Wandering B&N today and the May cover of "Every Day w/ Rachel Ray" caught my eye. I've never gotten it before and questioned the actual need to get it but enough headlines seemed interesting to me that I thought I'd make the investment.
Found some good recipes to dog ear for potential future use as I flipped thru and then on page 171 there was a Q&A where readers can ask Rachel a question. What made me pause in my flipping was a picture of The Foos on this page. Why are they pictured in a Rachel Ray Mag?! I read on....
Question - If you weren't in the food industry, what would you choose as a career?
Answer - I can't imagine my life in any other business - though I would love to be a Foo Fighters groupie!
What?! Really?! I never see her show and immediately wondered if they had ever been on there! How crazy is that?! I am no Rachel Ray expert but I would not look @ her and say she must be a Foos fan. Although...I probably don't visually scream Foos fan either. However, that does pose the question...what does a "typical" Foos fan look like? Hmmmm...
Anyway, now I have to say that instead of feeling indifference when it comes to Rachel Ray I do have a little more respect for her and want to be friends with her so we can get backstage tickets to the next show they play in NYC....kidding, sort of. ;)
Friday, April 11, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Agent Workshop
Went to another workshop tonight to get some one on one w/ an agent.
The agent/owner of the talent agency introduced herself, told a little about her agency and then had a Q&A.
I found out that although they are looking for theater talent, it is easier to place non-union musical actors than straight play actors. Sadness.
She said that it is important to learn what your "type" is so when you are seeking representation you can communicate that to them so they know what kind of characters to look for w/ you in mind.
She stressed that agents are meant to do the negotiating and act as a liaison between the actor and the production heads. That's their job - the idea is that the agent looks like the "bad guy" then, not you.
After the Q&A we were all cleared out so we could go in separately to have one on one w/ the agent and perform a monologue.
I was the first one in! I performed my monologue and she seemed to like it. She asked questions about my experience and brought up voiceover work - asking if I had a demo. Ugh. I really need to get that taken care of. She liked my "attitude" headshot and asked if I'm looking to play quirky characters. (Honey, I'll play any character I can get cast for! lol.) Then she said that she can't base a lot on just seeing me do 1 monologue so suggested I keep her in the loop on future performances (and send her a demo) so she can see me flex my acting muscles more. Overall it seemed to be a positive meeting but when dealing w/ agents - ultimately it is better if you have your Equity Card. I'm still trying to figure out how to even get cast in something that will give me points towards Equity! All in good time....right?!
Since I finished early I happened to run into a couple co-stars from Office Hours waiting to go see a show that a former co-star from Spring Shorts was in. It was opening night! I was talked into joining (a free ticket can really talk! ;)) and well, the actor we knew did well but the script needed severe editing - it really didn't need to be as long as it was and the devastating thing is that it had been published! How does that happen?! The premise was promising but the storyline seemed to freeze in motion w/ excess dialogue @ times. Some of the direction choices were interesting, too - lots of talking straight out to the audience when I'm not sure it was always necessary or effective. There was also confusion w/ when the play took place as it was written in the 80s w/ 80s references but then some lines were updated to make it seem like the present but yet...not ALL timeframe related lines were changed so...???
Needless to say, I was glad I didn't pay for the show but I was glad I saw it - I've found that no matter the individual review on a show, you can always take/learn something from the experience. Or @ least that is what I try to do! :)
The agent/owner of the talent agency introduced herself, told a little about her agency and then had a Q&A.
I found out that although they are looking for theater talent, it is easier to place non-union musical actors than straight play actors. Sadness.
She said that it is important to learn what your "type" is so when you are seeking representation you can communicate that to them so they know what kind of characters to look for w/ you in mind.
She stressed that agents are meant to do the negotiating and act as a liaison between the actor and the production heads. That's their job - the idea is that the agent looks like the "bad guy" then, not you.
After the Q&A we were all cleared out so we could go in separately to have one on one w/ the agent and perform a monologue.
I was the first one in! I performed my monologue and she seemed to like it. She asked questions about my experience and brought up voiceover work - asking if I had a demo. Ugh. I really need to get that taken care of. She liked my "attitude" headshot and asked if I'm looking to play quirky characters. (Honey, I'll play any character I can get cast for! lol.) Then she said that she can't base a lot on just seeing me do 1 monologue so suggested I keep her in the loop on future performances (and send her a demo) so she can see me flex my acting muscles more. Overall it seemed to be a positive meeting but when dealing w/ agents - ultimately it is better if you have your Equity Card. I'm still trying to figure out how to even get cast in something that will give me points towards Equity! All in good time....right?!
Since I finished early I happened to run into a couple co-stars from Office Hours waiting to go see a show that a former co-star from Spring Shorts was in. It was opening night! I was talked into joining (a free ticket can really talk! ;)) and well, the actor we knew did well but the script needed severe editing - it really didn't need to be as long as it was and the devastating thing is that it had been published! How does that happen?! The premise was promising but the storyline seemed to freeze in motion w/ excess dialogue @ times. Some of the direction choices were interesting, too - lots of talking straight out to the audience when I'm not sure it was always necessary or effective. There was also confusion w/ when the play took place as it was written in the 80s w/ 80s references but then some lines were updated to make it seem like the present but yet...not ALL timeframe related lines were changed so...???
Needless to say, I was glad I didn't pay for the show but I was glad I saw it - I've found that no matter the individual review on a show, you can always take/learn something from the experience. Or @ least that is what I try to do! :)
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
The Country Girl
A week or so ago I got an email from Starbucks about "Something Big" happening in Bryant Park and apparently at all Starbucks. What could it be?! Yesterday I found a posting on slickdeals that said it was to reveal their new coffee blend and give out samples. Oh. Not as exciting as I had thought it would be, but was still curious about the event in Bryant Park.
Tried to take a break to coincide w/ the start of the "event" but that didn't happen. So I wandered over during my lunch to see if there were any remnants left and discovered several carts set up serving the coffee sample as well as a makeshift Starbucks store (Later I saw that CNBC actually did an interview w/ one of the Starbucks bigwigs in there.)
Even though I'm not a straight up coffee person I still decided to sample the free beverage w/ heavy aid from sugar and milk. Eh. I'm still not a coffee person. ;)
A co-worker from the branch in San Fran was in town for training so we went over to Vynl for dinner & drinks after work. I have to say, Vynl has a very good selection of food (even their breakfast menu) - and tasty! Considering it is kind of a novelty restaurant, that is saying a lot!
Then we split ways as I had a ticket to see a preview show of "The Country Girl" w/ Peter Gallagher, Morgan Freeman and Frances McDormand and directed by Mike Nichols. The first Broadway show I saw was another play by Clifford Odets (Awake and Sing!) so beyond seeing the "name" actors I was eager to see another play of his performed.
2 downers right off the bat. One set piece slanted towards the corner that was out of sight from my view so I was unable to see the entrances and exits for those scenes and see that part of the seemingly simple, yet impressive set. The 2nd downer is that I was behind a person who's head (more specifically his fluffy follicles) always seemed to be directly in my eyeline. Sigh.
The scene changes were helped by a seemingly endless curtain that would move from left to right (and right to left) instead of up and down. I wondered if this was a new(er) idea? I liked it!
Moving beyond that to the acting - Peter Gallagher is fantastic! I really think he'd be a good actor to work w/ - someone that would be willing to help you be a better actor and you could learn a lot from. Morgan Freeman seemed miscast and fumbled w/ lines at times but in some ways I guess that worked for the character. Frances McDormand's portrayal of the country girl - reminded me of mix between the mother she played in Almost Famous and Miss Pettigrew in Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day. I'm not sure that was totally right for the part as it lent to zero chemistry w/ Freeman and Gallagher. She tripped over some lines, too and had trouble w/ a set door that wouldn't close. I guess that's why they have previews!
It was humbling to see these big stars having the same trouble I do on stage sometimes - it just goes to show that in someways live theater puts everyone on a more level playing field so to
speak - everyone has to get it right the first time. There are no edits or multiple takes.The final moment of the show is either inspired by the Playbill cover or the cover was inspired by it - not sure. Cool how it tied together!
Overall, it was disappointing though. I'd suggest "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" over this show but if you can get a deal on tickets it IS worth it to see Gallagher's performance and to just follow the Odet's storyline and listen to his use of words.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Baby Shower, Boiling Water and a Callback
Our director for Phare Play is VERY pregnant and I got to go to her surprise baby shower on Sunday @ Yum Yum Bangkok. And she was indeed surprised!
My experience w/ Thai food is limited so anything I ordered would be a new discovery, but the thing I discovered that I'm HIGHLY recommending to anyone that has the opportunity to try it is Thai Tea! I really don't know what all is in it but it sure is tasty - even if the orange color may be a bit concerning. ;)
As I was headed to the subway, post-shower, I got a call from a director affiliated w/ a PA Playhouse I had previously auditioned for and been called back for. She wanted me to come in and read for another show. I went home, printed out the emailed sides and then headed back in for our final show of Office Hours.
Ever since we've been in this space we've noticed a bucket nearly overflowing w/ dripping water from a pipe in our cramped dressing/set storage area. Another leak had been discovered in a side stage nook that one of the actors sits in for a scene during the show and when the owner was asked about it he said there wasn't a leak. Oh-kay... Well...the "non-leak" which happened to be of the boiling water variety, reared it's ugly head again and the actor was so distracted by it that he missed his cue line which left me and another actor stranded onstage trying to figure out what to say to kill time in hopes that he would respond soon. Of course, we didn't know he was being pelted w/ boiling water drips until after the show. Oh, the life of the non-paid, non-equity actor!
So, today I went to the callback over my lunch and I felt like it went well. I was asked to re-read one scene based off instruction the director gave me. If anything, I feel like the casting director at least is keeping me in mind (he referred me to this director and was the one that determined the original callbacks) so if I still don't get cast this time around maybe an opportunity will arise in the future...
My experience w/ Thai food is limited so anything I ordered would be a new discovery, but the thing I discovered that I'm HIGHLY recommending to anyone that has the opportunity to try it is Thai Tea! I really don't know what all is in it but it sure is tasty - even if the orange color may be a bit concerning. ;)
As I was headed to the subway, post-shower, I got a call from a director affiliated w/ a PA Playhouse I had previously auditioned for and been called back for. She wanted me to come in and read for another show. I went home, printed out the emailed sides and then headed back in for our final show of Office Hours.
Ever since we've been in this space we've noticed a bucket nearly overflowing w/ dripping water from a pipe in our cramped dressing/set storage area. Another leak had been discovered in a side stage nook that one of the actors sits in for a scene during the show and when the owner was asked about it he said there wasn't a leak. Oh-kay... Well...the "non-leak" which happened to be of the boiling water variety, reared it's ugly head again and the actor was so distracted by it that he missed his cue line which left me and another actor stranded onstage trying to figure out what to say to kill time in hopes that he would respond soon. Of course, we didn't know he was being pelted w/ boiling water drips until after the show. Oh, the life of the non-paid, non-equity actor!
So, today I went to the callback over my lunch and I felt like it went well. I was asked to re-read one scene based off instruction the director gave me. If anything, I feel like the casting director at least is keeping me in mind (he referred me to this director and was the one that determined the original callbacks) so if I still don't get cast this time around maybe an opportunity will arise in the future...
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Screwed! - kinda
My work day was April Fool's free and then I went to rehearsal...
On my way there I was walking along at a steady pace when all of sudden my pant leg was stepped on! I tried to proceed w/ forward motion not wanting to give the stepper attention - if they were seeking it - but whoever was stepping on my pant leg was not moving. Okay, wiseguy...I whip around to give whoever it is a piece of my mind and NO ONE IS THERE! But my pant leg is still not moving. Another tug and I realize it is caught on something in the cement - Oh great!, I think, It's probably gum! But no...it is a random screw sticking up in the sidewalk. No rhyme or reason as to why it is there and it is firmly planted in the cement. I briefly wonder if this isn't some elaborate April Fool's joke as I unhook my pant leg and look around, but then chalk it up to another strange NYC story and sigh w/ a thanks that I didn't rip a hole in my pants or actually begin to yell at the non-existent person before I saw they weren't there. ;)
A former roommate and her co-worker came to the show and we got a bite to eat @ Cosmic Diner afterwards. The guy seating told us they weren't seating groups of 3. What?! That's weird. We started to look @ each other in confusion when the guy announced it was an April Fools! Good one.
When I got home I saw that the review was posted. Very favorable and hopefully it will put more butts in the seats! :)
On my way there I was walking along at a steady pace when all of sudden my pant leg was stepped on! I tried to proceed w/ forward motion not wanting to give the stepper attention - if they were seeking it - but whoever was stepping on my pant leg was not moving. Okay, wiseguy...I whip around to give whoever it is a piece of my mind and NO ONE IS THERE! But my pant leg is still not moving. Another tug and I realize it is caught on something in the cement - Oh great!, I think, It's probably gum! But no...it is a random screw sticking up in the sidewalk. No rhyme or reason as to why it is there and it is firmly planted in the cement. I briefly wonder if this isn't some elaborate April Fool's joke as I unhook my pant leg and look around, but then chalk it up to another strange NYC story and sigh w/ a thanks that I didn't rip a hole in my pants or actually begin to yell at the non-existent person before I saw they weren't there. ;)
A former roommate and her co-worker came to the show and we got a bite to eat @ Cosmic Diner afterwards. The guy seating told us they weren't seating groups of 3. What?! That's weird. We started to look @ each other in confusion when the guy announced it was an April Fools! Good one.
When I got home I saw that the review was posted. Very favorable and hopefully it will put more butts in the seats! :)
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