Jacob York, "Professional" Actor

Nice things that were said about me in Fat Pig

2011-02-21T00:09:00.000-08:00

Here are any comments that I'm seeing for Fat Pig for Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

"Fat Pig conveys how disagreements in real relationships don’t necessarily involve yelling and breaking things, but can be soft-spoken and painfully drawn out. The audience develops an emotional stake in whether Tom can rise above his concern for the opinions of others."
- Curt Holman - Creative Loafing - Atlanta, Georgia

"Jacob York brings to Tom a certain innocence and openness that made his final capitulation all the more aggravating. Will he be the “go-to guy” for all LaBute productions in the area?"
- Brad Rudy - Atlanta Theatre Buzz - Atlanta, Georgia

Actor. Just actor.

2010-12-14T14:45:00.000-08:00

I look back over this last year and I am floored with how many blessings have been poured out upon me. Not everything has been easy, but everything has had a point. Let's do a year end recap, shall we?

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I started off this year doing And Then They Came For Me: Remembering the World of Anne Frank. The point was focus and representing the theatre to the best of my ability.

In June, I opened reasons to be pretty. There's no question that it's been the biggest challenge of my professional career up to now. The point was building stamina and proving that I could do serious contemporary, not to mention working together with a brand new theatre company.

Right after that was Sally and Glen at The Palace for the Essential Theatre Festival. The point was that there are parts out there that are written for me, whether or not the author is aware of that fact. To have had the opportunity to bring Glen to life on stage was such a thrill, and I truly can't say enough nice things about Peter Hardy's script. I hope, hope, hope that I'll be able to see Glen again.

In August, I came back to the Shakespeare Tavern to do A Midsummer Night's Dream. The point was that Demetrius doesn't have to be a jerk. He doesn't. And it served as a reminder of how much I miss that place.

In September, I was in Unnecessary Farce at Stage Door Players. Getting to work with Robert (of course), Carrie, Annie, Holly, Larry, John, Allan and Leslye was a great experience, as always. The point from this one is maybe the most important one that I've learned all year. It is important to be valued. I'm absolutely bowled over by the love that place shows me every time I go in there.

Finally, in October, I went back to middle school at The Alliance. During the run of Middle School The Musical, I learned so much about myself and all of my castmates. I truly hope they bring us back again next year to have another go 'round. Working with Rosemary is always a pleasure. No one is a bigger fan than me. The point of MSM was, really, the point of the year. Wasn't sure I could make it, but I was shown how.

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This coming January, come see me in AUTOBAHN (One Night Only!) for PnO.

This coming February, come see me in Fat Pig at The Aurora and see if I crash and burn or prove my mettle. This is, truly, one of the only plays I'm afraid of. We'll see how it goes.

This coming March, come see me in Academy ALSO at The Aurora and try to not notice that this is an actual, honest to God musical I'm doing, which is something I never thought I would professionally do.

This coming April, come see me again in Midsummer at The Tavern as we bring it back for a full run. Last time was just a tester. During this run, I fully anticipate beautiful things blooming.

Nothing after that. But just because I've got work now, don't for a second think that I'm letting up. It is in my nature to hustle and I'm still a hungry actor.

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This year, I've gotten to work with new companies. I've got to play leads and show that it isn't a mistake to give me a big workload. I've been back on stage at The Alliance, rapping like nobody's business. I wore a kilt for Robert Egizio. And even got on stage at the place that I still consider my home in Atlanta.

I look back on this year and I marvel that I had theatrical employment (Not even counting Kidstuf and reThink!) in all of them except December. I look forward on this next year and marvel that my first five months are already booked.

I will direct you to a blog post that I made last year where I said, "2010 is my year... Mark it, kids."

Well, holy crap if it didn't happen.

Here's the thing, though. I have to keep building. I have to keep striving. I have to stay hungry and I have to keep on the hustle. And I will. I will enjoy the moment, but I will not take a second of it for granted, because I know it could all be gone in a moment.

Lord, thank you. Ain't possible without you.

2009 was my year on the cusp. 2010 was the beginning of me actually having a career in Atlanta. 2011 will be my breakthrough.

2011 is my year... Mark is kids.

Nice things that were said about me in Unnecessary Farce

2010-10-02T12:53:00.000-07:00

Here are any comments that I'm seeing for Unnecessary Farce for Stage Door Players in Dunwoody, Georgia.

"The sheer athleticism of Annie York, Jacob York, Markowski, Walrond-Hood and Phelps is amazing... Your sides and face will ache from the nearly nonstop laughter."
- Gayle Suggs - Dunwoody Crier - Dunwoody, Georgia

"...The excellent Jacob York scores as a kilt-clad hitman, armed with bagpipes and an amusing brogue."
- Bert Osborne - Sunday Paper - Atlanta, Georgia

We also got a nice notice on Artscriciatl.com saying, "Unnecessary Farce is good-natured, goofy and, if not a necessity, an indulgence that will give you an evening of laughs."

Too Too Too Fast

2010-09-11T17:31:00.000-07:00

So, what's happening?

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Firstly, I guess I should get the shameless self promotion out of the way. I mean, let's be honest, part of what this blog is all about is aggregating all of the nice things that people say about me into one convenient location. Please note that this is not about me believing my own hype. Rather, it is in the hopes that someone else will.

I was singled out by Bert Osborne as one of the three "Up and Comers" of the year, by The Sunday Paper.

Also, Brad Rudy of Atlanta Theatre Buzz (As always...archived at Theaterreview.com.) mentioned me in his annual If I Picked the Suzi's column, once singularly from reasons to be pretty, then again as a member of reasons' ensemble.

I've had a very good year, and I'd be lying if I said the attention wasn't nice. But I really just want to keep working. So, keep liking what I'm doing, and I'll be more than happy to keep doing it.

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Also, a lady ran into my car when I was on the way to Midsummer yesterday. There's something.

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Birthday is coming up in a few days. I'll go ahead and keep the other info for a big post around then. Kinda tired now.

Nice things that were said about me in A Midsummer Night's Dream

2010-08-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

Here are any comments that I'm seeing for A Midsummer Night's Dream for The Shakespeare Tavern in Atlanta, Georgia.

"Let's start with the cast. For once, the four lovers are the comic equals of the "Rude Mechanicals" here. Jacob York's Demetrius towers over Matt Felten's Lysander, and a lot of comic mileage is made of that. Director Andrew Houchins has staged the forest scene with so much wit and slapstick and originality, that I (and, I daresay, everyone else in Friday's crowd) was actually breathless with uncontrolled laughter. These four performers are so dynamic, so compelling, that they could have carried the show themselves, without the "low-brow" Mechanicals."
- Brad Rudy - Atlanta Theatre Buzz (Archived at Theaterreview.com)

Concentration

2010-07-30T11:28:00.000-07:00

So, what's up?

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Having a lot of really nice things said about Sally and Glen at The Palace. I think it's been pretty darn good. Just a few more appearances, and then we're putting Glen to bed as well. As it is.

Bert Osborne said nice things. Wendell Brock said nice things. Brad Rudy said nice things. Curt Holman didn't talk about us very much, but pick up the latest newsstand edition of Creative Loafing if you want to see the biggest picture of me that has ever been in any publication ever. Pretty crazy, huh?

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For a guy that doesn't have a day job, my time is starting to fill up, which is pretty great. We had our first rehearsal for Midsummer at The Tavern on Wednesday, and it was just great fun. So excited to work with all of those people.

On top of that, it looks like there may be another play sneaking in between Midsummer and Middle School The Musical. I will let you know when I have full confirmation on it, but it IS at a place that I have worked before. And we are having to do some shuffling to make it happen. It seems like it's all going to work out, so keep your fingers crossed.

On top of that, Kidstuf is going to be starting up again soon, and I'm trying to write more, which is giving my brain quite the workout. Let's see where it all leads.

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I have my first audition for a gig next year coming up in a week or two. You know me, blogfriend. I like to lock down stuff as soon as I possibly can. As I have said before, let's just hope that this next year is just as populated with jobs as this past year has been.

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A few plugs!

Some friends of mine have been working on a movie called Revelation Trail. They just released the new trailer. I think it looks fantastic. You should watch it...right...now.

Another friend, Angie Gregory just had her film, Goodbye, Wendell accepted into the Glen Rose Neo·Relix Film Festival. Excitement for her.

I'm sure there will be more. I'm excited for my school friends. Very lucky to have gone to school with such great folks.

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My Dad is coming to see Sally and Glen tonight. First show he's seen since The Lost Colony. Hope I don't blow it.

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I feel like there was something else. Perhaps it will come to me.

Nice things that were said about me in Sally and Glen at The Palace

2010-07-24T10:39:00.000-07:00

Here are any comments that I'm seeing for Sally and Glen at The Palace for The Essential Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia.

"You have to admire...the winning performances of Kate Graham (Sally) and Jacob York (Glen). York is a wonderful comedic actor who ultimately reveals his character’s tenderness and vulnerability ... Graham and York are two young performers to watch."
- Wendell Brock - Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Atlanta, GA

"Sally and Glen at the Palace is ... warmly realized by director Ellen McQueen and co-stars Jacob York and Kate Graham. The thoughtful and sensitive performances by York and Graham [prove] that bigger doesn’t always mean better."
- Bert Osborne - Sunday Paper - Atlanta, GA

"It doesn't hurt that Sally and Glen are given such vivid performances by Kate Graham and Jacob York. Glen is almost a "before" view of the character Mr. York recently played in "reasons to be pretty," obsessive and driven, earnest and naive, intelligent and clueless, all at the same time, and he is absolutely perfect in it."
- Brad Rudy - Atlanta Theatre Buzz (Archived at Theaterreview.com)
- Atlanta, GA

Nice things that were said about me previously...

2010-07-24T10:18:00.000-07:00

I decided I needed a place to toss all of the nice things people have said about me, so here it is. If you want to keep up, feel free to check out the Nice Things People Have Said About Me label here.

Please note - All reviews are from professional theatres.

From The Faustus Project #14 for Crooked Twilight Theatre in Orlando, Florida.

"Jacob York is quite good as Doctor Faustus... Both York and Howard make it quite entertaining with their grand performances."
- Michael W. Freeman - The Ledger - Lakeland, FL

From The Lost Colony at The Waterside Theatre in Manteo, North Carolina.

"Director Jane McCulloch has cast ... accomplished stage veterans (narrator Greg London; Jacob York as fiery Spanish seafarer Simon Fernando)..."
- Julie York Coppens (No relation...) - Charlotte Observer (Archived Copy Available for a fee) - Charlotte, NC

"Lastly, but not 'leastly,' a charmingly evil Simon Fernando dashingly done to a beautiful turn by Jacob York. I do so love a good Simon Fernando!"
- Pat B. Fearing - The Coastland Times - Manteo, NC

Everything past this point will be somewhere under the aforementioned label.

Essential

2010-07-12T10:39:00.000-07:00

Reply All. It kills me. It does.

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What's up, blogfriend!? I'll tell YOU what's up!

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This week, I'm opening Sally and Glen at The Palace (I keep wanting to type Palance...) for Essential Theatre Festival. I'm excited to get it on it's feet, even though there's one terrible, terrible picture of me in the promo pics. I swear, I don't have a double chin that bad in real life. Swear.

It's been an interesting process. Like I said in the video preview, this is a guy who is so much like who I was in high school and college. Putting on his shoes, has been incredibly easy and incredibly difficult at the same time. I think we're going to be good. Come see it.

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Up next, we've got Midsummer. I need to start working on my lines for that...

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Things went down with my day job! I am no longer working there. As is life. I need an agent even more than before.

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I have three auditions coming up in the next couple of weeks. Two in Atlanta (Lobby Hero for Pinch n' Ouch again and Unnecessary Farce for Stage Door Players) and one in Alabama for Alabama Shakespeare. It's not exaggeration to say that auditioning for them has been a dream I've had for a while, so I'm very excited about this opportunity.

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How are you, blogfriend? How are you?

Nice things that were said about me for reasons to be pretty

2010-07-01T08:44:00.000-07:00

This is mostly for my own personal edification. Check out the reviews if you want to see nice things that were said about the production. Also, in case I need to prove to myself and my parents that I was, once, good in something, here it is. Real content forthcoming.

"York neatly captures how the unassuming slacker shakes off his go-along-to-get-along passivity."
- Curt Holman - Creative Loafing

"York does a really nice job of...showing how the character does mature."
- Curt Holman - Air Loaf

"...the four-character drama hinges on the ingratiating performance of Jacob York as Greg..."
- Bert Osborne - Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"But this is Greg’s story, and Jacob York is a tremendously likable actor, mining the lines for every confused nuance, for every befuddled laugh, for every through-the-heart misunderstanding. He plays exceedingly well with his cast mates, and I look forward to seeing more of his work."
- Brad Rudy - Atlanta Theatre Buzz (Archived at Theaterreview.com)

First lead in Atlanta is in the books and done with. Here's to a couple more. The Dirty is treating me well this year. Keep on keepin' on.

Reviews of reasons to be pretty

2010-06-17T05:14:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post about reasons. We're having some very nice feedback. Here's a review that Creative Loafing had. Also, if you want to hear Curt Holman discuss us, as opposed to just read his opinions, you can check out this podcast. If there's anything more, I'll update this and toss it here.

UPDATE:
Bert Osborne reports that I'm ingratiating for the AJC. I've got a pretty kicking vocabulary, but I will admit, I looked it up just to double check that it was a compliment.

That's two. Come on ArtsCriticAtl.com... They liked us! We're worth your time.

YOU TOO, fair reader.

UPDATE 2:
Same day! Susan Asher also says nice things about the show here.

Keeping Up

2010-05-30T14:15:00.001-07:00

Since I've been in Atlanta, I've longed for a part that could really, truly be considered a lead. Now that I have it, I'm not quite sure what to do with it.

I'm joking, obviously, but I will say that the short rehearsal period for reasons to be pretty is grinding me down a bit. I'm just lucky that I've got a dedicated group of folks working on this with me to help stay on the right track.

Speaking of which, there's all sorts of stuff out there about us. Curt Holman gave us some press in his Creative Loafing blog along with another few writeups that are coming our way shortly. I'm very happy and lucky to get in with a company like this on the ground floor. Go buy some tickets.

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I will be making a return to The Shakespeare Tavern stage. Keep your eyes open in Midsummer Night's Dream for me. I'll be the one being a total jerk to a girl who really likes me.

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Things are heating up. I've got solid work through October, which is such a blessing. Here's hoping one or two more things can break my way and help me finish out this year right.

I said that this year HAD to be better than last year. At this point last year, I had finished up Hamlet at the Tavern, and Spreading It Around at Stage Door Players. I didn't even know about Middle School The Musical. Those were all great situations to be in, but that was it. Three shows. This year, I had a nice long run with And Then They Came For Me, and I've got four shows that haven't even opened yet. When it rains, it pours. Let's just hope that I can keep it flowing.

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The last paragraph had a couple of really labored metaphors. Whatever. I'm not sleeping well. My head has too many lines in it.

Very, very thankful to have such a problem.

Reasons to Be at The Palace

2010-05-01T09:18:00.000-07:00

HEEEAAAAYYYY!!

That was my favorite line from my time in And Then They Came For Me, so it's only fitting that I use it as my triumphant return to blogging. I thank all of my fans (read: Carolyn) that waited with baited breath for me to slouch back to relevance.

Some things have happened! Let me inform you.

- I wrapped up my time at Georgia Ensemble doing the afforementioned And Then They Came For Me, and I feel like much more a part of the Atlanta scene. I mean, they've been doing this show for, like, 13 years. I can name at least five friends off the top of my head that have done this show, and that doesn't even count the people who were in it with me. All in all, it was a good experience. I loved the folks out there and here's hoping I'll be there again next season.

- I have two (count 'em) shows coming up this summer. First, I have reasons to be pretty (It kills me to not capitalize that...) for a brand new company in Atlanta, the Pinch N' Ouch Theatre. Second, Sally and Glen at The Palace, written by Mr. Peter Hardy (my director for ATTCFM) for The Essential Theatre Festival. I've got to be honest, I'm super excited about both of them. They are tied for "First time Jacob has been a lead in Atlanta" and they're each deep, contemporary plays that I can really sink my teeth in to. Hopefully, you'll be able to make it out to one or both of them.

- After that, Middle School The Musical is coming back to The Alliance stage, so I've got three shows coming up, which is just lovely. Only a couple of slots left for the rest of the year. Book me soon! I'm very popular right now.

- Other than that, personal life is what it is. Go to Manny's with me some time. We'll talk all about it.

I'll make an effort to be on this more, but for now, that's a good update. Consider yourselves updated.

Update.

This is one of the nicer countries in the world!

2010-02-24T15:57:00.000-08:00

I'm deep into And Then They Came For Me right now, so the absence is, as always, excused. This week, for instance, we have a stretch of three shows where I'm going to have to get up before the sun in order to make call time. It's something else.

Other than that, not much is going on, folks. I'm heading to Lexington next week to audition for some folks who are going to be at SETC and some friends for a movie they're probably going to shoot in April. I do love a good road trip.

Things are progressing. I went in to The Alliance recently to take some pictures for a certain show I might be in. That was pretty exciting.

ALSO, I got smacked down at UPTA. Did I tell you about that? I did.

I also lost some progress on a screenplay I was working on.

Stalled. Stalled. Stalled. That's where I am, kiddies.

Joke / Truth by Aziz Ansari

2010-02-04T15:08:00.000-08:00

Never stop hustlin'. When you feel like quitting the hustle, start hustling harder. When you've hustled harder and you're like, "Ok, I can take a break from hustling." Then.. YOU HUSTLE EVEN HARDER.

This is how I live my life. Only without all of the street connotations.

Take You To My Castle Far Away

2010-01-24T08:29:00.000-08:00

You guys.

One mere week ago, I was up at 8:30 in the morning to sing Peter Cetera.

Now, granted, I'm not what you would call "musically inclined." I don't often sing in shows, but I've been singing more than a bit in Kidstuf recently. We've got an interpolation of "Glory of Love" by Peter Cetera (The theme from Karate Kid II...) that the comic hosts had to come in and record for the February show.

I will say this. I went for it. And no one can take that away from me. But that man will break your soul if you have to sing like him without properly warming up for eleven hours.

Eight thirty, you guys... That's too early for that.

Tune into the website after the show, too. Jon Williams, Brandon O'Dell and I also shot some videos. They're all improv. I'm not sure whether I would rather someone write for us or not...

AND go to the website NOW to see the very last landing page that Allison and I got to do together. And, after you see how hilarious it is, write to the Kidstuf staff and convince them to bring it back.

Although, real talk time, I guess I understand why they're getting rid of them, and all I can say is that I'm so happy to have had them for so long. I go back and watch the old landing pages, and you can really see our relationship and chemistry mature. When she came in, I'll admit, it was a tumultuous time and not exactly the way I wanted my first couple of months at Kidstuf to go. Without the time we spent working together in those landing pages, it would have taken much longer for us to get our patter down. And, even beyond that, become such great friends. Truly, she is someone that I look at as a big sister now, no matter how I treat her on stage.

And so much of that was built on the landing pages. I loved the opportunity to do them for so long. It was a blessing.

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I had a couple of auditions last week. I feel like the one for New Harmony in Evansville, IN went pretty well. I'm not as happy with the one I did out at Actor's Express (my first audition for them!), but I do think I showed them what my interpretation of the character would be like, so in that respect, I'm pleased.

I have a couple more the next few weeks. But I'm worried about going to UPTA. It's going to be a bear of a drive alone.

I also think my Georiga Shakespeare audition went well. Diany's Georgia Shakespeare audition, on the other hand, was... not what one would expect.

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There's not much to update, really. Things are going as well as they can, I guess. I'm starting rehearsals for And Then They Came For Me on the 1st, so there should be more to talk about.

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Good to talk, blogfriend. Here's hoping I have all sorts of stuff to talk about in this new year.

This is real...

2010-01-11T16:20:00.000-08:00

So, the new year, huh? It's already better than the last one.

As I've said before, I think that my problems stemmed more from my years on Earth as opposed to the calendar (I.E. my 26th year, as opposed to the year 2009...), but I'm still happy to see 2009 in my rear view.

It was eventful.

I initially had a lot more stuff typed up, but let's just leave it at that, what do you say?

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I've got at least an audition a week to close out January. That's great, even if I don't necessarily think I'm going to get any of them. I'll still take it. One is at ART Station, one is a Georgia Shakespeare, and one at New Harmony in Evansville, Indiana. I just love logging miles.

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Speaking of which, as of my most recent count, I had travelled more than 12,000 miles for theatre last year. My poor car.

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2010 is my year... Mark it, kids.

Quiet Time

2009-12-18T17:23:00.001-08:00

It's been pretty quiet in my life, folks, which is why it's been pretty quiet on this blog. Now, I'll try and figure out some things to talk about.

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Auditions have been pretty few and far between recently. I'm hustling to find as much work as I can, and I have had a couple of moments I'm proud of, including on ALMOST general audition at The Shakespeare Theatre in DC, but there just isn't much going on right now.

I do have a couple of auditions scheduled for January, at least. That's nice. And at places that I've never worked before, one in Atlanta. Keep your fingers crossed for me, though, for there are still so very many places I haven't auditioned for, and even more than I simply haven't worked for yet. Hi, Theatres That Haven't Seen Me Audition Yet. My name is Jacob. I'm sure you'll just love me.

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I've done two readings in the last month, after having not done one since that baseball play I did a reading for out at Market House Theatre. One was called Behind Closed Doors and was written by good friend and fellow Middle Schooler, Bernard Jones.

Secondly, but first chronologically, was Spoon Lake Blues by Josh Tobiessen. It's a play that The Alliance is looking to do next year. Here's hoping I acquitted myself well. All the bigwigs were there. That was intimidating.

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They're cutting the Kidstuf landing pages, those hilarious videos featuring me that you'll see when you log onto kidstuf.com and click on the Buckhead button. If you're only now finding out about them, I do feel sorry for you, because we've had some pretty hilarious shoots. Some of my favorites have featured me singing songs about love to my co-host, dressing up as a superhero and, of course, chewing on a grotesque cud of candy corn.

Complain to anyone who will listen. This was, truly, one of my favorite parts of Kidstuf. I'm sad it is going away.

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Christmas is just around the corner. My proud return home, a mere three days away. It's going to be a hard holiday.

After that, New Years! I'm sure I will have something to say about it.

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Hey...we're coming to the close of the first full year of me having a blog. I'll throw a party. We'll eat cake. That's how I get down.

The Cusp

2009-11-10T06:31:00.000-08:00

Wow, but it has been a busy couple of weeks. Let me catch you up.

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Middle School: The Musical at The Alliance was a rousing success. Everyone involved was just lovely, and I looked forward to spitting my rhyme at the end of the show every day. I'm sad that it was such a short run, but maybe we'll be back...

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Also, having done a show at The Alliance, I have found an odd connection. I've found that I'm more invested in Atlanta theatre, for some reason. I mean, this is my second theatre in Atlanta proper, and I made such great contacts that I can't help but feel like something good is coming. Diany, one of my fellow actors in MSM said that she feels like I'm on the cusp of something. Now, I don't know about that, but I DO think that it isn't ridiculous to hope that this little, fun show is the beginnings of a snowball that will hopefully turn my career into, at least, the bottom of a snowman...

Of course, I could be wrong and this could all blow up in my face, so who knows?

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Speaking of Diany, she has been my theatre companion over the last four weeks or so, and I have seen a lot of theatre. Right off the top of my head, I've got Bunnicula at Synchronicity, Richard III and Macbeth at the Tavern, Julius Caesar at Georgia Shakespeare, and A Life in the Theatre and Second City: Peach Drop, Stop and Roll at The Alliance. It's been wonderful! Some of the standouts were Tiffany Porter (obviously...) in MacB, Amber Nash (Of Dad's Garage fame...) in Second City, and, it sorta goes without saying, Andre DeShields in A Life. Many people were very good, but these guys just get a bonus pat on the back from me.

And, I gotta say, this month has given me the itch to do Shakespeare again. Hard. It has also given me the itch to work all over town. Man, I would love to work with GA Shakes and Synchro. Man, I would love to do more stuff with The Alliance and the Tavern. Man, I want to work! I'm hungry...

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Maybe there's more. Maybe there's not. Personal life is going very well, thanks for asking.

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Also, I would be insane if I didn't give a shout out to Veronika Duerr. She turned in one of the best performances I saw last year in Tradin' Paint. Well, apparently, the Atlanta theatre illuminati agreed with me, because she won the Suzi Bass Award for Best Actress. I'm bursting at the seams with joy for her.

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Maybe there's more. Maybe there's not. You'll know if you need to.

When the crypt doors creak and the tombstones quake...

2009-10-31T11:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween! This is one of my favorite months of the year, especially in the south. I've already been to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween and Universal's Halloween Horror Nights. A few days ago I went to Six Flags to have some Fright Nights fun. Plus, all the Halloween programming and theming around makes me smile. It's a great time of year and I'm always a little sad when its over.

SO, I'm going to be pretty busy next year, hopefully. I've signed on to play the part of Young Ed in Georgia Ensemble's And Then They Came for Me, Remembering the World of Anne Frank. That is a mouthful. It is not that long on my resume. This will be the first time I've worked with Georgia Ensemble, and also the first time I've worked with Peter Hardy, so I'm pretty excited. It runs through parts of February, March and April, so it's a long stint.

ALSO, I've heard that a certain musical I was in this year might be coming back next year. As is my habit, I won't say anything until I've received assurance, but it is seeming more and more like a sure thing. Which should be pretty darn exciting.

Not to mention maybe trying to film something in Louisville. Not to mention all the auditions I've gone on outside of Atlanta. And UPTA. And Kidstuf and reThink. And (HOPEFULLY) some other stuff in Atlanta that I don't even know about yet. I'm loving this town more and more, so all things being equal, I would like to stay here. I just don't know that all things stay equal...

So, that's about caught you up, blogfriend. Week after next, I'm heading to Washington DC. I'm sure I'll have all sorts of adventures.

All Play and No Work

2009-10-23T05:46:00.000-07:00

Man, it's amazing what being at the day job less and having my computer die does to my blog output... Don't have a ton of time, so here are some updates.

- Middle School: The Musical has been going beautifully. I'm ecstatic I've been able to be a part of it.

- I may have more information on my next project soon. We'll wait until it's assured to talk about it...

- Also, there may be some interesting things in the works from my buddy Brandon Howell.

There's a lot of stuff going on right now. Here's hoping I'll have a sec to calm down and catch my breath in a bit. I'll let you know how that goes...

King of the Road

2009-09-28T06:15:00.001-07:00

So, remember when I said I'm sure I would post another blog last week? Well, that was before the power supply on my computer went kaput thanks to the storm. Oh well...here's a bunch of random notes.

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I'm on the road again this week. It seems like I'm always in my car. Not that there's anything wrong with that, it's just that I'd like to slow down a bit. I know, though, that I've got AT LEAST one thing taking me out of town through December, and maybe through February... We got American Shakespeare Center, DC trip, Christmas and UPTA. Lots of miles...

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We're about to begin rehearsals for Middle School Musical at The Alliance, which is exciting. I think this is going to be a good show already. We're all bringing a lot of stuff to the table.

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BUT, you know me well, blogfriend... Just because I currently have a job, doesn't mean that I've stopped freaking out about future employment. I've got nothing in November and December, which is...ok. I would have liked to have gotten It's a Wonderful Life out at ART Station, but losing out to any of those folks isn't a diss to me. There are more opportunities coming up in January, which is good, but not exactly something I can fall back on... I'm just hoping I can get in for a few auditions at some places I haven't been before (Actor's Express, Dad's Garage) and maybe get a solid part in Lear or Shrew at The Tavern. Eh, I'm just thinking out loud at this point. I try to plan so meticulously, but it rarely works out...

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There are some people in my life that I really miss right now... Hope I get to see 'em soon.

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The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, which a Youth Players show at The Alliance that I'm assistant directing with KG Morton, is going beautifully. There are a lot of really talented, really great kids in it. It makes me wish I had done stuff like that when I was young...

More info on that when we get closer to performance time.

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I'm a man of means, by no means king of the road.

Bookends

2009-09-19T16:28:00.000-07:00

Back in the halcyon days of 07, I shot a little movie called Bookends. It was directed by Matt Riddlehoover, who was a friend at one point, but he hit it big with Watch Out and I haven't heard from him in some time since then. As is life, I reckon.

Anyhow, I JUST found out that the film has gotten a release and is available for you to purchase right here. It even stars my good friends Brandon Eaves, Tia Shearer and more!

I've got to be honest with you, I don't know that it's the best work, but I DO think that Tia is fantastic in it, and for something shot over two weekends, you really can't ask for anything more. It was a good experience and, hey, it got me on IMDb, which is awesome.

Check out the trailer. Please note the great deal of weight I have lost since this movie was shot. Here's the first one where I figure in really prominently.

And then, here's a second one that focuses more on people who have actually been in films before. Whatever, suck it, I got Bane of Matthias coming up, yo!

BOOKENDS Trailer from Matt Riddlehoover on Vimeo.

Retrospective

2009-09-19T07:37:00.000-07:00

The end of the year is generally my time for retrospection, but I think this is a special cause. Let me break it down for you. This is going to get a bit personal.

26 has not been a good year.

I mean, sure, one or two good things have happened in it, but, by and large, it will be remembered for the following things.

- The year Clair (my girlfriend of ALMOST 3 years. Almost.) and I broke up.
- The year ALL the dogs in my family died.
- The year I fell off a bit in regards to work. Granted, maybe this is just my opinion, but it seems like I've worked less this year. I was so very busy last year...
- The year my Granny died.

It's been a hard one, but, as I've said to other people, this is the year that everything shows. The work that I have put in this year is going to pay dividends starting now. I've got some good stuff going into my 27th year of life. My gig at The Alliance is coming up, along with the TYA show I'm co-directing for them, which has been great fun. I've got two out of state auditions coming up with places I would really love to work for. I've gotten more confident singing at auditions, which was a big stumbling block in the past. All this, and I started off the year in one of my favorite places in the world with one of my favorite people in the world.

26 was balls, folks. Let's be honest. 27...now that's the year for me...

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Needless to say, Florida was fun. Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween was WONDERFUL! I strongly advise anyone go... it was the best.

Also got to ride the new coaster at Universal, the Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket. You've never ridden a coaster until you've ridden one with Daft Punk blaring in your ears, that's all I'm saying.

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That's all for now, but I'm POSITIVE that I'll have something more this week, in spite of how busy I am. High five.

Kentucky Kisses

2009-09-12T07:32:00.000-07:00

I've had an up and down couple of days. More up than down. Let's vent, blogfriends.

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Dennis wrote a country song about me. Yeah, I'd listen to it.

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Had an audition with Nashville Shakes the other day. Feel pretty certain nothing will come of it, but the audition felt GREAT. It was one of those monologues where you feel more powerful at the end than the beginning.

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Also went home for a bit. That was good. It was good to see everyone before my birthday.

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I don't know...I truly don't have much to talk about here. I feel that there's a big, comprehensive "Passing of the year" post coming, but I'm not quite there yet. The big day is this Wednesday (9:16 AM on 9/16) and I'll be in EPCOT that day, so don't expect a post then. We shall see.

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Had my Synchro audition. I'm not good at memorizing things. It's a failing I have as an actor that I work, and work, and work at. But, I buckled down and really worked on one of the sides for Dead Man's Cell Phone that I KNEW I needed my hands free for. So, I worked my tail off and got really off book for the audition...and we didn't even touch that side. We only did the other side. The one that I didn't prepare nearly as much for.

THAT is sorta how my year has gone.

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Also had my Alliance audition. Eh, I dunno. I mostly leave auditions in a state of indifference. Jody Feldman called me a "smart guy." I'm not sure what that means.

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My phone is BROKEN! Let's see if Apple can do something for me today...

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Heading out of town on Monday. Send all gifts beforehand, please.

On to the next one...

2009-09-02T14:48:00.000-07:00

So, what's going on in my life?

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I've been listening to Jay-Z's "The Blueprint 3" all day. Good stuff.

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I've got another audition at The Alliance tomorrow. This time for the Kendeda winner, Tennis in Nablus. Devotees may remember that I went in last year for Smart Cookie, last year's Kendeda winner. As always, it is very nice to be thought of and here's hoping this (and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe AND Middle School Musical) is the beginning of the flowering of a lovely friendship between The Alliance and myself.

But, until then, gotta tweak that Irish accent.

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Still haven't had my Dead Man's Cell Phone audition yet. Swine flu scare. Yes, I'm serious. It's something I've been looking forward to so much, I just might burst when I actually get to do it. Yes, I'm serious.

Truly, I want this show very badly. But you know this.

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I've got friends coming into town on Friday! Friends that love me unconditionally. It should be a heck of a time. We're going to Dragon*Con.

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It looks to be a heavy month for driving. I may head home after an audition for Nashville Shakespeare, and then to Orlando a couple of days after that. Busy, busy, busy.

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And it's on to the next one...

Day 7 - Sunday - It's Alright to Be Little Bitty

2009-08-29T15:43:00.000-07:00

This was the one I had the most fun doing and also the longest. In fact, I may start this one a day early. It's sure to get me into a good mood... Also, did YOU do a music detox? Are ya gonna? Anything you got to say about mine? Am I ranting to the darkness? Let me know!

Day 7 - Sunday - It's Alright to Be Little Bitty

1 - Alan Jackson - Gone Country
2 - Alan Jackson - Little Bitty
3 - Big and Rich - Six Foot Town
4 - Big and Rich - Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)
5 - Brooks & Dunn - Boot Scootin Boogie
6 - Brooks & Dunn - My Maria
7 - Charlie Robison - John O'Reilly
8 - Charlie Robison - My Hometown
9 - Garth Brooks - Ain't Goin Down Till the Sun Comes Up
10 - Garth Brooks - Callin Baton Rouge
11 - George Strait - Adelida
12 - Hank Williams Jr - Family Tradition
13 - Hank Williams Jr - A Country Boy Can Survive
14 - Hank Williams Jr - Hog Wild
15 - Johnny Cash - A Boy Named Sue
16 - Johnny Cash - Folsom Prison Blues
17 - Kenny Chesney - When the Sun Goes Down (Feat. Uncle Kracker)
18 - Kenny Chesney - I Go Back
19 - Kenny Chesney - Keg in the Closet
20 - The Soggy Bottom Boys - I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow
21 - Gillian Welch & Alison Krauss - I'll Fly Away
22 - Old Crow Medicine Show - Wagon Wheel
23 - Ryan Adams - To Be Young (is to be sad, is to be high)
24 - Steve Earle - Copperhead Road
25 - Tim McGraw - Indian Outlaw
26 - Tim McGraw - I Like it, I Love it
27 - Toby Keith - Beer For My Horses (Feat. Willie Nelson)
28 - Toby Keith - I Love This Bar

Double JJ, here I come...

Day 6 - Nerdcore Risen

2009-08-29T15:37:00.000-07:00

Ah, you thought I had forgotten about you, didn't you? Nope, no such luck. Here's day six! I'll go ahead and post day seven immediately after...

Day 6 - Saturday - Nerdcore Risen

(All songs from video games or inspired by nerd culture. Yes, there is a lot of MC Frontalot.)

1 - Suikoden - Gregminister
2 - Team Genius - Illegal Donkey Kong Remix
3 - Bust a Groove - Happy House (Shorty's Theme Japanese)
4 - Bust a Groove - Let the Music Take Control (Hiro's Theme)
5 - The Advantage - Ducktales, Moon
6 - The Advantage - Megaman II - Stage Select and Metal Man
7 - The Black Mages - Maybe I'm a Lion (Final Fantasy VIII)
8 - The Black Mages - Those Who Fight Further (Final Fantasy VII)
9 - Gitaroo Man - Born to be Bone
10 - Gitaroo Man - Flyin to Your Heart
11 - Roo' Ra - Summer of Love
12 - Banya - Beethoven Virus
13 - Banya - Oh Rosa
14 - Epaksa - Space Fantasy
15 - Portal - Still Alive
16 - Guilty Gear X - Holy Orders
17 - Mos Def & High and Mighty - B-Boy Document (Baddd Spellah Remix)
18 - MC Chris - Tractor Beam
19 - MC Chris - Evergreen
20 - MC Chris - The Tussin
21 - MC Frontalot - Hassle: The Dorkening
22 - MC Frontalot - I Hate Your Blog
23 - MC Frontalot - Bizarro Genius Baby
24 - MC Frontalot - Floating Bridge
25 - MC Frontalot - Gonna Be Your Man
26 - MC Frontalot - Good Old Clyde
27 - MC Frontalot - Mountain Kind
28 - MC Frontalot - My Sister
29 - Turbo - Gigaton Punch
30 - The Protomen - The Will of One

Day 5 - Indie Loves POP

2009-08-27T21:21:00.000-07:00

Another day, another playlist... One of the reasons I'm glad I'm doing this is because, now, I'll always have a playlist for a few, very specific moods I get into.

Also, this is the point where I pretty much gave up on order, since I always listen on shuffle anyhow...

Day 5 - Indie Loves POP

1 - Matt And Kim - Daylight
2 - Phoenix - Lisztomania
3 - Passion Pit - Little Secrets
4 - The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - Everything with You
5 - Architecture In Helsinki - It'5!
6 - Black Kids - Hit The Heartbrakes
7 - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - The Skin of My Yellow Country Teeth
8 - Dartz! - Once, Twice, Again!
9 - The Format - She Doesn't Get It
10 - The Go! Team - The Wrath Of Marcie
11 - The Go! Team - Get It Together
12 - Hal - Play The Hits
13 - Jens Lekman - A Sweet Summer's Night On Hammer Hill
14 - Les Savy Fav - The Year Before The Year 2000
15 - MGMT - Kids
16 - The Oranges Band - Ride the Nuclear Wave
17 - Ratatat - Lex
18 - Ted Leo & the Pharmacists - Where Have All the Rude Boys Gone
19 - Ted Leo & the Pharmacists - Me and Mia Ted Leo & the Pharmacists
20 - Jack Penate - Second, Minute or Hour
21 - Sondre Lerche - the Tape
22 - The Wedding Present - Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)

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Also, speaking of happy music, how have I not heard of Alphabeat yet?

Day 4 - Rock and Roll Friends

2009-08-26T21:11:00.000-07:00

Alright, today is totally a cheat day. I found it was too difficult to make an entire CD full of varied comic artists singing. SO, I'm tossing in a bunch of my favorite comedy CDs (Anything Patton Oswalt or Henry Rollins, etc...) along with some songs as well. Some of the particular standout are...

Liam Lynch (Feat. Jack Black) - Rock and Roll Whore
Sifl and Olly - She's a Carrot - Delores - Prostitute Laundry - Performance Art - Rock and Roll Friends
The Lonely Island - A random smattering of their hits.
Flights of the Conchords - Boom - Bowie - Inner City Pressure - Ladies of the World - Mutha'uckas
Tenacious D - Beezleboss

Tomorrow, we'll return with your regularly scheduled and strictly compiled playlist!

Day 3 - Revenge of High School Jacob

2009-08-25T15:59:00.000-07:00

Hey folks. Before we get into your regularly scheduled musical post, I do have a short bit of news.

I was so worried I wasn't going to be acting this fall. Looks like I'm going to be singing in Middle School Musical, a Theatre for Young audiences offering from (dramatic pause) The Alliance. I'm ridiculously psyched. This couldn't have worked out better on multiple levels. I'll still get to go to Orlando on my birthday, I'm going to be able to work out my other trips out of town, I get to branch out and get a musical and a new theatre on my resume, I get to work with the amazing Rosemary Newcott, and, on top of it, it's the Alliance. I mean, come on! What isn't to like?

I really lucked out here, guys. I don't know how it happened, but I'm pleased it did.

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All of this came from a pretty hectic and stressful day yesterday.

8:00 - Wake up. Iron clothes. Shower. Get ready. Drive.
9:30 - Shoot a video for reThink. Wear cowboy boots. Eat one chicken biscuit.
3:00 - Head from reThink straight to The Alliance for my Middle School Musical callback.
5:00 - Head STRAIGHT from the callback to work.
9:00 - Head STRAIGHT from work to my audition for Grease at Georgia Ensemble Theatre. It doesn't shame me to say that I don't consider myself a "singer", but I am always proud of myself when I overcome the fears I have and really commit to it. Thanks to Bethany Irby for being the one playing the piano. She calmed me down quite a bit...

If I have time to prepare, I'm a servicable singer... It's still nerve wracking. But a little pat on the back to me for doing it twice in one day. Watch out, folks. Musical theatre royalty coming through. (/irony)
10:00 - Go home. Collapse. Sleep like a baby.

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Now, why you really came... You want to know what the next mix is.

Day 3 - Revenge of High School Jacob

1 - House of Pain - Jump Around
2 - Lit - My Own Worst Enemy
3 - Backstreet Boys - I Want It That Way
4 - Counting Crows - Mr. Jones
5 - Dave Matthews Band - Lie in Our Graves
6 - Fun Lovin' Criminals - Fun Lovin' Criminals
7 - Live - All Over You
8 - Pearl Jam - Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town
9 - Red Hot Chili Peppers - Soul to Squeeze
10 - Sevendust - Black
11 - Spin Doctors - Jimmy Olsen's Blues
12 - Fastball - Out of My Head
13 - Green Day - 2000 Light Years Away
14 - Rufio - Above Me
15 - Rx Bandits - Analog Boy
16 - Goldfinger - Superman
17 - The K.G.B. - I'm a Player
18 - Less Than Jake - Last Hour on the Last Day of Work
19 - Suicide Machines - New Girl
20 - D'Angelo - Send It On
22 - The Fugees - Fu-Gee-La
23 - Wyclef Jean - To All The Girls
24 - Beastie Boys - Sure Shot

Day 2 - Electuesday

2009-08-24T21:13:00.000-07:00

Day 1 was a rousing success. Then again, I needed Outkast to get me through all of the auditions I had. Before I pass out, I'm gonna toss up the tracklist for Electuesday. Feel free to play along!

1 - Soulwax - NY Excuse (Justice Remix)
2 - Lo-Fi-Fnk - Steppin' Out
3 - Simian Mobile Disco - Audacity of Huge (Feat. Chris Keating)
4 - Röyksopp - The Girl And The Robot
5 - Cut Copy - Lights And Music
6 - Simian Mobile Disco - Off The Map (Feat. Jamie Lidell)
7 - Hercules & Love Affair - Blind
8 - Emil & Friends - Sleepyhead (Passion Pit Cover)
9 - Midnight Juggernauts - Road To Recovery
10 - Daft Punk - One More Time
11 - Discovery - So Insane
12 - Röyksopp - Happy Up Here
13 - Hot Chip - One Pure Thought
14 - Emil & Friends - Electric Feel (MGMT Cover)
15 - The Avalanches - Two Hearts in 3-4 Time
16 - Daft Punk - Digital Love
17 - Hot Chip - Ready For The Floor
18 - Justice - DVNO
19 - Muscles - Jerk
20 - The Toxic Avenger - Superheroes 2007
21 - Justice - Phantom pt. II
22 - United States of Electronica - Emerald City
23 - Stardust - Music Sounds Better With You

My Music Detox - Day 1 - Monday - Stay on the Grind

2009-08-23T22:46:00.000-07:00

So, I was listening to the new album by The Antlers today and thought, "MAN, I've been listening to a LOT of Sad Bastard Music lately." For the record, I don't think I need to explain Sad Bastard Music...but if you've ever heard Bon Iver, you know what I'm talking about.

Anyhow, over this week, I'm embarking on a musical journey to crank the joy notch in my life up. Each day will have a theme. Join me, won't you? I'll try to keep it to about the length of a CD, in case you want to burn your very own copy. But, if that's true, you should really just get an mp3 player.

I'll post tracklists for each playlist daily, hopefully.

Yay for blog content!

1 - Jay-Z - Izzo (H.O.V.A.)
2 - Outkast - Bombs Over Baghdad
3 - R. Kelly - Hair Braider
4 - Clipse (Feat. Kanye West) - Kinda Like a Big Deal
5 - TI (Feat. Kanye West, Jay Z & Lil' Wayne) - Swagger Like Us
6 - 50 Cent (Feat. G-Unit)- Hate It Or Love It Remix
7 - Lil' Kim (Feat. Sisqo) - How Many Licks (Ed's Note: I was providing links to all of these songs, until I got to this one...and I just thought, "There's NO way that's a good idea." Look these songs up at your own risk, folks...)
8 - Lil Wayne (Feat. Young Money)- Filet Mignone
9 - T-Pain (Feat. J Lyriq) - 69
10 - Mos Def - Life In Marvelous Times
11 - DMX (Feat. Swizz Beatz) - Get It On The Floor
12 - Joe Budden (Feat. Busta Rhymes) - Fire
13 - Lil Wayne (Feat. Jay-Z) - Mr. Carter
14 - Ol' Dirty Bastard (Feat. Kelis) - Got Your Money
15 - Outkast - So Fresh So Clean
16 - Sean Paul - Like Glue
17 - Lil Wayne - Let The Beat Build
18 - T-Pain - Backseat Action
19 - R. Kelly - Ignition (Remix)

Back in the day...

2009-08-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

So, I've got a call to come into The Alliance for a play called "Middle School Musical". It's, essentially, sort of a "Second City for Kids" vibe, so improv is going to be a big part of it. One of the points was that I had to make up a song about my middle school experience.

THUSLY, our sprang the following paen, which I have entitled "A Hip Hop Tribute To A Girl From My Past As Told By A White Kid From Western Kentucky."

Sung to the tune of "Excursions" by A Tribe Called Quest.

Back in the days before I was a teenager
I was such a nerd, still am, but then MAJOR.

Just couldn't get a girl to look at me twice
Even though I showered regularly and smelled nice

My main crush in the group was one Joni Walker.
She didn't even notice when I stumbled past her locker.

There's more to the story, than her walking right past me
But if you need more than four lines, you'll have to cast me.

THE END!

Yes, I'm rapping at an audition again.

Ah, Joni Walker. My first real crush. *sigh*

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Nothin' doin' with the It's a Wonderful Life audition. That's alright. I'm not going to act like that wasn't an intimidating room. Every single person in that room, I had seen perform before. Especially the guys reading for George... I mean, guys like Brik Berkes and Googie Uterhardt have been at this for years in this town, so there's no shame in losing out a part to them. No shame at all.

Friends have been saying, "Hey, that's awesome that you were in there. You're in that class of actor!" But, I mean, I'm not. I'm a non-eq who is still, really, just getting his start. It doesn't help me to have the cred. Forget the cred, give me a part, you know? Though, who knows, maybe there is no cred? Maybe just friends making a friend feel better. But it was flattering and very nice to be called in twice for such a big part.

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There was one part during the audition where I felt like I gambled big. The big scene where George is about to leave for college and confronts Potter was great fun to do, simply because there's really something in that scene. Beforehand, I keep reading it over and over, thinking about how this guy was just heartsick over his father's death, how he felt the responsibility as the new man of the house weighing on him, his desire to escape the trap of Bedford Falls and his hatred of Potter and all that he represents, and how I would react in a situation like that. It just all came out. Who knows, maybe nothing I did was what they were looking for, but that moment felt good. It felt true to me.

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His nature is not remorseless, but to escape a trap, he must act without pity. Tom from Glass Menagerie and George are the flip sides of the same coin in that respect.

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Two more auditions coming up fairly soon. Grease for Georgia Ensemble. Dead Man's Cell Phone for Synchro. We'll see. You know I haven't booked a part that I've actually auditioned for since Spreading It Around? Time for a change of career?

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Back in the days when I was a teenager / before I had status and before I had a pager / you could find The Abstract listening to hip-hop / my pops used to say it reminded him of bebop.

You want the moon?

2009-08-14T06:52:00.001-07:00

I actually have some stuff to cover! How exciting.

I saw one of the last performances of Pippin at Stage Door Players. I don't know what it is, but I've come into the two shows I've seen at SDP expecting to not like them. Don't Dress For Dinner? Eh, it's a farce. Don't care for farces. Pippin? Eh, it's a musical. I'm not a musical person. BUT, both times, I've really enjoyed myself.

Seriously, y'all. I'm NOT a musical person, but Pippin was pretty great, in parts. Josh and Courtney Donahue (Fellow Kidstuf'ers) were faboo. Craig Waldrep was great as Charlemagne. Will Bradley as Pippin was exactly what I imagine Pippin to be, mercurial without seeming too annoying. All in all, I truly enjoyed it.

Speaking of SDP, I'll be heading out there next Friday for my very first Woodie Awards. Don't hold out hope for me in my category, y'all. It ain't happening. But, it should be a fun night. Robert Egizio is a beacon of energy and I'm going with Abby Parker, so there's no question it'll be a good time.

I've got a couple of auditions coming up. One is my second callback for It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play at ART Station, the other is an audition for Dead Man's Cell Phone at Synchronicity. I only mention this, because I want them both quite a bit. Send good vibes my way. I'll update you if there's anything worth updating.

There's another thing I'll be doing (not acting) at a pretty big theatre in town, but I'm still not talking about it until I'm involved in my first rehearsal...or whatever. So I'll cover that later as well.

Birthday is in about a month. I can say, in all honesty, it's going to be awesome.

Thoughts on talent mandate by J. Brent Morrison

2009-08-06T06:45:00.001-07:00

In response to Dennis Frymire's thoughts on the subject.

In the Acting field specifically.

When we say someone is a talented actor, we are actually giving credit to a plethora of skills. Speech, memory, muscle control, imitation, interpretation, determination, creativity, empathy, etc. These talents do not exclusively belong to actors and can be used in a variety of fields. So the argument would go, you have a mandate to use your talents, but not necessarily as an actor.

Generally.

People are self-motivated to use their talents (qualities, not jobs). If you are an eloquent speaker, you tend to talk more. If you have a good memory, you tend to remember things. People generally avoid things (jobs, not qualities) that they knowingly suck at. This can be hard to see at first, like that William Hung guy who was a terrible singer but tried out anyway for American Idol. Turned out he actually had a talent for entertaining, and he pursued that to record deals and talk show appearances. To call that a mandate misses the point. People are not morally obligated to do jobs at which they are good. They just do.

J. Brent Morrison is a former colleague of Jacob York. His opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this blog.

Are you gonna bark all day, little doggy, or are you gonna bite?

2009-07-30T08:21:00.000-07:00

So, this last weekend I went to Florida for an audition at Mad Cow Theatre in Orlando. It was an enjoyable trip, but I do sorta get the vibe that the folks in the audition were sorta like, "Alright...you live in Decatur, GA. Are you planning on moving down here? No? Ok, you can go ahead and do your monologues, since you drove all this way." Now, I could be completely wrong, and maybe they'll want me for The Lion in Winter or Mackers or something, but, as with all auditions, I'm not holding my breath.

The main reason I'm doing a post about it, though, is because I saw a play when I was in Orlando that I have...mixed feelings about. The show was Reservoir Dogs, as produced by Greater Orlando Actors Theatre. Full disclosure...I didn't know anyone in this show, but the person I went with knew Mr. Blonde and Mr. Brown. Also, full disclosure, the first thing I thought of when she mentioned this to me was the section in "Waiting for Guffman" where they talk about staging "Backdraft." There were a lot of people who really enjoyed it, I think. I'm sure you can find some really solid reviews online. This isn't so much a review of the play itself, but...

Now, on a sheer performance level, the show had highlights and lowlights. It was neither good enough to praise, nor bad enough to enjoyably eviscerate, so why am I commenting on it? Because, to my mind, it committed a cardinal sin of theatre. It was completely and utterly pointless. Everyone in that room has seen that movie. The group of actors that performed it for us would have been well served in another show where they wouldn't have had to do impressions of other actors. Not everyone did this, (Steve Hurst as Mr. Blonde was pretty solid, to my mind.) but there were some performances that were ripped right out of the film. No naming names, but they were pretty significant parts...

I just don't see the reasoning behind it. I mean, you have to strive to bring in a different demographic to stay relevant. I get that. But, if you ARE going to do Reservoir Dogs, don't be so dogmatic to the script. There are tricks that movies can get away with that theatre can't, and vice versa. So, for all of Mr. Orange's speech where he's telling the story about the drug bust that almost was, don't take it to a full blackout between parts of his story. Part of the joy is watching him grow in one, seamless stream. Also, just an idea, DO NOT USE FOOTAGE FROM THE MOVIE UNLESS YOUR GOAL IS TO MAKE PEOPLE LAUGH! I really can't stress that enough. I'm more than happy to watch a stage version of Reservoir Dogs, but give me something different... Give me a reason to come out to your theatre and watch it, as opposed to popping in the DVD. Cut it down, streamline it, make the audience a part of it, and I don't mean by spattering blood on them, pull every trick you've got in your bag to remind the people who are paying ticket price that this ISN'T a movie.

Don't just bark. Have a little bite.

Too much for a tweet, too little for a real post...let's just call it what it is...

2009-07-12T19:13:00.000-07:00

This is me emptying my brain, which I haven't been able to do in quite some time. I STILL won't be able to do it to it's fullest extent, because this is a public forum. There's more, but, chances are, if I felt like talking about it to you, I've probably already talked to you about it. But, you never know. Ask me what's going on in my life once or twice and I may eventually give you an answer.

There's a Bible verse that has ran through my mind a lot recently. Romans 8:28. It's enough to keep going sometimes.

Because I've had a lot going on in the last few months. A lot to persevere through. Not only in the theatre world, but just in life. And it's been rough, I'm not going to lie.

And I look at the future...specifically, the next five months where there are, to my knowledge, four plays going on in the Atlanta area that I could be in. Four. That's it. All at places I've never worked before. All at places I'm desperate to get in to. I have an audition for one, and I'm doing work (tm Kobe) trying to get as prepared as possible for it, but I can only impress people if I can get into the room... Which is what I'm working on for those other three.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't concerned. If I don't get into one of these, we're looking at at least an eight month stretch without theatre work. Intimidating? Yes. Intimidated? No. Won't allow it.

I need a vacation. I'm going to Florida four times in the next few months. Two for auditions (Looks like I spoke too soon about that whole, "Done driving to far off auditions," thing, eh?) and two for plans I previously had. Those will be good for me.

Then, planning. Taking a good, hard look at this next year, finding out where the fat is, and cutting it. Adding more out of town auditions, and truly considering them. Going to Washington DC's generals. Going to Cincinnati's generals. I may not be as good as you, but I will out-hustle you any day of the week.

And there's the personal life, where sometimes, I just need to slow it down, sit in the dark, watch the rain and listen to Royksopp. Let the bass thump in my chest and breathe in the night air. And there's nothing wrong with having a moment of recalibration. I've just had a bit too many in the last few months.

So, here it is...my final moment of recalibration for a bit. I'm going to take a deep breath, close my eyes and step out there.

I want to know that, in life, I'm working for His purpose. Sometimes, it's quiet on that front. But that's the joy of it, you know? Knowing that I'm taken care of, even if I see no tangible proof of it. That's what faith is all about.

Does talent come with a mandate to aspire to greatness?

2009-07-08T07:32:00.001-07:00

I posted this on my Twitter not long ago, but it's a question that I am truly curious about and would love to hear opinions on.

This is a question that initially occured to me in the context of Rasheed Wallace signing with the Celtics. Or, rather, it didn't occur to me. It occured to Joey over at FreeDarko in this article. You won't mind if I quote for context, will you?

"We already know that history is likely to speak ill of Roscoe. It will harp upon his volatility. It will almost jeer as it calls him an underachiever. And it surely will subsume his contribution to Detroit's recent championship, bundling it with "however" and "if only" while emphasizing the technicals and the meltdowns. Rasheed will go out as grousing, mercurial, unreliable. His enormous talents will only damn him, as the critics, whose voices appear to ring loudest, cite his gifts as evidence of the disappointment he's authored.

Our sports culture so thoroughly disdains "wasting" talent that Rasheed Wallace's career is almost wholly anathema. (...) Rasheed bears some blame, of course. His flare-ups have been counterproductive, and shameful moments like Game 6 against Cleveland three seasons ago strike at whatever sympathy his personality, history, and style encourage. Be moody. Reject that talent carries with it a mandate to aspire for greatness. But don't flout obligations, or punk out in such explosive, consuming fashion."

So, the question is...does it? This doesn't just go for sports. It can easily be transposed to anything, but our discussing will naturally lean toward acting.

If one is talented, what is it to "waste" those talents? And why does it gall us so to see it?

I don't expect much discussion, but I do think it's a topic that warrants it.

Emerging...like a pupa.

2009-07-02T07:50:00.000-07:00

Have we ever talked about what I want to do with my life?

You know who I think has the perfect job? Laura Cole. The idea of working with a group of dedicated young professionals is something that's been appealing to me since my apprenticeship at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. I saw what those folks did to me, and what they did to others. I saw how working with Christina Vaccaro and Brian B. Crowe (I think he might be surprised at how much he effected me...) changed my perspective, and opened my eyes. All I could think of was how I wanted some of that.

I find that actors are always talking about wanting to change people's lives on a grand scale. That's a pretty sweeping declaration. Regimes fall and rise, seasons change, entirely based on their performance in something. I'm not going to lie and say it wouldn't be nice to have that kind of adulation, but it isn't what I want, really. I want to work on a small level. I want to change lives, but just one or two people is fine with me. I want to rearrange horizons and see successes and be a part of crafting a well rounded actor. Two of my proudest moments in theatre didn't happen in typical settings, but they did both involve Juliet. I don't know if I'll have time to get into the second one (Casey Northcutt, I love you...), but I'll at least be able to talk about Ashley Boehne.

While in college, we did a 24 hour play festival. I didn't really want to do anything too ambitious, but I did think it would be interested to see technicians acting. I've always been a big believer that technicians ought to act, if actors are expected to do tech work as part of a graduation curriculum. There's no reason I should be expected to take lighting design (which I will never use...believe me. I respect the art and have no facility at it...), if a technician isn't expected to take Acting in Shakespeare.

Anyhow, I got together three techies of varying acting experience and tossed up "Technicians Do Shakespeare" where I would have them each doing a monologue from Shakespeare. Pretty self explanatory, huh? Sarina Richardson, who had the most experience, picked her own monologue, but I recall clearly that Nathan Daly did Hal's "Do not think so you shall not find it so" and Ashley Boehne did "Gallop apace". I worked a bit with Nathan, but spent most of my time with Boehne, who had never acted before.

When it finally came time for her to perform, with less than 24 hours preparation, she was incredibly nervous. But as she sat in the midst of all those pillows laid on a bare stage, she settled into it, giving over to her nervousness. The moment I will always remember was a the "Come, night. Come Romeo." She took such a brief pause and everyone in the audience (EVERYONE!) leaned in slightly, their mouths open. They wanted more of what she had. To this day, one of the most true and beautiful pieces of acting I've ever seen.

So...THAT is why I want to work with actors. I want others to fly, so that I can feel like I had some small part of it.

But anything worth doing is worth doing badly...

2009-06-23T16:51:00.000-07:00

So, how many out of town auditions have I been on?

Just wrapped up SC Rep. There is also Springer Opera House (If you want to count them...), Orlando Shakespeare, Tennessee Shakespeare, Tennessee Rep, UPTA... That's all for this year, though I did go to Staunton fairly late last year.

Is that really it? It just doesn't seem like much, when you put it like that. Although, there is some solace in knowing that, outside of Springer, they are all at least a four hour drive...

Also sent out headshots to Cincinnati Shakespeare, NC Shakespeare, and Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, along with some other spots.

I think I'm probably done doing the out of town thing for a bit. Most places are ratcheting down their audition season, so I guess I can look forward to a new slate of places to audition for in a couple months.

***

I jammed my finger pretty well yesterday playing basketball. It's grown a bit and is a cute purple shade. Yay!

***

I have two reThink shoots this week, as well as a Kidstuf shoot at the beginning of next week. Other than that, no performance opportunities. I'm trying to stay on people's radars as much as possible, but there just isn't much coming up until...really, January. There are spots here and there, but chances are slim (But not impossible) that I would move from something in September, to Buy My House...Please at the Aurora to Fair Use at Actor's Express. That's how tight it's looking, folks. Seriously. January opens up because there are no less than 8 places I'd love to work during that month.

Keep your fingers crossed, man. I can use all the luck I can get.

***

Maybe I'll do my Atlanta Theatre Life post in the next couple of days. Or maybe I'll have something to talk about so I won't have to scrounge for content. We'll see...

Disappointment Part 2

2009-06-16T14:04:00.001-07:00

So, just an update.

I went to Relay for Life this weekend. They didn't read my Granny's name when talking about those who this weekend was honoring. I feel alright about never going to another one.

Now, let it be known, my Granny wasn't your typical cancer survivor. She read the keynote speech for the survivors a few years ago. She went every year, even when she didn't feel like it. And, frankly, she had three luminaries, so there's really no excuse for them to NOT have her name on a list to be read somewhere.

No excuse. None.

---

I'm not Hal in Proof. I'm not Orlando in As You Like It. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed. Now, mind you, I'm thrilled with who DID get Orlando, and am positive that they will knock it out of the park, especially with Tiffany Porter as Rosalind. But, still...it's discouraging.

---

When I was home, I went to my home church. While there, I was able to see a really great sermon by this guy Steven Furtick. The thing that I needed to hear was the idea of remembering God's past faithfulness. The idea that He has brought me through hard times before, and He will bring me through again.

It's been of great comfort these last few days, but today, when I found out I didn't get Orlando, it suddenly got very hard. Very, very hard. However, I'm trying to take a step back, see the big picture, and know that I will be placed where I need to be.

But, man, it's just hard sometimes.

Relay

2009-06-11T17:20:00.000-07:00

ALRIGHT...another day...another nothing to say.

I don't know, folks. Not much is going on in my life right now.

---

We wrapped up the Kidstuf season. That was great. The show really came together well. I'm indescribably blessed that I was able to be a part of it this year. We're starting back up in August, and here's hoping for a less tumultuous time this year. I kept losing hosts...I went through three in a year.

---

No new information on any of the things I've auditioned for. Although I was specifically told I would hear back about one thing this week. Tomorrow is Friday, so here's hoping.

I should know more about my year by next week. I should know more about the whole season, in fact. Hey, Synchronicity, True Colors, 7 Stages, Center Theatre, Dad's Garage, and OnStage Atlanta! Get on it and announce those suckers!

---

I've got an audition for South Carolina Repertory Company next Saturday. I have NO CLUE what their season is. That's exciting. Either way, I think we're getting close to the time of the year where my travels are going to cool down a bit. Really, I don't know where else to go. Who else wants me? I'd love to audition for you... Just let me know.

---

Hustle is important, as I've covered before. I have to keep reminding myself that it's a matter of getting in front of people more than once. Not just in far off places, but close too... I have to, have to, have to keep putting myself out there. That's not normally a problem, since I love the audition. I love the hunt. But I'd be lying if I said that having this much time off wasn't daunting.

---

I had people tell me I needed to get more personal. How's this for personal?

---

Tomorrow, I'm going to head back to Marshall County. I'm heading back for Relay for Life. In case you don't know about it, check the link. I don't want to get too far into it, but my county...my area has close ties to Relay. It's a big deal, sorta. I even co-captained my own team in high school (with my pal Kenny Pratt) which was sort of a fool's errand, but fun.

It carries so much weight this year. It carries the weight of a loss. It carries with it the cold hard fact that, this year, the luminary doesn't say, "In Honor of...", it says, "In Memory of..."

I don't know why I'm going, really. There's no reason. I'm going to walk around my high school track a couple of times, catch up with some old friends, and probably cry a little. But I'm not there raising money and I'm not there as part of a team. Though, let me backtrack. My head says that there is no reason to go. My heart knows better. I say I don't know why I'm going, but I know full well. I'm going to try and prove that I was worth the honor. I'm going to show the world/God/whoever may be watching that it was supposed to be me who was holding her hand. That it was no fluke.

Part of me thinks I'll spend the rest of my life trying to prove it. And part of me is ok with that.

Love you, Granny. See ya Friday.

Do you think about me now and then? Well, I'm coming home again.

2009-05-30T15:54:00.000-07:00

So, I really feel like I don't have much to talk about. Let's start typing and just see what comes, shall we?

---

I was just at home for a week and a half. What a whirlwind trip! I can talk about that...specifically, my first big audition adventure of 2009.

---

So, I went home to Marshall County, Kentucky this last week. As I crossed the border, I could feel my life getting better. I could feel life starting to make sense again. Stuff have been sort of hard the last few months. Life, in general, has been hard, and as I drove past the state line, singing country songs at the top of my lungs ("Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)" by Big and Rich if you must know...), I felt myself start to heal up. Now, granted, as my mom loves to point out, I didn't even like country music when I lived at home, but that's not really the point. The point is, it reminds me of home. There are few songs that remind me of home as succinctly as "Hog Wild" by Hank Williams Jr and "Paradise" by John Prine.

My first stop was Belew's, a dairy barn on the lake that lives on the outskirts of the county that I called home for so very long. As I pulled in, I grabbed Doug Graham's copy of Proof to give it a quick re-read, since I was going to be auditioning for it shortly. As I sat there, reading these words that I really wanted to play, I let the sounds of my home wash over me. The cadence of the speech, the shrill giggles of kids at play, and, underneath it all, the silence that I miss when I'm living on the outskirts of Atlanta.

There are times when it seems like it would all be worth it to pack it in. To settle down and live my life well in the place that my father lived, and his father, and his father. This place where my roots are so, so deep and my family is all within twenty minutes of each other. Where my friends come together as if no time has passed and life moves at the most leisurely pace. Where I feel right. Where I feel like, in spite of all the evidence to the contrary, I feel like I belong.

I do like Atlanta. I do. Maybe even love it. But, make no mistake, home is where my heart is.

---

So, MONDAY THE 18th, I left my home to go to a general audition at Tennessee Rep. Now, I went into this audition with no illusions. They were doing Steel Magnolias (Precast, but all women anyway.), A Christmas Story (No parts for me.), Big River (Can't...rather, would prefer to not sing) AND Proof...which has one part for which I would be good for. So...pretty specific stuff... Anyway, went in, felt alright about the general audition. After that, drove onward to The 404! Spend the night in the 404!

TUESDAY THE 19TH! Got up and went out to Theatrical Outfit and had what I judge was my worst audition of the three I had. I don't know...

That night, I drove the two hours to Columbus, GA so that I could audition for Springer Opera House's season. Tiring!

WEDNESDAY THE 20TH! I head home, right? WRONG! I'm an hour out of Nashville, heading back to Kentucky when I get a call from Tennessee Rep! They want me to come in and read for Hal! Awesome! Tonight! ...Not quite as awesome. I'm so tired, but I buck up and do it...and I have to say, I feel like I killed it. I may not get it, but I felt great about what I brought into the room. PLUS, I got to read with Tia Shearer! Who I hadn't seen since...I saw her at the Tennessee Shakes audition. How great to actually get to read with her.

---

Anyhow, that was my crazy audition time. I think that suffices for an entry. Hey, waddya know... I did have some stuff to talk about.

Monologue Monday - Achewood by Chris Onstad

2009-05-25T08:23:00.000-07:00

This Monologue Monday is a little different. It's not from a play, but from a webcomic by the name of Achewood. I'll be honest, I'm not generally a fan of Achewood. But, when I saw the following, I knew there was something to it. I've been told that I shouldn't use the monologue, because I'm not one who typically plays uneducated. I need to keep my mouth open more...

But, anyway, if I don't use it, perhaps you will, blogfriend!

Look, dude. I pay my bills. I ain't got pregnancies all over town. Where you get off actin' like I got to get up at six AM and eat a damn garbanzo bean? In fact, you know what? Screw you and all the rest of your self-righteous, "I-get-up-early" types! "Oooh, look at meeeee. I'm so raaad. I know what the gaaarbagemen look like." All my life I been gettin' shit for the hours I keep. I ain't understand why gettin' up early is so goddamned great. --- Yeah, I get that folks leave for work at seven 'cause we ain't used to have light bulbs at night, but it's been like a hundred damn years. I don't know, Pat. Maybe I'm progressive, but maybe, also you're old-fashioned, like all knowin' what it looks like for a horse to go to the bathroom start-to-finish. I ain't sure, but I'm almost sure, and the man who invented the future barely ever even had that.

From the comic The Farm Has a Nickname For Its Rooster.

---

More updates later. The tumult in my life isn't exactly letting up. When I have something good to talk about, mark my words...you will be the first to know, blogfriend.

23 > 24

2009-05-11T15:08:00.000-07:00

I hope you will forgive my off topic dallience, but I am loving playoff basketball. I love that I get sucked into a game every time I sit down to watch five minutes. I love that Kentucky players are playing very important parts on playoff teams (What up, Rondo and Chuck!). I love that the Hawks, even though they're probably going to get swept, are putting up a heck of a fight with such adversity around them. And I love that the mathmatically impossible title of this blog post is a call to those who know the new math.

Also, speaking of Rondo, everyone who is a basketball fan should check out the following article: Strange Fits of Passion Have I Known. The whole discussion started from the comment "Watching Rondo in this series feels like one of those "origins" comic book movies where we see the villain as an innocent boy, and we understand that becoming evil was simply a survival mechanism. Even if he goes on to become the new Isiah, I will love him because I saw the child in him die." I don't disagree. As much as I am rooting for the Magic to win the series, I have to that that I am rejoicing / despairing in Rondo's evolution / devolution. He's become a star, but at (the risk of sounding cliche) what cost?

---

I'm going home on Thursday / Friday! Yeah! Then I'm driving back on Tuesday for a couple of auditions. Actually, I've got three auditions in a two day space. It's that time of year again.

Also, I am disappointed in the lack of response to my cry for help about Hal. I expected more from you, blogfriend.

---

No Monologue Monday today! I'm plumb out right now. But, have no fear. I'm looking into some this very night. Maybe I'll have some new stuff for you soon.

Let Your Love Grow Tall

2009-05-06T06:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I had a day off with nothing to do. The last time that happened was February 23rd. Pretty exciting, huh?

I insist that you, by hook or by crook, procure a copy of Passion Pit's new album, Manners, coming out...soon? It's really great. Then, after that, I insist that you come with me to see them at The Drunken Unicorn on June 6th. They perform along with The Harlem Shakes. It should be a show packed with awesome.

I'll be going home for a little over a week next Thursday. I'm pretty excited, but I'm not going to act like it isn't melancholy. It'll be the first time back in town since Ren, my dog, died. It'll be the first time back in town since Clair and I broke up. It'll be the first time back in town since Granny died. All in all, it's just going to be odd.

I went to the Tennessee Shakespeare audition in Memphis on Monday. It was alright, but the best part was seeing Tia Shearer, out of nowhere. I had no clue she would be there. She played my girlfriend in Bookends, the film I shot that will probably never get released. We met each other, literally, five minutes before the camera rolled, so we weren't comfortable yet, but as the scenes go on (The "party" section was filmed chronologically.) we get more and more at ease to the point where, I judge, our scenes toward the end are some of the high points of the film. It was just so much fun working with her. Here's hoping I get to do it again.

Speaking of film, I was just cast in Bane of Matthias, a feature length set to be filmed in the Atlanta area. You can go to the website and see my picture. Ch-Check it out.

I've decided I will have a post once a week detailing my fitness progress. I'm going to condense the week into one, easy to ignore post. It'll probably be called "Jacob's Fitness Diary - Week ___." It may be boring, but at least it'll keep me accountable, which I like.

So...who has announced seasons?
Alliance, Horizon, Stage Door Players, Theatre in the Square, Georgia Shakespeare, Georgia Ensemble Theatre, Theatrical Outfit... That's it? Anyone I'm missing.

---

Monologue Monday people, I need some help. I'm putting out a call for a couple of contemporary monologues. Here's the back story.

I'm heading up Monday, the 18th to audition at Tennessee Rep's generals. Looking at the lineup, the only thing I know I'd be good for is Hal in Proof. So, basically, I need two monologues that show I can play Hal. I know some people like it if you do a monologue FROM the show, but I just don't swing like that. So, what do you guys think? He's very much a contemporary, laid back guy with a nerdy side...in case you are one of the five people who hasn't read Proof. Nothing absurdist or crazy. Just...charming? I dunno. Think on it and let me know. Remember, I have a short turn around time, so the sooner, the better. Let's make it happen.

All I do is win

2009-04-28T16:10:00.000-07:00

Hmmm...

I really don't have much to talk about, but feel like I need to post something.

Hamlet has been going well. This is the last week. Then I'm an unemployed actor again.

Excited for basketball again on Thursday, and for this summer.

I have my contacts in today, so I keep reaching up to adjust glasses that aren't there.

Had a pretty hard week, folks. Had a pretty hard month. Months. Life has been more downs than ups recently. Keep me in your prayers, if you're the praying kind.

Nervous but excited about the future. Joyous, yet painfully separated from the past.

The AppCo scene night was last night. It was sweet and wonderful. Every thing it should be for their final scene night. I want to always be there. It makes me happy to see people shine.

I heard a rumor...that rumor makes me feel like I need to put in some work to get cast in certain things at the Tavern... That is all.

Stage Door has announced their season. There's another one. I'm pretty sure I'm going to publish the "My Atlanta Theatre Life" document that I keep... So you folks can know what I'm aiming for. It'll be more clear when I fail.

Speaking of, I'm also pretty sure I'm going to be keeping a fitness diary. I'll incorporate that into this somehow... Maybe once a week, I'll give an update. I'm always hungry for content on here.

Speaking of fitness, anyone want to work out together? I need a spot.

It is weird to not be in a relationship after three years. That's it. That's as personal as I'll get. Just sayin'.

Keep it poppy.

Monologue Monday - Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare

2009-04-20T08:13:00.000-07:00

I've had some personal stuff happen, but I didn't want to go another Monologue Monday without a post, so here's something. It ain't much, but it's something. More eventually.

Angelo, "Measure for Measure"

ANGELO
Who will believe thee, Isabel?
My unsoil'd name, the austereness of my life,
My vouch against you, and my place i' the state,
Will so your accusation overweigh,
That you shall stifle in your own report
And smell of calumny. I have begun,
And now I give my sensual race the rein:
Fit thy consent to my sharp appetite;
Lay by all nicety and prolixious blushes,
That banish what they sue for; redeem thy brother
By yielding up thy body to my will;
Or else he must not only die the death,
But thy unkindness shall his death draw out
To lingering sufferance. Answer me to-morrow,
Or, by the affection that now guides me most,
I'll prove a tyrant to him. As for you,
Say what you can, my false o'erweighs your true.

We'll be kings again.

2009-04-16T21:09:00.000-07:00

Just recording a quick, good memory.

We had a two show day of Hamlet today. Between the matinee and night show, Doug Graham, Josh Jones, Daniel Parvis and I went to the park by Doug's house and played some basketball. It had been forever since I had played an actual game, so I was pretty rusty. We all were, but it was a phenomenal time. Doug put in some impossible shots, Josh was a beast in the paint, and Parvis put in the winning shot in both games (For our team, of course. The North Druid Hills. Watch out for merch, coming soon.) I even hit a couple of threes...there are few feelings as sweet as the ball leaving your hand and knowing it's going in.

After showers, Josh, Doug and I headed to Gladys and Ron's Chicken and Waffles and ate some delicious chicken (and waffles) before the night show. We were all tired, but it was a good tired. We're hoping to do it next week, but we'll see how that goes.

This made me go back to my old blog and review a post I had there. If you'll allow me the moment, I'd like to quote part of that post. It's after another beautiful night of basketball.

As I sit and type this, my skin smells like sweat and smoke from Log Cabin. I'm tired, my legs hurt and I really couldn't be happier. On nights like these, you realize how much is possible. You realize how much you love all of the people around you and how important they are to you. You realize that you don't tell them enough and you can't possibly tell them enough. This goes beyond Murray, for that matter. It's Rothbury, it's New Jersey, it's Benton, it's Charlottesville...it's every place that you have to say goodbye to after really making it your home. You can only hope that when you do leave to go on with your life, as we must all do, they remember you fondly and hold onto these moments when, for just a bit, we're all perfect. Because that's what happened tonight...tonight we were all perfect.

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.

You remember my checklist from yesterday? Let's scratch off "getting paid for it." Today, I was simply finding time to enjoy the fact that I love what I do. And I love the people here. And I may...MAY have just fallen a little bit in love with Atlanta. Occasionally, life is very, very good.

Things to do tomorrow...

2009-04-15T14:49:00.000-07:00

- Send off headshot, resume and cover letter to Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey.
- Send "Thank You" postcard to Orlando Shakespeare. More on that later.
- Find Year of the King for Amee.
- Do two performances of Hamlet.
- Play some basketball.
- Start memorizing a short monologue for Tennessee Shakespeare.
- Figure out plans for the upcoming Actor's Express Intern Showcase I'm going to attend.
- Download the FreeDarko podcast.
- Start figuring out my plan of attack on Atlanta theatres. Seasons announced so far (that I've seen) - Theatrical Outfit, The Alliance, Georgia Shakespeare, Horizon...is that it, really? More on that later, as well.
- Find some time to enjoy the fact that I'm truly doing what I love to do and getting paid for it.

Busy day.

---

So, I just got back from Orlando Shakespeare on Monday. It was a whirlwind trip, to be sure. My friend, Amee and I left immediately following the Q&A for Hamlet, so we ended up rolling into town at...5? That area? We conked out immediately, got up at about 11:30, got ready and went to our audition.

I had a great time at the audition. I did two pieces that I feel comfortable with (Ford from Merry Wives, Lewis from King John) and simply love the area. Coming to Orlando always feels mildly like coming home. I'm obviously not banking on getting anything from them, but I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't be eager to get some work there. What can I say? I'm passionate about Orlando?

All in all, fun trip. Being there for less than 24 hours is still a thrill. Plus, Amee was great company.

---

But, I'm not all joy and lollypops right now. So, what is up with, like, every theatre not wanting me to work in the beginning of their seasons? Everything I've seen so far is either a musical or all women. 7 Stages - Hair. Alliance - Come Fly With Me. Theatrical Outfit - Cotton Patch Gospel. Theatre in the Square - Some show whose name escapes me right now but is entirely women except for one priest that is cast and I might look up the name of this show later and I love run on sentences.

So...yeah! What's up with that?!

---

I am starting to wear face lotion. I fear my vanity is overtaking me.

---

Go read Year of the King if you trust my taste.

Go listen to the new Royksopp album if you trust my taste.

Go watch Friday Night Lights if you trust my taste.

Slings and Arrows is good...but not blowing me away yet. Deal with it.

Kisses.

Reeling

2009-04-10T07:34:00.000-07:00

I am in love with the new Passion Pit song The Reeling. Now, that being said, I think I might just be in love with Passion Pit. They're coming to the Drunken Unicorn in June! Who wants to come with?

We're a week into Hamlet. It's going pretty well. We're getting a lot of good response to it, so what else can you ask for, really?

I've had a couple of odd e-mails the last few days that have knocked me for loops. No true offers yet, but the idea of an offer is throwing my life upside down a bit. One of the e-mails wanted me to audition for something next Thursday in Manhattan. Guys, I would sincerely love to, but I've got two shows that day. So I don't think I'll be able to make it. To New York.

I'm still champing at the bit to find out some seasons... Theatrical Outfit was ON IT, but most other places are still a mystery to me.

I saw Suddenly Last Summer at The Express last night. It was pretty fantastic. Both of the leads were Amazing (Note the capital "A".) and I was pleased as punch to see my former Lost Colony castmate Erin Burnett. She'll be in Zanna, Don't, which is the next show out at AE, so go see it if you get the chance. But, you should ABSOLUTELY go see Suddenly Last Summer. They were pretty great, y'all. No lie.

I'm suddenly feeling a little bit less panicked about my options, post-Hamlet. Let's hope this feeling sticks around.

Neck cramp

2009-04-06T17:40:00.000-07:00

And everything slows down for a day.

My neck hurts. Hence, the name of the blog post.

Today, I slept in. It was phenomenal. Though, I still say that my best day of the last two months was last Wednesday, just because of the simplicity of it. Drew cancelled the 10 out of 12 for Hamlet and make it into a dress rehearsal. I woke up late, worked out, did laundry, all the little stuff. So glorious.

This week is going to be another busy one. In fact, I think they're ALL going to be busy until May, when Hamlet wraps up. I don't anticipate having a day off this month, in fact. Let's check the stats!

The only chance I will have for a day off is a Monday, since we've got Hamlet every other day. Sooo...

April 6th (Today) - Day job. At night.
April 13th - (Fingers crossed.) Orlando Shakespeare's General Auditions (Fingers crossed.)
April 20th - reThink, probably.
April 27th - I WILL be going to App Co '09 scene night... Does that qualify as work? I bet I'll open that day...
May 4th - Tennessee Shakespeare General Auditions.

What a schedule, huh? After that, it slows down CONSIDERABLY. In fact, it slows down so much that I'm not schedule for anything outside of Kidstuf. Once again, I face the truth of being an unemployed actor...

This summer is going to be an interesting one. To my knowledge, I won't be involved in any performance, outside of whatever I'm doing with Kidstuf. On one hand, that's good, because it will give me time to straighten up my life (Degree, fitness, home, etc.). But, on the other hand...it's still so long between performances. I've worked really consistently since coming to Atlanta. Gulfs scare me.

The Unified auditions were a lot of fun! I need to ask Jeanette how I did...

Disjointed blog post!

Wednesday, I'll be going to see Suddenly Last Summer at Actor's Express! If you happen to go see it, as well, you make sure you tell Erin Burnett I said hi. She's pretty great.

Also, tell Freddie Ashley I said hi. And that I am available this summer.

...are dead.

2009-04-03T05:56:00.000-07:00

So, we had our first (and last) preview of Hamlet last night. It went well. I mean, it went well for me. No explosions. No one shoved me off stage crying that I was a charlatan. It was pretty low key. But that's not bad.

The only problem I see myself having over this opening weekend is my energy level. I'm going into another one of those times where I'm working, going straight from work to the Tavern, going straight from the Tavern to home and bed, and getting up and starting it all over again. Now, I'm blessed to be acting. I know that. I'm not complaining. I'm just fatigued, is all. I'm looking forward to Monday, which is the next day that I can get up later than 7:30, and the last day that I can do that for...two weeks? That feels right, looking at my calendar.

But it's been a very good week. I've found that I'm closer to graduation than I thought. Yes, folks, I'm not a college graduate. But that is truly a conversation for another day. And, I don't know if you've heard this, or even care, but the University of Kentucky has a new basketball coach that I might be a little bit excited about. PLUS LOUISVILLE LOST IN THE TOURNAMENT! This has been a really good week...

I really want to find some people to play basketball with... I need to play some ball, even though I'm not particularly good.

Hamlet opens, for proper, tonight. I lay my services freely at your feet to be commanded.

Monologue Monday - Macbett by Eugene Ionesco

2009-03-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

I haven't been able to deliver a Monologue Monday in a bit, I've decided to give you a two-fer today. Both are from the play Macbett by Ionesco, which is a sort of bizarre retelling of Macbeth.

The first is one that I've actually used several times. It's the part of Soldier, who shows up for this monologue and that's about it. He's just coming from a battle. I feel like this one is pretty self explanatory.

I don't know. I was just coming out of the pub and a sergeant on horseback lassoed me. My mates were lucky. They got away. I tried to resist, but they hit me over the head, tied me up and carried me off. They gave me a sword. Oh, I seem to have dropped it somewhere. And a pistol. (He puts the pistol to his head and pulls the trigger.) Out of ammunition. Must have fired it all. There were a load of us out there on the field and they made us shout "Long live Glamiss and Candor."

And then they shot at us, and we shot at them.

And then they took us prisoner. And then they told me if you want to keep a head on your shoulders, you'd better join us. They told us to shout, "Down with Gandor, Down with Glamiss." And then we shot at them and they shot at us. I was hit several times, wounded in the thigh, and then I guess I fell down. Then I woke up and the battle was still going on a long way away. There was nothing but heaps of dying men all around me.
So, as I said, I started walking; and my right leg is hurting, and my left leg is hurting, and I'm losing blood from the wound in my thigh. And then I got here... That's all I've got to say --- except that I'm still bleeding.

The second one is Macbett himself during the analogue of the dinner scene from Macbeth. In this one, the ghost of Duncan appears to Macbett and all his party guests. Macbett is pretty nonplussed, but his guests are freaking out. This is his reaction to that. I've cut this one together, a but, but I think it flows pretty well, all things considered.

You didn't believe Banco was real, but you seem to believe that Duncan exists all right and is sitting there in the throne. Is it because he was your sovereign that you've grown used to paying him homage and holding him in awe? Now it's my turn to say, "It's only a ghost." (To Duncan) As you can see, I've taken your throne. And I've taken your wife. All the same, I served you well and you distrusted me. (To his guests) Get back to your places. (He draws his dagger.) Quickly. You have no king here but me. You pay homage to me now.
(To Duncan) I don't want to see you again till you've been forgiven by the thousands of soldier I slaughtered in your name, and till they have been pardoned in their turn by the thousands of women that they raped, and by the thousands of children and peasants they killed.

Go on, shoo! you silly old ghost.

Maybe that one is a little intense, but I love the juxtaposition of the rape and murder with the "Shoo, you silly old ghost." To me, hilarious.

---

Today is Atlanta Unifieds! I love auditions. Today, I will be judged only by what I bring into the room. If you're following my Twitter, you've seen this already, but allow me to expound upon it a little.

At auditions, it doesn't really matter what you've done before. It doesn't matter what you can do, how well you can dress, what else has been going on in your life. None of that. All that matters is what you bring into the room. What you show them. I love that. I love the challenge. It's freeing. To be able to look a group of people who, in some cases, may have my financial future (Really, most certainly, my Atlanta future...) in their hands, and say, "This is what I am today. Nothing more. Nothing less." I love the calm that overtakes me. I love the sense of competition that I get. I love listening to music before I go on stage and I love the feeling of being wholly and 100% myself, while being wholly someone else. Someone who I'm not entirely comfortable with. Someone who hasn't had the chance to find out exactly who they are in the world with a month of rehearsal with a cast. It falls on my shoulders and mine alone. And I love that feeling.

"Really cool event"

2009-03-26T05:35:00.000-07:00

So, if you folks really want to see me act (read: have a script in my hands and desperately struggle to make eye contact with my fellow actor and audience), but simply can't wait the week for Hamlet, come on out to the Tavern March 30th. I'll let the press release do the rest of the heavy lifting. More from me after.

The Atlanta Shakespeare Company cordially invites you to a really cool event on
March 30th, from 7 to 8:30 pm

Tiffany Stern, Professor of Early Modern Drama (Oxford University) and Beaverbrook and Bouverie Fellow and Tutor in English (University College) will be visiting Georgia the last week of March, under the aegis of the Pierce Program at Oxford College of Emory University, and is giving an informal talk at the Shakespeare Tavern on her research on Shakespeare and original practices in Elizabethan theatre. Her areas of interest include Shakespeare, Early Modern Theatre and Early Modern Texts. She is the author of several books, including Rehearsal from Shakespeare to Sheridan, Making Shakespeare: From Page to Stage and Shakespeare in Parts.

Join Professor Stern, ASC Artistic Director Jeff Watkins, Director of Education and Training Laura Cole and some of your favorite Tavern actors as they take part in an informal presentation with Professor Stern on her research into Shakespeare’s rehearsal processes, performances and texts. A lively discussion is sure to follow and will include acting demonstrations of our style.

This is going to be really cool for all you Shakespeare geeks out there!

If you have enjoyed the style of performance the Tavern specializes in, or would like to know more about Tavern rehearsal processes, how we mount each show, what goes on in the rehearsal hall and why our shows are performed the way they are, you should not miss this opportunity!

This is a free and casual event but please RSVP to our box office at boxoffice@shakespearetavern.com or 404-874-5299 ext. 0. (Food not available, but the bar will be open! House opens at 6:30pm)

So, yeah, I'll be doing that. I'll even be performing with my former partner, Tiffany Porter, who I haven't acted straight on with since Twelfth Night. Actually...we didn't even really act head on in that...so...

But, yeah, come out. Have a beer. Listen to an important scholar. Watch me try to memorize a line or two before we go on stage. It'll be fun.

EDIT: I will now also be acting with Drew Reeves in a scene from Cymbeline. The very same scene I did for my final scene night as an apprentice...but on the other side, as Posthumus as opposed to Iachimo. It's going to be difficult, because I hated Posthumus so much. I've got, like, three days to figure out why and how I feel for him. Oh...and memorize the lines. Some folks aren't lucky to have a photographic memory. Hate you, Abby... HATE YOU!

Not really, folks. We actually had a very good time at the Cut Copy / Matt and Kim show last night. But that is neither here nor there. I need to work on lines.

"...and I was wondering if every Dairy Queen blizzard must suddenly seem a little sweeter."

2009-03-25T07:21:00.000-07:00

I just Googled myself (Oh please...act like you've never done it...) and discovered that this blog is the third thing to come up. I feel like that puts some pressure on me...

I would be remiss if I didn't mention my favorite piece of media this week, which is where my headline comes from. Slate has been incrementally covering my favorite show, Friday Night Lights. Incidentally, you should ALL check it out. It's wonderful television. I'll let you borrow season one if you want... Anyway, I digress. Even though one of the people covering it is Emily Bazelon, who I have SUCH a nerdy crush on, I've got to say that Meghan O'Rourke has taken the cake for a beautiful paragraph she wrote about the most recent episode. I'm going to quote it here, but I feel very strongly that you should go check out the piece which is located right here and is called The Joy and Melancholy of Being a High-School Senior.

Meanwhile, everyone is growing up and preparing to move on. Somehow, this episode really caught the flavor of senior-year joy and melancholy: the way that suddenly you feel adult, replete in the new sensations of independence, and at the same time feel the pangs of change. A new life is just around the corner for a lot of these people—even if it's just the new life of being post-high school in Dillon, without a job. I spent this past week in West Texas, a couple of hundred miles from the real place that Buzz Bissinger wrote about in Friday Night Lights; the seniors in town had been getting their acceptance letters, and you could feel that same sense of nervy excitement around them. Things were going to change. I remember that feeling, and I was wondering if every Dairy Queen Blizzard must suddenly seem a little sweeter.

People often ask me about my hometown. About why it means what it means to me, and, somehow, this paragraph encapsulates everything about home that I love. It makes me ache for home and for the simple joys of a life well lived. While you're over on Slate, I'd also recommend her wonderful series on grief called The Long Goodbye.

What does she say is the best thing to read while grieving? It's obvious, isn't it? Hamlet.

Hamlet is going well. We're about a week away from tech, which always shocks me when it happens. Especially this time around, when, even though I only missed one day, I feel like I'm coming in mid-stride. I'm incredibly busy, driving from day job straight to rehearsals on many days, not having much time to get anything other than fast food to eat. But this week is going to be a cake walk compared to next week. What's so bad about next week, you ask? Well, I've got Kidstuf rehearsal, inventory at my day job, Hamlet tech-ing and opening AND, to top it all off, Atlanta Unified auditions.

I'm excited about Atlanta Unifieds. I mean, first off, I'm grateful that I got in. There are many talented performers, people I think are fantastic, who are on the outside looking in this year, so I'm happy to have slipped through. I'll be using the same set of monologues I used at UPTA, so I won't really have to worry about time. I don't know, man. I just like auditioning.

Speaking of, I've got a couple of out of town auditions coming up, both of which are going to require me driving all night to audition in another state in the morning. Oh, what we do for our (jobs) art.

Nothing on the horizon in Atlanta. It looks like this summer is going to be quiet. I'll be going home to be in a friend's wedding ($160 is just too much to pay for a rented tux, am I right?) and at least I'll be available for Kidstuf and reThink.

There is much to be grateful for. Much.

Public Service Announcement

2009-03-21T23:08:00.000-07:00

Tavern Story in the AJC. Not necessarily the story we would like to have...

I feel that I need to mention this...

If you can cut loose $20, we'll take it.

Sorry for the absence

2009-03-18T14:49:00.000-07:00

Real life has intruded pretty heavily on my blogging. I've had some pretty serious things happen in the past few weeks. If you care to know anything about them, feel free to e-mail me. I find that I tend to be pretty open about most things. I just hesitate putting them here, even though I know it would be good for me, in a way.

I never got to talk about the last Kidstuf we did! Sadly, I probably won't, at this point, since much of the high has worn off. But, suffice it to say, it was (no exaggeration) one of the best artistic experiences of my entire life. I think so much of it is because I'm essentially playing myself. Sure, there are bits and pieces where I'm some guy with a zany hat on, and obviously we're dealing with a sort of heightened reality, but I'm just Jacob... Which was why it was so emotional. And rewarding.

I just wrapped up rehearsal for Hamlet, which is a lot of fun, thus far. Obviously, nice to be back in the building. Nice to see my friends. Nice to be in ATL, ya know?

I've got a couple of out of town general auditions set up for the next couple of months and they BOTH involve all night driving after a performance of Hamlet. I'm such a dummy... But an active dummy is better than a lazy one.

I need to find a monologue from Midsummer. Maybe one of the lovers?

I've got a lot in my head right now. Maybe it'll all fall out eventually, but for now, I'll see you on the other side.

The Story of Jacob and The Dog

2009-03-05T08:32:00.000-08:00

Even this blog post has backstory.

So, I felt like I needed to post SOMETHING. Please note, I'm still reeling from Kidstuf and there's a chance that I'll talk about it more at a later date. But, this weekend is very high stress for me, so we'll just have to see when that happens. Just know that when I post about it, it's probably not a good thing. Also, Hamlet starts next week, so I'll have stuff to talk about.

But, until then, here's this story. Redd, at one point asked for some Embarrassing or Awesome stories for the Shakespeare Tavern blog. The only one that I could think of was this story from my time at Double JJ. She never ended up doing the blog post, but my tale was so very long, I figured I'd use it. So, enjoy. PLEASE NOTE - Some language used is not suitable for children. Kidstuf fans - Please avert your eyes.

I was at the Double JJ Ranch and Resort for one summer where I worked on staff as "Entertainment". That title covered a lot of ground, from setting up the mechanical bull to working on a rifle and bow range to performance. Even the performance was varied. Throughout the week, we would perform in stunt shows, a children's theatre piece, an improv show, and a country and rock musical revue (I know, right? I still know all the words to "Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)"). But, since our entertainment managers were former (Current again? Nice! Go check out Jason Leyva's website, especially if you're in Oklahoma.) theatre people themselves, they also had, during the summer, a legit theatre day. It was performed in one of the several bars on property called "The Silver Dollar". They tended toward longer one-acts, so that one week, we could have James McLure's "Laundry and Bourbon" or "Lone Star", another "Jack and Jill" by Jane Martin. It was an odd collection, and once a play was out of the rehearsal phase, they would toss it on the schedule on occasion, just to keep it sharp.

I tell you all this to set the background for my one moment of glory(?). One of the reasons I came to Double JJ was to do Albee's "The Zoo Story". It's a seminal play in Albee's career, and just a great piece of work for two men. The other actor, Matt Waldrep, and myself took turns on occasion. One day he'd be Peter and I'd be Jerry and vice versa. On this particular day, I'd be playing Jerry, the guy who carries the lion's share of the text. It had been a bit before we had put it up, and recently I had been playing Peter, so I wasn't as solid as I could have been on the lines. I spent all day going over it, trying to make sure it was in there. By the time I got to The Silver Dollar, the emotion I felt was very similar to going on as an understudy during my apprenticeship here. Sort of unprepared, but excited for the challenge. But unprepared. Did I mention that?

When I got on stage, things were going alright...they ticked along just fine for a bit, but something began to stick in my head. Someone had a dog in their car outside. And he was barking. Loudly. And constantly. Now, we're talking about a play that clocks in at around 45 - 50 minutes. Not too long of a time, but imagine a dog barking through that. Seriously imagine it. The longer the dog barked, the more my performance began to suffer. This was when I was a far less disciplined actor than the rock of consistency that you know and love, so I was really letting this dog get to me. It got even worse when I got to the largest section of Jerry's text, fittingly enough entitled, "The Story of Jerry and the Dog." The dog outside just started getting more and more insistent, louder, and my monologue began to get more incomprehensible. Finally, I broke down to the point where I stopped, mid-line, and yelled, "Will someone PLEASE shut that f***ing dog up!" I took a quick breath and continued on with the remainder of the line.

After my outburst, I saw one guy look back to the door, slowly sidle outside, and the dog stopped barking. I finished the rest of the show without incident, but it was the first time I had ever dropped character like that in front of an audience. NOT something I intend to do again, but, man...I gotta admit, it was liberating.

So...there it is. The story of Jacob and the Dog.

If you ever need someone who has done absurdist theatre on a ranch, you give me a call.

Monologue Monday - Where's My Money by John Patrick Shanley

2009-02-23T09:52:00.000-08:00

Not much to talk about, at least not at the moment. But, I didn't want to go another week without a monologue for a Monday, so here's one that I had sitting around by John Patrick Shanley from his play Where's My Money. You can find this play in his book Dirty Story and Other Plays. It's pretty solid.

So...what follows is a monologue about manhood. I generally even toss that word IN at the beginning of the monologue to clarify.

(Manhood.) It's a job. Done right, it's a tiring job. And women have a lot to do with what that job entails. Sure, women create. The womb. We all acknowledge the womb. But there's another side. And it's not pretty. There's a Hindu deity in India named Kali. The god of destruction. It's a woman. She's got a bloody sword and an appetite for decapitation. In the West, we call her "The Devouring Mother." Creation, destruction. Every woman has these two sides to her, and every man must deal with these two sides. Creation, destruction. You gotta orient a woman in such a way so as to be facing her creative parts. You want the creative parts. The destructive parts - you want those to be facing away. Towards a wall or an enemy or something. Women consume, and they must be directed what to consume, or they may identify you as lunch. You've gotta point them. Like you would a bazooka. Like you would a chainsaw. You wouldn't hold a chainsaw by the chain. Let me pull it together another way. Monogamy is like a forty watt bulb. It works, but it's not enough. Women used to come with goats and textiles. When they got upset, they worked on their textiles and they yelled at their goats. Now they look around, no goats, no textiles. All there is is some schmuck trying to read his newspaper. All right, all right, here it is boiled down to nothing. Don't bet the farm, Henry. That's what I'm trying to say. Cause if a woman smells that you're betting the farm on her, you're gonna lose the farm.

Survey Thingie

2009-02-14T22:31:00.000-08:00

I did this a while back, but I like to do it anew every now and again. It's fun, and hey...maybe you'll learn a little something about me...

LAST SHOW ADDED TO YOUR RESUME: Hamlet (PENDING)

LAST SHOW YOU AUDITIONED FOR: Last audition was UPTA, this last weekend. The last audition I had for a show was for 1:23 at Synchronicity. Man, I wanted that show.

DID YOU GET IT: No... Won't make any excuses, but I still think I woulda been pretty darn good for it.

LAST SONG YOU USED AT AN AUDITION: "Just a Moment in the Woods"(?) from Into the Woods

FAVORITE MUSICAL(s): Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Jesus Christ Superstar

FAVORITE PLAY(s): I'm a big fan of Henry IV Part 1, but only about half of it, really. Contemporary stuff that I like is Sweet Eros and The Pillowman. For that matter, I had such a visceral reaction to Pillowman that I carried it around trying to get other people to read it. I also LOVE Antigone.

LEAST FAVORITE MUSICAL(s) or PLAY(s): Ohh? I don't know. I tend to not have the same visceral response of hatred to theatre as I do to film. Goodbye to the Clown is a play I wouldn't want to do again, but I don't know if it's most hated. Probably something super self-important. Something that has many qualities of Rent, but without the nostalgia factor.

FAVORITE ROLE YOU'VE PLAYED, AND FROM WHAT SHOW? I've got several that I've simply loved. Claudio, Bottom and Tom from Glass Menagerie come to mind immediately. But, I've never had more fun than with John Barrymore in I Hate Hamlet. I just don't know if anything is going to top it for a bit. You know...unless...

A ROLE YOU’RE DYING TO PLAY: There's this Hotspur fellow. I think I've mentioned him once or twice.

Also, I'd love another crack at Tom, and there are several Shakespeare folks (Benedick, The Dauphin from King John, and, secretly...in my heart of hearts...Romeo.) that I'd love to try.

And the Young Man from Sweet Eros. Though Lee did a great job when I directed it. And Roat from Wait Until Dark. And...

SUPERSTITION: I don't have superstitions. I have things I do tend to do before a show, though. I try to listen to music that is similar in theme to the character. I pray right before I go on stage. However, most of these are things I just happen to do. I know the wheels won't fall off if I don't do it. Closest thing I've ever come to a superstition is when I was doing The Lost Colony. My lead in song was "High Barbary" which has a pretty strong beat to it. Every night, since I started it, I would stand at the bottom of the staircase and pound out the beat on the stair railing before I entered. It got me in a very Simon mood.

YOUR GOAL IN SHOW BUSINESS: I mean...support my family, help people, make a living. I don't know. Specifically, in my life, at one point I would like to work with a group of young, professional actors, not unlike an apprenticeship. Laura Cole has the job I want the most.

FAVORITE DIRECTOR YOU HAVE EVER WORKED WITH: Man, there are so many. I've loved working with Christina Vaccaro (even if it was only in scenes...), Jason Leyva (even if his chaotic nature clashes with my lawful nature...), and Ross Bolen (when he's on, mind you...). But, I've got to say, the one I have to give it to is Robert Valentine. He spoke my language and showed me a passion that I wasn't sure I had in me. For so many reasons, I am where I am today because of Bob Valentine. He's a director that, if he called me today, and KNEW he just HAD to have me for something, I would go...

WHAT WAS YOUR VERY FIRST SHOW?: Oh, Lord...some show when I was in first grade. I played a guitar playing elf for Christmas and went up to my parents saying, "Mom, Dad, I want to be an actor!" Little did they know...

The show that I judge as my first "real" show was The Transferred Ghost my freshman year at MCHS. I played a guy named Cecil Villars. Thank you, Myra Cleaver!

First truly professional show? Anything at Double JJ. I remember marveling at my check. "I'm getting this...because I'm an actor. Wow..."

HAVE YOU EVER HAD A DANCE SOLO?: Maybe? You do a little bit of everything at the Double JJ Ranch and Resort, whether or not you're any good.

HAVE YOU EVER HAD A SINGING SOLO? Yes. Avram in Fiddler on the Roof and as myself in Double JJ's A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock and Roll. I still know all the lyrics to the first verse of "I Like It, I Love It".

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN THE LAST PERSON TO TAKE A BOW? Hello Barrymore!

HAVE YOU BEEN TO NEW YORK? I have been in that city, yes.

HAVE YOU BEEN TO LA?: Nope. So very far. We'll see.

WHAT'S THE SCARIEST PART OF AN AUDITION?: Trying to memorize something beforehand, knowing that I'll never be able to get off book. So, basically, wasting my time.

WHAT'S THE BEST PART OF AN AUDITION?: Cattle call or regular? Cattle call, it's got to be the moment, in the beginning, when I know I am going to crush all opposition. Regular, just doing the work, man. Getting up there and trying to connect with someone.

NAME A SHOW YOU WOULD NEVER DO AGAIN: You know, there's a caveat to this. I'm still at the point where I'd do just about anything for the right price. But, like I said before, Goodbye to the Clown and (Yes...)Spreading It Around aren't shows that I would want to necessarily revisit.

NAME A SHOW YOU COULD DO FOR YEARS: Something Shakespeare. Let's all do Much Ado and switch up parts every year. It is a show that I could probably do forever.

WHAT ARE YOU AUDITIONING FOR NEXT? It's sort of up in the air right now. I know I'm doing Atlanta Unifieds, but there's a chance I may go in to audition for Kentucky Shakespeare Festival as well. We'll see.

DO YOU KEEP IN TOUCH WITH PAST CAST MEMBERS?: I try to. There are some folks I keep in touch with. Sharon and Ryan Mills are people that I don't talk to for months, but it feels exactly the same as when I left New Jersey six (SIX?!) years ago. I also try to keep up with a couple of folks from Double JJ and some from Lost Colony (SPECTRUM!). So, I dunno...I try.

ON A SCALE OF 1-10, HOW IMPORTANT IS GETTING PAID?: At this point in my career, it's a 9. I'm to the point where getting paid is of the utmost important, because I'm trying to make this my lively hood. I'm not seeking out employment at places that won't pay me. Now, that being said, there are a couple of places that could probably get away with paying me a super low stipend, if they have to be in the right geographic space, with the correct pull to make my resume look awesome.

SOMETHING EMBARRASSING OR UNEXPECTED THAT HAPPENED TO YOU WHILE ON STAGE?: The one that keeps coming back to me is "The Story of Jacob and the Dog". I will probably toss that up as it's own post some day... Outside of that, probably when my mustache came half off during a performance of The Importance of Being Earnest. I went in for a hug, and came back with it half-askew. I stood, listening to the crowd slowly begin to titter, excused myself, went backstage to rip it off, came back out, and enjoyed the reaction from the audience. It's original practice, man. You have to acknowledge when something like that happens. The audience will love you for it.

WHO IS THE MOST DIFFICULT PERSON (ON STAGE OR OFF) THAT YOU HAVE EVER WORKED WITH? You know, everyone is so lame when it comes to this. "Ohh, I think I'll keep this to myself." Blah, blah, blah. If you don't want to answer it, take it out of the survey! Matt Hatton. He stays on top. He was a terrible stage manager, but a good guy. In college, when I saw that he was the SM for something, I would avoid it. Also, to quote the last time I did a survey like this, "There are no directors that I hate. Just directors that made me hate acting. So I quit working with them. Simple."

EVER BEEN NAKED ONSTAGE?: Nope. But I probably would, for the right part.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN KILLED?: Dogg...I do Shakespeare. Of course I've been killed. I've even been beheaded! I'll have to post a picture of that at some point.

BEEN DRUNK?: The one that stands out is Tom from Glass. As someone who doesn't drink, it's sort of hard to pull off. But, I think I was alright.

PLAYED SOMEONE HALF YOUR AGE?: Maybe? Young George Gibbs was pretty darn young.

PLAYED SOMEONE TWICE YOUR AGE?: Yep. Leonato was pretty darn old.

CRIED?: Rarely. I have a problem getting tears to come, but there have been a (VERY) few occasions that it's happened. The one that sticks out is Our Town. It isn't something that comes naturally, though.

FIRED A GUN? WORD! "This cup is three times the thickness of your skin..."

BEEN DRENCHED? From sweat (gross) and rain, yes. Though Lost Colony was pretty good about not making us work in the rain. I was more drenched from sweat night after night...

BEEN IN A DREAM SEQUENCE? Yep. This seems like an odd question to ask.

BEEN KISSED?: Yes. Of course. Look at how "leading man" I am...

EVER PLAYED A GLB OR T?: Well...maybe. I don't know. I mean, I KNOW my opinion, but it's never expressly said. Tom is, of course, the guy I'm talking about. I don't think that you have time to play "gay" any more than you would play "straight". Just be the person.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN FORCED TO MISS A PERFORMANCE?: Yes...:( Hamlet: Prince of D.C.. I was overbooked and not able to make it from one theatre to another. They had an understudy who went on, but, damn man, I tried so hard to make it. I was so angry when I found out I missed it.

HAVE YOU EVER STEPPED IN FOR SOMEONE ELSE AT THE LAST MINUTE? Nope. I think that'd be a lot of fun, though.

WHAT'S THE WORST CIRCUMSTANCE UNDER WHICH YOU HAVE BLANKED OUT ON STAGE? Perhaps you will think this is funny, but I can't remember. I know I have. Not too recently. The last few shows have been so driven by the fear of, "I HAVE TO SHOW THEM WHY THEY NEED TO HIRE ME AGAIN!" that I don't give myself that opportunity. HOWEVER, I do have a pretty hilarious story about a buddy of mind blanking during The Faustus Project #14. This was a guy that isn't, really, an actor. Just a guy that I got the gig, because I am so very nice. He had this monologue at the top of the show. I'm backstage waiting to enter and hear a few lines, solidly...then silence. The director, who was also working the lights, told me later that he stopped...stared at the audience...and started walking toward him. The director was shaking his head furiously, but my friend just wouldn't stop. Luckily, I came out and picked up his cue. Hilarity. I just remembered I blanked in an audition recently. Even blogged about it. That sucks so much.

WORST COSTUME OR COSTUME MOMENT? Really, I don't know. I mean, costumes are something that just don't enter my logic as a performer. They can only enhance, I find that they very rarely detract. As an actor, that is.

ANY STAGE COMBAT? Yup. A little. On stage, I've got experience with rapier, broadsword, sword and shield, and hand to hand. Some of the stuff that stands out is Barrymore in I Hate Hamlet, Simon in The Lost Colony and just about anything at The Tavern.

WHO'S THE MOST UNLIKEABLE CHARACTER YOU HAVE EVER PLAYED? Larry Drayton. No question. I've played a hubristic guy who sold his soul to the devil, I've played a villain who talks smack to everyone who has a dream of the new world, calling them all idiots, I've played crooked cops (Det. Davenport in Funny Money, bullies (Toby Belch...yes, total bully), and some people who just represent evil at their most pure form (Roat...in high school. I want a real shot at him...) and no one, I repeat NO ONE is more unlikeable than Larry Drayton. Man, I couldn't stand being that guy. "Who knows? Her health could take a turn." YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT YOUR MOM, ASSHOLE!

HAVE YOU EVER SPOKEN/SUNG ON STAGE IN A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH? Nope. Just the English.

EVER FALLEN IN LOVE WITH AN ACTOR IN YOUR SHOW? Sure? Who hasn't?

EVER WANT TO DO SOMETHING ELSE? Nope...Never for a second.

re: The Last Post

2009-02-14T21:55:00.001-08:00

YEAH, I know it's lame. Shut up...

Every day is the 14th...

2009-02-14T13:29:00.000-08:00

Dear Valentine,

I'm not entirely sure why I stay with you. It's rare that someone can make me feel worse than you. You jerk me around all the time. I see you around town with other guys, and wonder why you're even out with them. I wonder why you're treating them better than me, sometimes. You won't show up for months at a time, and when you do show up, you overwhelm me. You give me more options than I could possibly handle, and are irked when I can't keep up. You get into me and tear me apart, leaving me riddled with self-doubt, making me not sure if I'm good enough for you. Making me wonder if I'm just embarrassing myself when we're together. There are times when I want to quit this charade and just move far, far away...maybe start dating your cousin. Someone that's related to you, but not you. Never you.

I think those things sometimes. And then I remember why I love you. You have the capacity to make me feel so bad, because of your ability to bring me to heights I've never imagined. I hurt when you're gone, because the absence of you is so very profound. You've brought such amazing people in my life, from John Barrymore to Claudio to Blue Ramada. You allow me to forget everything when I need to. I wrote on an old blog that, with you, "I can ignore myself, and through that, I will blossom." But that isn't entirely true either. Because it's never about ignoring myself. It's about finding out who I am when I'm with you.

I hope you're always in my life. Thank you.

Happy Valentine's Day.

Maybe there's no harm in a wasted summer with no drummer

2009-02-11T11:32:00.000-08:00

So, I got back from UPTA at about four in the morning yesterday... Some things have occurred to me. Allow me to share them with you.

Both myself and KG, my friend who I went with, had about sixteen callbacks last year. This year, we dropped to about three. Now, I can't speak for her, but I will say that I wasn't particularly shocked by this. But, it is the beginning of a rant... A rant that, if you talked to me in the last few days, you might be familiar with. Feel free to skip it.

(Rant) To set this up for you, UPTA is spread across four days. Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday. One of those days is not like the others. Which one? Monday, of course. Why is it different? Because Monday is a typical actor's day off from performance. Most places are doing shows on Friday and Saturday, with at least a matinee on Sunday. Now, I understand that Monday is the end of a very long weekend for most folks and they have to be thinking about packing and heading out. I'm just curious why you wouldn't want to stay and watch the auditions on the day when 90% of actors working in the month of February could make it. I did the math before I went, and was supposed to be auditioning for 55 companies. After I checked out my callbacks, I took a look at the lists and there were about 29 that watched my group. Plus, when you factor in that I had on my information that I wasn't particularly interested in children's theatre or an internship just at the moment, there just weren't a lot of places that I could audition for left.

I'm not saying that what the companies are doing is wrong. I just don't see why you wouldn't want to check out the people who are working currently and, thusly, in demand. UPTA has to find a way to either incentivise companies staying or give a financial break to those going on Monday. Monday auditions oughtn't have to pay the same price for, roughly, half the opportunity. UPTA is still the best cattle call audition I've ever been to, don't get me wrong. But I'm not entirely sure I'll go next year if I can only go on Monday. (/rant)

All that being said, the three callbacks that I got were quality, with two specifically that I'm interested in. Plus, I was able to sneak in to Lost Colony to put my Simon on tape for them. I'm not expecting, necessarily, to go back there, since they've got in such a different, musically inspired direction. But, I do know that I'm a damn good Simon Fernando, and no one can take that one away.

I also had a moment where I made a realization. (Realization) I've got resume envy. I look at other resumes, and want what they have sometimes. I want names that pop and casting directors to raise an eyebrow when they come across something. Now, don't get me wrong, I think my resume is pretty darn solid, but I'm still...I dunno, envious isn't a good word for it, but it's the only one that comes to mind. Which is why I'm trying to get rid of it. I have to make my successes my own. No one else's success is mine, and that should be alright. I need to get to a point where I'm alright with my resume being, simply, what it is. That's easier said than done, but realizing it was the first step to, I think, a happier and more content career. (/Realization)

Also, I think I'm going to be doing some more stuff with reThink! Which is awesome. I was in a cape, essentially, from 9 to 5 the other day. Here's hoping the Amazing Brian was amazing after all.

So, that was my weekend. But enough about that. I'm going to go walk to the gym and enjoy this weather while it's still here.

Come Saturday, you'll come to stay, you'll come to sway in my arms.

Hamlet

2009-02-03T09:08:00.000-08:00

Some folks have been asking me about when I'll be returning to the Tavern stage. Well, wait no longer, one or two people who were interested. I'll be back on the stage in April playing Guildenstern in Hamlet.

I'm pretty sure I've said it before, but I noticed at some point earlier in the year that Hamlet was going to be my last chance to act before the summer came, which was pretty darn scary. So, when I saw Drew's (the director, fight director AND associate producer. He's busy.) number come up on my cell phone, I might have done a little happy dance. I would have felt really stupid if he was just calling to say hi.

As always, one of the main reasons I'm excited to get in something at the Tavern is getting to play with my friends. For instance, I know that Doug Graham and Josh Jones are also cast.

I love how busy I've stayed. I know it's a mixed blessing, because it does make the slow times feel THAT MUCH slower, but I've been incredibly blessed to be working this much in my first full year out of the apprenticeship.

Monologue Monday - King John by William Shakespeare

2009-02-02T16:44:00.000-08:00

I've got some pretty good news, but I think I'll wait until tomorrow to announce any specifics on here. I need the material.

So, this monologue is one that I've had in my head for a long time, but never really wanted to memorize until this year. It's Lewis, the Dauphin of France talking to Cardinal Pandulph. It's from a rarely produced play, so often times gets overlooked. I've had the good fortune to see this play twice, oddly enough during two apprentice years. Once this past year at the Tavern, the other during my time at Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey.

Also, this is going to be my companion piece to Hurrah at Last at UPTA. Both are pretty heavily cut, but I think that they retain their shape nicely. Especially this one. It's written in such a way that almost lends itself to cutting. If you can do the whole thing, that's icing on the cake. It's chock full of great stuff. But there's a lot here to pick and choose from.

Your grace shall pardon me, I will not back:
I am too high-born to be propertied,
To be a secondary at control,
Or useful serving-man and instrument,
To any sovereign state throughout the world.
Your breath first kindled the dead coal of wars
Between this chastised kingdom and myself,
And brought in matter that should feed this fire;
And now 'tis far too huge to be blown out
With that same weak wind which enkindled it.
You taught me how to know the face of right,
Acquainted me with interest to this land,
Yea, thrust this enterprise into my heart;
And come ye now to tell me John hath made
His peace with Rome? What is that peace to me?
I, by the honour of my marriage-bed,
After young Arthur, claim this land for mine;
And, now it is half-conquer'd, must I back
Because that John hath made his peace with Rome?
Am I Rome's slave? What penny hath Rome borne,
What men provided, what munition sent,
To underprop this action? Is't not I
That undergo this charge? who else but I,
And such as to my claim are liable,
Sweat in this business and maintain this war?
Have I not heard these islanders shout out
'Vive le roi!' as I have bank'd their towns?
Have I not here the best cards for the game,
To win this easy match play'd for a crown?
And shall I now give o'er the yielded set?
No, no, on my soul, it never shall be said.
(...)
Outside or inside, I will not return
Till my attempt so much be glorified
As to my ample hope was promised
Before I drew this gallant head of war,
And cull'd these fiery spirits from the world,
To outlook conquest and to win renown
Even in the jaws of danger and of death.

He's even got one of the best putdown lines in all of Shakespeare. In this same scene, Phillip the Bastard comes into Lewis' camp and starts talking all this smack about how awesome the English are and how lame the French are. Lewis' response?

There end thy brave, and turn thy face in peace;
We grant thou canst outscold us: fare thee well;
We hold our time too precious to be spent
With such a brabbler.

"We grant thou canst outscold us." TOLD!

I mean, granted, the English end up winning. But, still...awesome line.

***

Also, as an update to my last worried post, my family is making due. All is as well as can be expected. If you're the praying kind, my home could still use your prayers, though. As of today, there's still a quarter million people without power. Now, granted, they've made quick and amazing strides from even Sunday, when there were 400,000 some odd houses without power. From what my family says, it still looks like a warzone up there.

Also, this week I'll be doing some filming for reThink which is pretty exciting. I'm very happy to be in their rotation! Here's hoping for more. As time goes by, I really think that Kidstuf might be one of the best things to happen to me in Atlanta.

Spreading It Around - Press

2009-01-28T16:44:00.000-08:00

I feel we had a pretty good opening weekend. The opening night crowd was especially vocal. We've had a couple of kind reviews, the only one of which that I have a link to is right here.

Don't judge the hair. I just got done acting.

There's a huge snow and ice storm at home and I can't get hold of anyone. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little worried.

Show me the sidestreets in your life...

2009-01-23T14:15:00.000-08:00

Remember on my old blog where I used to start every entry with a title track? Well, let's get nostalgic.

Title Track: Good Ol' Fashioned Nightmare by Matt and Kim. I'm LOVING their new album. Absolutely loving it. It reveals new facets to me during every listen. I dunno what it is with me and sorta twee bands featuring two people, one on drums, one on keyboard. Weird.

My musical rotation the last few days, you ask? Grand by Matt and Kim, The Friday Night Lights OST by Explosions in the Sky, the Slumdog Millionaire OST by A.R.Rahman, and a couple of singles (Rolling Stones, "Gimmie Shelter", Royksopp's "Happy Up Here")

Yeah, you needed to know that.

We open Spreading It Around tonight at Stage Door Players. We had our first preview last night. It was a pleasure to get an audience in there. We're actually sold out tonight, so that's good. Show up tipsy. You'll enjoy it more.

I've had a tumultuous couple of days. Lots of personal stuff bouncing around in my head. It's odd...and it makes me carry tension in my jaw. Crazy!

I really need to make sure my UPTA monologues are honed down to a razor sharp level. I may or may not have said it here, but I'm not sure there's anything for me here in Atlanta between the months of February and May except Hamlet. Scarrrrry.

Let's get down and boogie. If you're coming to the gala at Stage Door tonight, say hi. If you're coming at some other point, still say hi.

Sell your shoes. Go see Slumdog Millionaire.

I hope that someday I'll see without these frames.

Monologue Monday - Rock 'n' Roll by Tom Stoppard

2009-01-19T09:57:00.000-08:00

First off, hello Abby.

I saw this monologue in an odd place. I've never read the play, but I was cruising through websites, looking for places to audition for when I saw a spot that was going to do this play. They had some sides up for potential auditioners, and this monologue was crossed out. It caught my interest and I think it's pretty darn solid. I don't know that I'd ever use it for an audition, but I still like it quite a bit.

No, because the policeman insulted him. About his hair. Jirous doesn't cut his hair. It makes the policeman angry, so he starts something and it ends with Jirous in gaol. But what is the policeman angry about? What difference does long hair make? The policeman is angry about his fear. The policeman's fear is what makes him angry. He's frightened by indifference. Jirous doesn't care. He doesn't care enough even to cut his hair. The policeman isn't frightened by dissidents! Why should he be? Policemen love dissidents, like the Inquisition loved heretics. Heretics give meaning to the defenders of the faith. Nobody cares more than a heretic. Your friend Havel cares so much he writes a long letter to Husak. It makes no odds whether it's a love letter or a protest letter. It means they're playing on the same board. So Husak can relax, he's made the rules, it's his game. The population plays the other way by agreeing to be bribed by places at university, or an easy ride at work… they care enough to keep their thoughts to themselves, their haircuts give nothing away. But the Plastics don't care at all. They're unbribable. They're coming from somewhere else, from where the Muses come from. They're not heretics. They're pagans.

I'd like to read Rock 'n' Roll at some point. With music being such an intense interest in my life, I love plays that mix the two skillfully. I wish wish wish I could get my hands on a copy of Clay because I just know there's a monologue in there that would be perfect for me. If you know where I can get it, let me know...

***

We've got another Monologue Monday supporter out there. If you're wanting to check out a couple of other monologues (since Frymire is being so slack), check out Old Ned's blog. He's had a couple up so far. We need more, folks. If you're interested in Monologue Monday, let me know! Our collective repertoire could be so powerful!

Bah!

2009-01-11T09:01:00.001-08:00

Bah! I just found out that all slots are filled for the League of Washington Theatres auditions! Damn.

I really wanted to make those happen, I just didn't know if I would be able to make the planned time... See, it would have required me to have the following itinerary.

- Sunday, Feb. 8th
Perform in Spreading It Around at Stage Door Players.
Leave immediately after and drive from Atlanta, GA to Memphis, TN (6 hours, 14 minutes) for UPTA.

- Monday, Feb. 9th
Audition in the afternoon for the fine folks at UPTA. Callbacks (hopefully) into the night. Drive from Memphis, TN to Nashville, TN (3 hours, 13 minutes). Find a place to sleep.

- Tuesday, Feb. 10th
Get up. Drive from Nashville, TN to Washington DC (10 hours, 27 minutes). Find Meg and Tyrone. Sleep and prepare for the long day ahead of me.

- Wednesday, Feb. 11th
Audition for League of Washington Theatres. High five Obama. And, either this day or the next, depending on my audition time, drive back to Atlanta from Washington DC (10 hours, 10 minutes).

- Thursday, Feb. 12th
Collapse. Do Spreading It Around again.
All in all, it would have been a trip I'm not sure I'm capable of making any more. But, man, it would have been fun to give it a shot...

The New Year

2009-01-06T07:28:00.000-08:00

Here we are, folks. 2009. As I look back on the year that we just left, I must admit, it's been pretty eventful.

- I started this year having not even performed once at The Shakespeare Tavern, the place I now consider to be my "theatre home" in Atlanta. By the end, I'd added Twelfth Night, an understudy gig in Romeo and Juliet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, my beloved Much Ado About Nothing, and the Three Parts of Henry VI. Not only that, but I was their May Featured Actor, which got me a lunch with Redd, so it's alright by me.

- I started this year basically not going to church, since not being able to attend The Journey. Now, I'm the comic host at Kidstuf Buckhead, and feel like I'm actually affecting positive change, I judge.

- That's another difference. A year ago, I wasn't ending any sentences with "I judge."

So, here I am, a year later. A year older. A year into my Atlanta theatre career, having auditioned for most of the places I want to audition for. I've auditioned at The Alliance, Theatre in the Square, 7 Stages, Georgia Ensemble, Synchronicity, Theatrical Outfit and Georgia Shakespeare. Now, granted, nothing came from those... So, maybe that's a bad thing. Maybe it's a good thing. Maybe it's just a thing. The hope is, though, that the more familiar these people become with my face and with my work, the more comfortable they will feel using me. That's the hope...anyway. Plus, there are a couple of spots in town that I'd really like to audition for that I haven't been able to, for one reason or another (I'm looking at you Horizon, Aurora, Actor's Express and True Colors...), so I've got to redouble my efforts this year.

I say I've never been one for resolutions, but, down deep, I know I am. I love the idea of being able to have a fresh start, and will myself to a better, somehow more true "me". Some have worked out pretty well in the past. Some haven't. Some I make foolishly, knowing I've got no real control over them. But, most are resolutions that are based on my own willpower and drive. This year, I'm hoping I have more of the latter.

By my expectations, I've had an incredibly successful year. Coming out of my apprenticeship, I didn't dream that I would be involved so much in the next year at the Tavern. There's a problem buried in that, though. I'm so used to working solidly, especially during the tail end of the year, anything less feels like failure. Do I need to readjust my expectations or let that feeling of failure drive me, even if nothing comes from it? I don't know. Really, truly.

I'm doing a lot of introspection. "Thinking out loud" is how I just described this.

So...what do I want to do (somewhat "professionally") in 2009?

- Lose Weight.

Isn't that just so cliché? I lost a lot of weight my summer at The Lost Colony, but, since then, I've sort of stagnated. It's almost enough reason to make me want to go back. (You hear me, Tim Dunn!? Spectrum!) Don't get me wrong, I feel like I was getting in really good shape (for me, at least...), but my weight loss sort of plateaued. Not only that, but in the last few months, I feel I've taken some pretty severe steps backwards. Well, no longer. I'm going to start my new workout program on Monday. I'll be doing some basic warm-up workouts this week, to get my body used to the idea that it's going to start having to work again. Then, I begin my EXTRA SUPER SPECIAL WORKOUT PLAN OF PAIN. It has, basically, three components.

P90X, which forms the backbone of the program.
Bas Rutten's MMA Workout. One! Liver Punch! Right Straight, Left Hook!
And, of course, good old fashioned weightlifting and cardio.

Theoretically, I'll be doing two workouts a day (excepting Sundays and rest weeks...) for 90 days. If I can make it through...and there is doubt in my mind...then I will come out the other side in the best shape of my life. I just know it.

- Work around Atlanta more.

I really like Atlanta. I mean...I'm truly a huge fan of Atlanta. I like it's proximity to home. I like it's proximity to the only other place I've felt at home. I like the fact that it's in the south, so it's warm and people talk slowly. I like the people I've met down here. I like the Hawks. I like living in a city, without the feel of living in a city. I like the fact that, actually, it's a pretty darn good theatre town, with a lot of different options for jobs. That's where this one comes in.

I want to establish myself more firmly in Atlanta. In reality, I could see myself being here for a very long time. Laura Cole, one of my teachers at the Tavern, said in a podcast interview that she was interested in training and retaining Atlanta actors. I want to be one of those actors, so one of my goals is to work around town. To get more places on my resume, to improve my standing at The Tavern, and, in general, start to gain a foothold as a solid Atlanta actor.

- Audition outside of Atlanta more.

Now...that being said...I want to go where the work is. For instance, this summer, I see nothing for me around town. Last year, when I went to UPTA, it was on a lark more than anything else. I was pretty sure I would be able to swing something in the summer, and I wanted to be able to solidify my standing in Atlanta further. Now, though, I really want to be out of town this summer. Don't get me wrong, if something fantastic fell in my lap from any of those places I mentioned earlier, I'd take it. But my instinct tells me that I need to roll on to another pasture for a bit.

And that doesn't just me talking from a summer perspective. I want to head back up to Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey and audition for Shakespeare Live, to give that one last shot. I want to head to Orlando Shakespeare and get in for their generals, so that I might be able to take a year and move back down there. I'm strongly considering going to the League of Washington Theatres general audition, since I've got an offer to live up there, rent free. I'm also...secretly...half considering auditioning for another "apprenticeship" type position out of town. It's something I'm currently wrestling with since, frankly, I'm so old. 26, folks. It ain't no picnic.

I'm in like with Atlanta. Not quite in L-U-V, yet. I want to be...but I also want to go where I'm able to get hired.

- Read More. Learn More.

I feel this is pretty self explanatory. As I've said before, I can't change a perception of me. But I can change myself, and through that, others may change their perception. I want to educate myself. That will change me.

- Slowly...quietly...take another step toward my degree.

I don't care what it is. But I need to move forward. Sounds like something else I can do this summer.

- Go to Florida more.

I actually don't know if I can do this. I've been to Florida quite a bit this last year... This one isn't particularly professional. I just like it.

- Enjoy it.

It's been a really good year. A hard one to top, frankly. I started off this year in a place of structure. Now I'm in a very nebulous place, where things switch from month to month. I played Claudio. In the last six months, I made more money from acting than I did at my "day job", which made me feel like a professional. Without the quotes. I ended the year by going to Disney World and a black dude got elected president. It's been a really good year. Here's hoping for another one just like it.

Love to all those that I love. Back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Monologue Monday - Henry V by William Shakespeare

2008-12-28T23:32:00.001-08:00

For this edition of Monologue Monday, I'm doing an easy one. One that I don't have to think much about. As it is, I'm still at home and recovering from Christmas. I think we'll probably have more on that in the next post, since I've been thinking a lot about New Year's Resolutions. For the record, write more on my blog is not one. I tend to get very reflective around this time of year, as, I imagine, others do, and I'm looking forward to unpacking the soul searching I've been doing over the last week.

But, until then, here's Williams from Henry V by William Shakespeare. He's my favorite part in the entire play, no joke. It was one of my monologues from UPTA last year, and I'm sure I'll have it bouncing around in my head, but it isn't going to be what I show people. For that, I've got a couple of choices. All of which, I'm sure you folks will become familiar with.

But if the cause be not good, the king himself hath
a heavy reckoning to make, when all those legs and
arms and heads, chopped off in battle, shall join
together at the latter day and cry all 'We died at
such a place; some swearing, some crying for a
surgeon, some upon their wives left poor behind
them, some upon the debts they owe, some upon their
children rawly left. I am afeard there are few die
well that die in a battle; for how can they
charitably dispose of any thing, when blood is their
argument? Now, if these men do not die well, it
will be a black matter for the king that led them to
it; whom to disobey were against all proportion of
subjection.

See you on the other side.

Monologue Monday* - Hurrah at Last by Richard Greenberg

2008-12-05T15:55:00.000-08:00

* From now on...I'll try to do these on a Monday. I just couldn't turn down the alliteration.

I've made a vow with fellow actor, Dennis Frymire to post a monologue that I like once every two weeks. Granted, these will probably tend toward monologues that I could do, but who KNOWS what will show up here. Maybe I'll be able to dig up 24 monologues that I like, maybe not. At the very least, it'll give me some food for though and hopefully expand my repertoire as I see what Dennis puts up there.

Also, naturally, if you like the monologue, I strongly encourage you to hunt down the play. The more stuff like this is seen and passed around, the better it is for all involved. And, I feel weird saying this, but if you happen to be a copyright holder for any material I use on here and you take offense, just let me know and I'll take it down. Weird.

The first one I'm going to use is from a play I recently discovered, called Hurrah at Last by Richard Greenberg. In this, Oliver (a playwright and occasional screen writer) is telling his friend, Laurie (a novelist) why it is going to be difficult to adapt his novel for the screen.

Oh darling - of course there's nothing wrong with the way you write. For a leisurely paced chronicle of rumination your style can't be beat. It's just that...well...your book is like the novels those English ladies write- where two hundred pages later they've poured the tea. I mean, it's virtually adaptable. You see, it comes down to the differences between the media. You've got Theatre, where I toil, which is totally irrelevant. Then you've got novels, which you do so magnificently, which are totally irrelevant as well as completely archaic. Then there are movies which, for the time being, people are still going to and, therefore, unlike those other media have to have some vitality. And I'm thinking that if I can just trump up a really strong opening shot, it'll trick people into thinking something is going to happen in the story. Which, of course, it does not.

I'm going to try and keep it around the minute / minute and a half line. If anyone else wants to join in, help yourself! I'd love to see your monologues on Monologue Monday, which won't always be on a Friday!

What I'm grateful for

2008-11-20T12:17:00.002-08:00

There are times when I question why I do Kidstuf. I mean, I gotta get up so early.

And there are times others question me about why I do Kidstuf. In some ways, it's theatre, in the same way that one would call a Kaiser Permanente show theatre, but it's not what one always envisioned when going to school. I know I figured I'd be getting paid six figures to do Cherry Orchard somewhere by now.

But when I ask myself that...or someone else asks me that...I can always point to this.

For this month, one of the "props" we're using is called a Grati-journal. You write down something you're grateful for. We got an e-mail with this in it...

If you can't tell, the text is, "I am Grateful for Church" with a drawing of the Kidstuf stage underneath.

To be doing something constructive. That is what I'm grateful for.

Forcing a post

2008-11-19T14:46:00.000-08:00

Hey folks.

I really don't feel like posting today, but it's been a while and I have ample free time during Part 3 of the Henriad, so I thought I'd make myself do one.

I'm two sentences in and, already, it isn't my best work.

After the show closed on Sunday, I had to rush home to deal with some stuff. It worked out as well as it possibly could have, though, because I got to see Godspell at my alma mater. It was good, even though they were just starting dress rehearsals. It's always nice to sit in an audience and forget about life for a little while.

I'm contemplating a sequel to the Jacob York World Tour of 2005, but, this time, head from place to place auditioning. Any one want to come?

I'm pretty actively searching for something to do this summer. I look at the seasons of theatres in the Atlanta area, though, and I just don't see much there for me. UPTA and others, here I come!

Man, I am greatly anticipating December.

Red Rose

2008-11-07T08:02:00.001-08:00

Tonight, we open the First Part of Henry VI at the Shakespeare Tavern. It's an incredible undertaking. To sit in the house after our preview last night, you would have thought we had a small audience. We were spread out a bit, but there's just a lot of people involved in this project.

I'm happy to be one of those people involved. I'm enjoying my time as Somerset. He's very different from anyone I've played on the Tavern stage, so it's good that I'm not getting plugged into a precise slot just yet. Unless that slot is "Hot Young Lord"...which...you know...

After the show opens tonight, there's going to be a party. I'll talk more about that at a later date, I'm sure. I have few goals for this party, but I at least want to play some Rock Band and watch Paul Hester dance.

It's been pretty quiet on the audition front, which isn't bad, exactly. I'm still looking around and trying to be as available as possible. I actually got to hand out one of my cards today to someone who came into my day job! Only 485 left to go.

If you haven't been able to get out to the Tavern to see my stuff, but you would still like to see me make a fool out of myself, you should go check out the Kidstuf website. I'm at the Buckhead campus, if you want to delve in. I'm even in the opening page video now. I find that when I don't have a script to follow, I dance a lot.

Come see Henry VI! My unofficial diagnosis is that, IF you can only see one (which, it goes without saying, you should try to come see all three), I think you should come see Part II. Just my opinion. Also, I fight in it. Yay!

Crogan's Vengeance

2008-10-27T17:04:00.000-07:00

Also, I know I've got a link over there on the left, but you might have not had an opportunity to check out the work of my buddy Chris Schweizer. He's got a series of comics coming out from Oni Press, and the first of the whole is about to come out, entitled Crogan's Vengeance. I would strongly suggest all you comic book fans out there drop the $15 and pick it up.

Chris is a guy I've known for a long time. In fact, I shot a terrible parody of Se7en entitled 8te, of which, hopefully no footage still exists. To see him find his passion has been a pleasure. Plus, before I lived here, he was the guy I stayed with while I was auditioning. So you have him to thank for me. Thank him with monies in exchange for goods.

Recent non-acting related happenings...

2008-10-27T16:40:00.000-07:00

I just got back from Florida. It was phenomenal. I went down, ostensibly, to attend the wedding of a good friend, but it was just as much to hang out with my ex, Leva, who is still one of my very best friends. Not to mention she got custody of the cat in the divorce, so it's an excuse to visit her as well. She slept on my chest when I stayed in Leva's guest room. It was pretty heart warming. I miss her.

The day after, we kicked around at Universal Studios and Halloween Horror Nights and I stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel. Pretty swanky, all in all.

The wedding was beautiful. The days spent there were amazing. It's one of those times that make me ache to go back. I know there are people who think I'm ridiculous for loving the area (Hi Mike and Carolyn...), but it's so ingrained in me to want to be there. It's the first place I found a truly rewarding non-acting job. It's the first place I really lived away from home. It's where, for lack of a better term, I sorta became an adult. I love it...

I came back and immediately drove to a huge Halloween party with Tavern people. Followed that up by going to see Weezer. Followed THAT up by getting up at 5:45 to go to Kidstuf rehearsal. I've been going non-stop since I got back, but I wouldn't trade it.

On one acting related note, I've got an audition coming up tomorrow, which is the last one that I'm going to stress about for a while. I actually had a dream about it while I was in Florida. I don't know if that means good, ill, or doesn't mean anything. Either way, it's been on my mind pretty heavily. Keep your fingers crossed for me tomorrow.

Spreading It Around

2008-10-16T07:21:00.000-07:00

So, a little late, but I'm able to let you folks know that I accepted the part of Larry Drayton in Stage Door Players' production of the US Premier of Spreading It Around by Londos D’Arrigo. Larry is the son of the main character. He's sort of a douchebag, for lack of a better term. Actually, there are better terms, but I'ma refrain from using them on the blog. I haven't gotten hold of the script yet, but I'm excited about the prospect of working somewhere new. I first met Robert Egizio, the director, was at his yard sale when I bought the ill-fated weights, but I'll try to let that unfortunate event not come to taint our relationship.

I've got some exciting auditions coming up. Next week and the week after, there's two that I'm really looking forward to. And, there is also A Little Night Music.

Not only that, but in a week's time, I'm going to be in Florida. How very exciting!

WM Seeking Agent for long walks on beach...

2008-10-13T17:12:00.000-07:00

I've sent out a communique to several of my friends, so I may as well open it up here. I'm trying to find some representation in Atlanta. I'd like to do commercial, industrial, etc. work. Anyone have any tips for me?

It's weird to think that I've been in Atlanta for a year and haven't even really thought about doing this until recently. It just occurred to me, out of nowhere, "Hey...there's work out there to be had!" Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to hustle my way to parts or plays, but there's only so much I can do with my limited means in all of the respects that an agency would assist me.

So, you know, if you have an agent, know an agent or are an agent looking for a tall, goofy looking dude, let me know.

I had to start memorizing a song for "A Little Night Music" auditions at the Tavern. I think I'll use this to launch me into an entire post about singing for auditions and the fear I've got connected to that. Some other time, though. Not tonight.

Also, I won't say it tonight, but I might have some interesting news tomorrow. As always, I wait until I've accepted it, so you'll just have to wait until it's final.

What you hear is not a test...

2008-10-04T09:02:00.000-07:00

I've been on the road a lot recently, blogfriend. Let's discuss it.

KG, a former apprentice, and I hit the road on Thursday night to go audition at the American Shakespeare Center. It was a pretty long drive from Atlanta to Staunton, but hardly the longest I've ever driven for an audition. Plus, the company was good, so it didn't seem quite as long as it could have.

But, that isn't the interesting part. I got there and was in a group of six others, five women and one man. We all did our monologues. I didn't have time to show off and be all, "Well, actually I memorized a monologue for each of the four shows you're doing next season." I bounced back and forth between Ford and Hotspur. I ended up, of course, on Hotspur. Ford would have afforded the ability to make more contact with the audience, but Hotspur is...you know, Hotspur. I can't help it. He had me approach it from a different standpoint and do it like Romeo trying to impress Juliet. I thought I had a cute little lame moment on, "God's me, my horse!"

After that, we read some scenes. I was paired up with a short haired blonde girl whose name I cannot remember to save my life. Eh, anyway, we did Beatrice and Benedick with a couple of different permutations. I only stole one thing from Moe (the scratching motion on "predestinate scratched face.") and, frankly, it was a pleasure to get up there and do Benedick. It's a dream part, but I've got a couple of years to play it.

The big moment came at the end, though. The artistic director said that anyone who wanted to sing, may sing a few bars. I sat and watched in abject horror as every single other person in the room got up to sing. Not just sing, but sing well. I'm not much of a singer. I can carry a tune, but I'm not what you would call...umm...a soloist. The artistic director even made a comment along the lines of, "Oh, wow, it looks like everyone is going to sing." After the last person, he looked at me and said, "Well, are you going to sing anything for us?"

A beat passed and I said, "No, but I can drop a phat rhyme for you."

Bemused, he told me to go ahead and do it. I got up and said, "If I could (Ed. Note - although KG SWEARS she heard me say "F*** it.), I'd like to get everyone to clap their hands." I got them to clap a beat and busted out the first verse of Rapper's Delight.

Yeah, that's right. I rapped at my Shakespeare audition.

It was a high, because if I'm going to fall on my face, I'm gonna fall going for the brass ring. It wasn't a stunt. It wasn't foolish...if I was BAD, it would have been foolish, but it was tight like the night, baby. I like to think I showed them three very different facets of my personality, between Benedick, Hotspur, and Wonder Mic.

Chances are that I won't get in, just by playing the odds. They only hire something like eight non-eqs, but here's hoping they'll remember me. After all, I'll see 'em at UPTA.

A short, off-topic message...

2008-09-28T19:05:00.001-07:00

Seriously, Atlanta...let's get this gas thing together...

Apostle of Hustle

2008-09-20T13:09:00.000-07:00

The amount of breath wasted on auditions is huge. Not merely the auditions themselves, but the discussion of auditioning. Go into any bookstore, and, no matter how small their drama section is, chances are you'll be able to find titles on auditioning, a book of monologues, and some Shakespeare. Shakespeare is obvious, but monologue books are synonymous with audition booklets. Why would one peruse a book of monologues unless it is to find one to audition with?

But, that being said, it is a topic that has been on my mind more often than not recently. I've got several auditions coming up, some of which I would even venture to call important. Not necessarily because I'm banking on getting them, but because they're big and, for the most part, they're first impressions. They're the first opportunity I have to show people what I can do. Which is exactly why I'm so excited about them. I had a friend mention to me the other day, "I don't see how you can do it. Constantly putting yourself out there for auditions has to be exhausting." And, yeah, it's tiring, but it's an opportunity for more work. Why wouldn't I be excited about that? Why wouldn't I want to give it my all. Especially when I'm auditioning for such high profile places.

As of right now, the Henry VI project is the last thing I've got on my plate. After that, I'm no longer a working actor, and back to the world of the day job. I can't have that.

One of the best parts about this job is getting the job. And to get the job, there is one attribute more important than any other. Not talent, not luck...but one of my favorite words in the English language. Hustle. I may not be the best actor out there, and I'm certainly not the luckiest, or the one with the most special skills, but those are things I can only control to a point. What I can control to the fullest extent, is my intensity when pursuing a job.

It's like the man said, "Definition of the hustle, is mind over muscle."

I've never had it so well...

2008-09-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

What's going on in my life?

- Actin'! I just wrapped the official, final Much Ado last night. It was a weird sort of epilogue. I was acutely aware of our final day at the Tavern and treated it as such. By the time we got to the show at McIntosh, I think a lot of people were sort of done with Much Ado. BUT, that isn't to say we gave a poor show. With all of the impediments in the way, I think we gave the same kind of performance we would have given for anyone, which speaks well of us, considering there was a group in house left for the first act that simply would NOT shut up. If any of them happen to be reading this, thank you for leaving at intermission. If we're not your thing, that's fine, but there were a LOT of people in there who were enjoying what we were doing.

Also, there is Twelfth Night.

- Memorizin'. I'm fairly off book for Benedick and Hotspur, but that's to be expected, now isn't it? Ford and Marcus are coming slower, but I have no doubts that I'll have them under my belt soon. I'm really excited about going up there to audition.

- Kidstufin'. We gave what I'm considering a Kidstuf preview at the announcements at Buckhead Church the other day. It was a trip. Singing Bon Jovi to a packed church house is an interesting experience. Literally, every day I am involved in Kidstuf, I am happier that I was their second choice. I KEED, but I am RIDICULOUSLY happy that I'm involved.

- Reminiscin'. It's my birthday today and I'm listening to United States of Electronica. It always makes me happy, and always makes me think of days gone by. I miss people. I miss my friends. I miss Kentucky and I miss my family. But, like I said about the end of Much Ado last night, it's more sweet than bitter. I've never had it so well...never had it so well...

A Call For Advice

2008-09-10T21:11:00.000-07:00

I'm still not convinced that anyone besides Ry, Redd, Robbyn (woah...weird...) and, potentially, my dad read this blog. But, regardless, maybe you guys can help me out.

In a few weeks, I've got an audition in Virginia that I will not name until it's over and I can take a breath. I might have talked to you about it in the past. If not and you're super curious, feel free to grab me on Facebook or Twitter and I'd be happy to tell you. For the time being, just be satisfied that it's Shakespeare and it's under my "Places I Want to Work" bookmark heading.

Anyhow, for this audition, I need "short monologue(s), preferably from the plays we're casting (5-10 lines is plenty)". So, I figured the best way to go about that was to memorize four new monologues for the four plays that they've announced.

Here's the problem. I'm a little bit over on some. Literally, a line or two, but I'd be loath to say, "Ah, screw it. It's just a couple lines." I'd be much happier if I could cut it down to the bare minimum. The only problem with THAT is that I'm so close to it, I can't quite figure out what to cut anymore. So, if you guys could do me a favor and take a look at my monologues, I'd sure appreciate any input you could give. Plus, you know, not only cutting advice. Anything you might be interested in saying.

We'll talk in the comments!

Hotspur from Henry IV Part 1. (11 lines - Not counting "Away" as it's own line, and counting "have with me? Come, wilt thou see me ride?" as one, as it comes out to nine syllables.)

Away,
Away, you trifler! Love! I love thee not,
I care not for thee, Kate: this is no world
To play with mammets and to tilt with lips:
We must have bloody noses and crack'd crowns,
And pass them current too. God's me, my horse!
What say'st thou, Kate? what would'st thou
have with me? -
Come, wilt thou see me ride?
And when I am on horseback, I will swear
I love thee infinitely. But hark you, Kate;
To-day will I set forth, to-morrow you.
Will this content you, Kate?

Marcus from Titus Andronicus (7 lines. I like it. It says a lot in a short time span and it completely different from Hotspur. I like that about all of my monologues. They're very different guys.)

Which of your hands hath not defended Rome,
And rear'd aloft the bloody battle-axe,
Writing destruction on the enemy's castle?
O, none of both but are of high desert:
My hand hath been but idle; let it serve
To ransom my two nephews from their death;
Then have I kept it to a worthy end.

Ford from Merry Wives of Windsor (15 lines. What I've DONE and started to work with is a cut that starts right after "damnation together." That pares it down to ten lines. If there's anything before it to cut, I'd be open to listen. I'd also be open to listen to anything that would allow to me keep the last five lines. I REALLY like this monologue. I think it might work it's way into my regulars.)

Has Page any brains? hath he any eyes? hath he any
thinking? Sure, they sleep; he hath no use of them.
Why, this boy will carry a letter twenty mile, as
easy as a cannon will shoot point-blank twelve
score. He pieces out his wife's inclination; he
gives her folly motion and advantage: and now she's
going to my wife, and Falstaff's boy with her. A
man may hear this shower sing in the wind. And
Falstaff's boy with her! Good plots, they are laid;
and our revolted wives share damnation together.
Well; I will take him, then torture my wife, pluck
the borrowed veil of modesty from the so seeming
Mistress Page, divulge Page himself for a secure and
wilful Actaeon; and to these violent proceedings all
my neighbours shall cry aim.

Benedick from Much Ado About Nothing (11 lines. I've done Claudio, I've done Leonato, I've done Don Pedro, and ANY of those would have been easier, but this monologue has just called out to me. Any cuts would be appreciated... This one in particular feels like if I remove any from the middle, the whole thing falls apart.)

She told me, not thinking I had been
myself, that I was the prince's jester, that I was
duller than a great thaw; huddling jest upon jest
with such impossible conveyance upon me that I stood
like a man at a mark, with a whole army shooting at
me. She speaks poniards, and every word stabs:
if her breath were as terrible as her terminations,
there were no living near her; she would infect to
the north star. I would not marry her, though she
were endowed with all that Adam bad left him before
he transgressed: Come, talk not of her:

So...waddya think?

No, Al, you haven't gained an ounce since the day you were born...

2008-09-07T11:12:00.000-07:00

You know, I rarely talk specifically about auditions on here, but, I dunno, I'm just pretty disappointed in my OnStage Atlanta audition. Of course, nothing they did. They were super nice. I was just thrown off by some stuff earlier in the day, and was trying something new with this monologue. I was trying to show this guy at almost a loss for words, which probably isn't the best audition idea when these people don't know my acting.

On top of that, I'm not sure if I like this monologue. I mean, that's not true. I know I like it. It's broad, but funny (I think) and shows a character that I rarely get to do. I just don't want that character to be "sexist dude". It's a monologue about a girl thinking she's fat, and how ridiculous the guy thinks that is. I always get uncomfortable before doing it. I mean, I like it, but I know insecurity is such an issue, it might just be a better idea to send this monologue into early retirement and call it a day.

But, you know, the people were nice. That was cool.

Whatever the case may be, I KNOW I need some new contemporary monologues. I've never been particularly good at picking them out. Anyone have any suggestions?

BUT, no time to settling into actor's favorite pass time, which is self-doubt. I've got a C-Lod to be tonight!

Aristocrunk

2008-09-06T17:30:00.000-07:00

Hey, I went to go see Lord T and Eloise the other night like I said! What a fun time.

I actually purchased their album recently off Amazon music as mp3s. I rarely purchase music, so I think that is a testament to how much that band has taken over my mind frame.

Aristocrunk isn't as good as Chairmen of the Bored, but it's still pretty darn good. It's just worth it to me, though, to have their entire oeuvre.

That shoulder is still giving me problems. I've been threatened with physical violence if I don't get it looked at if problems continue for more than a week. I think that's counterproductive, but whatever.

It's a weekend full of auditions! How fun! The one today was quick and easy. In and out, and didn't even have to pay for parking. Plus, it was a good excuse to try out a brand spanking new monolgue. (King John, "Am I Rome's slave?") The one tomorrow will be interesting, just because so much of the stuff on my resume recently is in a classic vein. I still wonder how people who do primarily contemporary stuff will react when they see my resume.

UPTA and SETC registration is coming up soon. I'm absolutely going to UPTA, and PROBABLY going to SETC. I imagine going to SETC will be ridiculous and liberating, just because of the tension that is related to it in the past. At my school, there was so much importance placed on SETC, for good or for ill. I know that while I was there, it felt like it was made out to be the ONLY option to get a theatre job while in college. It wasn't until I started seeking out my own auditions in the world, that I even began to have any success.

Basically, every year at SETC, I was so nervous because it had the air of finality to it. "This is your only chance, so don't blow it." I'd do the most broad, scatter-shot audition I possibly could, trying to appeal to everyone, not satisfy myself, and end up getting called back by the same places anyway. Obviously, I can't harp on SETC too much, as I do think it's a good option, and it did bring me to The Lost Colony, for which I am grateful for. But, man, SETC and UPTA is just night and day. I, actually, can't wait to go to UPTA again. So well organized and so much more actor friendly. SETC feel very college theatre to me. So many people out there who are going to get their first professional gigs. It's wonderful. But UPTA feels more...grown up? That works.

Anyway, SETC is going to be fun this year, come hell or high water. I'm going to give myself permission to do exactly what I want, because it ISN'T the be all, end all. That's my 1:00 of time, dammit, and I won't apologize for a second of it.

SCHRIPPP

2008-09-03T09:02:00.001-07:00

So, yesterday was an eventful day! I'll get to Tavern World Picture Day in a bit, but first...

I was over at a friend's house watching some Sopranos and decided I wanted to bring some of my new dumbbells over to her place so that I could finish up my workout while still being social. Toward the end of my workout, I decided to do some... I dunno, laying down tricep extension things. Essentially, it looks sorta like this, except I was laying on my back with my arm in front of me, as opposed to over my head. Anyway, I was apparently more tired than I thought, or I misjudged the weight in general, because the weight plummeted to the ground, taking my arm with it. My shoulder made a noise not unlike ripping celery in half. My first reaction was a sort of terrified laughter. I couldn't stop laughing, I was so shocked. I was worried and scared, but it didn't hurt. Like, at all.

Since then, it has started hurting. I've been alternating ice and heat on it since then, as much as possible. I bought these weights at a yard sale. I personally blame Robert Egizio.

So, anyway, by the time I got to Tavern World Picture Day, my shoulder was feeling sort of weirdly loose. However, the set up earlier in the day was so much fun. There's just something about checking in with where the Tavern has been, and in such a short time. Also, it's nice to see all of these pictures now that I actually know who some of the people in them are.

It was nice to meet the new apprentices (apprenti?). They seem like a good group. I'll wait until later to pass judgment on all of them.

Apprenticeship

2008-08-28T16:18:00.000-07:00

I just got my schedule for next week and it slows down considerably. Artistically, I'm just doing a Kidstuf shoot and my shows, along with an audition on Saturday. And, of course, Tavern World Picture Day for all of the incoming apprentices.

I still remember my Tavern World Picture Day so clearly. Having never seen the space before, it was a revelation to walk in there. Whatever anyone has to say about the Tavern, no one can deny that it's an incredibly interesting space. It has a certain magic to it that is difficult to quantify. The only place to have a better reaction on first glance is The Waterside Theatre in Manteo and, come on...just look at the place. Both places still have the power to take my breath away, which is especially useful when I find myself forgetting how lucky I am to be able to make a living in the arts.

The apprentices are in for a heck of a time. If they take advantage of it, it's going to be one of the most beneficial moments of their artistic lives. If they don't, hopefully it will still be eye opening. But, if nothing else, they'll get that first day. The first time walking into the Tavern and greeting their new home. It's beautiful and liberating and terrifying all at the same time. I feel I'm rambling. Suffice it to say the Tavern is a pretty special place. If you want to know more of how I felt, check the archives over at the Shakespeare Tavern's blog. I wrote a couple of entries for them during my time. I sort of wish I could go back and do my apprenticeship all over again.

I'd just like to get paid what I get paid now. Seriously.

We must have bloody noses and crack'd crowns...

2008-08-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to record this moment when I had the chance.

For one of my auditions coming up, I've started to memorize a new piece of Hotspur text. It's the scene with Lady Percy and I just think it strikes right to the heart of that character. He and his wife are, bar none, my favorite couple in Shakespeare. They have such limited interaction, but their relationship is so clear and well defined. And, man, they just love one another so damn much.

As I was going through, reading the speech to myself aloud, I got a little tingle. This little shot that went up my spine and ended up somewhere in my chest. I love this character so much. I just love this character so much.

EDIT: For the record, I will rarely comment specifically on auditions that are coming up. BUT, in regards to Henry IV Part 1, I will ALWAYS mention when I am auditioning for a place performing it. I've only done it once before, and I was offered a different part. Boo to that. It's Hotspur or Bust!

Although, to be fair...maybe not necessarily in this case.

Yeah!

2008-08-23T07:20:00.000-07:00

Ahhh...the worst is over. Things are slowing down for the upcoming week (only 58 hours of stuff to do this week as opposed to 66!) and I don't see me having a week as hectic as that for a bit. We're about to slow down on Henry rehearsals for the month of September and when we come back to it in October, I won't be doing the rep. Not to say that I will be happy to NOT be doing the rep. I'd just as soon get paid for acting as often as possible, thank you very much.

***

Speaking of Henry VI, we've rehearsed and blocked Parts one and two. It's really amazing how quickly we work at the Tavern. The idea of putting up three plays with ABOUT two months of rehearsal is daunting, but in a good way. I like for us to do stuff that's phenomenal like that.

***

I've got some audition opportunities that I'm really excited about in the next month or so. All Shakespeare! How thrilling! I'll let you know more as more develops.

***

Thanks to the unending generosity of Mr. Jeff Watkins (castmemore), I'm going to be able to head to Florida at the end of October to attend a close friend's wedding! Man, I love that state. I know it's silly, but I'm just crazy about that fake Disney aesthetic.

***

Hey, I'm on Twitter, and like all social networking gadgets, it's not very fun until more people are on my "Following" list. So, you know, add me. I'll add you. It'll be good.

***

I'm going to try REALLY HARD to go see Lord T and Eloise tonight. Also, I'm just crazy about the most recent Mates of State album.

Let's call this halfway...

2008-08-19T22:02:00.000-07:00

At the end of a long day at work, nothing quite like settling down to listen to some Bonnie "Prince" Billy on a rapidly deflating air mattress and blogging to keep you folks updated.

So, the update...

- We shot the stuff for Kidstuf! I just realized I'm going to be MORE busy with them than I initially planned, but that's great. I actually really like everyone I've been in contact with. I hope my cast is a great as all of the regulars I've been working with so far. We shot a couple of scenes for the show and one for the website. I don't want to ruin anything for anyone, but I will say that one involved about two pounds of candy corn and is, literally, the grossest thing I've ever done in the name of performance.

- We also had the first of a couple of big rehearsals for Henry VI today with another coming tomorrow. I was knocked over a bit when we changed characters in medias res. I'm no longer playing Iden in part two. It appears I'll just be playing Somerset throughout. Which ain't bad. I like Somerset. He's got a...clear vision. BUT...I'll probably go ahead and use the resumes that I've already printed out...

It's going beautifully, though. I'm so proud to be a part of it.

- While my girlfriend was in town, we went to Center for Puppetry Arts, since the little lady is a big fan of Jim Henson. I'm sure we'll go back once the Jim Henson wing opens properly. Anyway, saw the Ugly Duckling while we were there. Super cute. And, you know, educational. The museum was interesting too, but the room filled with puppets that would randomly move...it set sort of a weird, foreboding mood for the rest of the time in that area. Creepy, in it's own right.

Tomorrow we've got another big, long rehearsal and, wonder of wonders, my first chance to go work out! I'm so happy about that. I miss working out when I go too long without it.

"When you get your flock together, please take me along. Lord, I'm too weak to travel. I'll be glad you're strong and I'll lean on your arm."

I apologize for my absence...

2008-08-14T16:25:00.000-07:00

But my girlfriend is in town. I will get back to "regularly scheduled" postings as soon as things calm down, but when will that be, exactly? Here's a sketch of my next week. All times are approximations and include lunch time when, really, I have to be in the vicinity of the place anyway...

Next week...
23 hours at the day job.
25 for Henry VI
9 for Kidstuf
8 for show
1 for an audition.

Not to mention trying to find a place to work out and keep a social life somewhere in there.

I'm in costume about to reprise Claudio, though. I wouldn't trade it for a week off...

I'm busy and it's tiring, but how blessed am I to be so busy?

I won't feel no fear, 'cause I'm not really here...

2008-08-06T22:35:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy week. An incredibly busy week, actually, between acting and my day job. For the record, if you're standing in a store while the power is out to wait twenty minutes to buy a 1 cent pencil sharpener, you're wasting precious moments in your life. Just saying.

- I had Kindergarten Konfidential first at Buckhead Church, which was my first basic exposure to the world of Kidstuf. It was a good time. I was confused at first, trying to find out where to go, but it ended up being a good first experience. Everyone was super nice and accommodating. Those kids are a tough crowd, man. I don't know if my subtle political satire is going to reach them. I think they liked me enough. But, for the record, there's nothing more intimidating than a five year old standing alone at the foot of the stage, looking at you like you're a total idiot.

- We also started rehearsal for Henry VI. What a huge project. There were twenty four people in the room. We will, of course, have more people join us, including apprentices and folks in the later plays. A couple of people brought up that it felt like the first day of school. I know it felt that way for me. After being gone for a month, it was good to be back in the building. Also, as Somerset, I love that, in my time on stage, I'm going head to head with Maurice Ralston. Seriously, he's such a great, sharing actor on stage. I couldn't be luckier in that respect.

- The next two weeks are going to be busy. The girlfriend is coming into town, we're reopening Much Ado and Twelfth Night. On top of Kidstuf video shoots. On top of Henry rehearsals and learning lines. On TOP of other auditions (Yay for later in the year calls from Unifieds!). I feel like a busy little actor right now. Always down to be busier though...

- There's actually an audition up on Atlanta Performs that I would LOVE to be able to be involved in, but it conflicts with the remounts, and I'm not giving up any chances to play Claudio. It's a call for Edmund in Long Day's Journey and, man, what a pleasure that would be. Plus it's in Florida, which, if you didn't know, is a place I've lived before and want to live again. Granted, I'm more of a fan of Central Florida, but still... I've actually been listening to the new song by The Streets quite a bit because it reminds me of my time in Florida.

- On a personal note, I'm ridiculously excited about many of the games coming out in the next couple of months. I mean, there's the sort of higher concept stuff like Fable 2 and Fallout 3, where decisions have consequences and life can change in the blink of an eye, and then there's the ridiculous sports stuff like TNA Impact and Blitz: The League II. Fun!

Disappointment

2008-08-01T22:39:00.000-07:00

Not in any of you lovely people, of course. In myself. In the last week, I've had two situations dealing with auditions where I've made stupid, rookie mistakes. More than that, they are mistakes that I could have easily corrected.

First, in one audition, I went up on a monologue. That never happens to me, and I can make excuses all day about how I didn't have time to memorize something new on my way back from Kentucky or I was thrown off by this or that. The simple truth is that I could have cobbled together the time to focus on this monologue more and deliver the performance I know I'm capable of giving.

On top of that, I completely missed an audition yesterday because I got lost. I know, right? There's no excuse. But that doesn't change the fact that I was wandering around North Highland all night trying to figure out where I had made a wrong turn.

These are basic slips of the mind that I simply can't afford. Every audition I'm not able to make is a lost opportunity. Every monologue I go up on leaves a mark on a casting director. If anything, these events coming in such quick succession are good for me. If they were spread out over time, I could write them off as aberrations, but so close to one another means something. I'm not going to allow silly stuff like this to keep me out of the running anymore. If someone doesn't want me for a part, that's fine. But I'm not going to allow my unpreparedness be a reason ever, ever again.

---

On a side note, Lord T and Eloise are premium.

Lord T's in the house. All other rappers, pay your rent.

---

Hi Redd.

I'm going to have Mike add a link soon, but until then, I advise everyone go to Redd's blog about finance. I don't know that I can drive any real traffic, since I imagine Redd is my only reader, but it's still got some great common sense advice.

The Return...

2008-07-29T17:16:00.001-07:00

Well, what a nice way to come back... But, first thing is, of course, first.

- I had a wonderful time at home. Between being able to see my family to the marriage of two of my best friends, everything was beautiful from the time I crossed into the Bluegrass state until the time I left. I saw The Dark Knight twice and I saw WALL-E twice. I got to eat at Belew's and stand barefoot in my backyard. I got more love in two weeks than I can possibly count, and for that, I am grateful.

Home is just...there is something about it that simply cannot be matched. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I am a country boy at heart. You can say what you want about the city and all of its trappings. You can keep 'em. Just give me a bright orange sun setting over my Granddaddy's farm.

But, one has to return to the real world. And, when I came back, I had some interesting events happen.

- First, I know the masses are wondering, "When will we be able to see you act again, Jacob?"

And, to that, I would say, "We discussed this before, masses. I'll be back in Twelfth Night and Much Ado About Nothing in August and September. Duh."

And, to that the masses would say, "But we saw you in every performance of those! We want something more. Something new! By the way, you were great as Valentine."

And, to THAT, I would say, "Hey, thanks. I appreciate it. And, if you want to see me in something new, you may want to come out in November to the Tavern. We'll be doing Henry VI, Parts 1 - 3."

Yeah, folks. I'll be in History Extravaganza, Part Duex. You'll be able to check me out as (primarily) Somerset in Parts 1 and 3, Iden in Part 2 and, (secondarily) Offstage Warder 1, Officer, Servant, Gentleman, Soldier, Westmerland and Rutland's Tutor! It should be fun. I'm a huge fan of the histories, so I know I'll be in for a heck of a time.

- I also went in for a second callback on Monday for Kidstuf, out at Buckhead. I didn't really have any concept of what I was coming in to read for, but I must have thought on my feet well enough, because I'm going to be the new Comic Host for the Buckhead location. Awesome! I'm actually getting really pumped about it, especially after seeing some of the stuff we'll be doing. It's got a slightly off-kilter sense of humor that I can work with. Thumbs up. In fact, I'll be out at Buckhead this Sunday for Kindergarten Konfidential. I'm still not entirely sure what that is either, but I'll roll with the punches.

- So, it's good to know I've got a gig for November! Although, for the record, I am still available for October.

*Ahem*

Communique from The County

2008-07-21T13:36:00.000-07:00

I'm still not ready to resume daily posting, but here's a heads up to tide you over, blogfriend.

- I'm back in Kentucky. It's great. I miss it terribly. I've been able to see most of the people I needed to see so far, which is good. There are few things in life as pleasurable as driving through the back roads of my home town with my windows down. Being able to stand in my back yard at night is a simple pleasure that I take for granted when I'm here. I'm very happy to be here.

- That doesn't mean that I'm spending all of my time at home. No no... This last weekend, I went to Nashville (Cashville) to participate in a bachelor party (AKA Project Hedonism). Now, I say Project Hedonism, but there wasn't much of it, really. The best moments of the weekend were seeing the Watchmen trailer on IMAX and hitting up Kentucky Lake with a bunch of friends in a boat.

- I'm trying to work on a monologue for an audition I've got the day after I come back to Atlanta. It's difficult to pull myself away from people, though, to take the time to memorize it.

- The wedding I'm in is this Saturday. I will be returning to Atlanta on Sunday. I'll be back working / auditioning Monday. Back to the grind. But let's not think of that right now. I've got a date tonight.

Comp rant

2008-07-11T17:44:00.001-07:00

I've got nothing else to do. Let's go ahead and talk about comps for a second.

So, I'm going back home this week, right? When I go home, I'm going to go see a production that a friend of mine is in at a community theatre that I've got a lot of connections to, right? Now, you won't hear me complain about this theatre in many respects. For instance, the changes that the current managing director has put in place have rejuvenated that theatre, making it a viable choice for the college students in the area. I've done some of my best work there, in fact. Outside of a couple of speed bumps, I've had nothing but great experiences there.

But...that being said...

Especially at the community theatre level, I feel it's completely inexcusable to not offer at least one comp to the participants. They give their time and expertise to a theatre and ask for nothing in return. Is it really too much to ask that they be given the ability to get someone in for free? Believe me, I understand that, more often than not, the audience is filled with family members and friends, rather than patrons looking for you to elucidate on the meaning of life. That's still no excuse to nickle and dime an actor out of what they earned. Often times, you're at the theatre, giving them three or more hours of your time, every day, for four weeks or so... Granted, the work itself should be the reward, but is one single comp really too much to ask?

I'm out of here tomorrow morning, blogfriend. Wish me well!

Love me, already

2008-07-10T15:54:00.000-07:00

I'm getting to the point where I'm counting down the hours... Hedwig was sort of my one highlight for the week. Now, I'm down to one more shift at work and hanging out with some friends, and I'm out of here.

I'm feeling more encouraged about finding the next part, just in general. I think I just need to put myself out there more, frankly. I've done a lot of e-mailing in the last couple of days, so hopefully something will come of it. At the very least, I'm making contact with people, which is good. Working at only the Tavern feels very insular sometimes. I want to keep getting out and seeing shows and taking advantage of industry nights. I want to meet more people and get out there in Atlanta more. I'm thinking about staying in Atlanta for the long haul. I need to get to know people. And, hey, I'm doing it! Hate networking. Can't think of it like that. Networking feels so cold and calloused. I just want to get to know people...

Alright...one more day to figure out stuff to write...then I can treat myself to a couple of days off. Maybe I'll rant about comp policy tomorrow...