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...
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Disappointment Part 2
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.
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.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Relay
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.
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.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Do you think about me now and then? Well, I'm coming home again.
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.
---
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.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Monologue Monday - Achewood by Chris Onstad
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.
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.
Monday, May 11, 2009
23 > 24
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Let Your Love Grow Tall
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.
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.
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