atplayblog

Remembering Leslie Nielsen

2010-11-29T10:05:00.005-05:00

This morning I was devastated to learn that Leslie Nielsen -- one of my favorite actors of all time -- passed away. Nielsen started off doing drama, then became famous for comedy. But what made him so great was an acting style that intentionally blurred the distinction between the two.

While it was "Airplane" that first publicly cast Nielsen into a comedic light, he did his finest work in the 3rd best movie of all-time, "The Naked Gun: Files From The Police Squad!" (The only two movies better are "Back To The Future" and "The Princess Bride.")

Playing the iconic police detective Frank Drebin, Nielsen employed every shred of dramatic acting technique he had acquired over the years to make Drebin as believably inept as he possibly could. Frank Drebin was never "in" on the joke -- and that's what made him so likable. Sure, other gifted actors could play the straight-man convincingly. But Nielsen's natural straight-faced-ness was a gift that no other comedic actor could ever compete with. Even Peter Sellers' Inspector Clouseau -- as brilliant as he was -- paled in comparison, because with Clouseau there was a blatant over-the-top-ness to the portrayal that could often take you out of the story being told. He was speaking with a fake French accent for crying out loud!

But there was nothing fake or artificial about Nielsen's Drebin. He approached every situation as any cop on the force would. For proof, look at this comparison between "Dirty" Harry Callahan and Frank Drebin:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4ui_eQF4oE&feature=related

This moment, like so many others of Nielsen's career, is brilliant not just because it wittily references a popular archetype, but also because it shows us just how silly some of those archetypes are. It's as if Frank Drebin was the main character of a classic hard-boiled cop story, where someone erased certain sections and replaced them with absurd substitutions. Instead of a gun, Drebin gets foiled by a pillow. Instead of commandeering a pedestrian's vehicle, Drebin ends up commandeering a "teen driving school" car:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C29-gLZLt9s

Now a lot of this credit should also go to Zucker, Abrahams, and Zucker -- the creative team who made this movie and who, in one combination or another, maintained the spoof genre until it was spoiled in recent years.

But if there's any doubt that Nielsen was their best muse, just look at the efforts from other 'serious' actors they employed like Charlie Sheen and Lloyd Bridges in "Hot Shots!" Solid yes, but no doubt inferior to Nielsen's inimitable Drebin. Even Clouseau could be recast twice after Sellers (yes twice -- Steve Martin in recent years and Alan Arkin in 1968 after the first two Pink Panther movies), because Clouseau was at its essence an idea. An idea of a bumbling foreigner best inhabited by Peter Sellers but one that could be inhabited by other gifted actors as well.

Frank Drebin on the other hand is Leslie Nielsen. There is no other actor who could ever inhabit that role, and so let's hope no one ever makes the monumental mistake of doing a remake of "The Naked Gun." Instead, let's hope someone decides to rerelease it. That way, a whole new generation can revisit a wonderful movie and the genius of Leslie Nielsen.

A House for the Naked

2010-10-14T21:52:00.003-04:00

Hello all -

Long time no see. On this cold, rainy night, I wanted to share something that I had read a long time ago, but recently it's made a resurgence in my psyche.

Rumi's poem "A House for the Naked." Recently, when I re-read this poem, it invoked a feeling that I believe we should all have when we are witness to the creation of art. Sometimes with all the stress involved in putting together a show, it's hard to remember that feeling of community of the shared experience, but in a way this poem somehow reminds me. Enjoy.

A HOUSE FOR THE NAKED

It's late and it's raining, my friends;

let's go home. Let's leave these ruins

we've haunted like owls.

Even though the blind ones beckon us,

let's go home. All the reasons offered

by the sensible, dull, and sorrowful

can't darken our hearts now;

nor can all this phantom love play,

this imaginary paradise hold us back.

Some see the grain but not the harvest.

Don't ask too many "hows" or "whys."

Let Beasts graze

come home to the real celebration and music.

Shams has built a house for the naked and the pure.

Josh K. Interviews His Drinking Buddies! Episode 1: Playwright Steven Gridley

2010-08-18T11:50:00.039-04:00

Welcome to the first episode of

JOSH K. INTERVIEWS HIS DRINKING BUDDIES!

Every week or month or however long he feels like, At Play writer Josh Koenigsberg goes drinking with his buddies and interviews them. Some are artists, some are not...all are fascinating!

This week Josh sits down with playwright Steven Gridley (a.k.a. Leegrid Stevens) to talk about Steve's upcoming play "The Dudley's!" which is playing from August 22-30 at Theater For The New City (155 1st Avenue).

First a little about Steve:

Steven Gridley's plays have been seen in several downtown theatres such as HERE Arts Center, Ontological-Hysteric Theatre, Theatre for the New City, Altered Stages, CSV Cultural Center, and Spring Theatreworks’ DUMBO space. His plays and have been published by Playscripts, Brooklyn Publishers, Smith & Kraus, and by Martin Denton in his 2004 Plays and Playwrights Anthology. Steven was recently named as one of the “People of the Year 2005” by nytheatre.com saying "Indisputably one of the smartest and most innovative young playwright/directors working in New York's indie theatre scene.”

And a little about his play:

The Dudley's! A Family Game is an evocative new play that translates the adolescent memories of a young man into a malfunctioning 8-bit video game -- the kind he used to play as a child. A life-size video game onstage provides the setting in which the characters must score points and overcome obstacles as they navigate their way through the dangers of their own family.

Josh and Steve discussed playwriting, religion, and whether or not Steve wanted another beer as they drank at No Idea -- a bar on 20th street between Park and Broadway, close to where Steve works.

JOSH: So check it out, it looks like this place has its own brew. See the one called "No Idea"?

STEVE: Oh yeah. Huh.

JOSH: You think it's good?

STEVE: I don't know.

JOSH: I already ordered a Blue Moon, otherwise I'd get it. You wanna try it?

STEVE. Um...sure.

(STEVE orders, gets, sips the beer)

JOSH: How is it?

STEVE: It's pretty good actually. Yeah it's...yeah pretty decent. Here, here's some money.

JOSH: Nah, it's cool. I'll get the first round, you get the next.

STEVE: Okay, sure.

JOSH: (Fumbling with recorder) Wait, let me just check the levels. Say your name out loud I guess?

STEVE: Okay, uh...Steven Gridley.

(JOSH plays it back)

JOSH: Oh yeah I heard everything, everything we've done up to this point actually. That song ["No Rain" by Blind Melon] is playing sort of loudly in the background, but that's okay...

(JOSH fumbles with recorder again.)

JOSH: All right great so...the first thing I want to know is what the impetus of this play was. Did you start it as sort of a writing exercise or did you sit down and say 'I have this play I need to get off my chest.' Did you know what it was from the second you started?

STEVE: No I didn't. Not at all. And in fact I thought this was gonna be two separate plays. Cause I started getting into the "Chip Tune" scene where these guys hack into these old videogame consoles like Atari and NES and make music out of it? So I started searching eBay for old consoles and then started making music and I thought I was gonna make a videogame play that was gonna be a re-enactment of The Battle of Marathon?

(They both laugh.)

STEVE: And then when I was at Columbia [in the M.F.A. playwriting program], we started doing writing exercises and I started writing these scenes related to the video game play, but that for some reason included members of my family also, and the two ideas started fusing together. And in another class we had to write a new play, so I just kind of decided this would be the play I would write and banged out a draft.

JOSH: And how did your family seep into it?

STEVE: Well you know how those writing exercises are.

JOSH: (Chuckles) Yup.

STEVE: It's stuff like, y'know, "close your eyes, picture yourself sitting near a window and think about somebody that did, y'know, something bad to you."

(They both laugh.)

STEVE: And so the things that came up were family stuff. And so I'd write these scenes about my life but in a video game world cause I was still interested in writing this video game play, but...what was the original question?

JOSH: Yeah it was...yeah I don't remember. I think it was about your family. I mean originally I asked if you wanted to try the beer this place made, but--

STEVE: Yeah so it was when I realized I wanted to write a whole play about a family in a videogame, which is based on my family, but became its own thing. I drew whatever I wanted from my family and I changed whatever I wanted.

JOSH: Right.

STEVE: For the sake of the play, y'know.

JOSH: Right, yeah. So you mentioned Columbia, where we both went and where I first saw the play presented, um, well over a year ago, right?

STEVE: Yeah. A reading in Kelly[Stuart]'s class.

JOSH: So what's changed since then?

STEVE: Uh, quite a bit! (Chuckles.)

JOSH: Right no. I guess what I mean is was that time off useful for you? How did you, y'know, develop it more.

STEVE: Well it didn't really have a central focus other than that it related to this certain event...that happened.

JOSH: Uh huh.

STEVE: And so I started working with directors, this one in particular [fellow Josh K. Drinking Buddy] Matt Torney who, um, started trying to focus it in on who the central character is, whose story is it. And so it started becoming the two brothers' story and everything related to them as oppose to saying "we're gonna go follow the aunt for a couple of pages." All the characters are still in it -- it's just that all their parts of the story relate back either to the brothers or the main family.

JOSH: Right. Now you yourself are sort of in this play. There's sort of a version of you. Is it fair to say that?

STEVE: Yeah...

JOSH: What was that like? I mean did you know you were gonna put yourself in it or did it just sort of happen naturally?

STEVE: Um...I didn't mean to do that, but when I started writing these exercises I could tell that I was writing myself a little bit. Well it's kind of hard because you have to have a certain amount of...not self-loathing but...

JOSH: But A LOT of self-loathing.

(They both laugh.)

STEVE: Yeah, it's like "sometimes I really suck." Um, so I would write these things in this play that I did or that I thought I was ashamed of and felt bad about. Things that are related to how the character who is basically me hurt other people. I just wrote it, y'know? In a weird way I feel like I was, I don't know, I was pretty hard on myself? It felt, in a way as I was doing it, like sort of an apology.

JOSH: Well it's funny because at least in the previous versions that I've seen, it seems like you're hard on yourself in a plot sense. Y'know in the sense that you do certain things that impact other members of your family. But the characteristics of your character are not unappealing.

(STEVE laughs.)

STEVE: Yeah "he's funny, he's quick!" y'know...

JOSH: (Chuckling) Yeah I mean he's a very appealing guy. He's a guy that I think we most relate to in the play -- despite the things that he does to other people.

STEVE: Yeah I mean I can't say that I didn't want to make him, y'know...

JOSH: The coolest guy in the world.

STEVE: (Chuckling) Yeah exactly.

JOSH: So have rehearsals been tense?

STEVE: Well, it's funny, y'know when you're working on material that's really emotional to you there are times when an actor might doing a really good job and re-enacting, I don't know, something in your life maybe and it's gonna get you, and it's like "man..."

(STEVE stops, as the memory gets him. Long pause.)

STEVE: (Chuckles) It's getting to me here...but uh, you keep moving and you just have to be okay with that. I feel like a lot of writing, especially for me, is kind of like 'confession' in a way. Where you just spill your guts, write something emotional that you care about and y'know, just sort of close of your eyes and go forward with it. Cause when I'm writing I don't sit there thinking, "what's mom gonna think about this." I mean that's what I think about now. Now that's all that I'm thinking about: "what's mom gonna think about this."

JOSH: Right. Was there anything in your life that you wanted to include, but maybe for fear of how it would come across, you didn't get a chance to?

STEVE: (Sighs) Yeah, yeah...

JOSH: A few things?

STEVE: (Sighs) Yeah a few things...

JOSH: And what are they?

STEVE: (Not taking the bait) Well whenever you're developing a play to the next stage, you just have to cut things because they kind of don't relate to the arc? So you literally just have to find what the story of the play is and then be a little cruel to the rest. And write another play with that stuff in it.

JOSH: Does your family know about this play?

STEVE: Yeah they know. I felt like the play would not be too hard for my brother or my sister to read, so I gave them the script. But I was really worried about my mom. And I still am. And so she hasn't read it. And she was trying to come down to New York to see it. And now she's not. And I'm kind of like "okay." But it might be going up again. And she might be planning on seeing that version?

JOSH: Yikes.

STEVE: Yeah I really just, y'know, it's tough cause I really like the character and in some ways it's very different from her, but I'm worried that my mom will feel that this is what I think of her. That this is my statement on who she is as a person. When it's not at all! I just took some ideas and things that originated from things she had said and went my own way with it for the sake of a fun play.

JOSH: Yeah, one of the things that I really love about your writing is that it successfully does a balancing act of funny and sad -- especially in the scene where she announces at the dinner table that she's converting to Judaism. And they come from a Mormon family. And they've gone on a bunch of Missions.

STEVE: Yeah most of the family has pretty much left, at least emotionally, the Mormon world. Except for my character who's like "wait, what's going on? Nobody believe in the church anymore?!"

JOSH: Right he's like "how can you switch your religion when you forced me to go on Missions where I literally converted hundreds of people?!"

STEVE: Right and now suddenly you don't believe in Jesus Christ anymore.

JOSH: And did that really happen?

STEVE: Yeah, that really happened.

JOSH: That happened to you.

STEVE: That happened to me. Well see that wasn't me. That was my brother. But I was there. See my brother went on a Mission and he really didn't want to. He went to Taiwan. And came back and my mom was in the midst of converting to Judaism and he got really angry. What's not in the play is that she wanted him to go back, while she was converting to Judaism.

JOSH: To finish the Mission?

STEVE: Yeah and he was like "are you kidding me?! You don't even believe in this stuff anymore!" But she thought he needed to mature and grow up, so...

JOSH: Now, but you've been on several Missions yourself.

STEVE: Yeah see, for me, I really believed it. I went and I was all gung ho like "Yeah this is really the thing!" And then I came back and I was like really confused for 7 or 8 years. Eventually I guess I just sort of fell out of it. But uh yeah I went to Portugal and converted a lot of people.

JOSH: So did this play come out quickly?

STEVE: Yeah it came out quickly. I sat down, wrote it once. Felt pretty good about it and made adjustments. But I haven't done major major re-writes. I had all these stories and these things I'd been thinking about for a long time about a family losing their identity because of the death of the father. And then everybody's changing their last names and their religions. And it just sort of makes me think about what would've happened if my Dad had not died. I wonder sometimes...

JOSH: The play has a really tight structure. When you write, how much are you aware of structure?

STEVE: Not aware at all. When I write I have to just write on instinct--

JOSH: Yeah totally, me too.

STEVE: And follow a feeling and hope it's tying together. And it takes me a while to then realize "oh -- this is all about how people deal with grief." But I didn't know that when I started. I rely a lot on the emotional feeling and if it doesn't feel right emotionally, then I just stop and work on something else.

JOSH: Why do you think the videogame angle was (chuckles) an entrance point into your family? I mean it's not really an intuitive idea but it works.

STEVE: Yeah. I went to this concert as I was getting into the "Chip Tune" scene and in the lobby there was this guy who had hacked a Super Mario Cartridge and he made his own, like, Super Mario Movie. This guy's name is Corey Archangel. I recommend this movie to everyone. And it was like Mario standing on a completely empty sky, standing on one of those question marks.

JOSH: Right.

STEVE: And then this dialogue would come up and he says, "I have no idea what to do. If I jump, who knows what will happen. But if I stay here, I'll be alone forever."

JOSH: Like an existential Mario.

STEVE: Yeah existential Mario. And he goes "Fuck it. I'm jumping." And so he jumps and then he just falls for like minutes. And then finally lands in this crazy, fucked up world. And he's trying to figure out what the point of the game is. That movie really influenced my play. And I was like "this movie really reminds me of how I was feeling when all this crap was happening to me with my family." It takes this innocence -- stuff you were told to believe when you were young and Mario -- and turns them around and shows what's happened after that innocence is broken.

JOSH: Right. That's so interesting. Cause we've all played Mario and when you think of it that way, it's a really terrifying game.

STEVE: Yeah it's a coping mechanism in a way. Where you don't want to think about somebody with cancer. But if you turn them into a zombie that you have to kill, y'know it makes it less...I don't know I felt like that related to how you feel when you look at somebody that's about to die.

JOSH: Yeah. You want another beer?

STEVE: No, I gotta go home soon.

JOSH: Gotcha. Yeah the videogame angle makes a lot of sense when you talk about it like that.

STEVE: Yeah I wanted to portray a malfunctioning videogame that made no fucking sense. And you're just trying to figure out "what is the point of this game?" And "I just want to win!" (Chuckles) "How do I win?!"

JOSH: It's like whether you're told to hit the question mark box or go abroad on a Mission to convert people.

STEVE: Yeah and see I had just come from two years of knowing exactly what the point of life was.

JOSH: Wait two years?!

STEVE: Two fucking years. Going out, talking to people, and converting them Mormonism. And I was fairly successful. It wasn't hundreds of people, it was like 20. But which is amazing in Portugal because they're staunch Catholics. I think they average for most Missionaries is like 2 people?

JOSH: Wow. And you got 20.

STEVE: Yeah. 2 years, 20 people. Brazil's easier. You can get a lot more. But Portugal's a tough Mission. So I came back home after 2 years, my Mom is becoming Jewish, my Dad is dying. Nobody knows what's going on. And my sister is changing her last name just cause she didn't like our last name. And everything is falling apart.

JOSH: And so you fell out of Mormonism. And what's with the pen name [Leegrid Stevens]?

STEVE: Well I know some people would be hurt. What is this going out on? Is this going on like a website?

JOSH: I'm gonna type this up and it's gonna go on my theater company's blog.

STEVE: Okay. I do worry that people might be hurt about certain things. Like my Mom. Although she would never get really angry and take like legal action. But I do worry a bit about certain other people so I started writing under a pen name.

JOSH: And do you want this to be under your pen name?

STEVE: Yeah it should be. Well. I don't know, you can put whatever. Yeah I don't think it really matters. I'm not that known.

JOSH: Not yet.

STEVE: Well. It's sort of why I like writing. I took this class with Craig Lucas at Cherry Lane awhile ago and he said something I've never forgotten that I thought was great. He said, "If you wanna be healthy -- tell one person all your secrets. And if you wanna be free -- tell everyone." And so for playwriting I just want to go all out. Say what you want to say as if you were talking to somebody who knew you and loved you, y'know?

JOSH: Yeah. So you want another beer?

STEVE: Nah, I gotta get home to Erin.

JOSH: Gotcha.

For more information about "The Dudley's!" and to buy tickets, visit http://playthedudleys.com/tix

Introduce Yourself, Matthew Hadley

2010-07-05T09:39:00.001-04:00

Theatre or theater?

Haha, I went through a whole phase where I tried to make "theatre" happen (as in even kind of pronouncing the "truh" at the end). These days, I'm happy when I can manage to find time to sit in a darkened room and watch people bring a playwright's words to life--regardless of whether its highbrow, classical standards--or kitchen-sink drama.

Strangest theater-related job?

I actually haven't had a ton of theater related jobs, having put my acting career on hold for the time being. But the strangest theatrical experience I ever had was doing a show (the name of which escapes me) where the performances started every night at 10pm, in a basement in NoHo; my character was called "Rooster" and the final moments of the show were a choreographed, heroin-fueled, dance sequence in which all the characters came back from the dead in order to torment the heroine-lead during a drug fueled frenzy. Come to think of it...that might actually qualify as my most fun theatrical experience. Haha!

What experience made you want to become an actor?

I can't pinpoint an exact moment. It was more like a gradual succumbing. I did theater in high school, and enjoyed it, got lauded with a bunch of silly awards, and ultimately decided wouldn't it be fun if everyday I went to play instead of work?

Very first role on stage?

Kaiser. Kidding. Uhhh, lets see that must have been when I was 10, and played the emcee in my church's production of "Look In the Book"...my first, and last musical. But, as they say "a stahhhh was born."

Tragic flaw?

Of mine or theaters? I suppose they might be one in the same...I'm terrible at this whole making theater a money making venture, and I suppose thats the fault of theater as well--its just not designed in a way that the majority of people who want to do it, and are good at it, are able to make a living at it. Shame really; if we were more civilized, like the Europeans, there would be subsidies for artists--because THEY realize arts are vital to the health of a culture.

If you were a 1980s television show sidekick, who would you be?

You expect me to remember TV shows from the 80s? I was barely alive back then...my knowledge of 80s tv consists of Smurfs, Gumby and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. And because of that, I'll say "Pokey". Always loyal to his good friend Gumby, never one to say an unkind word, and willing to carry his friends on his back when they need him!

Tales from the Orchard Project pt.1

2010-06-21T13:49:00.003-04:00

This is Josh. The Dog Whisperer. Mostly, he sang to him. So the Dog Singer. But only after a few cups of Belarussian Fire Water. Mmmm

And that's Gus - the sweetest resident dog at the Orchard Project. He even did his own monologue. I'm not kidding. It was genius, and written by our new friends from Paines Plough in London. They were delightful chaps! There was also a piece about a Ware-bear and Milwaukee's Best cleverly titled "The Beast" - who knew the Brits could write bad beer culture so well.

But let me take it back just a bit - that was all after we got cozy.

Our first few days at the Orchard Project were amazing. Amazing in the fact that we just kept repeating to ourselves "Guys, we're at the ORCHARD PROJECT." Not to mention it was gorgeous and the drive was so beautiful. Well, for some of us - I'll let Zoe tell her story about their epic journey. So we sort of walked around in a daze - soaking up the creative energy and catching up with each other.

What was great about this trip - about At Play really - is, as Sherri said, "You never know what you're going to get." And that applies to this trip as well. Originally, 12 At Play members were supposed to make it up with us. The final tally - 8: Devin, Zoe, Josh, Sherri, Mary, Stephanie, Julia, and myself. It could have easily been a completely different group and they may have worked and completed things in a totally different way. And I feel safe in saying that it probably would have been just as brilliant.

There are so many possible combinations for At Play collaborations - and all of them will output different products. And all of them will be fresh. That's what makes us exciting.

I also love our "other" new catch-phrase:

At Play: Why the f*ck not?

Cataloging

2010-06-19T19:25:00.004-04:00

Some things you may have missed if you didn't come to the Orchard Project:

Reading monologues in the ruins of an old church overrun by wildflowers.
Belarussians.
Getting shady looks from the 12 remaining residents of Hunter, NY.
Devin's one-eyed jack breakfasts.
Bunkbeds.
Morning coffee and artistic discussions on the porch.
Julia's musings on speed limits. Ummm, 80?
Popchips.
Mapping out a new game plan for the gallery plays that includes commissioning artwork from artists of all mediums.
Smores.
Zoe and Mary drinking straight vodka, using graham crackers as chasers.
Josh leading drunken campfire songs, including, but not limited to, I've Had the Time of My Life and almost the entire canon of the Beatles.
Josh then stepping on a Belarussian's glass of tequila and then exclaiming "Hey, you're not in our company!"
Vodka thirsty Brits.
STARS!
Zoe's claims that she's "a really good drunk driver".
Everyone smoking Kelcie's American Spirits.
Setting in motion a short film project using some of our favorite past At Play pieces.
Sherri's emphatic new slogan, "At Play: You never know what you're gonna get!"
Stef's hungry goblin impression.
Burritos.
Cookie dough ice cream.
Stef and Sherri's rendition of the Belarussian's song and dance.
Reading the beginnings of a beautiful screenplay by Kelcie at 1am.
The fastest paced hike known to man.
Skinny dipping in a secret mountain waterfall pool with Julia, Devin and Mary.

Some things you may be glad you missed if you didn't come to the Orchard Project:

Flat tires.
Raccoon eyed sunburns.
Leaving your phone on top of the car.
Going to pick up your phone from the dude who found it and bringing a bottle of wine as a thank you and then realizing the "dude" was 15 yrs old.
All of your clothes smelling like campfire for the latter half of the week.
Leaving.

Introduce Yourself, Devin Norik

2010-06-10T07:03:00.000-04:00

Theatre or theater?

Devin or Devon?

Strangest theatre or theater-related job?

Scoopy the Pelican. Is that enough?

What experience made you want to become an actor?

I don’t know that there is one experience where I wanted to become an actor. I think there are many experiences that have made me want to be something: skiing powder through Utah’s mountains made me want to be a ski bum; helping my dad tend his vegetable garden made me want to be a farmer in San Luis Obispo, California; and eating scones and clotted cream in the south of England made me want to be a baker with a British accent. Unfortunately, I have never been any of these things, but I have day dreamed what it would be like to become all of them.

Very first role on stage?

The head broom in my pre-schools staged production of Disney’s Fantasia. I was the original broom that circled the audience before being joined by my million broom friends.

Tragic flaw?

My need for a bottomless cup of coffee.

If you were a 1980s television show sidekick, who would you be?

Hobie Buchannon is the lively son of Mitch Buchannon, single dad and L.A. lifeguard extraordinaire. Hobie is devoted to the beach and somehow always manages to bump into trouble, even when he’s not trying to.

Introduce Yourself, Sarah Ries

2010-06-07T10:11:00.000-04:00

Theatre or theater?

Theater.

Strangest theater-related job?

I once music directed a musical based on a video game where the characters would, at random points, burst out into operatic songs while fighting each other warrior-style. Wearing capes. That was pretty fucking strange. But it reminded me of the landlord's dance cycle from the Big Lebowski, live, in front of my eyes, so it was also awesome.

What experience made you want to become an actor?

I grew up in a family of musicians, and my dad was an artist, so I started out singing with my grandpa's band and such at a very young age and have wanted to be a performer ever since I can remember. For a few years in high school I thought I'd be a lawyer, but I was very dedicated to performing in college. I stayed after senior year to play Evita, which was a huge challenge, and a special experience for me. That show prompted me to take the leap into the professional world.

Very first role on stage?

I don't remember what came first. Maybe a peasant girl in Missoula Children's Theater's production of Hans Christian Anderson. I remember it was so exciting when they came to our town to do a show!

Tragic flaw?

Perfectionism. I'm working on it. lol

If you were a 1980s television show sidekick, who would you be?

Hm... this is not so much a sidekick, but... Rainbow Brite!! Rainbow Brite, definitely! She had boots with rainbows on them. Amazing.

Introduce Yourself, Malcolm Madera

2010-06-03T06:05:00.000-04:00

Theatre or theater?

I like -re. But we'll see how Disney spells it when they buy the registered trademark for it.

Strangest theatre-related job?

Helping train police cadets and foreign presidential body guards. I'd be a suicide jumper or a drunk or dude off his meds and a young police cadet would try and figure his way out through the situation with me rewarding or punishing the poor youngster based on his/her actions. Or I'd be a VIP who got picked up in a motorcade and taken around town and given tours of this, that and the other, and it always ended with an assassination attempt on yours truly. Good times.

What experience made you want to become an actor?

I saw Peter Pan on stage when I was 3 and never wanted to grow up.

Very first role on stage?

The stoner in a D.A.R.E. play? Or maybe it was Humpty Dumpty.

Tragic flaw?

I smoke like a character from Madmen.

If you were a 1980s television show sidekick, who would you be?

"Howling Mad" Murdock from The A-Team. I'm crazy like a fox.

Introduce Yourself, Zoe Anastassiou

2010-05-31T08:07:00.001-04:00

Theatre or theater?

Θέατρο (theatro) avoids the "re" versus "er" battle -- and of course it's used to mean both in Greek so not sure where along the line this difference emerged....hmmm interesting...OPA!

Strangest Θέατρο related job?

I have had many odd experiences – I remember I worked for a summer rep company in MD and when my show was not up then I had to house manage the matinees where most of the audience were elderly patrons and so had to be in charge of helping them understand things, quiet them in the performances, and even consul them and their farting in the theatre!

I know people won’t forget me being cast as a gay man in a monkey suit with a green sock to resemble a zucchini that was supposed to resemble a penis!

I also remember being cast in a piece where I along the way became the producer, co-writer and assistant director, and then discovered why – the other actor in the piece turned out to also be the director and the writer and kept assigning me more and more things so that he could be around me all the time! One day he handed me a script where the character name I was playing had now been changed to my own full name which felt strange but I went with it. Then the following week he said he had written a love scene (in a very psychological/political play) and that he wanted to spend rehearsal “practicing” the kiss so it would appear authentic. He kept saying he wanted to “practice” the kiss not “rehearse” the kiss! So, I confronted him and he admitted that he had looked me up online and saw a photo of me playing a librarian in some play and it had really aroused him so that’s why he cast me, and hired no one else, for anything, because he apparently had a librarian fetish. And he wanted to date me. Here I was working my arse off to sort out the space, fundraising, learning my lines, and it was all a bunch of baloney! Needless to say, that play never happened! But he did call me on and off for nearly three years after trying to “re-connect”!!!

What experience made you want to become an actor?

I grew up on movies. Watching movies was, and still is, almost like a family outing/adventure/event. We would watch them all the time – which is why my DVD collection is HUGE!! I am obsessed with movies! I used to apparently watch them and then re-enact them all the time too – I have witnessed this on family videos! It’s quite funny! I also noticed that I was an attention grabber – the parents would be filming my cute little younger brother and I would literally steal the poor boy’s thunder in every shot!! I don’t remember the moment I made the connection that I want to be an actor – but it was never a question. I do wish I had some defining experience/moment though that I could pinpoint.

Apparently it was very obvious that is what I was going to be since I used to put on “plays” in the garden at home and make everyone at the house who was there for dinner come and see it – they actually had no choice! I would lay out chairs and glasses of water for everyone and put on all kinds of performances. Apparently also, if someone spoke or laughed or I perceived someone as not paying attention, then I would throw a fit and start from the beginning again as their punishment! I can picture my spoiled little self doing that too!!

It’s funny how movies were, and still are, my love, yet, there is nothing like performing live and having people watch you – I do remember figuring that out very young – that I had the ability to make people laugh or cry or feel something. And that was exciting!!

Very first role on stage?

I actually don’t remember officially – I would love to know what my first role was, but was way too young. For some reason I do recall playing maybe a bird or duck #3 (I could totally be making that up!!). I know I went to all girls’ schools in London all the way until 18 so the joke was I played all the male roles – I even got an award as “Best Honorary Male Actor”!!

Tragic flaw?

You mean flawS – which leads directly into the fact that I apparently am very self-negative – the first thing that comes out of my mouth as an automatic response to a compliment is always NO! I like to think of myself as realistic or what I call “pessimistically optimistic” but I will admit that I do need to work on that. I am also very self-critical and too nice and….I could go on forever! See what I mean!! Tragic L

If you were a 1980s television show sidekick, who would you be?

Well, since I grew up in Europe, the two television shows that I used to watch every day after school were the Australian sitcoms “Home and Away” and “Neighbours” – that still play to this day!! They were so dramatic and hilarious!! LOVE THEM! I sadly don’t have one particular female character I wanted to be (I just wanted to be on the shows with them!!), but I remember watching it for Kylie Minogue when she was still on it!!

Introduce Yourself, Jamie Klassel

2010-05-27T08:39:00.000-04:00

Theatre or theater?

Yes.

Strangest theatre or theater-related job?

Well, once I was hired to play a large red M&M for an online M&M commercial that was shot on a pirate ship. It is very difficult to 'walk the plank' in a massive M&M costume. Oh, the things we do for a buck.

What experience made you want to become an actor?

I joined a community theater in Baltimore, MD when I was about 9. I played Wendy in Peter Pan and my heart was a flutter.

Very first role on stage?

Summer Camp circa 1989. A flower in "Alice in Wonderland." I cried backstage because I was so petrified. My sister pushed me onto the stage and I waved at my parents through the entire scene.

Tragic flaw?

My fear of the unknown.

If you were a 1980s television show sidekick, who would you be?

I wouldn't be a sidekick. I would be Punky Brewster and that's that.

i especially love the part about onstage peeing...

2010-05-25T17:04:00.002-04:00

http://brooklynrail.org/2010/05/theater/in-dialogue-annie-baker-laughing-at-the-laugh

Introduce Yourself, Mary Quick

2010-05-24T11:42:00.000-04:00

Theatre or theater?

Well, I don't spell color with a u sooo....

Strangest theater-related job?

Hmmm...I guess it would have to be when I played an insane asylum inmate in my high school's production of Marat/Sade. I spent the first 25 minutes of every performance curled in fetal position, hidden inside of a small, dark compartment of the platform, so that I could burst out (literally, as well as in song) in full clown makeup and dance around the stage singing about the French revolution...that's pretty strange, no?

What experience made you want to become an actor?

I'm not sure exactly when the inkling started...I was painfully shy in lower school, but we did a play almost every year and I remember wanting really badly to be the lead in The Secret Garden and our annual Nativity play (neither of which happened, much to the disbelief of my nine yr old self...ummm hello? Both the characters were named Mary!) But finally in fifth grade I got the big part and then that was it - kind of crazy, but I haven't even considered doing anything else since I was ten.

Very first role on stage?

A Bumblebee.....in my first grade Rainforest play.....yeah, they ran out of animals before they got to me.

Tragic flaw?

Hahahaha. It's funny that you think I would reveal that.

If you were a 1980s television show sidekick, who would you be?

Who would I actually be or who do I want to be? I choose to answer the latter...and that would have to be B.A. from the A-Team (for those of you not obsessed with this show as a child, it's the Mr. T character and his name stands for Bad Attitude). Name me someone else who can kick ass while sporting a mohawk and his body weight in gold chains. Really. I dare you.

i concur.

2010-05-23T09:00:00.002-04:00

a little bit of truth on a saturday afternoon...

2010-05-22T14:19:00.001-04:00

i feel better the closer to five o'clock it gets...

2010-05-21T16:11:00.000-04:00

this struck me as beautiful.

2010-05-21T11:46:00.000-04:00

Introduce Yourself, Lauren Hines

2010-05-20T10:16:00.002-04:00

Theatre or theater?

Theater. I'm from Kentucky.

Strangest theater-related job?

Working at Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, PA. It's a 2100 seat theater with camels, donkeys, and horses on this gigantic stage. And the animals will use the bathroom.... mid show....on stage.... while you are singing, dancing or whatever and then a fully costumed stage hand will come on stage and clean up their mess and casually exit. But. The. Smell. Will. Remain.

What experience made you want to become an actor?

I've wanted to be an actor as long as I can remember. But it was solidified when I was an extra in a Jim Henson movie when I was in Kindergarten. We were at Disney World and my grandmother was with us and this producer came up and asked my grandmother to be in the movie "The Muppets Go to Walt Disney World". Apparently, their elderly grandmother actress had gotten ill and now they were trying to scrounge up one in the park. She had to sit between the two old guy Muppet puppets, Statler and Waldorf, and Henson and another puppeteer had them sing her a song. And I was an extra sort of dancing and swaying in the background by default as her granddaughter. And I was totally nervous. But I also remember thinking, "But if this is what you want to do when you grow up, you can't be nervous, you've got to just do it." And. So. I. Did.

Very first role on stage?

Mary (Mother of Jesus) in the Christmas pageant at our school. I sang the song "Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine" but because I couldn't read well, during the rehearsal I sang "Joseph Desert, Joseph Mine". And was corrected although I think my rendition would have had a much deeper meaning and therefore made the show more poignant. No?

Tragic flaw?

Pride.... and desserts.

If you were a 1980s television show sidekick, who would you be?

Larry Appleton on Perfect Strangers.

Introduce Yourself, Rachel Helson

2010-05-17T09:12:00.004-04:00

Theatre or theater?

Theatre. I like British things. My facebook is set to the British version. I’m a nerd.

Strangest theatre-related job?

I was once in a production of “Alice in Wonderland” where I played Humpty Dumpty, and the director decided that he wanted me to be demonic and speak in a voice like the girl from the Exorcist when she is possessed. And no, for all those who were wondering, I had no mic, and the theatre was big. Try projecting the Exorcist voice on a two show day. That’s dedication, dude.

What experience made you want to become a writer/producer/actor?

I wear a lot of different hats. I act, produce and write, and I started doing each at different points in my life. I can’t really point to a specific experience that made me want to go into theatre. I read a lot as a kid, and I used to get sad whenever a book ended because I didn’t want to live in the real world all the time. Theatre was the next logical step.

Very first role on stage?

A bird in “Cinderella” when I was six.

Tragic flaw?

Too much awesomeness.

If you were a 1980s television show sidekick, who would you be?

Definitely, Donatello from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I love the heroes in a half shell.

Introduce Yourself, Will Rogers

2010-05-13T08:22:00.002-04:00

Theatre or theater?

I say theater. But I write theatre.

Strangest theatre-related job?

My college was commissioned to perform a piece honoring the Wright brothers at the Centennial celebration in North Carolina a few years ago. Two of my buddies were the two brothers and I was some ridiculous fictional character serving as narrator for the whole thing. The cool part was we spoke the text from music stands in front of a full orchestra. The music was incredibly beautiful, amazing to sink up with, and somehow fit perfectly with our ludicrous caricatures. And Andy Griffith was watching in the front row.

What experience made you want to become an actor/writer?

Reading. And watching movies.

Very first role on stage?

Gumshoe Shake Speare, from the Omelet Murder Case. 7th Grade, a bumbling detective, prone to prat falls, in a spoof of Hamlet set in a Clue-esque mansion.

Tragic flaw?

In the interest of keeping this blog positive for AtPlay, I will refrain from answering.

If you were a 1980s television show sidekick, who would you be?

Boner from Growing Pains... (see previous question)

Introduce Yourself, Melissa Joyner

2010-05-10T22:57:00.000-04:00

Theatre or theater?

Theater, always E-R! Doesn't it make it seem elegant and important?! And honestly, how often does one get to feel that way?

Strangest theater-related job?

Strangest theater related job was an internship for an independent film company in London U.K. The horror film, CREEP was being filmed in the abandoned tube system in the dead of winter. My job, adorned in a man's navy jumper with flashlight and walkie talkie in hand: keep the curious public from wandering, stumbling, snooping onto the set. All the while keeping the director supplied with English Breakfast tea, steaming hot. He only liked it when I made his tea. Apparently I steep a mean cup.

What experience made you want to become an actor?

Looking back I believe I've always been an actor and a singer. What I discovered was that there was a title for what I loved doing. I've been doing this since I was 11 years old when my parents stuck me into the Venette Carol Children's Theatre, to give themselves a break from my "energy," and they haven't been able to drag me off of the stage since.

Very first role on stage?

"The Candy Man" at Banyan Elementary School. Imagine 17 elementary school kids shrieking, I mean singing, "The candy man, the candy man can, the candy man can because he mixes it with love and makes the world taste good" and me with a white apron handing out lollipops and gum made out of construction paper, glitter, and paste.

Tragic flaw?

Spreading myself too thin. My father is always telling me, "Melissa you can do 20 things well or 2 things and be the best."

If you were a 1980s television show sidekick, who would you be?

My nickname in junior high into high school, "Laura Winslow" (Kellie S. Williams) on Family Matters, smart goody two shoes girl, (OK yes that sounds like me) and I did have my own "Steve Urkle" type. He was a rapper not a scientist but did have a tendency to act out his professions of love in front of the entire school. I guess it wasn’t too much of a stretch.

Introduce Yourself, Nick Spangler

2010-05-05T08:34:00.001-04:00

Theatre or theater?

Dude, whatever works. Just please don't pronounce it Thee-ey-ter. Please...

Strangest theatre or theater-related job?

The Children's Discovery Museum in San Jose, CA. I did children's interactive shows for them. In the first I played "Arthur" - as in, the aardvark. And that was topped only by the version of Alice in Wonderland we did, in which I played the narrator, the caterpillar, the white rabbit, the mad hatter, the march hair, AND the red queen - all in the same performance.

What experience made you want to become an actor?

Well, I've been acting since before it was even up to me... but when I knew I was in love with it for life was when I was performing in Sondheim's Assassin's at age 9 and I discovered what HARMONY was in a song! I listened to the cassette tape of the show and was able to pick out my own harmony line I had just learned in rehearsal. Awesome...

Very first role on stage?

A munchkin in The Wizard of Oz. I was part of The Lollipop Guild and I was awesome! Except during the curtain call of the first performance I bowed so deeply that I fell over and bumped my head on the stage. (I was 5 years old so it wasn't a long fall... but my pride still hurts 20 years later)

Tragic flaw?

Tragic? That's a bit melodramatic... I wouldn't say it's tragic, but I'm terrible with remembering names and remembering people. Everywhere and everyone. I even re-introduced myself to a buddies girlfriend once and she said, "I know... we've met. I've been to your house..." Yikes. I guess that is pretty tragic actually.

If you were a 1980s television show sidekick, who would you be?

I'm gonna go with Kit Cloudkicker from TalesSpin. The one caveat to the choice is that choice is the fact that the show premiered in 1990... So sue me people, it's close enough. But really, who wouldn't want to be an orphan who lived with the Air Pirates and could CLOUD SURF ON AN AIRFOIL. Awesome. Besides, he was industrious and liked to take risks - like Spangler...

Introduce Yourself, Kelcie Beene

2010-05-02T08:35:00.000-04:00

Theatre or theater?

Theater... theatre... theater....theatre... THEATER is much easier to type for me so let's go with that.

Strangest theater-related job?

Um, well... growing up, every summer at Ivy Green in Tuscumbia, AL - yes, the birthplace of Helen Keller - they would put on The Miracle Worker in an outdoor theater. Tourists from all over the world would come to check it out. Over a period of 10 years of involvement, my father played the Doctor and Captain Keller, my brother played James Keller, my sister worked back stage, and I played a blind child and finally Helen when I was old enough. So basically I spent my summers with my family pretending to be deaf and blind. Looking back, I find that strange.

What experience made you want to become a producer?

I think it was a combination of 1) someone told me to apply to a program as a producer, even though I didn't really consider myself a producer, causing great reflection upon my career goals 2) being surrounded by amazingly talented and creative people who's biggest flaws were logistics and organization 3) sometimes when you work on a project you learn a lot of what NOT to do by the people above you. I'm speaking of only one dark incident many years ago, but it was still very much a lasting learning experience.

I sort of took up an attitude of "can-do" and once people I cared about started saying to me "I want to do THIS project" my reply became "Ok, let's do it!" and we would. It's like the first time you jump off the high dive it's terrifying, but once you do it, it's exhilarating and you don't even think twice the next time.

Very first role on stage?

They all sort of blur together since I did community theater from the time I could walk till high school... but I would say either a squirrel in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, or the Littlest Indian in Peter Pan... I don't even think that was a character I think they just gave me that title because at age 6 I thought I should be signing autographs...

Tragic flaw?

Over-booking myself. Hands down. And procrastinating.... it's a lethal combination.

If you were a 1980s television show sidekick, who would you be?

Maybe Penny or Brain from Inspector Gadget....

But I always wanted to be in Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem!

Introduce Yourself, Satya Bhabha

2010-04-28T07:28:00.000-04:00

Theatre or theater?

Theatre. Who needs the building?

Strangest theatre-related job?

Wearing a full body mouse costumes and catapulting fruit cakes across the stage in Chuck Mee's "Paradise Park" at the Signature Theatre. We also had 800 stuffed supermen and a bumper car on stage.

What experience made you want to become an actor?

Fred Astaire. And Laurel & Hardy.

Very first role on stage?

The Jolly Snowman.

Tragic flaw?

Addicted to catharsis.

If you were a 1980s television show sidekick, who would you be?

Robin. Ka-Pow!

god, i love that feeling.

2010-04-25T12:57:00.003-04:00

you know that feeling

when you've been running around

on the verge of crazy

for an extended period of time

and then you wake up one morning

on your own volition

(i.e. not aided by an alarm)

and you panic for a second

because the clock

on your bedside table

reads 12.30pm

and you think to yourself

i MUST be missing something right now

because you can't remember the last time that you weren't supposed to be somewhere by eight AM at the latest

and so you bolt from the bed

and you rush into the bathroom to splash some water on your face before throwing on some clothes

when you realize

or rather

you remember

that you didn't set your alarm for a reason

...

you didn't set your alarm

because the night before

you crossed the very last thing on your very long list of TO DO's OFF of your list

...

and so

for the first time

in a long time

you are agenda-less

commitment-less

you can actually DO NOTHING

and feel good about that

...

god

i love that feeling!

Introduce Yourself, Bekah Brunstetter

2010-04-25T10:26:00.000-04:00

Theatre or theater?

Theater unless I am currently eating or holding a scone.

Strangest theater-related job?

Spotlight op for a stage adaptation of a prayer for owen meany, following a very small man around a large stage.

What experience made you want to become a writer?

When I was pretty little I decided to be a writer because I loved to describe things. Especially what other people were wearing? When I started writing plays my first year of college, I think it was the first time I felt like I was good at something, that I was special. I was hooked! As for experience: it was probably everytime that I couldn't express or defend myself that triggered my interest.

Very first role on stage?

The ghost of Christmas present!

Tragic flaw?

I always always try to do too many things at once and subsequently, sometimes, do nothing Well.

If you were a 1980s television show sidekick, who would you be?

Is Mary on “Little House on the Prairie” Laura's sidekick? Can we call her that? Definitely her. I loved her. She was pretty, strong, and well, blind.

Introduce Yourself, Harrison Rivers

2010-04-21T08:49:00.006-04:00

Theatre or theater?

is it like there and their? cause i still get the two confused...

Strangest theatre or theater-related job?

i was fired from my only theater/re related job. i don't want to talk about it.

What experience made you want to become a writer?

i feel like i've always written. not plays so much, but things... i guess moving to san francisco sort of sealed the deal... that's where i started hearing the voices.

Very first role on stage?

i don't remember my first role. what i do remember is that i was passed over every year for plum roles in my high school's fall musical. i'm sure it had nothing to do with the fact that i was black.

Tragic flaw?

i care too much. no, not really. sarcasm. i'm incredibly sarcastic. when i'm not saying something sarcastic, i'm probably thinking it.

If you were a 1980s television show sidekick, who would you be?

probably simon from alvin and the chipmunks. sidenote: i have the entire chipmunks animated movie, "the chipmunk adventure" memorized. growing up i was simon, my brother lee was alvin, james was theodore and my baby brother jonathan played all the chipettes.

Do Nothing and Get Everything

2010-04-20T15:21:00.003-04:00

Wherever you look, there’s a character – in line with you at the supermarket, cashing in checks at the bank, jogging past you on the bridge…endless characters, endless opportunities as an actor. It’s all essentially research, and such rich unique research with each glance…if you allow yourself to take it all in.

It’s funny, because in Greece, one of the big past-times is to literally sit and have a coffee outside with your friends while watching all the people walk by – granted, they are not really doing research from an artistic standpoint but rather being social (which is very important to do daily and be seen out) while also gossiping/criticizing to their friends at the same time about what they see. Actually, it can be rather mean and horrible to eavesdrop to what some of the Greeks say (usually women with their usual all-female crowd and usually in reference to a tourist/out-of-towner, but if in reference to a fellow Greek townie walking by….woah!!). Technically, what they are doing is people-watching. Every single day. Walking to the supermarket or gym past the Greek cafés in Astoria is quite the hoot I can tell you!

When I am in Greece I do this too. It’s oddly like a ritual – get up, go to the beach, tan like crazy while hung-over (anyone who knows me well knows I am a serious tanner who might I add times each side with an alarm before flipping over…whatever…I get a good tan!!) So after the tanning it’s like this odd time of the day around 5pm and we eat late in Greece so there’s sort of a “break” between then and dinner which is like at 9/10pm. So, usually what happens is we go to a café and get a frappe (amazing iced coffee) or mocha milkshakes or waffles and ice cream or all of it!! And, maybe check our emails as the best Wi-Fi on the island I live on is at these cafés. And, in between the email checking, the sipping and eating, lo and behold there is soooo much to see and comment on with all the people walking by!!

I am a huge people-watcher. Coffee/cafés, sitting down and people – that’s all it takes to make me happy (hmmmm…this combination in Greece outside in the gorgeous weather – that’s more like it!!). So I am Greek and since this is a “Greek Thing” then yes I admit I do occasionally make faces or laugh or make comments about some people who walk by – but not in a bad way, just in a fascinated way – in what I like to credit my other BA degree in Psychology way – I like to study people, characters, personalities and especially people’s choices. It’s actually why I double majored with Theatre and also did a Psychology degree – because it fascinates me, and of course I think is fundamental for acting.

I say Greece, but really people-watching happens everywhere all the time! I do give the Greeks the award as it’s almost built into their daily schedule but I see everyone doing it – NYC is a fast moving city so it’s hard to get the time to actually make a day out of it here but on the subway it certainly happens. When the weather gets nice, there is more of a chance to partake but really it’s all around you all the time if you can just get out of your head, stress, thoughts and look up for a second and see what’s right there in front of you – your next role on stage, on film, with voiceover, even ideas or suggestion for direction, for dialects. And, it’s free (coffee and snacks not included).

The best part of it is as an actor is that this is all research that can be justified as time well spent drinking coffee and lounging doing what appears to be nothing! It’s the best time-out you can take as an actor for you and with your wallet. This is actually a good lesson for myself too because I am always so super busy when I’m in NYC that I too forget to look up and take a breather (and be Greek!). I used to keep a book where I wrote down all that I saw for future reference to draw on – nerdy, I know, but it seriously came in quite handy. No one person is alike, so there was a lot to remember.

I believe the best actor has to be like a sponge – so coffees all around and on me – go soak up the city (and bill me later)!!

my mom is in town.

2010-04-19T07:29:00.003-04:00

my mom is in town.

i know that a lot of people dread their parents' visits--mostly because of the massive amounts of energy it takes to shuttle those unaccustomed to new york's quick as a flash rhythm around the city. but my mother... my mother glories in the "big apples'" craziness.

and the best part? she doesn't need me to chaperone. her motto is: have map, will explore!

it's such a relief to know that i don't have to be present every waking moment for my mom to have a good time in the city--or for her to even SEE the city. she's not even staying with me! she's staying with a FRIEND! and she's visiting, yes of course to see me, but MOSTLY to catch the beginning of the tribeca film festival!

so... i love it when my mom visits because... well... my life doesn't really change... it's just... ENHANCED.

p.s. if you're in new york and you're my friend (or even if you're not) and you haven't met my mom--you should. she's real good people.

Introduce Yourself, Colette Robert

2010-04-17T08:30:00.002-04:00

Theatre or theater?

R-E. I embrace my pretentiousness.

Strangest theatre-related job?

I was the wardrobe supervisor/backstage person for a show with rip-away underwear. And juggling. And an absurd amount of fresh produce. That’s all I’m going to say.

What experience made you want to become a director?

I directed Three Tall Women for my senior project in college. And I had a fantastic time, beginning to end. That show made me grow as a person and artist. The morning after the final performance, I woke up early and tried to catch up on all the reading I’d neglected during tech week. After about 15 minutes, I remember thinking, “What am I doing? What do I care about racial tension in England?* I should be directing another play!” That’s when I knew I was in it for the long haul.

*Please note: I actually do really care about racial tension in England. Peace and love.

Very first role on stage?

In first grade, I was in a play about a community of mice and the big, mean cat that constantly tried to chase and eat them. My character, Small Mouse, found a bell to put around the cat’s neck, so we’d know when he was around and could hide.

Tragic flaw?

I’m a director. I’m perfect. And I’m always right.

If you were a 1980s television show sidekick, who would you be?

Jodie from “Today’s Special.” Anyone else remember that show? It took place in a department store after-hours. The mall + magic spells + singing Canadians = Amazing television!

Introduce Yourself, Bobby Moreno

2010-04-14T07:51:00.000-04:00

Theatre or theater?

Strangest theatre or theater-related job?

I played a zombie Elvis in a haunted hayride during college. I don't sing, so I was frequently booed and heckled for my "Elvis". The last night I decided to take some mushrooms, seeing as how it was Halloween and all. I didn't factor in that for the majority of the night I would be laying in a coffin, in the woods, with the echoes of screams and chainsaws as my only company. I did not make it through the night.

What experience made you want to become an actor?

I grew up in a house with a lot of fighting, child of divorce, etc., and being the youngest, I assumed the role of tension relief. Like a lot of comedians, I had to make my family laugh, so I had a lot of practice before I ever got on stage. Then I lost my virginity in my high school theater on the set of Plaza Suite, and that pretty much sealed the deal.

Very first role on stage?

I played the tree who narrated the story of Chicken Little in kindergarten. I was the only kid who could learn the lines.

Tragic flaw?

Inattention to detail, or as my girlfriend puts it, "You're a hot mess!"

If you were a 1980s television show sidekick, who would you be?

Jazz from the Fresh Prince – goofy, great taste in music and made a habit of being thrown out of houses.

Introduce Yourself, Olivia Mandell

2010-04-11T09:21:00.001-04:00

Theatre or theater?

Whatevs. I'm easy. No, not in THAT way.

Strangest theatre or theater-related job?

Once, when I worked for a casting agency, they needed a whole bunch of pennies for an audition. I had to go to a bank and ask for change in pennies for $50. It took so long, and everyone in the bank was staring at me like I was insane. After the exchange, I had to carry all these pennies back to the office, and they were unbearably heavy. It was summer, and I was sweating by the time I got back. That's kind of a lame story, isn't it? Ok, I kind of pulled that one out of my ass, but I really haven't had that many strange jobs!

What experience made you want to become an actor?

When I was eleven years old, I auditioned for the part of Winthrop in The Music Man--a school production. I wasn't expecting to get the role, because I was a girl and there were many boys auditioning who were older and had more experience. I tried my best to prepare, however, and put together a whole routine from Gypsy, in which I played a newspaper boy and Baby June simultaneously. It was very elaborate. I walked into the audition room, did my skit, and was immediately stopped. They wanted me to come back for a callback; they didn't need to hear anything else that day.

The next night, I came back for my callback, which took place in a small auditorium. The procedure was that everyone would perform his or her song and sides in front of everyone else. It was very professional. I remember hearing my name called. I was the first one to go up, and I was also the smallest one in the room. I walked the interminable walk up to the stage, and I began singing "Gary Indiana" after the piano introduction. Everything started to blur, my voice cracked as I reached the highest note, and I thought I had done a horrible job. Barely having time to catch my breath, I started to walk offstage, dejected.

Suddenly, the whole audience started to applaud, and some people even stood up for me and cheered. Afterwards, the musical director shook my hand. No one else that night got the same reaction and, the next day, my name was posted on the bulletin board under the part of Winthrop. It was probably the first time I ever felt like I was really good at something.

Very first role on stage?

In third grade I played the evil stepmother in Cinderella. I remember wearing a neon purple tube top, which I thought was very cool. I'm not entirely sure what that had to do with my character, but I'm sure there was some complicated justification. Even before that, though, I had experience onstage, because I did ballet.

Tragic flaw?

I am hyper-sensitive, which is also my biggest asset. Well, I have another biggest asset, but I will keep that to myself.

If you were a 1980s television show sidekick, who would you be?

We didn't have a television in my house growing up because my parents wanted us to read. So I don't really know of any 80s sidekicks. Any suggestions? OH! I just got inspired by what Josh wrote in his blog interview. I would totally play the character on Saved by the Bell who was like, "I'm so tired! I'm so tired! I'm so... scared!" What was her name? Wait, was she a sidekick? I don't know. I'm feeling very confused right now.

carly simon and the staten island ferry

2010-04-11T08:17:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago J and I watched “Working Girl.” It was my second time (though I hadn’t seen it in years) and his first.

The film from 1988 stars Melanie Griffith as an ambitious Secretary and Sigourney Weaver as her manipulative employer. Both women were Oscar nominated for their work, which also features Harrison Ford and Joan Cusack.

Honestly, the film isn’t one of my favorites. I know that a lot of people really dig eighties hair and fashion, but I find them distracting, the narrative moves a little slowly for my taste, and Griffith—in my personal opinion—is almost unwatchable.

HOWEVER, the movie’s credit sequence—beautiful shots of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan from the Staten Island Ferry set to Carly Simon’s Oscar winning song, “Let the River Run”—is oddly affecting.

First, I will admit—I love that song. Any song with a choir really and I’m in tears.

Second (and more importantly), I love the Staten Island Ferry.

When I was in grad school and unable to complete an assignment, I would take the train to Battery Park and hop on the Ferry. I would sit outside on the deck and wait for inspiration. I was never disappointed. There was just something about the wind and the water and the view that worked for me.

If you’ve never seen “Working Girl” that’s probably okay. If you’ve never listened to “Let the River Run” fine—it’s not the end of the world. But if you’ve never taken a ride on the Staten Island Ferry, you really should.

It might change your life.

Nemesi

2010-04-10T18:56:00.002-04:00

I think that everyone, artists or not, has someone that they are jealous of: someone whose career has gone better, who has gotten more of this or that, who just has better hair. I can be a real seventh grader sometimes about my nemesi, but I TRY and keep it to myself as to not totally embarrass myself and reveal how competitive I can be.

But: I kind of also nurture this competitive spirit, as isn't it what keeps us motivated? I mean, at first, it makes us do a bit of sulking and the evil masochistic googling that Collette mentioned....but then, doesn't it light a fire under our asses? I hope that it does. And as a long as we are not stalking anyone, or lighting anyone on fire, I'd say that having a proper nemesis is completely healthy.

Introduce Yourself, Roarke Walker

2010-04-08T09:00:00.000-04:00

Theatre or theater?

Both - depending on my mood. I like to keep it spontaneous and funky fresh.

Strangest theatre or theater-related job?

Alright, this is more of a costume story. I did a show in a Cincinnati where I played a super hero called The Red Angel.. so I was expecting an interesting costume (maybe something involving tights ala Superman?). However, when I got there on the first day the costume designer handed me a bright red speedo and that was it. Later I got some "wings" that they had designed. So yeah, to review... just me in a bright red Speedo and retractable wings.... in Cincinnati. The audience reactions were priceless.

What experience made you want to become an actor?

This is cheesy but true. I remember when i was in Kindergarden, my mom brought home a souvenir program from "The Phantom of the Opera" and I was instantly glued to it. Looking at all the pictures, I thought to myself "I wanna do THAT when I grow up".

Then, I think my first trip to New York solidified it. My parents took me for my birthday one year when I was 10 or something. Saw my first Broadway show (How to Succeed.. with Matthew Broderick). I was sold.

Very first role on stage?

The Major General in a fifth grade production of "The Pirates of Penzance" at my catholic elementary school. Now that I think about it, that was an extremely ambitious and insane choice for fifth graders. We should have tackled "Sunday in the Park with George" while we were at it.

Tragic flaw?

Poking baked goods. I'm a snob when it comes to cookies, cakes, anything baked... so I have been known to "poke" cookies, breads, etc. to make sure they aren't stale.. when I'm in a deli or bakery (only if they have a wrapper on them of course). "Cause really folks... why waste your time with a mediocre piece of cake... am I right?

If you were a 1980s television show sidekick, who would you be?

I didnt start watching TV till the mid-90's... so I'm not as familiar with my 80's Tv shows. However, I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Jefferson D'arcy from Married with Children. Does he count?

How "Atlantic City" came to be

2010-04-06T17:11:00.003-04:00

A couple weeks back, I went to see John Guare speak at an Old Vic event held at the fancy-schmancy Core Club on 55^th between Park and Madison. I had to wear a suit but I wore no underwear out of spite.

I went because a) it was free, b) there was free alcohol, and c) I always wanted to ask John Guare about one of the few movies he’s written in his career: Atlantic City. If you haven’t seen it, go netflix it. Really funny and heartbreaking. Top-notch performances from an old Burt Lancaster and a young Susan Sarandon, who end up sleeping together.

But in scouring the internet I could never find anything Guare said about it – how it came to be, what the process of writing it was like, etc. And almost no one I knew had even heard of it, even though it got Oscar-nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actor and Best Actress.

(Lost all of them – Colin Welland, who wrote Chariots of Fire beat John Guare for Best Original Screenplay. Know what the best part of the Chariots of Fire screenplay is? The soundtrack. Boom! Dissed!)

Anyway, John Guare came out, thanked the Old Vic for doing their new production of Six Degrees of Separation, talked about Six Degrees of Separation and then asked if anyone in the audience had any questions about Six Degrees of Separation. I promptly raised my hand and asked him to talk about Atlantic City.

He then told me this story, which was so great I thought I should share it. John Guare called it: The Advantages of Having Your Name In The Phone Book:

John Guare was sitting at home one day when the phone rang. “Hello is this the same John Guare who wrote a play called Landscape Of The Body?” Guare answered that yes, indeed he was that person. The caller identified himself as Louis Malle, a French film director. Malle explained that the Canadian government was offering a 100% tax write-off for movie investments to encourage filmmakers in Canada to make more films. Malle had already secured the funds to make the movie from a Rabbi (what?) in Winnipeg, by putting together a package consisting of “a bankable male star” and Susan Sarandon. And he wanted Guare to write it. Guare said great, he’d love to. “Just one problem,” Malle said. “The tax-write off only applies to movies that finish shooting by the end of the year.” It was August.

So him and Guare got together immediately and started talking. Guare mentioned that he had these relatives in Atlantic City – so they rented a car and drove there for the day. Malle was completely enchanted by the city. And what’s more, one of Guare’s relatives was able to show them around the casinos, where they saw dealers-in-training working the disgusting fish-bars. “That’s Sarandon!” Guare exclaimed. “She’ll be an oyster girl!” Guare had two weeks to finish the script. He did. They tried to get everyone for the bankable male star. They could only get Burt Lancaster. Fine. They quickly started shooting. Finished just before New Years. Cut it, released it. Five academy award nominations.

Now go and watch it.

Introduce Yourself, Laura Savia

2010-04-05T00:07:00.000-04:00

Theatre or theater?

Theater. I think it gives a more American colour to this word which is at the centre of our work.

Strangest theater-related job?

One summer, when I was 19, I was in the cast of YOUNG ABE LINCOLN, a historical dramatic musical about Lincoln's formative years growing up in Indiana. It featured such numbers as the love duet "Aw, Shucks," and the show-stopper "My Gee-haw Whimmy-diddle" (I'll show you the dance if you get me drunk enough). Also, for $5 extra a performance, I cleaned the 1700 amphitheater house with a few other actors. One time I found someone's dentures in an empty popcorn container.

What experience made you want to become a director?

Finding those dentures.

No...probably...directing THE HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES in college. I had trained as an actor up to that point. When BLUE LEAVES went up, I thought perhaps I had gotten it all wrong, but was dying to try it again! I felt the process was the first event in my life that had used every single part of me.

Very first role on stage?

Litterbug Lauren in a musical about environmental friendliness, at a summer daycamp when I was 10. I had to tape trash all over my large t-shirt and stirrup leggings.

Tragic flaw?

Guilt.

If you were a 1980s television show sidekick, who would you be?

Joey on "Full House."

the golden age of artistic inhibition

2010-04-04T13:40:00.005-04:00

at player colette robert mentioned to me a few weeks ago that she had been reading about genius--about how today we consider genius to be a constant state (i.e. a person is a genius), but how before (you know, back in the day) genius functioned much like our modern concept of inspiration--a person was visited by genius. as such there was less pressure for a person/artist to continually demonstrate his/her genius, because it was understood that it was outside of a person's realm of control.

i stumbled upon a similar notion while reading joan acocella's twenty-eight artists and two saints. in her essay entitled "blocked", which was originally published in the new yorker in 2004, acocella takes as her subject writer's block, which to me seems a not so distant cousin (topically at least) of genius.

she writes:

"writer's block is a modern notion. writers have probably suffered over their work ever since they first started signing it, but it was not until the early nineteenth century that creative inhibition became an actual issue in literature, something people took into account when they talked about the art.

that was partly because, around this time, the conception of the art changed. before, writers regarded what they did as a rational, purposeful activity, which they controlled.

by contrast, the early romantics came to see poetry as something externally, and magically conferred. In shelley's words, "a man cannot say, 'i will compose poetry.'" poetry was the product of "some invisible influence, like an inconstant wind," which more or less blew the material into the poet, and he just had to wait for this to happen."

i find it interesting that writer's block and genius had almost completely opposite geneses.

writer's block (negative) became a recognized human condition, when writers ceased to believe that what they were doing was rational, that it had a purpose... while genius, which began as a kind of unexplainable phenomenon, became an identifiable human state.

i don't know about you, but doesn't that seem sort of... backwards?

Introduce Yourself, Josh Koenigsberg

2010-04-01T09:07:00.001-04:00

Theatre or theater?

Theater, just so no one calls me pretentious.

Strangest theater-related job?

One summer while I was in college, I worked as an ASM/PA/Errand Boy at a theater company called Penguin Rep in Rockland County, NY. During one performance, an elderly woman lost control of her bowels and defecated all over the theater floor in a futile attempt to get to the bathroom in time. Guess who had to clean it up?

What experience made you want to become a writer?

When I was a kid, I went to see a sneak preview of Hot Shots!: Part Deux. The next day in school, a bunch of classmates asked me to tell them what happened in it. I started to recite the entire movie during recess, but had to stop mid-way through since recess was only a half-hour. From recess until the end of the day, they kept bugging me to hear the end. I like to think it was because I was such a good storyteller, but actually it's because Hot Shots!: Part Deux was so good. Anyway, that's when I knew I wanted to be a writer.

Very first role on stage?

John The Butler in my 6th grade production of "The Man Who Came To Dinner" by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. We were a progressive Greenwich Village school.

Tragic flaw?

Mexican food.

If you were a 1980s television show sidekick, who would you be?

A less muscular, more neurotic version of A.C. Slater. We have the same hair, dress in similar clothes and dance the same exact way.

Introduce Yourself, Julia Grob

2010-03-29T09:48:00.002-04:00

Theatre or theater?

I'm from NYC. We don't go to the theatre.

Strangest theater-related job?

The first part I was cast in at college was as a member of the "Graffiti Wall," a greek chorus-like ensemble, in a student written production about hip-hop and men who have sex with men on the DL. We did all sorts of bizarre things including simulate gay male sex, on stage. I'm neither male nor gay, and I was a virgin. It was...interesting. Needless to say, I did not invite my mom.

What experience made you want to become an actor?

Growing up I didn't watch a lot of TV and my mother, an early childhood educator, encouraged "dramatic play." For as long as I remember I was putting on shows at home, alone, with friends, with music, with dance. Its that early "dramatic play" that really encouraged me to be creative. I also think it’s why I struggle with the lack of creative control that the actor has. I'm much more interested in being involved in every aspect of the process, as opposed to serving as a vessel for the vision of others. This is a current struggle of mine as I seek to define my career.

Very first role on stage?

When I was seven, I lived in Chile and we used to do these elaborate dance shows for the whole community. I was one of the lead dancers in the "queca" a traditional folk dance where men and women dance together holding a scarf, and the lambada, the sexy Brazilian dance that taught me how to move my hips. I was also a Xuxa impersonator (Xuxa is a blond Brazilian singer/dancer who had a children's show in the late 1980s) and often cast my friends as the back up dancers for elaborate shows that I did at my "home stage."

(If you don't know who Xuxa is, check her out, and imagine me at age 7, nuff said. And yes, I made my own costumes.

Tragic flaw?

I'm fiercely competitive and I hate authority and rules. Flaw or asset? You decide. Oh, and I read celebrity gossip. Definite flaw.

If you were a 1980s television show sidekick, who would you be?

Blossom. I love funky hats and funky ladies. (Not the side-kick type.)

Introduce Yourself, David Ruttura

2010-03-25T10:19:00.000-04:00

Theatre or theater?

Without question: Theater. We're stateside dammit!

Strangest theater-related job?

Definitely this show I Associate Directed called BEN HUR LIVE, based on the novel, not the movie (there's no difference, but they couldn't get the rights to the movie). It was a touring arena show we staged in Europe. It had a cast of 350, plus 46 horses, 50 birds and a donkey. It was insane, under capitalized and promptly closed after a month on the road. It was a tremendous learning experience though, and I have a barrel of stories to share - too many and too long to include in a blog entry, but they involve several full company strikes, people getting trampled by horses, costumes being smuggled into Germany from Thailand, broken promises and broken dreams...

What experience made you want to become a director?

I had a really intensive theater program in High School. We did 8 shows a year, 5 of which were completely student run, so I was able to try basically every aspect of putting on a show at one point or another. By senior year, I realized I wanted to have my hand in everything, so directing was a good fit. The program was run by a man named George Loizides. He's the real reason I became a director, and what I learned from him still influences me everyday.

Very first role on stage?

I was Skip Snip and Patrick Martin in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS in Junior High. They dressed me in a powder blue leisure suit with a bow tie, and actually removed every defining feature of my face with pounds of makeup. It really helped make me look like a drag queen, which must have been the intention of the mothers who decided that's how I should look. Maybe they were trying to cover up how bad my acting was... I bet it didn't work!

Tragic flaw?

Don't you have to be dead to know if a flaw is tragic?

If you were a 1980s television show sidekick, who would you be?

Huey, Dewey and Lewie from Ducktales. All three combined... because that's how I roll.

Me vs. The Green-Eyed Monster

2010-03-25T00:42:00.002-04:00

Confession time: Sometimes, late at night, I google other youngish directors and compare myself to them, my accomplishments to theirs.

This is not a good idea.

Because the googling is almost always followed by the “what do they have that I don’t” game. Or the “I bet they only got that because…” game.

When you play those games, you never win.

And then it takes considerable effort and unspeakable amounts of chocolate to transform yourself back from a crazy green-eyed monster to a normal human being.

(Or is that just me?)

Julia Cameron, on jealousy, from The Artist’s Way:

Jealousy is always a mask for fear: fear that we aren’t able to get what we want; frustration that somebody else seems to be getting what is rightfully ours even if we are too frightened to reach for it. At its root, jealousy is a stingy emotion. It doesn’t allow for the abundance and multiplicity of the universe. Jealousy tells us there is room for only one—one poet, one painter, one whatever you dream of being.

The truth, revealed by action in the direction of our dreams, is that there is room for all of us. But jealousy produces tunnel vision. It narrows our ability to see other options. The biggest lie that jealousy tells us is that we have no choice but to be jealous. Perversely, jealousy strips us of our will to act when action holds the key to our freedom (124).

The next time I get that green-eyed feeling, instead of reaching for a second (or, let’s be honest, fifth) chocolate chip cookie, I’m going to try reading and re-reading the above.

It’s probably healthier, for my spirit, and my waistline.

London!

2010-03-24T14:57:00.003-04:00

I am hearing rumors that some of my fellow At Players have been accepted into the Old Vic Exchange! Whoever you are, congrats!! It's a great program, which sends US writers / directors / actors to London, and vice versa, to be immersed in eachother's respective theatre/theater scenes, and cities, generally. I've been fortunate enough to spend some time there recently, with some plays on at the Finborough Theater. Theatre? Theater. The first time I went, last Spring, I was by myself and confused. This time, I was escorted around by a local new friend. It was utterly delightlful, and other proper phrases. Why, we even staged a medival messenger scene in front of a Bush.

Introduce Yourself, Laura Jacqmin

2010-03-22T10:24:00.000-04:00

Theatre or theater?

Like I'm gonna tell anyone in public.

That's how they get you.

Strangest theatre or theater-related job?

When I was a freshman in college, I stage managed a production which used an out-of-town fancy NYC director. Apparently, part of my job description was to help him move his possessions (including weird personal items) into a fleabag hotel before tech week - all via the stairs. It's not something I'd ever like to repeat.

What experience made you want to become a writer?

When I was little, my parents exposed my sister and me to Prairie Home Companion and other radio shows. Then, we would plug a microphone into the cassette recorder and make our own radio shows. We would play all the parts, make all the music, do all the interviews... it's probably the most artistic control I've ever had on a project. Those shows are awful, but cherished.

Very first role on stage?

I think I was a fish in a second-grade production of Whatever That Thing In Our Cafeteria Was. You could get cast in a Real Part, or as a Bird, or as a Fish. I think Fish was lowest on the ladder, talent-wise. Me = decidedly not an actor.

Tragic flaw?

Tech makes me really nervous and weepy and pushy. Like have-to-go-take-a-walk-around-Crate-and-Barrel-for-forty-five-minutes nervous. Clutching at fake palm fronds and pretending to be seriously considering buying expensive chairs nervous. Luckily, I've always managed to stop myself from standing on my chair and shouting, "It's MY play! Do what I want!" (But only just barely.)

If you were a 1980s television show sidekick, who would you be?

I know I'm going to sound like a complete alien, but I didn't really/wasn't really allowed to watch TV when I was in elementary school (thus, during the 80's). So I'm going to have to go with Tamira Goldstein of the under-appreciated 90's teen sitcom "Breaker High." She was weird and from Ohio (just like me!) but she got Ryan Gosling in the end (just like me!).

what are your dreams, your aspirations?

2010-03-21T10:07:00.003-04:00

There’s a person I know who whenever I call always says, “so tell me what’s going on…” followed by “what are your dreams, your aspirations?” The same line every time without fail. What are your dreams, your aspirations…? And every time he asks I avoid the question. I say things like, “oh I don’t know…” or “you always ask me that question…” And after a moment of awkwardness, of silence on my end usually, we move to on to other topics—his dreams and aspirations usually.

It’s always been difficult for me to be specific about what I want. An example: I struggle with Christmas lists. For years I refused to make them. And then when I was forced (by my mother), I would list practical things like socks or underwear, gift certificates.

I’m the same way with career goals. It’s much easier for me to say what I don’t want, where I don’t want to be… I present my dreams and aspirations backwards. Instead of saying, “In six months this play will be done,” I will say something like, “If I’m not done with this play in six months, please just shoot me.” They’re not quite the same thing.

I’m even worse when it comes to awards or competitions… I’m incapable of saying—I really want this.

I suppose it’s because the old saying is true, you can’t always get what you want. Or more accurately you DON’T always get what you want. And if you don’t get what you want, you have to deal with the One thing I WILL be very upfront about, I don’t’ deal well with disappointment.

Which is probably why—years ago—I stopped thinking about my life in terms of specific goals. I’ve relied instead on my solid work ethic and a set of nice, but unremarkable generalities. That way every acceptance is a pleasant surprise and every rejection is… well it doesn’t hurt quite so much.

I’ve had meals with several people who I respect tremendously in the last two weeks. All of them asked me the same question—what do you want? And when I tried to avoid the question, they called me on it. “If you don’t know what you want, how will you know when you get it” one asked. The other said, “you have to put yourself out there, you have to. The universe can only rock your world, if it knows how to get to your world. You have to send the universe directions.”

Huh.

And so I’m working on it. On being more specific and open about what I want, about where I want to see myself and where I want to see my work. It’s really hard. But I’m making an effort. And the next time someone asks me, “what are your dreams, your aspirations” I’m going to try to have an answer.

B-Caj

2010-03-18T14:14:00.002-04:00

Well hello, unique viewer! I write to you from my desk, where I am sitting and wearing some sort of 'slack' and 'sensible ruffled shirt.' I hate wearing business casual. It makes me feel like a little kid or a bad version or an adult or basically, not myself. Some people rock it and make it look so good, and you are like, I want that! And then you go to H&M and try and imitate but alas, you are still your same young, ruffled self. Hurumph.

Introduce Yourself, Federico Trigo

2010-03-18T09:25:00.000-04:00

Theatre or theater?

Theater. Theatre looks funny.

Strangest theater-related job?

Freshman year of High School I was cast as a girl in a supporting role. A little awkward coming from a small city in Texas.

What experience made you want to become an actor?

It was working on my first show, The Girl In The Mirror, in Junior High. I had never had so much fun doing anything before that show. When I think about it, I mostly remember the smiles and laughs I shared with my friends. From that show on I was hooked.

Very first role on stage?

My first role was in The Girl In The Mirror, as the love interest to the troubled teenage girl. Heavy stuff for a Junior High play.

Tragic flaw?

I have a tendency to doubt myself but I've been working on it.

If you were a 1980s television show sidekick, who would you be?

I'd probably be Darlene's boyfriend from Roseanne but I would like to think of myself as David Banner. He's smart and you wouldn't like him when he's angry.

Introduce Yourself, Sherri Barber

2010-03-15T17:03:00.005-04:00

Theatre or theater?

Without a doubt "re.” It adds a tad of sophistication and flavor even if we're seeing Chekhov in a jello-pudding pop filled bathtub.

Strangest theatre-related job?

Dog wrangler, pup was the highest paid performer on stage.

What experience made you want to become a director?

Seeing “Phantom of the Opera” with my family as a kid made me want to be in theatre. Seeing “RENT” with the original cast on Broadway when I was 16 made me want to create it.

Very first role on stage?

A singing flower in “Alice in Wonderland." Go ahead and laugh but without me there would be no Daisy (albeit made out of the finest paper plate one could muster) in Alice's garden.

Tragic flaw?

Look something shiny!

If you were a 1980s television show sidekick, who would you be?

Mr. Miyagi — “The Karate Kid”

Introduce Yourself, Carly Hugo

2010-03-11T10:40:00.002-05:00

Theatre or theater?

Theater. C'mon - Team USA, people!!

Strangest theater-related job?

Can I say the strangest film job? I had to hold a large fan up to a she-who-will-not-be-named famous actress while she filmed a love scene, because she thought she was going to start sweating. It was uncomfortable - and heavy - and awkward.

What theater experience made you want to become a producer?

I've known since I was in high school that I wanted to produce - I love the idea that producers get to choose which project to bring to life and then proceed to assemble an all-star team to make it all happen. Plus, I'm a dork and like math, so the money stuff always came easily to me. The 24 Hour Plays: Old Vic New Voices, where At Play was born, was actually my first (real) theater experience ever! I didn't have any interest in theater... and then I met the At Play playas, and I was hooked. How could I spend the most time as humanly possible with these people?! Gotta produce theater, apparently. And... here I am. And I'm so damn happy.

Very first role on stage?

I was the Gingerbread Doll in the Boston Ballet's Nutcracker when I was 8 years old. Out of all the dolls, the Gingerbread Doll was by far the very best, because two mice brought me up to the front of the stage and ripped my arm off and nibbled on it - and then everyone laughed! No one laughed at the other dolls! They just stood there! I made people laugh!!

Tragic flaw?

I absolutely suck at sticking up for myself. I hate confrontation more than I hate green peppers (which is a lot), and it makes it so I sometimes get the short end of the stick. Blah.

If you were a 1980s television show sidekick, who would you be?

Unfortunately, I'd probably be Six from "Blossom." I mean, I'd rather be Lisa Turtle from SBTB (which started in 1989, so it totally counts, thankyouverymuch)... but I talk WAY too fast. Six it is.

I'm Feeling Nostalgic.

2010-03-10T20:52:00.003-05:00

And that usually means going through old pictures, old songs, old emails, old memories.

And so I found myself remembering the first time the members of what is now *at play met.

June 2007: The 24 Hour Plays: Old Vic New Voices-New York. The Workshops at the Vineyard Theater. We met each other, and Kevin Spacey in the same day. Talent overload!

In a few days span we engaged in workshops and panel discussions building our ensemble, and even went through a mock "24 hour plays" experience over the course of the afternoon.

Found this shot from the June 28th Steve Winter Workshop:

It's fun to think about how everyone has evolved artistically and personally, and matured in the last 3 years. (Except I - the one standing in the black tank top - still look like I'm 16, and I was 21 in the picture).

Johnny Cash said: "I have no illusions about who I am and how old I am—but that has nothing to do with it when I'm in that studio or on that stage and that thing is coming out of me. That fire is just as bright and hot as when I was 23. I and the song are one—and whatever I was meant to do with my music, I'm doing it."

Insert any kind of talent for music and there you have words to live by as a creative being. And it isn't just about sustaining our creativity and performance into old age - it can have the exact opposite connotations as well. No matter how old or YOUNG we feel, embrace your age and this time of your life. Because you will never write, perform, direct, or produce like you can right now. Who you are right now is powerful. And it will always be that way.

I wrote of our company, in preparation for our 24 Hour Plays Off-Broadway debut July 2, 2007:

"We're all full of anticipation and excitement to write, create, rehearse, panic, and succeed..."

That sentiment, in 2010, hasn't changed. And I kind of hope it doesn't.
Not kind of. Really.
I really hope it doesn't.

xo
kb

Introduce Yourself, Michael Lew

2010-03-08T12:08:00.007-05:00

Theatre or theater?

I go for "-er" when it's the practice and "-re" when it's the building. As in "I see theater at the theatre." Or "At Play works in the theatre to stage fine theater." I'm not sure that's right. Let's ask William Safire... Too soon?

Strangest theatre- or theater-related job?

I did some assistant directing and then some directing for Gorilla Rep, which does Shakespeare for free in the parks. I'd use my skateboard as a dolly to haul huge Tupperwares full of lights to Washington Square Park, where we'd jack into the park power lines and run extension cords with lights all through the park. At one point, somebody stole my skateboard. There were also crazy homeless people who would jump in and participate in the show. There was also one homeless guy who was always asleep on a park bench. Whenever we went to the park - never fail - there he'd be asleep on the bench. We'd be screaming out Shakespeare and he'd keep napping, unperturbed. One of the actors named him Ben Brantley.

What experience made you want to become a writer?

I was a dramaturgy intern at La Jolla Playhouse on a production of David Grieg's "The Cosmonaut's Last Message to the Woman He Once Loved in the Former Soviet Union," directed by Neel Keller. The script was magical and the production really did it justice. Mark Wendland had this amazing set where a mechanical orb (containing the cosmonauts) rotated in midair like a gigantic old-timey orrery (those models of the Solar System where the planets revolve around the Sun). I loved that production. Then I directed the play during my senior year of undergrad and it was a totally different beast but still rather lovely in its own right. I thought about that. About the many possible lives a play can take on; the transience of these two productions versus the permanence of the words. That did it for me.

Very first role on stage?

One of the 3 Wise Men in a nativity pageant, when I was in preschool. My mom sewed the costume herself, and I think we still have it somewhere. I brought the myrrh. Oh you better believe I be bringin' the myrrh.

Tragic flaw?

Uxoriousness.

If you were a 1980s television show sidekick, who would you be?

I'm going to steal an answer that should rightfully be Josh Koenigsberg's and say Arvid Engen; Head of the Class

i like auditions

2010-03-07T15:00:00.004-05:00

I like auditions. I mean… yes they can be long and tedious and yes there are sometimes long stretches of less than stellar performances… Moments that make you question the quality of your material--moments that make you think, maybe it’s me?

BUT sometimes someone shows up and ROCKS the you know what out of the material. They just obliterate it, you know? Give new meaning to your words…

And those moments… As a playwright you live for those moments.

Those are the moments you smile about all the way through the first rehearsal.

Ah, How Cute

2010-03-04T19:22:00.002-05:00

At Play Productions is our name

Though it’s quite funny how we became

Part of this fabulous and beautiful company

Literally it happened “kind of” suddenly.

At first we all auditioned for The 24 Hour Plays

Years ago in the 2007 days.

Placed together in workshops and then on stage

Really made us realize we were on the same page.

Old Vic New Voices in NY then decided to not repeat

Doing this process the next year – our group were in the hot seat.

Ultimately it all worked out in our favor

Coming together and deciding on future endeavors was a life saver!

The moment came when we had to figure out

In literally an hour what our name was and what we were all about

Only because they were printing programs for our debut that night!

Now it was crunch time and people started suggesting at the speed of light

Someone yelled “At Play Productions”…and…we all said…“all right”!!

The dreamer needs her head examined.

2010-03-02T14:48:00.004-05:00

I never dream about theater. Like never. Or anything normal frankly. My friends have nightmares about their exes or losing their jobs or all of their teeth falling out. I don’t dream about those things. I dream strange, creepy, sometimes mythical dreams. Dreams in which, for instance, my best friend’s dad is coming over to meet my mother and thinks it’ll be a great joke to pretend to eat my cat. Whole. And after putting her in his mouth and pretending to chew (bringing my mother to near hysterics “He’s eating her! He’s eating her!”) he laughingly spits her out, only to reveal that she is now, though unharmed, six inches long with brilliantly red fur and black little paws.

Yes. I really had this dream – and in the connecting dream, after pretending to eat my cat, Mr. Sherman (or Agent Sherman I should say, my superior officer in the CIA) and I flew a prop plane over the Grand Canyon and dive bombed in our search for some wayward teenagers setting off explosives. Clearly, something is loose in the ole noggin.

So imagine my surprise and delight when I had a good old “I can’t remember any of my lines and I’m about to go on stage” nightmare last night! And even though I woke up at 7am with anxious knots in my stomach, I drifted back off to sleep again, relieved to know that I’m capable of something resembling normal brain function.

A few hours later I awoke to the soothing sounds of a waterfall. In my kitchen. This unfortunately, was not a dream. For the past few hours water has been dripping out of cabinets, seeping out of electrical sockets, and verily cascading out of the light fixture in the ceiling. Wow, that makes me feel safe. Apparently there are real life consequences for not dreaming freaky.

NAKED!!!!!!!!!!

2010-03-02T10:24:00.004-05:00

Well, hello there! Now that I have your attention, I wanted to piggy back on the thing that Harrison was perceptively discussing below: this sudden awareness of aloneness, or of sadness, that comes and goes. Can someone even perceptively discuss? I don't know. But I think that Harrison did.

I too get a similiar random awareness, but it's different. It's happened for as long as I remember. Every now and then, for a few moments, I suddenly feel like I'm totally naked. I become really embarrassed and ashamed, I get flushed. It usually passes pretty quickly. I decided that it's a sensation passed down by Adam and / or Eve - like they are reaching out to me through time. Or, like I am actually feeling their nakedness, when they first felt it.

I know. Deep. I know. I know. Does this happen to anyone else, ever?
Oh! And to tie it into theater, I will say: having your play read aloud for the first time is like someone walking on you when you're putting your bathing suit on. Am I right, playwrights? AM I RIGHT?

i don't think i'm the only one it happens to

2010-02-28T00:06:00.003-05:00

I’m always amazed when I feel lonely in New York City. It’s almost funny actually. Eight million people and I feel alone?

I should clarify… it’s almost never a “nobody loves me, I’m all alone in the world” kind of alone feeling—it’s ok mom, I’m fine. It’s usually more like a “for a moment everything is still and quiet and somehow for some reason in the midst of that quiet everything is also just a little bit sad” kind of feeling. And no matter how good things are or how much progress I appear to be making or how happy I feel… it happens.

(I don’t think I’m the only one it happens to.)

I’ve determined that for me it’s (usually) an indication of fatigue. It’s a tell all sign that I’ve reached some limit, hit a wall (or a ceiling)… It’s the result of non-stop work, of project juggling… A sign that I need to rest.

Tonight rest is “Six Feet Under: Season Three,” Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches and a six-pack of Stella.

I’m sure I’ll feel much better in the morning.

Winter Wonderland Walk

2010-02-27T15:27:00.002-05:00

I went on a walk through Central Park yesterday. Here are some of the photos that I took:

Having grown up in Los Angeles, snow still makes me a little giddy. And I’ve never been one to pass up an opportunity to frolic in Central Park—it’s one of my top five favorite places in New York. (In case you were wondering, the other four are: East 9th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues, the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Governors Island, and my apartment.)

New York has definitely brought out the walker/adventurer in me. A few years ago, I trekked from 110th Street and Riverside Drive all the way down to 12th Street and the Hudson River, and then walked across Manhattan to my then apartment in the East Village. It wasn’t my intention to walk that far; once I started, like Forrest Gump, I just kept going…

I’ve found that long walks almost always inspire me creatively. Whether it’s finding my way into a play I’m directing or getting an idea for a new photo project or deciding what to cook for dinner, for me, inspiration comes when I turn off my cell phone and ipod, acknowledge the beauty of my surroundings, and put one foot in front of the other.

Guinness Word Record

2010-02-25T19:03:00.001-05:00

I want to break a Guinness World Record!!

I am not sure what, which, how, where…any details actually…I just want to be in the Guinness World Record book!! And have my name come up next to my event as something someone has to beat in order to take the title away from me!! How exciting!!

I am VERY competitive!!

So, I have to somehow figure out how to do this. All through my life I have always had this weird personality competitive tomboy thing – it wasn’t ever enough to be good at something, no no no, I had to be the best…and not just the best in the family, but the best among anyone and everyone!! Yeah, it can get out of hand sometimes but this passion and drive I consider an asset too. I mean, for instance, it got me to be a great alpine ski racer who was once on the National Greek Ski Team. It got me to be better at ping pong since our family hosts an annual summer intense ping pong tournament (have got close but one day I will have my name on that cup!!). It got me to learn and solve the Rubik’s cube in just over a minute because my boyfriend was the World Speed Cubing Champion (no joke!!). I have “Rubik’s Cube” listed on my acting resume!! It definitely helps with line memorization and drive for all my acting roles. And, of course at the gym (biggest loser!!).

I do tend though to make EVERYTHING into some sort of competition (vocally or not!!). I admit that IT can rule me sometimes instead of me ruling IT. A couple of years ago my friends came to visit me in Greece and instead of just doing some food and drinking games, it became a Decathlon Event!! And crazy – Who can eat four huge gyro pita souvlaki’s the fastest (one rule was if any food dropped on the ground outside you still had to eat it…who do you think incorporated that rule!! Yup, me!!), Who can down a bottled beer with a straw the fastest (this is called a Fission thanks to my Belgium friends…btw, I won this event but had beer all down my dress and looked like an idiot – anything for the Gold!!).

As you can see, I can take it too far and can get into the mind frame where I can’t stop and say “enough is enough”. Back in college I was seeing this guy who was a senior and graduating in like a month and instead of relishing our last days together I turned our sex life public and decided that we HAD to have sex in every public building on campus before graduation!! And there were like over 40 buildings!! And, of course I enforced further obstacles in place like no toilets, no rooms that locked, if we got caught it was over, and one of us had to reach orgasm each time!!...TMI…ummm! The point is, it was an innocent drunken idea one night that suddenly became enforced by me so much so that it became a chore and not romantic at all…just to win that title. I mean, I look back and remember the poor guy rolling over in bed and wanting to make love and me standing up immediately shouting “hold it, quickly, let’s go to so-and-so building and do it there”.

I sound insane. I was insane. But you know what’s funny? I went back one year to my college for a friend’s graduation who was years below me and some random freshman that I had never met before came up to me and asked if I was Zoe, Zoe Anastassiou, and when I said yes, he got really excited and said he was so honored to be meeting the girl who had the title of having sex in every public building on campus!! It was like a red carpet moment!! HAHA!! And, I loved it!! I was also thrilled since I still had the title!! Granted, he also wanted to know whether I wanted to have sex with him in the new library as it was a new public building since I had left, but still, at that moment all the crazy competition of it made it worth it!!

So, I can’t exactly break or create the Guinness World Record of Sex in Public Places…or can I? I wanted back in the day to break the longest kiss record because I looked it up and realized that then it was only 30 hours and 45 minutes – and for some odd reason that felt do-able or at least a lesser number than I expected – so I started planning – I even wrote and directed a short play called “30 Hours and 46 Minutes” where I had poor actors on stage wearing adult diapers! But, I had thought it all out enough to write about it. Alas, I didn’t ever try it. I realized it was way harder than I thought – holding a kiss just for a minute felt like forever!!

So…I need something new, something, anything, that will get me into that Guinness World Record book! I do have a whole list of possibilities but am open to suggestions.

Any ideas anyone?

Neighbors

2010-02-23T09:20:00.003-05:00

Toot! Toot!! My playwright friend from Ars Nova, Branden Jacob-Jenkins, would never toot his own horn, so I shall toot it for him. You are most welcome, sir. His play Neighbors is currently getting a Lab Production at the Public, and it is three hours and 15 minutes of black-faced, ballsy, dark, hillarious, horrible, wonderful SPLENDOR.

He brought the play into play group a few months ago and I pretty much became obsessed with it. It's this extremely contemporary / current exploration of Race. Basically, a black professor (with a white wife) becomes threatened when a family of hootin, hollerin, black-faced minstrel show performers moves in next door to him in the Suburbs. Amazing things are done to watermelons, baby dolls, and the psyche of all characters. I'll be honest: Like a true eternal sixth grader, I can be very easily made to feel threatened / insecure by a good play, but my excitement for this one truly transcends. Playing through March 7!

Shock to the System

2010-02-22T19:50:00.003-05:00

I went back to the office today after three weeks of Three Sisters as my full time Job instead of the usual day job of working for a real estate attorney to stay in the country for my visa, and frankly I am in shock. I am actually indeed still at the office and dying for the day to be over. Please!!

Yes, I hired someone to take over my job for 3 weeks so that my boss wasn’t drowning but I came in almost every night to take care of daily stuff (which almost defeated the purpose), and clutched to my blackberry in all rehearsal breaks in case they needed me for anything, which they did. However, for the last four days we had eight performances and I didn’t have time to make it in so today coming back to piles on my desk was HELL!!

Suddenly I go from full time professional actor (what it should be!!), and this amazing opportunity to once again spending 40 hours a week at least as a full time administrative assistant/real estate salesperson…and it kind of makes me want to scream a little. I understand there are bills to pay – ooooh so many bills to pay – which I am not sure how I am going to pay this month due to the show, but I guess I started to realize that even if I wanted to quit or change jobs I actually could not. I am actually not allowed. I can’t. I can NOT.

I started to realize I was trapped and jealous of others with their part-time jobs or at least the choice to change or…I don’t know. I started to feel like being a foreigner on a visa doing hard work for literally no money that I purposefully chose so I could stay in the country to act wasn’t fair anymore. It’s hard enough just being an actor whether you need a job or fifty jobs or have enough money to not work. And then it’s also hard to get any kind of a visa, actor or not, they make it hard regardless – so…great, I am trapped. I am not going to blow up the country so they should just give me a green card or a passport and ease it all just a little bit (any government professionals reading??)

My fellow cast members seemed to also feel some pain too today – they have been emailing each other back and forth all day about this odd shock to the system. I joined in the group email announcing I was going to jump out of the window of Corporate America and one of my darling fellow Russian sisters wrote back in true older sister sweetness with this:

“We’ll catch you my beautiful girl!! You belong on the stage!!”

And it made me smile.

And it made me think.

I DO belong on the stage.

Yes, I am extremely self-critical – I will never be satisfied with any of my performances on stage, on film, anywhere…but…I have and never doubt that I am and always will be an actor – never have since I was born. And, I never will stop following that reality despite my negativity – that’s not the issue.

I guess, deep down I must know that I have something that people find worth watching and worth telling me about after they see my work. I can criticize on the inside but on the outside I am not controlling their expressions of interest and praise of my work…so, I guess I must have something.

I just wish that I wasn’t stuck behind this desk – as an obligation – as my only current option to be on the stage, in films, etc.

It’s just a shock to my system to keep remembering that.

That’s all I am really saying.

Ah, poop, enough Chekhovian philosophizing! Let’s drink some vodka!!

what's in a name...?

2010-02-21T13:18:00.004-05:00

This weekend, I was at the theater and I ran into a friend of a friend of mine whose name I couldn’t remember. Well, we didn’t actually run into each other. It was more like I saw him across the lobby (I’m pretty sure that he also saw me) and recognized him as someone that I should know. I knew exactly where I’d met him, when and through which friend… but for some reason his name escaped me.

I spent the entirety of Act One attempting to figure out what letter of the alphabet his name started with… B? No. T? No. I avoided him during Intermission—largely because I had yet to arrive at what felt like the correct letter. I even placed a call to my friend, the one who had introduced me to the guy whose name I couldn’t remember, but alas, he didn’t pick up his phone.

As the light dimmed for the start of the Second Act, it dawned on me… V! And by the middle of the Act, I had remembered his name.

Somewhat related…

At work, oft times someone will leave me a message saying, “I’ve tried to reach you countless times, I’ve called, I’ve emailed and no one’s ever called or emailed back.” And I take immediate offense to such claims because it is my job to respond to each and every message that I receive--and because I am good at my job.

Before I call or email that particular person back I will literally go back into my sent mail or my call log and double check that they truly never received a response. Nine times out of ten, the email proof is there and I make sure to mention it when I call them back, “did you check your spam mail? Sometimes important emails unwittingly end up in the spam mailbox…”

There is this tremendous pressure to remember things. Names. Dates. Mostly names. This is probably because all of us want desperately to be remembered.

It stressed me out to no end that I couldn’t recall the name of the friend of a friend of mine I saw at the theater. Mostly because if he had decided to cross the lobby and say hello, I would have had to ask him to refresh my memory—“I’m sorry, what was your name again?” And he would have undoubtedly known mine because that’s the way these sorts of things always go. And I would have felt awful. Like I had insulted him. Of course, I would have felt similarly insulted if he hadn’t remembered my name.

And those people who leave messages for me at work—simply want to feel like they’ve been heard, that their requests have been acknowledged, that they matter.

It’s amazing how many people we meet in the course of a lifetime. It’s also amazing how you never know which of the people that you meet will have a profound effect on your life.

Back in November I met a woman on a plane who a month and a half later recommended me for a writing job—a really awesome writing job. She had never read my writing or seen my work, but her recommendation had the power to (potentially) significantly change my life. The funny thing is that initially—when I was first told how my name had come to be considered—I had no idea who my recommender was. I literally said, “Um… who?” It was only later that I realized—oh my God, the woman on the plane!

I guess I should pay more attention. Not even for the sake of my career or to save myself from future embarrassment, but simply because it is the polite and right thing to do. Because it feels crappy to be forgotten—even if you’ve only met someone once or if when you met them you were the friend of a friend.

I mean, we all have names for a reason, right? To distinguish us from everyone else… That makes them important.

Hi, I’m Harrison. Do try to remember that. Okay?

Do I have a card? Ummmm….does this count?

2010-02-17T23:16:00.004-05:00

One of my (many) new year’s resolutions for this fine new decade is to get all serious, sophisticated and saavy about the part of this job that I hate….you know, the whole, business-y, self promotion, treating yourself like a product that you have to SELL SELL SELL! side. Bleh. I hate it. It makes me want to run into a corner and hide. It makes me want to vomit. Which is probably a sign that I should really just suck it up, buckle down, and do it. Like now. Or maybe later. Like tonight, after I watch Lost. Or tomorrow. Or in two weeks after I move apartments. Ok, no, NOW.

And so, I decided to blog about it – because I can’t be the only one struggling with this smarmier side of the business, and plus, if I write it down on the world wide interwebs for everyone and their brother to read, I’ll have no choice but to actually follow through instead of tossing that old resolution list into the recycling like I usually do by mid-March. (I’ll have you know though, that I am currently accomplishing resolution #4: Do things that scare you. Blogging = scary. So, hey! Let’s hear it for progress!)

So, maybe it was the universe’s thumbs up to my resolve to resolve, because when I went home to the ‘ole LI last week and received my annual Valentine’s Day gift baggy from my mother, there was a strange little business card sized box amidst the bundles of chocolate covered pretzels.

“Uuuuuuh, Mom? What are these?”

“Oh! You don’t remember those? They’re cards I had made up for you and your sisters when you were little, I just found them downstairs!”

“Oh. Right. Thanks?”

Don’t ask me why my mother thought a nine year old might need a stack of ornamented name cards handy. It probably has something to do with her continuous compulsion to buy me little figurines of bejeweled shoes or her relentless attempts to get me and my six siblings to wear matching pajamas on Christmas eve. I stopped asking why years ago. But technically…I do now have cards…cards that seem to suggest I work in floral arrangements or baby showers, but nonetheless, cards! Ok, no, I’m not really gonna start handing these out (though I would secretly like to just to see a casting director’s reaction) but I’ll take it as a sign that I’m moving in the right direction….and a sign that somehow, in her twisted, bubbles and sunshine sort of way, my Mom’s giving me the thumbs up too.

A Month in Review

2010-02-17T12:40:00.007-05:00

At Play has been blogging for one month-- thanks for reading!

(from www.wordle.net)

Just made it.

2010-02-15T22:53:00.002-05:00

I promised I would post on time and here I am. with 20 min to spare. I just wanted to meditate on the wonders of Technology...

This last weekend my sister was getting married in Puerto Rico. We, of course, had snow-mageddon 2010 and all flights were canceled. Well after a day and a half of trying to rebook, it was evident that I was going to miss the wedding. Being the only member of the wedding party - it was a small intimate wedding on the beach - it was a huge bummer not just for me, but for my sister who wasn't going to have her maid of honor, her musician (I was supposed to play a song) and her photographer (Michael was supposed to come with me).

My brother calls me the morning of the wedding and says "Do you still want to play a song for the wedding?" I said OF COURSE BUT HOW? Thinking maybe I could just teleport into the 86 degree weather they were having. He said "skype"

We set a time and I called in. He plugged his computer into the sound system at the reception and I was able to play and sing a song for my sister in Puerto Rico via New York. It was so surreal. I could hear them sending their love and they could hear me singing and playing my ukulele. I'm not going to say it was like I was there - cause it wasn't.

But I forget sometimes what we are capable of doing as technologically advanced beings. We have the ability to share our mediums and our stories to all reaches of the globe. There's something really powerful in that.

I also want to share something that was brought to my attention recently. As part of the Exchange and the Orchard Project (as announced at the 24 Hour Musicals Benefit) they are bringing over the Free Theatre of Belarus:

"Belarus is said to be Europe's last dictatorship, a country damned as an outpost of tyranny by the US.

Despite some slight easing of tension with the West in recent years, Alexander Lukashenko, the president of Belarus, still rules his country with an iron fist.

Critics of his regime fear for their lives when they voice their opposition.

But despite these oppressive conditions, Belarus is home to an extraordinary underground theatre group, a band of dedicated actors who use their creative force to speak out for democracy."

I'll let the video speak for itself ... but we forget that something that is as accessable as breathing to us - the act of rehearsal and performance and developing our craft - can be life threatening to some. This is a powerful gift we have.

WATCH VIDEO HERE

Happy Presidents Day!

xo
kb

Work Habits

2010-02-15T10:45:00.014-05:00

I just finished a play. And man was it a tough one. Part of the problem was that I wrote the first words last May (a full 9 months ago for those of you counting). Then I stopped and got distracted by a whole bunch of other stuff. Then started again in August. Then stopped, got distracted by a bunch of other stuff. Then started again in November. Or rather stalled again in November. And stalled in December. And then got the engine running at a crisp 5 mph in January. And finally somehow got to the finish line last week.

For the record it's my belief that there's nothing wrong with starting and stopping. If you're stuck, move on. Distract yourself. It happens to the best of us.

There is a problem however with cutting off momentum. I was cruising along in May and even in August, after stopping once already. But then I cut myself short. I told myself I had "more pressing" things to write. Stupid. When I came back to the play, I found the battery was dead. Which is about as surprising as having cocktails with a girl, telling her that you have to leave momentarily to attend "more pressing" social events, then coming back and finding that she's long gone and won't return your calls.

Anyway it was during this time that I became obsessed with the work habits of other writers. Because if there's one thing that all writers have in common it's that they all want to know how other writers work. Do they write everyday? If so, for how long? If not, for how long? How long, how long, how long?

So here's a list of some of the ones that I found:

-Quiara Alegria Hudes writes from 9-5 Monday-Friday and takes the weekend's off. So basically, she treats it as a standard job.

-Ingmar Bergman, similarly, wrote from 10-3 on weekdays for ten weeks, and then he'd have a screenplay done.

-Graham Greene literally counted words and wrote no more or less than 300 words every day. Yup. He was almost always in the middle of a sentence and he would just stop. So, yes, he cut the momentum off, but only until tomorrow, which isn't so long.

-Raymond Chandler had "writing time" where he would sit in his office from late morning until late afternoon no matter what. Didn't write consistently. Sometimes only wrote outlines for months and months. Sometimes didn't write anything for weeks at a time. But refused to leave.

-Likewise the Coen Brothers sit in their office and take naps. And DON'T, I repeat DON'T do outlines of any kind. As Ethan Coen says: "the rule is, we type scene A without knowing what scene B is going to be -- or for that matter, we type scene R without knowing what scene S is going to be." And then they take naps. Lots of naps. (For more on the naps, check out this great podcast interview where they talk about their work habits:

http://cdn4.libsyn.com/creativescreenwritingmag/JoelandEthanCoenNoCountryForOldMenQandA.mp3?nvb=20100215154034&nva=20100216155034&t=0bca2100e4c8557c83f44)

-Hiram Haydn, author of The Hands Of Esau (and William Goldman's editor for years) had a busy job working in publishing. Had a wife and a bunch of kids to support. So when did he have time to write? Sunday. Every Sunday morning. The only time he could, but he did it.

-And finally my absolute favorite quote about writing work habits from E.L. Doctorow, author of Ragtime and more: "Here's how it goes: I'm up at the stroke of 10 or 10:30. I have breakfast and read the papers, and then it's lunchtime. Then maybe a little nap after lunch and out to the gym, and before I know it, it's time to have a drink."

So what do all of these writers' habits have in common? Look carefully. I'll wait. Did you see it? No? Good, because I couldn't see it either. They have absolutely nothing in common with each other except that they all are the habits of writers. Which is good news. Very good news indeed. Because it means there is no wrong way to skin a cat. So I invite you all to share stories of how you choose to skin.

Is Zoe Sick? Or Is Masha Sick?

2010-02-14T20:07:00.001-05:00

I got sick. Badly. I saw it coming and was hoping to escape, but alas my immune system was not as strong as I had hoped. And as usual, this is the worst time to be sick!! (Well, when is there a right time to be sick anyway!!).

I am currently in intense daily rehearsals for Three Sisters – a great opportunity working with the amazing Eve Best. Only two and half weeks of daily rehearsals then four days of performances to cover a huge Chekhov play…intense I’m telling you…not something you can miss – not to mention I have a full time job for my visa to stay in this country so had to interview and hire someone to come in and take over my job until 5pm everyday while I am in these intense rehearsals. And, of course being the anal office geek I am created a “For Zoe To Do” tray so that my boss and the newbie can leave me daily tasks to do after rehearsals into the wee hours before the day can end. Intense. AND, I am also taking part in the NYU mock trials so have in role meetings and in role preparation for the “landlord” I am portraying in the case that is ongoing each week too. Intense!! Yes, yes, yes – I am always busy so this is just a taste of what my life can be like sometimes and I usually LOVE IT!! I am not Zoe if I don’t have one million things going on at the same time J (At least, that’s what people say!!).

BUT…I saw this coming – I watched after the end of the first week of rehearsals cast members were dropping like flies around me – one, then two people out for the day, then three…and I could feel it in my throat– I went home and took all the pills I knew and had and bought (am homeopathic so natural pills!!) but I could still feel it coming. And, then I woke up with a horrible head cold, a sore throat, swollen glands, a painful cough and the inability to swallow or talk very well. How can an actor act without a voice!! GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!

I tried to fight it but could not so I thought – this is not a time to try and fight it my way without the hard drugs as I have no time, so I was about to go to the doctor when I found out from my boss that Oxford has suspended our insurance at work! GREAT!!!!!!!!!!

So, I was stuck – I took everything and anything (I even did the whole Nyquil/Dayquil thing), researched online and input all my symptoms and it came up with Viral Sore Throat which turns out if that’s what I have then it can’t even be treated with antibiotics anyway so there is no point in going to the doctor – luckily for my insurance scenario – but unlucky because online it says it can take up to two weeks to go! GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, here I am, almost a week later since I felt it in my throat – still with such a bad whatever it is exactly – having to take off two days of precious rehearsal and work time (and I don’t take off time unless I can’t move) and I walk into rehearsal and do you know what Eve says to me?? She looks at me, she hugs me and says…

“Poor Masha is sick. She is. Look at what she is going through, no wonder you are so sick”

At first I thought she was joking, but no, she was being serious. She is convinced that we all got sick (and difference illnesses too) – literally the whole cast bar two people didn’t get sick – and those two people are “the more happier” of Chekhov’s characters in the play – so Eve is convinced there is a reason that this happened, is happening to us – that it’s not just the weather (even though NYC became like Russia’s snowy land all of a sudden), but it ran deeper than that – that we as actors as our characters were going through such hardship in our lives that our body is reacting to it. Eve is convinced that our bodies do not know the difference between real life and pretend life that we inhabit, which is why we have to take care of ourselves when doing challenging work with eight performances a week.

Huh.

I guess I never really thought about it that way. Ever.

Can this be true? Am I sick with something that is beyond just catching it from another cast member or someone on the street or from the changing weather?

So am I sick or is it really Masha that’s sick?

Is that why it’s not going away?? Because I am not done being Masha??

Will I be sick all the way until the 22nd February!!!!!! AHHHH!!!!

i would get valentine's day

2010-02-14T09:33:00.003-05:00

I would get Valentine’s Day--coincidentally my second least favorite day of the year after Halloween (which is another story altogether). The truth is I have a hard time with holidays in general… and games… and karaoke. Yeah, I’m clearly not a fun guy.

Valentine’s Day, the “holiday”—yes the quotation marks are intentional—is mired in myth. In fact, we are historically unsure as to how and when and with whom it began, though it is likely that the Romans and of all people, Chaucer, might have had something to do with it all. I knew there was a reason that I disliked that man…

I posit (and many others have posited the same) that V-Day was founded by Hallmark and other such “love manufacturers” to capitalize on the emotions and prey on the pocketbooks of we mere mortals.

My feeling on this day, today, V-Day, has little to do with my relationship status and quite a lot to do with the fact that I abhor manipulation AND (probably not surprisingly) being the somewhat skeptical person that I am (especially in matters of the h-e-a-r-t) I can’t help but find this day, today, V-Day, to be a bit (if not a complete) manipulation.

Of course, we subscribe to it. I mean, who doesn’t like flowers, right? Or candle lit dinners? Or chocolate? Or declarations of affection?

Hm… Okay.

I suppose, given the aforementioned list of V-Day associated “likes,” which I do share to an extent, I have to admit (at the very least) to appreciating the components of this particular “holiday.” The idea of “love”—note the quotes—may not in and of itself reduce me to jello, but… I do think that we’re all in the market for a grand gesture, you know? And admittedly, Valentine’s Day does or rather can provide ample motivation for such a gesture… which is or rather can be well… quite lovely.

So then I guess… I guess the thing is--and this is maybe my hang-up with most “holidays.” Why designate a single day of the year to be thankful? Why celebrate freedom on only one day? Why profess your love once a year? It is my feeling that when we so clearly align a specific day with a specific emotion or state of being, it sort of lessens the need to express (or grapple with) them on the other 364 days in the calendar year. It’s like these holidays give us permission to be lazy. They are in effect further evidence of de-sensitization.

The inner workings of the human heart and mind are reduced to broad generalizations. Deep emotions are not felt but rather conveyed via objects, icons—turkey equals gratitude, fireworks equal liberty, roses equal love.

I leave you with a thought… or maybe more of a challenge: This Valentine’s Day instead of gifting Godiva and calling it a year—pledge to show your affection to the one’s you love every day. Hug them a little longer more consistently. Kiss them a little more deeply more often. Tell them how much they mean to you every chance you get.

Because that… that is what this day, today, V-Day is really all about.

Books written by chefs about French food will make you crazy hungry.

2010-02-12T17:36:00.004-05:00

I just finished reading Julia Child’s memoir, My Life in France.

What an amazing and inspiring woman!

At age 36, Julia moved to Paris with her husband Paul, who’d accepted a job running the exhibits office at the American embassy. She arrived in the City of Love without any cooking skills to speak of, and fell, head over heels, for la cuisine française. A year later, she was enrolled in a six-week intensive course at The Cordon Bleu.

Voilà! A culinary legend was born.

On this Valentine’s Day weekend and the weekends and weekdays that follow, may you pursue your own dreams with as much gusto, drive, passion, precision, curiosity, and joy as Ms. Child did.

That is my goal for myself, and my wish for you, dear At Play blog readers.

Bon appétit!

IT'S SNOWING YOU GUYS!!!!!!

2010-02-10T09:05:00.003-05:00

YOU GUYS! YOU GUYS! IT'S SNOWING!

To celebrate, here is a picture of an elephant snow sculpture with corkscrew trunk being milked by a small man? WHAT?!!

My co-workers and I decided yesterday that it would be MUCH to snowy to go into the office today (It's always especially blustery up by the River) and we woke to find that we were actually right. It's pretty crazy out there. I'm reminded of North Carolina which was always tragically unequipped for snow (though I think it's better now.) If there was even RUMOR of snow, school would be closed in fear of school buses full of kids sliding off silas creek parkway. This was always pretty rad, the constant unecessary cancelling of school. But THEN, said snow days were tacked onto the END of school - so a few years, we were in class as far as my mid-June birthday, which totally cock-blocked my assorted my little pony, pool, and putt putt parties.

HAPPY SNOW DAY!

2010-02-09T17:25:00.010-05:00

So I missed my day to post. Which was Monday. Yesterday. Well here's why:

Monday February 8th marked the Third Annual 24 Hour Musicals where 4 short musicals are written, composed, directed, musical directed, choreographed, and performed (off book!) in 24 hours. Sound crazy? Because it is... This is all done to benefit the Exchange and the Orchard Project. The Exchange is also the parent company of At Play.

Here's what my schedule looked like Sunday/Monday:

Sunday Feb 7th, 2010

3:30pm - Meet Philip Naude (Best production manager in the universe) and Grigor Grigorov (Best IT genius in the universe) at the National Arts Club where the overnight writing process will take place. Proceed to set up production hub and all the writing stations which include a laptop with Garage band and Finale, midi keyboards, speakers... What we call the Musical Borg.

7pm - order pizza.

8pm - writers/composers arrive at the NAC and find out who they're working with.

9pm - walk over to the Gramercy Theater on 23rd and Lex for the Meet and Greet where all the writers, directors, actors, composers, musical directors, choreographers, and production crew meet for the first time - introduce themselves - submit a prop and a costume to inspire the writers, and the actors sing a snippit of a song to demonstrate vocal range.

11pm - walk the writers and composers back over the the NAC to start writing. They pick their casts and get cracking.

from 12am - 7am things get a little loopy and delirious but somehow:

Monday Feb 8th, 2010

8am - 4 musicals are born. Breakfast is served. Directors are assigned. Casts are announced:

Scripts are printed. CD's are burned. Sheet Music is created.

9am - Rehearsals begin.

10am - We choose show order (the circled numbers next to the name of the play seen above).

11am - I FINALLY LEAVE THE NATIONAL ARTS CLUB. After being awake for 24 Hours. I pass the baton to Carly Hugo (Benefit Goddess), Ari Edelson (Artistic Director of the Exchange) and Philip Naude, and they make magic happen.

12pm - 4pm - I try to sleep while the AMAZING AMAZING crew takes over loading in the theater and teching 4 shows in 4 hours.

5pm - I arrive back at the Gramercy Theater to put out some last min fires (Like, maybe, the wrong program gets printed, for instance...)

7pm - the crowd Floods in. Food is served, the bar is open.

8pm, or maybe a few minutes after - The show begins.

The Crew:
(Best Production Team / Design Team / SM Team ever assembled, in my humble opinion...)

Show line-up:

"You Can See the East River From Here, Too"
book by Jonathan Bernstein. Music and lyrics by Jeanine Tesori.
Directed by Ted Sperling.
Starring Dee Roscioli, John Ellison Conlee, Katie Thompson

"Anti Valentines"
Book by Julia Jordan. Music and lyrics by Jeff Blumenkrantz.
Directed by Moisés Kaufman.
Starring Celia Keenan-Bolger, Marnie Schulenburg, Michael Winther, Zachary Prince

"The First of His Heart"
Book by Jonathan Marc Sherman. Music and lyrics by Adam Gwon.
Directed by Trip Cullman.
Starring Julian Fleisher, Nancy Opel, Darius DeHaas

"What's Wrong with Twinkie?"
Book by Josh Koenigsberg. Music and lyrics by Zina Goldrich and Marcy Heisler.
Directed by Kathleen Turner.
Starring Alicia Witt, Cady Huffman, Mo Rocca, Raven-Symoné

One line Bios:

It was a big night for At Play as well. Ari Edelson announced us as The Exchange's emerging artists Company within a Company.

More Importantly: One of our writers, Josh Koenigsberg, wrote his musical debut - and killed it! His cast - Mo Rocca, Raven Symone, Cady Huffman, and Alicia Witt - brought down the house with a hysterical kick line. Instant theater just doesn't get any better than this.

You can find pictures from Josh's piece, with music and lyrics by Zina Goldrich and Marcy Heisler, here: WHAT'S WRONG WITH TWINKIE?

9:30pm - load out with the crew and final adios to the Gramercy

10pm - Afterparty at the National Arts Club.

So another year has passed and another successful 24 Hour Musicals was pulled off. I'm always humbled by the amount of talent and skill that it takes to make this event happen. So, special thanks to the entire staff, crew, volunteers, talent, etc that donated their time and energy to benefit the Orchard Project and the future theater companies that will benefit from it.

So that's my excuse. Next week I will be on time.

xo
kb

Why do I always identify with the straight white girl?

2010-02-07T19:22:00.004-05:00

So… I’ve been re-watching Felicity recently (thank you, Colette!).

You remember the show, right? It aired in the late nineties and ran into the early two thousands starring Keri Russell, Scott Speedman, Tangi Miller and Scott Foley? Oh and Amy Jo Johnson, the pink Power Ranger?

(It was on TV around the same time as Once & Again actually—another of my all time favorite shows.)

The series revolved around the fictional college experiences of Felicity Porter (played by Russell) as she attended the University of New York, which was based on New York University.

I actually remember watching the pilot back in 1998. I was a junior at Manhattan High in the Little Apple (Manhattan, Kansas) and I wanted desperately to move to New York.

I fancied myself the black male version of Felicity. I was sort of dorky and sort of anti-social. I possessed above average intelligence and a work ethic bordering on the Puritanical.

Mostly I was eager to experience life—to grow and change and love. I remember wanting to feel deeply. Which was, of course, what New York (at least in my estimation) was all about!

As intent as I was on pursuing a life in NYC, it took me six years to get here. Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio proved more enticing than NYU and after graduation I felt the call of the west coast and not (as I had assumed) the east.

Last night, I was standing on the subway platform at 125^th and Broadway with J waiting for the #1. And it was a cold night. Cold, but clear. And I was looking out over upper Manhattan. And it was sort of shiny and shimmery and well… really beautiful.

And I turned to J and I said, “We live in New York City.” And he replied, “I know, right? It’s weird.” And I agreed. Because it is weird when a thing that has been a dream for so long ceases to be a dream. It’s weird when a dream metamorphoses into something else… into reality. It’s weird when a dream comes true.

Watching Felicity now I can’t help but revisit seventeen-year-old high school junior me. The Harrison that was so sure that big things were going to happen to him in the big city. The Harrison that (whether consciously or not) took Felicity’s signature pilot episode words to heart—“Sometimes it’s the smallest decisions that can pretty much change your life forever.”

The Magic Word is TEN

2010-02-05T20:07:00.003-05:00

I found this online – “10 Steps on How to Become an Actor”

Step 1: Learn How to Act

HAHAHAHA!!!

When I read this I nearly fell off my chair!! I just had to share this with all of you because it is too funny!! You read the title of the article and you imagine that good old Mr. Web is going to give us some wise list, and then that first step pops up and…I was not expecting that at all!!

How to become an actor is to learn how to act!!!!!

After that first step I have to say I didn’t really want to read the rest, but it got better.

Step 2: Location, Location, Location (move to where it’s at)

Step 3: Be Willing to do What it Takes

Step 4: Commit Yourself

Step 5: Be Nice

Step 6: Focus On The Craft – Not the Agent

Step 7: Take Some Improv

Step 8: Know Your Range, Then Break Through It

Step 9: Be Persistent

Step 10: Have Patience

The rest of the steps were not as bad as that first one – some truthfulness there. It got me thinking though…I don’t need to become an actor…I am an actor…in fact I don’t remember making that decision to be an actor, I just was…

Here are my “10 Steps on How You KNOW You ARE An Actor”

Step 1: You think being called a Drama Queen is a compliment.

Step 2: You listen to your iPod and it becomes the soundtrack to your life, no matter what song comes on.

Step 3: You have imaginary conversations with people in your head out loud.

Step 4: You write off EVERYTHING as Research Expenses.

Step 5: Your memory is absurdly supernatural.

Step 6: You eavesdrop on all conversations around you.

Step 7: You are thankful for gigs/jobs that will make you no money.

Step 8: Your everyday life is always a performance.

Step 9: You are frequently emotional and irrational.

Step 10: You are the best liar you know, as well as the best exaggerator you know.

Agreed and Accepted.

There are no spoilers in this post. Don’t worry.

2010-02-03T21:51:00.007-05:00

As some of you may know, the season 6 premiere of LOST was last night. I am a huge fan of the show, and have been since the first season. The island, the flashbacks, the Others— yes, yes, yes!

Immediately after a new episode airs, I call my friend Monika so that we can painstakingly go over everything that just happened, try to make some sense of it, make connections to previous episodes, previous seasons, and sometimes, sometimes, we take a little trip over to Lostpedia.com. Ya know, as a reference.

I think my favorite thing about LOST is how it plays with time. Whoa, does it play with time! It’s wild, it makes my brain hurt, I love it. So much.

My fascination with “time play” certainly carries over into theatre. Three of my favorite plays— Arcadia, Three Tall Women, and Our Town— chronologically speaking, are really depressing. In all of those stories, with time, loved ones are lost, memories fade, relationships end, lives end.

The great thing about storytelling, though, is that it doesn’t have to be chronological. Hurray! If time is the potentially tragic force acting upon us, by its ceaseless going, its inability to stop, its clouding of truth, then perhaps the best way to find joy (or at least, contentment) is to mess with it. Go back into it, cut it up, pause it, and then examine the story with a fresh perspective.

That’s what Arcadia, Three Tall Women, and Our Town do. That’s what LOST does. And that’s why I find all of them so fascinating and magical.

In theatre and addictive television shows, time is on our side.

Oh yes it is.

as If it were our Jobs

2010-02-02T20:11:00.002-05:00

I am thinking about jobs, and how I very much want to work in a flower store.

Sometimes I irk myself because I complain too much about my job, because I'm really lucky to have it. In fact, I think I would go insane if all I had in the world was time to write. I imagine that I'd be drowning in time and then the smallest tasks would become really overwhelming and I'd completely lose my work ethic? Or maybe I'd be happier? I don't know. But, I still say, jobs are important. For rent paying reasons, and also, I think, good old fashioned integrity. Be it teaching or the sitting on of babies or something random, corporate, or random corporate, At Players work it the crap out, while balancing this with our theater selves. And this is reason number 374 why we are cool.

Producing: A How-To.

2010-02-01T16:30:00.009-05:00

Hello and Happy February!

First off, this is not a how-to. I lied in the title. Consider me an unreliable narrator. But I believe there is no such thing as a how-to in producing theater. If there is one, a truly accurate version, someone please send it my way...

Dictionary.com: Producer: a person responsible for the financial and administrative aspects of a stage, film, television, or radio production; the person who exercises general supervision of a production and is responsible chiefly for raising money, hiring technicians and artists, etc., required to stage a play, make a motion picture, or the like.

Pretty cut and dry.

And yet, there is a reason that I have mentors that I have pop quizzed on several occasions, "How do I do what you do??" The answers are never simple. Never cut and dry. And I never stop asking. I am grateful for their patience.

I remember several occasions where I've been introduced as a young aspiring producer, and the reactions were always disheartening. Mostly they were met with questions about money -- "You like raising money?" "You know a lot of rich people?" "Do you have a lot of money?" MONEY MONEY MONEY. I've even been met with very crude responses about how it's all about pleasing people -- but in much more inappropriate ways. Again - disheartening. But this couldn't be what it was all about...?

Then I tried to answer what producing really is to me vs. what people think it is. I've been approached myself by people wanting to learn more about off-Broadway and off-off-Broadway producing. I found that my answers were much like my mentors' -- mostly questions about background and what specifically the person wants to do. A lot of times people come to me with very scattered backgrounds and experience in every aspect of theater or some applicable skill-set. But because they've never "produced" they don't think they can.

The truth is...most people who think they can't, can. That's the secret. Producing is taking everything you've ever learned, and knowing when and how to apply it. Sounds like life. So by kelcie's transitive property, Producing is Life.

My personal definition of producing is fully supporting a creative team so that all they have to worry about is creative decisions and concerns. If a director is more worried about where they are going to rehearse than what they are going to rehearse, I'm not doing my job. But also, as a producer I can't align myself with something I'm not passionate about. Especially the stage of producing I'm in, where often times it's unpaid, if I wasn't creatively excited or truly believe in it, I would never be able to find the patience and drive necessary to see a project into full fruition.

Producing is intimidating because it's amorphous. Which sounds counter intuitive since some people see producers as organized, rigid, schedule hounds, micro-managers, etc. And you definitely have some of those traits, but at the same time those traits are perfectly balanced with flexibility to take things as they come. It's being able to predict the unpredictable, using logic and instinct to put out fires before and after they start. And knowing that your job never ends.

A producer is everything to everyone and no one at the same time. If no one is looking for you, then you're also doing something right. It's only when the sh*t hits the fan that they come for you...

For myself, the main thing about producing is having the confidence to believe you know what you're doing, but at the same time knowing that you don't - always keeping yourself on your toes. I get a strange feeling sometimes where I feel like I'm treading water and I'm not getting anywhere. But that's never true. It's not always about giant leaps forward, it's about chipping away and brushing aside the dust until the beautiful product that is a Show reveals itself.

While the definition of producer is easily understood, the true application and feel of what a producer embodies is best summed up below - at least the type of producer I strive to be:

“I think only people in the theater know what a producer is.
The public does not know.
It knows a writer writes, and an actor acts,
and a director tells them what to do.
A producer raises money.
Well, he does, and in some cases thats all he does.
But the workers in the theater know that this is not the real thing.
A producer is a rare, paradoxical genius –
hard-headed, soft-hearted, cautious, reckless,
a hopeful innocent in fair weather,
a stern pilot in stormy weather,
a mathematician who prefers to ignore the laws of mathematics and trust intuition,
an idealist, a realist, a practical dreamer,
a sophisticated gambler, a stage-struck child.
That’s a producer.”

– Oscar Hammerstein II

There's so much more to it. And I'll tell you when I figure it out.

I repeat therefore I am.

2010-01-30T17:36:00.006-05:00

I’m a repeater. Fo’ serious. I repeat things. I repeat things. I repeat things.

Whenever I say something cute or clever or hilarious (!)—in my own opinion, of course—I have to say whatever it was again. Like several times. Like usually six times even if no one else is around. It’s a compulsion. Ask Justin. I honestly can’t help it.

The same is true of my music listening. I will listen to the same song for weeks. One song. Over and over and over again. Literally thousands of repeats. And every time—every conscious listen—I will hear something different, something new.

There are songs that I will listen to repeatedly from start to finish for just two seconds of breathtaking instrumentation or a single beautifully sustained note or a specific heart-wrenching lyric.

Some of my favorite moments—

2.50 into “The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out to Get Us!” by Sufjan Stevens

0.59 into “This Is What It Is” from Wild Party by Michael John LaChuisa

0.44 into “Full Fathom Five” from Twelfth Night by HEM

First 20 seconds of “Under Pressure” by Queen (!)

3.35 into “Get Right” by Jennifer Lopez

4.50 into “At The Ballet” from Chorus Line with lyrics by Edward Kleban and music by Marvin Hamlisch

I’m not sure what it says about me on a deeper level—my habit of repeating things. Probably not much. In fact, you could probably learn more about me from my response to the question, are you a dog person or a cat person—a question that I will not be answering, well, not in this blog entry anyway. That would just be too revealing.

They say that human beings need to hear new information at least three times before it registers. Perhaps my repetition habit is simply confirmation of this, my humanity. I repeat therefore I am.

Something to think about. Something to think about. Something to think about.

The Petrus Pomerol Rule

2010-01-30T17:21:00.003-05:00

On Christmas night I was alone thinking about Jewish things like Chinese Food and Action Movies, when my good friend Josh called me up and invited me to his family dinner.

(For more info on Josh and the wonderful farm he runs, go to www.fishkillfarms.com. The best eggs you'll ever have in your life.)

Anyway I was being really indecisive about going for some reason until I heard those 4 magical words: "We're Drinking Expensive Wine." His Dad had just retired and received a fancy bottle as a gift. I was invited to mooch. I felt awkward. I asked how expensive it was. I figured if it was under $100, I'd go. Over $100, I wouldn't. But over $500, well that's crazy, I'd go. "The average bottle goes for around two thousand. Auction bottles can reach five."

I sprinted to the subway, pushing an elderly couple out of my way to catch the train, and flew uptown. I got there and looked at the most expensive bottle of wine I had ever seen: a 1971 Petrus Pomerol.

I was curious to the point of insanity. What does $2000 taste like? How many different flavors does it have? How drunk will it get me? Will my tongue ever be the same? Will I suddenly be able to speak French? Will all women now find me irresistible? The suspense was killing me.

Josh poured me a glass. I took a sip. Swished it around in my mouth. Looked like an idiot.

And swallowed. It tasted so...simple. There was only one flavor. One incredibly simple flavor. Whereas most wines have hints of this and hints of that, this was the same consistent flavor from first sip to last. Like a perfectly ripe cherry. And it was mind-blowingly good.

In that way it reminded me of truly great art. Of how simple it seems. How effortless. When I listen to a Beatles song or watch Back To The Future or think about that great Eve Best production of The Homecoming or the David Cromer Our Town or my recent favorites The Starry Messenger and Circle Mirror Transformation, they all seem so completely, obnoxiously effortless. Like those artists just happened to spit up one day and this thing was born.

Of course that's not what happened at all. Those people toiled for months, years even to make it seem effortless. Tennessee Williams wrote draft after draft of Streetcar Named Desire. Stanley was originally named Ralph. And for your viewing pleasure here is a sample from one of those drafts. It takes place the morning after Stanley has had his way with Blanche:

Blanche and Stanley are groggily awakened by a telephone that rings seven or eight times. Stanley picks it up.

STANLEY: Yeah? Good.

He hangs up.

BLANCHE: What was it?

STANLEY: I have a girl, a daughter.

Blanche gasps.

BLANCHE: How very, very unfortunate. Poor little girl!

Stanley notices fingernail scratches all over his shoulder. He shoves Blanche away.

STANLEY: Christ!

BLANCH: (laughing) Remember you took me. It wasn't I that took you. So if you got somewhat more than you bargained for, Mr. Kowalski...if you hadn't suspected a lady could be so awful...violent...could give such a wild performance when aroused...try to remember the way it started, not I but you, putting dynamite under the tea kettle. Ha ha!

(And yes, Williams really did write this dialogue. You can see for yourself if you visit the University of Texas in Austin where several of his drafts are kept.)

The point is not how bad this is, but how much Williams slaved away to make his play seem like it could never in a million years include this dialogue. He worked his butt off so it would seem like he didn't. So that everything would feel more organic. More believable. And simpler. Because that is the goal after all. To make art that seems like it exists by itself, created by no one, only syphoned through some lucky conduit.

And so when I struggle to finish a play (and believe me, I'm struggling up a storm as we speak), I think of those hard-working French feet mashing grapes for months in 1971, crafting a single amazing flavor that for a mere $2,000 a bottle, we can taste today. And in thinking about that single amazing flavor, I remind myself of the Petrus Pomerol Rule of making good art:

When in doubt, simplify.