I'm at an impasse, I feel.
The acting front has been slow...too slow!
I know its been slow for many however, it still drives me nuts.
On the other hand, my spring semester is underway and things are going well.
My Theater Appreciation class seems to be getting better and better; I'm constantly tweaking, making my lectures more efficient and concise, utilizing new and different media to make it more engaging. It's good, I think I'm succeeding on that front.
Stage Make-Up (both sections) are comprised of a solid group of students; participatory and engaged.
It's nice.
I'd like to think part of this is that my style of teaching is continuing to grow. Again, I say "part."
I'm prepping for the Annual auditions in Philly (I'd love to act in/near my hometown) next month.
...something to do.
Speaking at a symposium at Rider next week on "Acting in Comedy," so that'll be fun in addition to beefing up the CV.
I'm also fight choreographer and make-up designer for a small production in the city next month. The Choking Game written by Kaitlin Colombo, co-produced by my friend, Eric Michael Gillett
Again - fun.
I can't help but consider what the end-game is here...what am I doing?...really? I want to be further along. I used to think that the previous statement pertained to my "career;" now, I wonder if it is more about my life in general...finding happiness. Yes, I'm happiest when I'm working.
But, what is that about?
-some validation thing?
-true joy from doing what you love/meant to do?
What do I do when I'm not working? That is the big question.
Is there something else that can provide me as much joy when I do it?
How do I find/substitute that joy?
Is all this worth it?
No real answers; though I am working to find some....SOME.
It's not all about answers.
I know part of this struggle is that I started this pursuit later in life. I may have mentioned before; I am on two time-lines:
1) my life time line-I feel I should be further along at my age (I KNOW, I gotta get over it...I'm trying!)
2) my career line-starting when I did, being where I'm at after just over 10 years (I'm not counting my time in school at The Academy and Mason Gross), I'm doing VERY well.
It's challenging coalescing the two.
Hosting a bit of an Oscar party tonight, a small one. Should be fun; an evening with good food and good friends.
We'll see how the awards pan out. I certainly have my opinions...
Showing posts with label Eric Michael Gillett. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eric Michael Gillett. Show all posts
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Sunday, September 18, 2011
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.
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!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
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!
It'll be interesting to see how the rest of the run/this Canadienne adventure goes.
Will be keeping you posted....
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....
Monday, May 30, 2011
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.
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.
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