The Peddler's Tale closed.
Too, too brief run.
Great group of people. Beautiful production.
Richard (director) and Liz (writer) complimented each other with the show, I believe.
The show truly deserves a bigger, longer run...we'll see.
Now on to the Fall semester; 1 class at Rutgers (Intermediate Acting 272), 2 classes at Rider (Basic Acting 1).
I feel good about the classes. 272 is comprised of some former students (I taught 271 last semester); I think they're might be a compliment in there somewhere.
And at Rider - I've struggled with Acting classes there. I feel restricted by time (Rutgers is 6 hours a week whereas Rider is only 3), in addition the students there are an interesting mix of majors and non-majors. Whereas at Rutgers, it was all BA's, which allowed for more consistency.
This semester, not only am I readjusting my goals and expectations, I have heard that I will be dealing with mostly majors...so that sounds promising.
The only glitch this semester is a looming strike at Rider.
We'll see.
I have a few possible projects on the horizon:
Some V/O work our of Princeton
a possible play in the coming month
There is an Indie Film from Philly which is expressing interest.
Of course, I count on nothing...not being negative, I've just been on this dance floor before.
Nothing is real until it's happening, or a contract is signed.
Naturally, I'm in PA when I have free time (which is more than I'd like this month),
I think we need to make some big decisions there...
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Working....
Ah, to work on something again...! it continues to bring joy to my soul, especially when I have been given the opportunity to work on something significant, meaningful and smart.
We had our 1st read last night, and am loving the way it feels and sounds; truly a solid group of artists with which I get to work.
This show is part of the Fresh Fruit Festival and runs the week of July 15th.
I'll keep you posted...
The Peddler's Tale
written by
the brilliant Liz Thaler
directed by
my friend Richard Aven
We had our 1st read last night, and am loving the way it feels and sounds; truly a solid group of artists with which I get to work.
This show is part of the Fresh Fruit Festival and runs the week of July 15th.
(my only gripe is the run is too short!)
I'll keep you posted...
Friday, May 16, 2014
You can die in the struggle....
or relax into it.
Christ!
Astounded I survived this one....but I did.
No small feat.
Challenges unrelenting from many angles.
One day at a time, slow and steady....
Now what?
Christ!
Astounded I survived this one....but I did.
No small feat.
Challenges unrelenting from many angles.
One day at a time, slow and steady....
Now what?
Sunday, March 16, 2014
What I did this past winter....
Ok, so I realize it's been a while...
I've been in the process of a significant transitional period.
As you may recall, I was residing at my parent's place since I returned from my gig in West Palm Beach.
Christ, I hadn't "lived at home" since I was in high school (I will not state how long ago that was...but it was quite a while back!). And though "living with one's parents" comes with its expected obstacles and challenges, given the brutal, oppressive winter we just went through, I realize I was meant to be there during those few months. And on a level, I was happy to be.
No hyperbole, coming off of the severity of Sandy last fall (I was at ground Zero.5, I call it. The big difference between Jersey City and Hoboken at the time was that the water receded from Jersey City, unlike Hoboken), this winter hit Chester County, PA with an unrelenting consistency. Seriously, it seemed the epicenter of every f-ing storm that came (I think we're at 15? or so? - no joke!), was directly in line with West Chester, Philadelphia and what is now known as the "I-95 Corridor."
Shoveling became my daily ritual; where to put the snow became the quandary of the week. Piles were so high that snow-blowers (I used ours for the first time) could only throw the snow so high. When they became useless and we had to resort to shovels again...we were limited by our throwing power.
Back aches and tendonitis seemed to take permanent residence in my body, it feels.
Through the worst of it: the ice storm, we were without heat and power for almost a week. We burned wood, snuggled around the fireplace like we were in some Dickens novel and tolerated it until the house lost what retained heat it kept. That last night was truly brutal; at the risk of sounding insensitive, I don't want to imagine what the homeless must suffer through. I only know, I couldn't sleep while the biting cold pierced my face; completely residing under the pile of blankets conversely, was suffocating. Pick you poison.
Then I had the commute to 2 schools in New Jersey from the other side of Philadelphia.
My mornings at Rutgers (class begins at 9:15) required my waking up at 5am, being out the door by 6-6:30 at the latest; traffic being such a variable, I couldn't chance it. Wednesdays required me to get a hotel as I couldn't justify driving back from Rider U. only to make the 5am jaunt back up to Rutgers. Added to that the issue of safety - at that hour, not only is it the coldest, but there is also the greatest propensity for "black ice" on the roads; terrible, terrible accidents all over the area (you may recall the 50 car pile-up on the PA Turnpike this winter? that was right in my commute).
In addition, starting in early February - I finally found a place - AND MOVED!
WHO the F*^% moves in FEBRUARY!!!??????
This Guy!!!
Jesus - that was arduous to say the least.
Planning trips not only around my teaching schedule, auditions, and of course, the weather; it was something akin to producing a play. Juggling so many factors to think of it all would make you cry.
Irony Alert - after the move - I found myself not only battling loneliness (a new neighborhood) but I also found myself really missing my parents. Yes, living with them (albeit briefly) was annoying at times (man, that man constantly wants something!!), but I am so lucky (SO LUCKY) that my parents actually are also my friends. Sure I love them, but I also LIKE them. Does that make sense?
In addition, it also felt good to do all I could for them. Christ, they've done (DO) so much for me - the least I can do is make their lives easier in some small way. I worry that I can't do as much for them now that I'm gone. Sure, I visit fairly regularly - but it's not the same...
Random observation - whenever I arrive back in PA, the first words out of my father's mouth, "When are you leaving?"
When I am heading out the door with my last bag to return to NJ, "When are you coming back?"
You gotta love the guy.
She ain't bad either! 78 years old and had an exhibit in the Philadelphia Flower Show - AGAIN!!!
Can't wait to see the pics!
So proud of her.
God, I love them both.
Teaching - yes, I am teaching 3 courses this semester; one of which is a brand new course: American Contemporary Theater.
I actually schedule a field trip for this one - HUH???!!
Yep, we all went to the Walnut Street Theater to see a show together.
What am I thinking??!!! I'm only an adjunct!!!
Here's the thing - it all came together!
Fortunately, it's a great class, great students - and we all made it work (thanks again, Blair for being the class transport!)
My other classes are Acting classes (Basic at Rutgers, Intermediate at Rider) - great students (for the most part)...some wonderful moments and growth present in both classes. My only hope is that they are able to see what I see and own their progress. A few instances of resistant attitudes but fortunately, nothing too disruptive. Though I have realized my greatest frustration in the classroom is stifled growth. To see students willfully hold themselves back is mind-boggling to me (while they may not know that that is, in fact, what they are doing...it is, in fact a "choice" to not do the work...a result of resistance.)
When I look back on the past few months I cannot help but marvel at it all.
Does life get easier?
Why can't it?
Might I be able to get more of what I want?
Is it just about patience?
I'm now pretty much completely moved in. There are a few non-essentials I need to get out of storage, but I've been living here (in Hoboken) for the past month. Getting to know my new neighborhood, new commute. It's nice, while it's more residential than where I lived in Jersey City, it's just as accessible to the city.
I'm back in a scene study class, back involved with Amios and have been auditioning (which has been going well - close to booking something). So, of course, that whole struggle begins again, raising all those old questions.
I feel I'm still growing into my type...We'll see....is it all just about timing?
I've been in the process of a significant transitional period.
As you may recall, I was residing at my parent's place since I returned from my gig in West Palm Beach.
Christ, I hadn't "lived at home" since I was in high school (I will not state how long ago that was...but it was quite a while back!). And though "living with one's parents" comes with its expected obstacles and challenges, given the brutal, oppressive winter we just went through, I realize I was meant to be there during those few months. And on a level, I was happy to be.
No hyperbole, coming off of the severity of Sandy last fall (I was at ground Zero.5, I call it. The big difference between Jersey City and Hoboken at the time was that the water receded from Jersey City, unlike Hoboken), this winter hit Chester County, PA with an unrelenting consistency. Seriously, it seemed the epicenter of every f-ing storm that came (I think we're at 15? or so? - no joke!), was directly in line with West Chester, Philadelphia and what is now known as the "I-95 Corridor."
Shoveling became my daily ritual; where to put the snow became the quandary of the week. Piles were so high that snow-blowers (I used ours for the first time) could only throw the snow so high. When they became useless and we had to resort to shovels again...we were limited by our throwing power.
Back aches and tendonitis seemed to take permanent residence in my body, it feels.
Through the worst of it: the ice storm, we were without heat and power for almost a week. We burned wood, snuggled around the fireplace like we were in some Dickens novel and tolerated it until the house lost what retained heat it kept. That last night was truly brutal; at the risk of sounding insensitive, I don't want to imagine what the homeless must suffer through. I only know, I couldn't sleep while the biting cold pierced my face; completely residing under the pile of blankets conversely, was suffocating. Pick you poison.
Then I had the commute to 2 schools in New Jersey from the other side of Philadelphia.
My mornings at Rutgers (class begins at 9:15) required my waking up at 5am, being out the door by 6-6:30 at the latest; traffic being such a variable, I couldn't chance it. Wednesdays required me to get a hotel as I couldn't justify driving back from Rider U. only to make the 5am jaunt back up to Rutgers. Added to that the issue of safety - at that hour, not only is it the coldest, but there is also the greatest propensity for "black ice" on the roads; terrible, terrible accidents all over the area (you may recall the 50 car pile-up on the PA Turnpike this winter? that was right in my commute).
In addition, starting in early February - I finally found a place - AND MOVED!
WHO the F*^% moves in FEBRUARY!!!??????
This Guy!!!
Jesus - that was arduous to say the least.
Planning trips not only around my teaching schedule, auditions, and of course, the weather; it was something akin to producing a play. Juggling so many factors to think of it all would make you cry.
Irony Alert - after the move - I found myself not only battling loneliness (a new neighborhood) but I also found myself really missing my parents. Yes, living with them (albeit briefly) was annoying at times (man, that man constantly wants something!!), but I am so lucky (SO LUCKY) that my parents actually are also my friends. Sure I love them, but I also LIKE them. Does that make sense?
In addition, it also felt good to do all I could for them. Christ, they've done (DO) so much for me - the least I can do is make their lives easier in some small way. I worry that I can't do as much for them now that I'm gone. Sure, I visit fairly regularly - but it's not the same...
Random observation - whenever I arrive back in PA, the first words out of my father's mouth, "When are you leaving?"
When I am heading out the door with my last bag to return to NJ, "When are you coming back?"
You gotta love the guy.
She ain't bad either! 78 years old and had an exhibit in the Philadelphia Flower Show - AGAIN!!!
Can't wait to see the pics!
So proud of her.
God, I love them both.
Teaching - yes, I am teaching 3 courses this semester; one of which is a brand new course: American Contemporary Theater.
I actually schedule a field trip for this one - HUH???!!
Yep, we all went to the Walnut Street Theater to see a show together.
What am I thinking??!!! I'm only an adjunct!!!
Here's the thing - it all came together!
Fortunately, it's a great class, great students - and we all made it work (thanks again, Blair for being the class transport!)
My other classes are Acting classes (Basic at Rutgers, Intermediate at Rider) - great students (for the most part)...some wonderful moments and growth present in both classes. My only hope is that they are able to see what I see and own their progress. A few instances of resistant attitudes but fortunately, nothing too disruptive. Though I have realized my greatest frustration in the classroom is stifled growth. To see students willfully hold themselves back is mind-boggling to me (while they may not know that that is, in fact, what they are doing...it is, in fact a "choice" to not do the work...a result of resistance.)
When I look back on the past few months I cannot help but marvel at it all.
Does life get easier?
Why can't it?
Might I be able to get more of what I want?
Is it just about patience?
I'm now pretty much completely moved in. There are a few non-essentials I need to get out of storage, but I've been living here (in Hoboken) for the past month. Getting to know my new neighborhood, new commute. It's nice, while it's more residential than where I lived in Jersey City, it's just as accessible to the city.
I'm back in a scene study class, back involved with Amios and have been auditioning (which has been going well - close to booking something). So, of course, that whole struggle begins again, raising all those old questions.
I feel I'm still growing into my type...We'll see....is it all just about timing?
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Auld Lang Syne
Forgive my neglect.
Happy New Year!
2014 is already feeling pretty good.
At the risk of jinxing anything, I'll resist going into detail on my major development; more will be announced when things become more official.
Other than that - I've been based out of PA since I returned from Florida.
Doing the "dutiful son" thing that I do.
Being such a brutal winter, I am grateful to be around for my parents (i.e. shoveling snow, stacking wood, general winter maintenance, etc) however, I am going a bit stir crazy...feeling a bit out of touch with the business.
Yes, I've had some auditions during this typically slow period, but I need to get working again.
Kinda going nuts here.
I see friends/colleagues doing stuff, getting work, moving forward. While I am so happy for them, and proud; it's hard not to be a little jealous.
Jealousy - a natural human reaction. I have come to terms that it happens without my effort. I acknowledge it when it surfaces, focus on the happiness I have for those working, and move on.
But all this shall pass - if all goes as it should, I should be living in the NYC area in the next few weeks.
Then - back to classes, and auditions, and Manhattan!!
The spring semester begins in a few weeks.
2 classes at Rider University (including a new class!), 1 at Rutgers.
The first few weeks will consist of a bitch of commute (from PA)!
Again, I'm looking for normalcy by the 3rd week of February.
Will keep you posted.
May the best of 2013 be the worst of 2014!
Happy New Year!
2014 is already feeling pretty good.
At the risk of jinxing anything, I'll resist going into detail on my major development; more will be announced when things become more official.
Other than that - I've been based out of PA since I returned from Florida.
Doing the "dutiful son" thing that I do.
Being such a brutal winter, I am grateful to be around for my parents (i.e. shoveling snow, stacking wood, general winter maintenance, etc) however, I am going a bit stir crazy...feeling a bit out of touch with the business.
Yes, I've had some auditions during this typically slow period, but I need to get working again.
Kinda going nuts here.
I see friends/colleagues doing stuff, getting work, moving forward. While I am so happy for them, and proud; it's hard not to be a little jealous.
Jealousy - a natural human reaction. I have come to terms that it happens without my effort. I acknowledge it when it surfaces, focus on the happiness I have for those working, and move on.
But all this shall pass - if all goes as it should, I should be living in the NYC area in the next few weeks.
Then - back to classes, and auditions, and Manhattan!!
The spring semester begins in a few weeks.
2 classes at Rider University (including a new class!), 1 at Rutgers.
The first few weeks will consist of a bitch of commute (from PA)!
Again, I'm looking for normalcy by the 3rd week of February.
Will keep you posted.
May the best of 2013 be the worst of 2014!
Thursday, November 14, 2013
All good things must come to an end...
Well, I can't believe that my time here at Palm Beach Dramaworks is almost done.
We are in our final week of Of Mice and Men. We extended due to how well this show was received. I am proud to have been a part of it, proud to have been invited to work here.
This particular company has been working hard to grow into something quite special. After a significant renovation, the facilities are beautiful (a converted movie house that once housed Burt Reynold's theater a while back).
I feel like my work has been well-received here. I'd like to think they'd ask me back if there was a role appropriate for me. This is a great place to work and I would not hesitate to work with them again.
That said, this was a tougher project than I anticipated:
Curley is very unlikable. I don't like to say that about any character I play as I feel it is very important for an actor to empathize and identify with the character in which he is to portray. However, facts are facts and Steinbeck doesn't give a great deal of opportunity for anyone playing this part to expand on what is written. In other words, he comes in and out in a flash, instigates and incites altercations, and then darts back out.
Whenever I work on a role, yes - I have to acknowledge the characters role in the play (how does my character fit in this world? what purpose does my character serve in the story? etc.), but I never judge him. I always work to pin the lens of perspective to justify my character's actions (which are tied to his wants and needs). While I know I did that with Curley, I must acknowledge that it was/is a near impossible get to receive much empathy from audiences for reasons I just explained.
Bottom line - it wears on a person (it wears on me) to play such a damaged character and receive very little back. There's no real pay-off with him. He just is...
He is amongst the saddest of characters in this play, I believe.
Anyway...Florida...hmm...a mixed bag.
To be blunt - it's weird down here.
Stand your ground laws
People high on bath-salts eating each other's faces off
Bullying in the NFL (what?? really???)
sinkholes
Enough of that - high notes?
MoonFest - a fun outdoor Halloween party up and down Clematis Street
(lots of scantily clad hotties walking around - never a complaint from me on that one)
The weather is ridiculously beautiful, constantly.
I met and worked with some wonderfully talented people.
I couldn't not go to the Florida Keys while here...and I have to admit...I get it.
I get why people go and don't come back.
We are in our final week of Of Mice and Men. We extended due to how well this show was received. I am proud to have been a part of it, proud to have been invited to work here.
This particular company has been working hard to grow into something quite special. After a significant renovation, the facilities are beautiful (a converted movie house that once housed Burt Reynold's theater a while back).
I feel like my work has been well-received here. I'd like to think they'd ask me back if there was a role appropriate for me. This is a great place to work and I would not hesitate to work with them again.
That said, this was a tougher project than I anticipated:
Curley is very unlikable. I don't like to say that about any character I play as I feel it is very important for an actor to empathize and identify with the character in which he is to portray. However, facts are facts and Steinbeck doesn't give a great deal of opportunity for anyone playing this part to expand on what is written. In other words, he comes in and out in a flash, instigates and incites altercations, and then darts back out.
Whenever I work on a role, yes - I have to acknowledge the characters role in the play (how does my character fit in this world? what purpose does my character serve in the story? etc.), but I never judge him. I always work to pin the lens of perspective to justify my character's actions (which are tied to his wants and needs). While I know I did that with Curley, I must acknowledge that it was/is a near impossible get to receive much empathy from audiences for reasons I just explained.
Bottom line - it wears on a person (it wears on me) to play such a damaged character and receive very little back. There's no real pay-off with him. He just is...
He is amongst the saddest of characters in this play, I believe.
Anyway...Florida...hmm...a mixed bag.
To be blunt - it's weird down here.
Stand your ground laws
People high on bath-salts eating each other's faces off
Bullying in the NFL (what?? really???)
sinkholes
Enough of that - high notes?
MoonFest - a fun outdoor Halloween party up and down Clematis Street
(lots of scantily clad hotties walking around - never a complaint from me on that one)
The weather is ridiculously beautiful, constantly.
I met and worked with some wonderfully talented people.
I couldn't not go to the Florida Keys while here...and I have to admit...I get it.
I get why people go and don't come back.
 |
| Sunset at the Sunset Pier (you bet your ass there was a cocktail in my hand!) |
Tourist-y?
Hell yea!
But fortunately there is enough around the tourist stuff that still makes it all wonderful.
FUN FACT - The Keys are, in fact, a network of fossilized coral reefs; about 800-1700 separate islands (the higher number includes those islands that are only a network of salt-water dwelling trees), no dirt on any of them.
In addition, some of the tourist-y stuff is actually interesting:
What's next?
Spring semester: 2-3 courses
More acting? Yes, please!
FUN FACT - The Keys are, in fact, a network of fossilized coral reefs; about 800-1700 separate islands (the higher number includes those islands that are only a network of salt-water dwelling trees), no dirt on any of them.
In addition, some of the tourist-y stuff is actually interesting:
Ernest Hemingway's Studio
The Hemingway House was pretty cool; cats all over (Around 45 in total, all polydactyl cats [6-7 paws] - all descendants of "Snowball," one of his son's pets).
Beautiful house, utopian property; easy to see how one could do such work in such a setting.
What a character he was. I will read more of his stuff immediately.
1st on my list, To Have and Have Not (directly inspired from his time in the Keys).
The whole place reminding me of a mix between Venice, CA and New Hope, PA
Easy Living.
The drive to and from was an experience in it of itself.
The oft single-lane route 1 was awesome: windows and sun roof open, blaring tropical music...magical.
The water is a crystalline blue (sometimes aqua) that I had never seen...sometimes lapping right up to Route 1, bridges allowing one to hop from key to key, ending in Key West.
I didn't spend enough time there.
I will come back to snorkel and enjoy the waters.
Till then...back to life, back to reality...
What's next?
Spring semester: 2-3 courses
More acting? Yes, please!
Friday, October 4, 2013
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