26 December 2006
Even while I crawl at the speed of snail to get back into the swing of things, I am grateful that I’ve got a few auditions to go to before the New Year knocks. After spending 4 days in NYC, I'm fighting the temptation to just burrow under the covers and get some sleep. None of us left the house unless we had to this weekend, if nothing else than to avoid the madness of holiday shoppers. Late nights, combined with my bed being in the living room (and therefore major foot traffic for human and cat alike), resulted in not sleeping very well, but it sure was fun. :) Got a chance to talk to everyone in the family, so though I didn’t make it home for the holidays, I was able to talk to them and spend time with good friends. Hope everyone's holidays have been safe and peaceful thus far.
Watched Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (finally!) Nightmare Before Christmas (Zero is cute), Scrooged (entertaining, and with a message about it never being too late to change things), Carrie (why is that airing on Christmas Eve??), and a couple of holiday claymation classics over the course of the long weekend.
This weekend, I realized that I'm starting to run out of space on geocities. It really is time to get that new website going. I’ll probably inaugurate the New Year with a new website address, but I might just do a straight-up transfer and do the redesign later.
I just got back from an audition for The Maids and I hope the audition went well. Turns out the stage manager wrote an article that is going to be published about a theatre that I had performed at a couple of years ago (which has since been torn down), and the director went to college with one of the directors that I had very recently worked with.
It's a small world after all.
15 December 2006
FUNNY WORD OF THE DAY: DIGIBUNNIES...
Nothing much to update with, but I felt the compulsion to take a break from submissions and do some more writing other than cover letters...
I finished shooting my scenes for the film this past week, and most of us are done except for the final scene, which is going to be sometime in January. One of the actors is currently out of the country, and then I will be out of the country as well, so the schedule is dependent on when I get back to the States. At this point, I don't even know when I'm leaving, so a lot has been up in the air, which makes it quite frustrating with regards to auditions. I've passed on several good auditions because there would have been far too many conflicts with either or both the rehearsal or performance calendar.
I was a busy bot today, running all over (but quite efficiently) around NYC to get 2 out of the 3 auditions I wanted. I'm not quite sure how good I feel about how they went, but I think they went reasonably ok. The auds were film = 1, stage = 2. There have been several auditions as of late - film, stage, and industrial - but I've heard no word so may have to rub some rejection salve into my sad little wounds.
Saw "Donnie Brasco" last week, a movie that I've owned for over a year. I bought it on faith because it was supposed to be a good Johnny Depp movie, but I never had the urge to watch it until recently. A friend that I hadn't seen in years came over for dinner and we watched it then. Maybe I just needed the right company. Good movie.
Looking to get color headshots soon. I got a referral from one of my agents, took a look at the website, had some friends (who have an eye for photography) take a look at his portfolio, and have decided that I will have to find a way to scrounge the dollars and cents needed, but first I'm going to make an appointment to meet the photographer and see if we click. Looking forward to the headshots (all I have are B/W), but not looking forward to dipping into my savings. Already started doing that when I bought 4 Tennessee Williams plays this week. sigh.
OH! And I forgot to mention that the Adam and Eve footage is being edited and going to be ready soon. These guys are great - they keep us regularly updated and have done a great job with Part 1 and Part 2 so far. I trust them, and that really says a lot. If you're interested in seeing what they have so far, check it out now, or I'll let you know when everything's complete and you can see it in one fell swoop.
FINALLY: The Painted Veil opens in 5 days! Wheeeeee!
1 December 2006
SHOOT THE LOOK AT THE KID, THEN THE BOO-HOO...
I was at a screening of The Painted Veil earlier this week, over in the East Village. The cinematograophy was beautiful and the story was a kind of romance that does not make your heart pound, palms sweat, or leave you starry-eyed, but it pervades throughout your being and very quietly warms you from the inside without your awareness until much later. It's nothing I can put my finger on, even now; it's more like a dream or mist - just beyond my fingertips to describe, but very real nonetheless. It's frustratingly abstract, but all the more powerful because of it.
There was an interview and Q&A session afterwards. Subtract the distance from the floor to the mezzanine, and I was about 10 feet away from Edward Norton when I asked him my question. I just got goosebumps, reliving that moment. It's a moment that I won't soon forget. I asked him a question that has been percolating in my head for years now, and his answer helped to firm up some of my own beliefs, but at the same time, the question is (to me) too complex to be answered in the short amount of time we had, so the other questions that tangent from that main question are still gnawing at me. I suppose answering those questions can be a part of the journey.
Quickie updates:
Shooting for Interpretation should begin for me starting the week of December 11th.
Because of a technical difficulty at The Public Theater, I wasn't able to get the $10 Thursday tickets to see Durango tonight, but the show is still continuing its run, so I'm hoping to catch the play next week.
Minor success in getting copies of my work, should I decide to put a reel together. I don't have the copies yet, but I've finally gotten in touch with the people responsible, who have promised me a copy ranging anytime between next week to next month. Cross the fingers, cross the toes, braid the hair.
Slowly working with my friend on getting a copy of my voice work for King's Quest IX, which I'm told might be changing the name of the game to...good grief...I forgot...which is why I haven't changed it on my resume. There's still a chance they can keep the name King's Quest IX, so my friend said I could leave it as is for now. I'm sure he'll tell me once the name becomes final. He's been working hard on that game, and I can't wait to see the finished product. We edited some of the clips over Thanksgiving. 'tis a very strange sensation, hearing one's own voice saying things you don't remember saying because we recorded the character voices over a year ago.
Auditions. Yes, more auditions. Submissions. Yes, more submissions. I had to research one casting director's contact information for nearly a week before I was successful in getting it. I laugh at myself for it, but at the same time, that detective work was fun.
Ushering over at 12 Miles West for their production of Island this weekend.
Oh, and one last thing: Go see The Painted Veil. Goooooo!
24 November 2006
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Hope everyone had a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving. I'm still at my friend's house, working (!!) on holiday submissions, but it's relaxing. We made a non-traditional Thanksgiving meal tonight of chicken over noodles with a mushroom gravy, steamed broccoli, a large salad with mushrooms sauteed in balsamic and herbs, wine, fruit salad, homemade pumpkin bread, and Ghiradelli chocolate coffee. The cranberry sauce was completely forgotten until later, and much to everyone's amusement, a perfectly transposed "Ziploc" had been stamped onto the top side of the cranberry jelly when we took off the tupperware top.
We couldn't agree on a movie afterwards until I suggested MI:III. I must admit to a guilty curiosity and it was more to watch Philip Seymour Hoffman and Laurence Fishburne than anything. As with Kingdom of Heaven, lots of familiar faces in this ensemble. It was actually quite good. I totally wish I could've been cast as Zhen Lei, but alas :) I found it rather entertaining as far as action movies go, though it no longer bears any resemblance to the original TV series' storyline and shouldn't have the "Mission: Impossible" name attached to it...but for those who don't care about the original TV series, the movie is aptly named.
Last week's networking event at Bryant Park turned into nothing more than an ice skating outing, but I've no complaints. My ice skating legs came back in no time, and I'm glad to say that I didn't fall, even when some poor guy wobbled and careened right into me. The evening ended with a slow amble down 6th Avenue to see the windows at Macy's...makes me long to see the windows on State St. in Chicago...
I'm going backwards in my update...which brings me finally to the gala. There were several impressive performances, but overall, I was disappointed at how the event turned out. This event only reinforces how, in an ensemble, everyone adds to the whole. If one individual's performance is poor, no matter how others bring up the level of performance, the whole show is effected, especially when that individual is present throughout the event. I also felt the gala was under-rehearsed, and for the more experienced actors, we were able to handle that aspect of the evening without trouble. However, the evening showcased many more inexperienced actors than experienced. Some of the inexperienced actors showed promise, and it's unfortunate that they didn't get the rehearsal they needed.
All in all, the event served to introduce the company back into the community, but I didn't feel that the event showcased the best of what this company had to offer. I have hopes that their first mainstage production will fare better, as I've no doubts about the level of creativity this company possesses.
Finally - auditions are ongoing. I've tried to crash several EPAs, but the turnout for each has been overflowing, and the casting folks haven't been able to get through all of their Equity alternates, much less see the EMCs.
If this post is a little disjointed...apologies. I'm distracted by video games in the background.
18 November 2006
THERE'S NO BUSINESS LIKE...
The gala is tonight!
That's all I had to say. Heh.
Well, that, and I finally got a chance to spend time with one of my Piggies last night. Marc and I met up after he finished work and we had a late dinner and drinks. It was so great to catch up, and I just wish we had had the time to get together earlier instead of starting so late. However, given the Piggies impressive record of not being able to get together lately, I'll take what I can get :)
He had a chance to see both The Prestige and The Departed, two movies that I've been itching to see. We also gushed about Casino Royale and Little Children, two that I hope to have the opportunity to see before the holidays. Speaking of Casino Royale...I don't understand what all the grumping is about Daniel Craig as James Bond...I saw him in Munich, and thought he was great and quite honestly, I think would do justice to the James Bond name.
Time to head to Queens for the gala...staying overnight there because it'll just be too late to make the trains afterwards...which is just as well because we have ambitious plans to lazy around tomorrow afternoon before I have to meet up with another friend who wants to introduce me to some folks.
Did you know that there's an ice rink in Bryant Park? I didn't. I can't wait to go. It's been an eternity since I've ice skated.
By the way, Urinetown was entertaining - I turned off my professional brain for the night and just enjoyed it from a Regular Jane point of view. I'm consciously diverting my thoughts away from any thoughts of analysis...
16 November 2006
ARRIVEDERCI, FROG...I went to an EPA audition yesterday, but it was a bust (read: didn't get seen) after waiting for about 5 hours to get seen. I left my headshot and resume with the monitor at the end of the day, lit a mental candle to the acting dieties that the artistic director would still consider me for the role, and hoped for the best.
Rehearsal for the fundraising gala for Genesis Repetory Ensemble was also last night, so after the day at the AEA center (and reading 3 Yasmina Reza plays), I met my friend and off we went to Queens for rehearsal. It really is too bad that our Romeo and Juliet scene is only 2 minutes long (Act I, sc. 5 - "Holy palmer's kiss"); I would've loved to have done a longer scene with him. He and I have long talked about finding opportunities to work together on stage, and this wee scene has only whetted our appetite.
Information for the gala is below, if anyone is interested in coming out to see what Genesis Repetory Ensemble is all about:
Saturday, November 18, 2006 @ 8pm
21-14 30th Avenue
30th Avenue & 21st St.
Main hall of Advance Island City Mizpah Lodge
Tickets are $20, $15 with invitation
So if you're interested in attending, please contact me so I can email you the invite for you to print out.
Shooting for the indie film Interpretation begins this Sunday, though my scenes are not yet scheduled. One of the actors will be out of the country for a month, so the director is starting with those scenes in an attempt to get his scenes shot before he leaves.
I've been invited to see a college production of Urinetown tonight at Columbia University. I've never seen Urinetown, know practically nothing about what it's about, but I'm going and looking forward to doing so. Although...curtain is at 10...PM...!!!!!...Woof.
7 November 2006
HAAZAH FOR THE PAPER TIPPERS...
Yesterday was Part II of the OSCE I was working on at CUNY, so after unsuccessfully crashing an EPA, I rode uptown to the Sophie Davis School of BioMedicine to reprise the same character from 2 weeks ago, just 5 years older. The coordinator of the OSCE was unbelievably understanding and supportive when I asked how long I could stay at my audition. It's really too bad that I didn't get in. The Equity appointments filled quickly, and by the time I left for the lunch break, the Equity alternate list was 25 and growing. I was 2nd on the EMC list, but they never even got through all of the Equity alternates that day.
Recently watched Inside Man and Battlestar Galatica with some friends, and recently cooked dinner with them at their house. Surprisingly, really, how heart-warming it can be to chat over glasses of wine while cooking dinner with friends, watch a movie, and then warm the house with cookies as the evening chill gets more intense.
THIS LITTLE PIGGIE STAYED HOME...
The Pigs are 0-3 for trying to get together for drinks. It's almost comical, in a way, that we're having this much trouble coordinating our schedules. It's 5 people, with the choice of any day of the week (not just weekends!), and we still can't find a date that works for everyone. As one of my beloved castmates pointed out today "Ya know...they landed some guys on the moon!!". I can hear his voice and dry humor in my head and it makes me laugh every time.
The indie film has their first table read tomorrow evening, and this will probably be the only time that I'll be around the entire cast since my interaction is limited to only 2 other characters, I think. Looking forward to seeing how the project turns out.
Day 2 of background work for "The Tourist" was a lather-rinse-repeat of Day 1, except that the 2nd day was longer. I did have a chance to play chess during our downtime, though. I lost, but put up a decent fight. It was my king against his king (obviously), 1 rook, and 2 pawns. I think he enjoyed the game as much as I did; it's always nice to play the game with someone who plays the game.
Speaking of film projects: I'm having an inordinately difficult time getting in touch with one of the key people involved with the music video that I was involved with over the summer. It's starting to look like I won't get the copy of the project as promised. It's rather discouraging, to have your phone calls go unanswered, and it leaves you wondering what else you can do.
New website is in the works...I doodled some new designs while waiting for the mechanic, and I think I have a theoretical new design. I just have to see if it works just as well when I try to translate from my head to the computer.
30 October 2006
4:30am Woke up and thought, "Are you kidding me?!"
4:40am Crawled out of bed and into the shower
5:10am Left the apartment and started my trek into NYC for today's background work on "The Tourist".
7:00am Got breakfast and plunked myself down in the holding area
8:00am Wardrobe check
9:00am Background PA brought us up to the main holding area.
9:10am Shoe falls off.
9:30-1:30pm Sat in holding area, chatted with folks.
1:30-2:30pm Lunch
2:30 Back to holding area
2:40 Shoe falls off
2:45-5:00 Shot background scenes for Ewan McGregor's office scenes. Shoe falls off. He looks just like he does on screen. Shoe falls off. Pleasant voice, lovely accent.
5:10pm Shoe falls off
5:10-7:30pm Back in the holding area.
7:30pm Wrapped for the day. Head back to main holding area.
7:40pm Yup. Again.
8:00pm Back into regular clothes, back in sneakers, and signed out after a 12 hour day. Got a waiver for today's work. Will receive another waiver for tomorrow's work - only 1 more to go before being SAG-eligible. Thankfully, today and tomorrow will be paid on a SAG scale.
Tomorrow's call time is 8am. Pumpkin time.
29 October 2006
LATEST WORK...
I've just been cast in an indie film called "Interpretation". The director/writer originally wanted to call me in for the principal female lead, but after he spoke to me and reviewed my resume, he ended up writing an extra role especially for me. I was a little taken aback by that when he told me, but that's pretty cool. The film is going to be in the film noir style...I haven't finished reading the script yet, but the premise sounds interesting.
I'm also going to be working with Grant Wilfley for the first time. Just background work, but I'll get a waiver for the work. It's for "The Tourist" - Hugh Jackman and Ewan McGregor's current project.
GALA, TAKE 2...
Genesis Repertory is still on track for putting up their fundraising gala on November 18th, for which I'm slated to perform a scene with my friend (and I think his wife and another friend of ours). Originally, we had wanted to work something contemporary, but we realized, much to our chagrin and slight dismay, that the scene needs to classical. In fact, the scene has to be Shakespeare. So where do we find a good, self-contained, short scene for 2M, 2F?? My knowledge of Shakespeare is limited enough that I don't know how much help I'll be - I just know that I don't want to do anything from Romeo and Juliet.
STANDARDIZED PATIENT EXTRAORDINAIRE...
I just finished Part 1 of another OSCE, this one at the City College of New York, where I played a woman who's struggling to hide her illiteracy but at the same time, discussing cervical cancer with her "doctor". Part 2 will be in early November.
I'm nursing a tech headache at the moment, trying to refamiliarize myself with Photoshop - it's a powerful tool, and I don't know the tricks nearly as well as I ought to. That, and learning Dreamweaver. Pass the ibuprofen, please.
But the bright side of this is that it's exactly the kick in the bumpkus that I need to not only revamp my website, but also to finally buy a domain name and some server space. The more I work, the larger my website is going to get, and I've already been exceeding my file transfer quota.
Saw Munich last night, with a 3 hour break in between to go support my friend in a production of Children of Eden. It's always good to see him, and it didn't matter that I had already seen him do a production of this musical before. Munich was a good movie...long, a little bloody, but good...and I had to cleanse my head afterwards by watching something a little more light-hearted when I got home.
Happy early Halloween and joyous end of Daylights Savings everybody! Oh! And I might be getting together with my Piggies for drinks next week :) Wheee!
15 October 2006
BITTERSWEET GOODBYES...
We closed a very successful run of "FAT PIG" this afternoon. The cast has been through their ups and downs togethers, but we ended strong and it was indescribable, especially to share this performance with our audience. We were also all fortunate to have several industry folks show up during the course of the run. There was one invitation in particular that I had hopes of being answered, but alas. It would've been unforgettable to meet him, but perhaps another time. In the meantime, I'll just keep the faith. I'll put up more links to "FAT PIG" reviews, thoughts, and pictures soon, but for tonight, it's enough for me to be in my own head with my thoughts, and to say thank you again to everyone who came from near and far to support us, the show, and the arts.
28 September 2006
We're heading into Week 2 of performances and here's hoping that the word is 
spreading.
A reviewer was there to see our performance on Saturday night and declares that "'FAT PIG' cast is big on talent" and "12 Miles West Theatre Company has a big, fat hit on its hands."
Under Frank Licato's "deft direction", here are some things the reviewer said about the show:
"Amanda Jornov...efficiently characterizes a woman who's been hurt before and has her guard up."
"Tammy Tunyavongs...shows in her eyes the love that Jeannie has for Tom. That look will soon be replaced by fury."
"When the play made its debut in 2004, Jeremy Piven and Andrew McCarthy respectively played Tom and Carter quite well. In the same roles, Marc Donovan and Vincent Sagona are, remarkably enough, even better."
Please come out to see an amazing show that will make you uncomfortable, think, laugh, and cry. Tickets can be purchased at www.12mileswest.org or 973.259.9187
Photo courtesy of 12 Miles West Theatre Company
22 September 2006
We had a decent-sized audience for last night's preview performance. The show went smoothly and the director was very pleased. I won't speak for the cast or crew, but I think it's safe to say that we're all feeling good about the work that's happening, and last night's performance was not just a result of adrenalin. I'm very much looking forward to this run. I hope to see lots of people there. It's such a great script and all 4 characters are so flawed but so human that you sympathize with each one, despite some of the horrible things that are said and done.
Call 973.259.9187 to reserve tickets!
18 September 2006
TIME IS LEAVING US BEHIND...
FAT PIG opens in 3 days! I'm still wrapping my head around that concept. Sunday was our last night off, and now we're in the final stretch. I'm very proud of the work that everyone's putting into this show, on both sides of the stage. Tickets have been on sale, so please don't forget to call the box office soon!
Yesterday was a beautiful way to spend my last day off before Fat Pig opens. The weather was perfect for walking through Central Park, stopping occasionally for my friend to take pictures. We wound up by 86th street by the time we emerged from the Park and found ourselves not far from a street fair. We stopped there briefly, but we were too hungry to stop for long. We got a kick out of two little girls belting Aretha Franklin's "Respect" over a microphone with a live band behind them. I don't remember the name of the restaurant this was in front of, but not surprisingly, they had attracted quite a crowd and received thunderous applause and charmed laughter. That little girl was no-holds-barred gutsy.
We eventually made our way to Cafe Lalo for dinner, and I'm proud that we made it in and out of there without succumbing to the decadent desserts that were on display in the front. We did, however, walk to 72nd St. and stop into Cold Stone Creamery. MmmMmMmmm... Of course, I was shivering by the end because I was dressed for the warmth of the afternoon, not the mildly chill evening and ice cream to boot. I warmed up on our walk downtown, and after a quick stop at Kangol where his roommate works (they've got some great stuff there! I've already seen some things that I plan on buying once I've got the money), we walked the rest of the way to 34th St.
I needed that day to rejuvenate, emotionally and spiritually. Aside from one other person, I couldn't have imagined spending that day with anyone else. It was a privately special day for me, and my friend helped me quietly celebrate it, and I'm enormously grateful.
12 September 2006
COME AWAY WITH ME...
I just saw "The Illusionist" and have been re-inspired.
Is that too simple of a statement? I think it screams loud and clear.
Back to working on the script. We hit tech in a few days, and I've got some new ideas for Jeannie that I hope the director likes...
4 September 2006
ROAD MUFFIN AND TOO MANY SQUIRRELS IN THE CHIMNEY...
What becomes of us, the world will decide." ~ Balian, Kingdom of Heaven
UPDATED INFORMATION AND REMINDER FOR FAT PIG
LOCATION
12 Miles West
562 Bloomfield Avenue
Bloomfield, NJ
DATE/TIME
September 21 - October 15
Thursday - Saturday @ 8pm
Sunday @ 3pm
TICKETS
General Admission $26
Students/Seniors $21
***GROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE - email me with questions!
CONTACT
http://www.12mileswest.org
973.259.9187
DON'T CALL IT THE SUCK, MIKE...
We shot the Adam and Eve scenes this weekend in the Poconos. It was a beautiful location, and the house we stayed in became home for 4 days. I have to say...steam showers are a God-send. The weather wavered around the high 50's-low 60's, and it fluctuated between a light mist and steady downfall, with winds kicking up every now and then. Now that wouldn't have been so bad, except that Adam and Eve don't get to bundle up in thick sweaters, pants, and jackets.
Get my drift?
But I jest. Chattering teeth, goose bumps, and shivering aside, I have no complaints.
In fact, Adam and Eve were occasionally required to be filmed in their flesh-colored garments, and let me assure you that those garments covered only the bare (haha) essentials. But don't get me wrong - I've seen these shots, and they were tasteful and do not incite lecherous gazes in the slightest. This was a clean, humorous story about Adam, Eve, the Garden, and Adam's buddy, the Talkalope. They have more shooting scheduled in a studio in NY (I think), but that's without Adam or Eve. I'll put a link to the clip once they have it available.
There was plenty of levity on the set, but never in a way that detracted from our work, and certainly nothing that delayed our work. They were all very aware of the weather conditions, and they did their best to minimize the physical discomfort for us, though "Adam" and I were willing to do our parts to give the director what he wanted. They were quick and efficient, too. No hmm-ing endlessly over where to set up the next shot, no re-shooting because of missed lines. Everyone helped out, even our hosts. The PAs were invaluable. I hope they know how grateful we were.
When not shooting, I had a chance to help with a few other things, which was a blast, from making flower wreathes to cutting up strawberries for dessert. I wanted to go for a run, but the weather wasn't too inviting.
I escaped unscathed, bug-wise...though in one of our coldest and rainiest shots, "Adam" pointed out a spider on our Tree of Knowledge. I don't think he knew about my super heightened fear of spiders, but he must've heard the sheer panic in my voice, sensed my eyes frantically searching, or felt me tense up, because he quickly retracted his observation, only to tell me later (once we were safely away from the area) that there was indeed a spider on our Tree, and he didn't want me to panic. What a guy!
The hospitality of our host family was absolutely amazing, and after 4 days, we were all like an extended family. We would shoot in the morning, break for lunch together, shoot some more, and wrap for the evening. After everyone had a chance to take a hot shower, we'd sit around the table, nursing glasses of wine and talking. We even went through a power outage together, and after flashlights were distributed in the middle of the night, an impromptu breakfast reminiscent of a camping trip was whipped up prior to us hitting the road and driving back to NY/NJ in what turned out to be light traffic and gorgeous weather.
Other random event clips:
~ wild turkeys meandering through
~ a squirrel falling down the chimeny (successfully coaxed out of the house)
~ a 15lbs branch falling from 40 feet above, landing very close to our position
HERE PIGGY PIGGY PIGGY...
I had to miss several rehearsals of Fat Pig, due to the shoot, but the director of Fat Pig was gracious enough to work the other scenes that didn't require my attendance. Rehearsal for me resumes on Tuesday, and I'm looking foward to seeing what they've worked on in my absence.
AH, TO BE HOME...
I watched Kingdom of Heaven and was surprised that it exceeded my expectations. None of the performances really stood out, but I enjoyed Ed Norton's and Jeremy Irons' performances, as I usually do. I'd be interested in watching it again, paying more attention to the historical storyline. In addition to Orlando Bloom and Liam Neeson, there were lots of familiar faces that I didn't expect - Michael Sheen, David Thewlis, Marton Csokas, Brendan Gleeson, and Alexander Siddig. I was tickled to see Alexander Siddig back on the screen, and in a role that gives him a chance to stretch his performance muscles. I suddenly have a craving for a Star Trek: Deep Space Nine marathon...
Speaking of historical stories...I'm now free to watch The DaVinci Code, now that I've finished reading the book. I enjoyed Brown's writing more with this book than I did with Angels and Demons, which I remember as maddening, and I ended up skipping through sections, just to get to the historical fiction portion. I normally have much more discipline than to flip through pages when reading a book for the first time, but Angels and Demons was not written in a way that held my interest. I think I'll give it another chance...
My Labor Day weekend was a blend of work, relaxation, new experiences, new sights, and great company. All in all, a noteworthy few days, but I'm also glad to be home. I was content tonight to just breathe in my apartment and neighborhood again. Plans are already being set up for this weekend, sandwiched in between rehearsals.
My shoulders are tight. It's a familiar sensation, and indicative of the stress of recent events in my life. I can't even remedy the pain in my shoulder the way I would like. The flood of memories have been kept at bay, but as of late, they've been hitting me hard, permeating my thoughts no matter how busy I keep myself.
24 August 2006
Callbacks for 12 Miles West's Equity production of Fat Pig were held on Tuesday, August 22nd. Lots of people at the callback. I was nervous, but surprisingly more distracted by the fans (no A/C that night) that were getting...fresh...with my skirt. ANYway, I got the call from the Artistic Director the next day, offering me the role of Jeannie!
I won't repeat the words my friend used when he found out about it :) Needless to say, we are both thriiiiiilled.
Fat Pig was written by Neil Labute, who has also directed The Wicker Man and Nurse Betty, and written The Wicker Man and The Shape of Things. Fat Pig went up at the Lucille Lortel theatre starring Jeremy Piven (Tom), Andrew McCarthy (Carter), Keri Russell (Jeannie), and Ashlie Atkinson (Helen) in 2004, and explores the notion of physical beauty in today's societal adherence to Hollywood ideal beauty and changing the things we don't like about ourselves.
I don't have all the information just yet, but here's what I DO know:
LOCATION:
562 Bloomfield Avenue
Bloomfield, NJ 07003
Check http://www.12mileswest.org for more details!
DATE/TIME:
September 21 - October 15
8pm (Thursday through Saturday)
3pm (Sunday)
They're about 5 minutes walking-distance from the train station, so super convenient for all New Yorkers (hint!). Email me for directions, train schedules, etc...
This show will earn me my first EMC points, so I finally have good reason to figure out how this whole EMC point system works towards becoming Equity.
I'm also getting ready to shoot the film out in Pennsylvania. We're having our first production meeting this Saturday, and they just sent me the script this afternoon.
I just realized that I never did get around to writing any sort of play review for the plays I've seen recently, most notably "Romeo and Juliet" (my friend played Tybalt) and "Soul Serenade" (I also knew someone in that cast). Tomorrow night, I plan on seeing "Four Acts" over at The Clurman. Maybe I'll do a mass review after this weekend, or after I finish and submit my article. Deadline is the end of this month! Eeeeeep!
16 August 2006
I WOULD TOTALLY EAT A MARSHMALLOW FAIRY...
The music video was not quite what I expected for the experience, but it was still worthwhile. They didn't bring a volleyball net to the location, so we had to improvise and pepper instead of really scrimmaging. Ahhhh phoo. The music for the cheerleaders is now also embedded in my brain and I can't seem to unstick it. But overall, it was a good experience and I met some good people. They're going to continue shooting the rest of the video through October, so I won't get to see the final product until much later.
I've also been cast as Eve in a short comedy about Adam and Eve. We're going to be in the woods for the entire shoot, so break out the bug spray! (Is this a good time to mention my insane aversion to bugs?) Plus, I'll be clad in next to nothing (as will Adam), to establish the illusion of nudity. I mean, this IS Adam and Eve after all. They can't exactly be sporting Abercrombie and Fitch, now can they? This project is still in pre-production, so I haven't seen the entire script yet, just what I saw during the auditions. Incidentally, this was the film that I auditioned for where I said "the script was charming."
Had an audition today for a Neil LaBute play. Not quite sure how I feel about how I did, but I'm waiting nervously, hoping for a callback. I haven't read the whole play yet, but I really liked the side I was given at auditions. I even liked the character I was up for (Jeannie). From the little that I read from the side, my interest in the play has definitely been piqued. Started taking grant writing classes today. Hopefully I can be an asset to Genesis Repertory, and maybe even 12 Miles West (I'm a company member at both theatres), now that they're (Genesis) back from their hiatus. They're going to be starting with a fundraising gala (October), and their first production is going to be Romeo and Juliet. Sigh. A lot of memories associated with that show...
A LOT.
Siiiiigh...
12 August 2006
MEET ME IN MONTAUK...
I crashed an EPA today where, for the first time in a long time, I really felt like I didn't belong, ethnically speaking. I text messaged a friend of mine, bemused at the demographic of actors in the room, and told him that "I was either really ballsy or really stooopid". His swift reply sent me into giggles: "Ballsy, baby! Ballsy!" Even now, I'm snickering to myself at the simplicity of that pep talk. I actually didn't get seen at the EPA, but at least I had 2 auditions lined up today, so today's trek into the city was still fruitful.
Heading towards the 2nd audition, I ran into an old friend. I was in Richard III with him, and I hadn't seen him since that show closed. Talk about random. Turns out that he had just finished auditioning for the same film that I was heading to. The audition went well, I think. The script was charming, and the people in charge were genuinely great people. I hope for good news regarding this one.
Today has been a LONG day. I walked over 70 blocks (boy, are my dogs tired!), had 2 auditions, celebrated a close friend's birthday, found out another close friend has eloped, and saw a play whose central theme revolved around racial tension and prejudices. Well, there's more to it than just that. I'll need a little more time to fully let that experience sink into my skin before I can write more about it.
Now...I've got to prepare a pair of contrasting monolgues for an EPA season audition tomorrow morning...BUT. Not before marveling yet again at the subtleties of Michael Shanks' reactions and performance in this episode of Stargate SG-1.
Tried Ethiopian cuisine for the first time last night and rewatched Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind...this one is eventually going to have to be a purchase. It's just too good of a movie.
8 August 2006
"The truest form of respect is what you do, not just to the person's face, but behind their back..." ~ Me
First off...my street exploded. Literally. Black, thick, billowing smoke that would make the special effects guys proud was spewing out of manholes following 3 underground explosions, which resulted in an evacuation of my building and power shutdown to all the surrounding buildings to prevent further KABLAMs! Really fortunate that no one was crossing the street at that time, cars and people alike...
Ah, the heat wave...
So...I was out of commission for a few days, missing several auditions and falling a little behind on submissions.
Since then, I've been trying to salvage some missed auditions by mailing my information to casting directors on the hope that it's not too late to be considered. I've been on several acting and print auditions and am now waiting for the results. The music video should be shooting this weekend.
Saw Hitch and Runaway Jury (again). Hitch was predictable in the warm fuzzies, but genuinely enjoyable and sweet. About 15 minutes before the end, Kevin James' character goes to Hitch's apartment and has a conversation with him that struck a chord. Meh...
My neighbor loaned me "The Da Vinci Code" (and Runaway Jury). I can now (hopefully) stick to my original plan and read the book before watching the movie.
A man that I had worked a Halloween festival for last year contacted me recently, and I've agreed to mentor an inner city high school student once his job starts in September. He's really dedicated to teaching the students about the arts and giving them opportunities that may not be available to them otherwise as a group. I know one of his ideas is to raise enough money to take them all to a Broadway show. Wow. But yep...so I'll be mentoring a student come the fall. From what he tells me, it will most likely be a remote mentorship, with the occasional invitation to come see a show. He doesn't have it completely mapped out yet, but these are some of his initial ideas. I'm glad to have a chance to contribute. Hopefully more news on that soon.
30 July 2006
Bump, Set, Spike...
I went to my first Hindu blessing/Christian baptism today, and it was, despite the heat, an enjoyable time. On my way back from the event, I got a call to be a part of a video as one of the volleyball players. A rather random film credit, with details still needing to be ironed out, but barring any scheduling conflicts, this will be my next project. I anticipate that it'll be fun because a) they want real volleyball players and b) I haven't played in years and it'll be great to play again, even if just for a day. It'll be a 1 day rehearsal and 1 day shoot, location still TBD.
I saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with some friends tonight, and I'm glad that my misgivings about the movie were so wrong. The snippits from the trailers and previews made Johnny Depp look ridiculous, but he has some priceless moments, and suddenly all those lacquered expressions make sense. It even made the running-smack-into-the-glass moment funny, and not just some 3 Stooges moment. I'm glad he didn't attempt to recreate Gene Wilder's performance. Two completely different performances, and I liked them both. Watching this movie has rekindled the desire to see the new Pirates movie, as well as Finding Neverland - to see Johnny, Freddie Highmore, and Kate Winslet - which leads the tangent to rewatching Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind...
"If there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart. I'll stay there forever" ~ Unknown
Oh yes, and I want to see Scanner Darkly...completely unrelated to the other movies, but there it is, all the same.
This coming week is slowly filling up with EPA crashes. :)!
27 July 2006
Just got back from an audition today with Tiffany. Not exactly print work, not exactly film work, but more like a melding of the two. I've got a couple of auditions lined up for tomorrow, but nothing meaty to really sink my teeth into, which I'm dying to do. Although, for one of tomorrow's auditions, I'll need to drag out my rollerblades. It's been well over a year (and that's generously speaking) since I've been on blades again, but hopefully it'll be more like riding a bike instead of a newborn fawn taking its first steps. I had planned on blading through Central Park for a bit, but the humidity was just too oppressing. Unfortunately, that means donning on the rollerblades, rolling up my carpet, and practicing in my living room.
Random side note for the day: I took a sinfully long lunch hour with my friend today after my Tiffany audition, and we walked through Central Park in the sweltering heat. We ducked into the Rambles for awhile and just admired a shaded and quiet corner with a babbling brook and a little dam that suspiciously looks like the handiwork of a beaver. Are there even beavers in Central Park? Afterwards, we walked through the Dairy, into the playground where, and since I was mostly melted at that point, I took a quick detour into the fountain that the kids were squealing and splashing each other in. We climbed a rock - not an easy task in squishy wet sandals - and looped over to Bethesda Fountain before we walked him back to his office.
The lunch outing was most definitely worth it, though it did mean that I was too drained to stop by the Drama Book Shop like I had intended. That's ok...I'll be back in the city tomorrow and will have time in between auds, so I'll go then. There are a few plays that I've been meaning to read and that's as good a time as any. Plus, they have A/C!
Hopefully with the passing of this mini heat wave will bring in more auditions and more work for me. What do successful auditions and Mother Nature have in common? Absolutely nothing. But I do hope that I'll get some more work soon. :)
17 June 2006
It's inexplicable. You're not fully aware of how much something's a part of your day-to-day until you take a breather. I jumped straight in to working on Tape after finishing Much Ado About Nothing, but since Tape was in the director's chair, I feel as if I've been away from the stage for a lot longer than I have been. I feel horribly out of sorts. Nothing's knocking on my audition door - only 2 crashes for next week - and quite frankly, I needed this past week to recuperate from being sick and getting finances in order.
Sigh. What a strange funk this is.
Really hoping that an audition pans out soon because I'm straining at the leash to get back in the game.
13 June 2006
TAPE finished a satisfying and successful run on Sunday, June 11th. After the matinee, we had to dive right into striking and repainting the entire room. It started off slow, but we eventually got into the groove, and in a couple of hours, we turned that room around as if we'd never been in there. Bittersweet, to think what that room looked like just a few hours ago. There's also something memorable about striking a set with a small core group of people. Working side by side with them, it helps put all the frustrations of the work process behind us and we remember why we started and will continue to work together. One of the guys recommended A Hatful of Rain for me to read. Not sure whether he wants me to look at it as a director or actor, but I'd be interested either way.
The folks at Theatre Row were great; they were more than accommodating, and we got to talk with them and establish a solid (and hopefully long-lasting) relationship with several of the technical staff. Thanks to them for all their help and for all the times they went above and beyond. And of course, thanks to those people who came to support us. Sean, Tadas, Ben, Ken, Chris, just to name a few.
Got sent out to my first print audition by one of my managers yesterday. An interesting experience. Highly impersonal, but quick and easy as far as auditions go. I would never want to make modeling a primary source of income for myself, but I wouldn't object to a few jobs like that along the way to earn some extra money.
While I'm thinking about it, I'm going to put up some pictures from the production my site...and get some more rest. Seems like my body decided to shut down after the crisis of putting this show together had passed; over the course of one afternoon, a low headache became a dizzying roadblock, my body ached all over, and I got home and slept most of the night and the next afternoon away. My boyfriend was a real angel - made me dinner and tea and we watched movies all night. Well...he did. I drifted in and out of consciousness through it all.
21 May 2006
Since closing night of Much Ado About Nothing on May 10th, I've been working on putting a production of Tape together. I actually got the call about 15 minutes before running out the door to get to The Laugh Factory for closing night, and since then, it's been a frantically busy period since I had exactly 3 weeks from May 10th to get the show ready. Tape opens on May 31st and runs for 15 performances at Theatre Row. Tickets are $20 (at door) or $22 via Ticket Central. Tape is a really good script that explores friendship, betrayal, perceptions, and calculated coldness. More information is available at You Are Here Production's website. I'm excited to see how this show goes; I think it has solid promise. With another week of rehearsals to go, we should be able to bring this show up to an even higher level.
I just finished another OSCE, this time in Brooklyn. I liked this one even more because it allowed me to speak solely in Thai. The cultural OSCE was "Lost in Translation", and my partner and I spoke in Thai while he translated information back and forth between me (who "doesn't speak a word of English") and the resident. It's an exercise in discipline for the actors, having to play the role dozens of times in the course of 6 hours, while still maintaining a standard so that each student gets the same test.
6 May 2006
ALL THIS TEDIOUSNESS ON ME...
GOD SAVE THE FOUNDATION...
Much Ado About Nothing opens tomorrow night! I was worried that we'd have trouble pulling everything together because of a constant shift in cast members, but the group really pulled together and I'm feeling light and positive about the show. Come check it out - there are some memorable scenes, not to mention characters, in this show. The show is a part of The Merry Month of May festival that Moonbeam Productions is putting up, but our show will only be running May 7-10. The theatre is very...ummm....what's the word? Cozy. LOL It's a very intimate space, so the audience and the actors will be just about on top of each other. The intimate setting and basic lighting that Shakespeare may have intended his plays to be performed in? Come, come! Above The Laugh Factory, 3rd floor, on 42nd and 8th.
COUGH COUGH...
I just had a most interesting learning and acting experience, thanks to the New York University School of Medicine. I, along with 5 other actresses, was hired to portray Standardized Patients for their 1st year med students' Objective Standardized Clinical Exam (OSCE). We each played a young asthma patient who is conflicted between taking her family's traditional Chinese herbal medicine for her asthma, or Western medicine, which her family believes is detrimental to her health. I think it's a valuable teaching tool, and though there were a few students who were resistant to this exam, hopefully most of them took in the feedback from both the professor and the actor. I enjoyed the job, and hope that they'll be in touch again next year.
And that's pretty much it. I haven't been home in nearly a week and before I throw myself into my work, I am, I repeat: I AM going to be sinfully lazy for a few hours...in MY home...mmmmmmmbliiiisssssssss.
11 April 2006
DIVERSIFICATION...
EXPANSION...
All this time, I've been daunted by the prospect of writing for anything other than a hobby. After all, we all critique things we read, whether it be plays, poems, novels, or magazine articles. Everyone has their likes and dislikes, and it's just another way to put yourself out on the line - to be judged, criticized, or praised.
But then again, like with acting, much of the reason we do it is because it is what we love to do, and by being true to that, it brings a sense of completion, purpose, and fulfillment. Philosophically speaking, of course. I also love giving something back to the community through the arts, so in a way, I do it for the people who come see the shows, who read what I write. But to think that everything I do is going to be critically acclaimed and well-received is just plain ridiculous.
But one can hope.
I guess.
So...after hmming and hawing over the prospect of writing as an additional facet of my career in the performing arts...I've decided that it's time. I've begun the deceptively simple task of brainstorming and character development. I have not a clue what the process of publishing entails, and while it may be jumping a LOT of guns, I'm going to start researching how to proceed once I have some work that is "ready". Researching, even at this early stage, may solidify writing as a serious goal instead of a hobby.
I HATE NEEDLES...
I just got cast in a medical training project, where the purpose is to provide a training tool for their med students. My character is an Asian girl, stricken with asthma, whose physician is counseling her in ways to convince the grandmother that Western medicine may be beneficial instead of relying solely on homeopathic remedies. I will have a skeleton outline of my character, but the rest is improvisational as the character interacts with a variety of med students. Her reactions to the med students will be unscripted and will vary, depending on their attitude. Afterwards, the actress will be asked to provide feedback to the students, thus serving the educational function of the project.
HITHERTO's, THOU's, and METHINK's...
Much Ado About Nothing rehearsals are finally going to begin next week. I'll have to take on an extra role for the last performance, to cover for another actor who cannot be there.
22 March 2006
GRRRR...ARRRR
WHAT THE...?!
What month IS THIS?! Where in the world have I been?!
No earth-shattering stories to share. Just auditioning, exploring job opportunities where I can since I'm still in the ranks of the unemployed, and wrapping up Shaolyn Jones that I started shooting last year.
The reading for Much Ado About Nothing was completed without much incident. Rehearsals for the stage production will begin in April. There hasn't been much communication since the reading, and there was some re-casting done between then and now. That's about all the news surrounding that show for the moment.
Basically, the past month or so has been a quiet routine of job searching, while living life and appreciating the little things in life and the people in my life. It's been great to engage in other activities that aren't always acting related, to see and appreciate my surroundings, like watching movies for fun, museums, puzzles, reading (scripts and non-scripts), etc...Acting is certainly my passion, but it's good to not lose sight of other things that are important. A fatal choking incident at my boyfriend's restaurant gave all of us some real perspective. Gave a call to the important people in my life that night.
RANDOM THOUGHTS...
I can't wait for the audition cycle to kick into high gear again. But at the same time, not too of a high gear. How's that for inexplicable contradiction?
Spring has officially begun, though you wouldn't know it from the weather today.
I need to start writing again. I've let that slide for far too long. Don't know where to begin, and that in and of itself sucks some of the motivation out of it.
Make time for who and what are important and similarly, don't waste time on who and what are not.
Though some may ridicule me for it, I still find Richard Dean Anderson and Michael Shanks to be amusing and underrated entertainers.
And now...it's time to go get my taxes done. Siiiiigh.
20 January 2006
EPAnic
I often find that people look at me askance when I mention how auditioning for someone I know or have worked with before sends my stomach into a frenzy whirlwind of butterflies and other flutter-ness. For some reason, I find it more nerve-wracking. Anyhow, I recently auditioned for a director that I recently worked with for a new equity project, and now I'm just waitingwaitingaaaahwaitingwaitingwaaaaugh!!!
No, I'm not nervous. Don't be silly. Why would you think that?
SHAKE-EN, NOT STIRRED
In the meantime, I'm working on another Shakespeare production - a reading and full production of Much Ado About Nothing. This is the same group that sponsors Shakespeare Saturdays and with whom I did a reading of Hamlet with this past summer. Rehearsals have not yet started, so not too much to post about it just yet, only that the one-day reading will be in late February, and the full production will be in May (at the Manhattan Theatre Rep).
I recently watched Traffic, and I'm still digesting the movie. It's not quite what I was expecting, though if you ask me to pinpoint exactly what differed from my "expectations", I can't put my finger on it.
Don't you just hate that?
Overall, I liked the movie. I think.
Now I have to go fix the code for my page. For some reason, random "?" marks are appearing in the code, making everything look wonky.
3 January 2006
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Hope everyone had a safe and pleasant holiday!! Speaking for moi, the holidays were stress-lite and I had a most memorable Christmas weekend. New Year's Eve ranked lower on my holiday memories, but still one worth remembering, for different reasons.
A part of me shamelessly wishes to crawl back into that wonderful holiday bubble that we generated and just enjoy that warm, pure emotional joy and contentment for another week.
Nothing new to report on the professional front. Buckling down to study, do lots of reading, and getting myself out there for as many suitable auditions as possible. I shop-talked with a friend for several hours, and I feel ready to jump into the New Year, all recharged and refreshed. He gave me some good pieces of advice and leads for me to pursue, so while I battle the masters of partial financial benefactors (aka unemployment/department of labor), I'm hoping that another paid acting gig will come my way soon so that I can start paying my bills again.
Wishing a great New Year to one and all!