quickly into the insane. Better I got out sooner than later, I guess. In addition, other relationships in my life have shifted. Make sense?

Regardless, it all kinda makes me sad, or perhaps scared.

Right now, I'm not feeling a lot of________(fill in the blank).

Trying to keep my hopes/expectations for the show in check…it is a good one.