A bit of Theater History

Well...!

As it turns out, I am now a part of Theater History.

The show I am now rehearsing with The Culture Project's, "In Masks Outrageous and Austere" is the World Premiere production of Tennessee Williams' last full-length play, directed by David Schweizer.

I am so excited to be a part of this!

Moreover, I'll be sharing the stage with Tony-award winning actress, Ms. Shirley Knight.

Checkout the PR:

It's gonna be interesting...

Nice work, if you can get it....and you can get it...if you try.

Well, this is something new - I've been booking!!
In the past two weeks:
I booked (and have since, shot) a pilot.
And I have just been offered roles in two Off-B'way plays.

Holy Sh!t!

Right now, we're trying to see if I'll be able to do both shows. The schedules are a little staggered, so it's possible.
I do hope so.

More to come.....will post deets as I get them.

I like this feeling!

Whoever said Acting was easy.....

is very wrong!

Movie Night is wrapped!

Now, it's all about the post and editing.

I wish I could say I enjoyed my stay in LA...but I was too damn busy to...

Mostly 15 hour + shoot days, had to extend my trip...hardly had time to see my close friends.

To those of you I didn't see: please accept my humblest apologies. I wanted to see everyone, but just couldn't.

On another note - we did have fun working - especially since we DID get it all shot.

Plus, I had a hand in the make-up (special F/X and what-not) - we had much success with the special-effects, I believe. Can't wait to see it all!

We also had particular fun shooting our exteriors "guerilla-style."

But we got it all!!!

...and we're rolling....

While filming is going great, we've fallen a bit behind. Not surprising considering the intricacies of this project: tracking camera effects, special F/X make-up, complete coverage, etc. So, I've had to extend my stay here in LA for a few more days.
No worries - it's all gonna look great. And it gave me another day to visit old friends, which was lovely.
Had a nice hike to Bronson Canyon, saw the "Batcave" from the 60's TV series - pretty cool!

I was feeling bad as this was more of a work trip, not leaving much opportunity to socialize.
This short will be a great showcase for all involved.

We're getting it done.

Oh, and it's 70˚ here, by the way; I hear it's about 10˚ back East....not rubbing it in....just sayin'

Auld Lang Syne!

Another year.
While 2011 was not without its challenges, I can't complain. Truly, I cannot complain. The year began with my literally being snowed in, in New Jersey, and it ends with my basking in the sun in Los Angeles. I'm here shooting a short film. It is between 70˚-80˚ here.
As I write this, I am downing a nice coffee in my favorite coffee bar, the Bourgeois Pig, and wondering why the overly-tanned guy across the way from me feels it's OK to take his shoes off and sit on the sofa, barefoot.
LA, baby!

Anyway...It may be cliché, but it is hard to not get reflective around this time of year.


So, to keep up with a new tradition - A wise friend of mine suggested that instead of making a list of New Year’s resolutions (that are likely to be broken), it is better to list your accomplishments from the past year.


So, here goes (chronologically as best I can): 


* Taught 3 courses (both SPRING and FALL Semesters) at 2 Universities
* Co-produced and acted in Us vs. Them, an Off-Off Broadway production
* Started Volunteering at NY Cares
* Performed in a show at the Montréal Fringe Festival
* Got new headshots
* Taught a class during the summer session at Rider University.
* Performed the role of Oberon and Theseus in A Midsummer Night's Dream
* Booked a Co-star on Law & Order: SVU
* Performed in another production of Small Talk in NY (this show crossed an international border, I have no problem listing it twice!)
* Shot a feature film
* Shooting a short film in Los Angeles
* Designed Make-up for 3 plays and 1 short film 
* asked to return to teach at both universities, for the SPRING '12 semester
* My family remained healthy (not an accomplishment, per se - but I'm grateful as hell for it!)


I made some new friends, lost some old ones. 
Endured loss, and overcame setbacks.
I have been very fortunate and am grateful for every opportunity that has come my way - despite the obstacles that '11 brought with it.
While I feel good about the past year's accomplishments, I cannot use the word, "satisfied." There is still a sense of unrealized potential, or success that I cannot help shake. Maybe that feeling is what some call "drive" or "persistence."
I don't know.
Maybe the coming year will bring some greater sense of ease...?


May the best of 2011 be the worst of 2012!

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.