Mission

I feel like I've been working on my personal statements for the past two weeks with no end in sight. Last night, while re-editing drafts and searching A.R.T./Moscow Art School's Institute for the Advanced Actor, I think I discovered my mission... and my program.

By living in the skin, using the words, and breathing the breath of diverse characters, I shed light on overlooked or underexposed viewpoints and encourage audiences to challenge their own assumptions. I seek to use theater as a means for change, and ultimately peace, by breaking down barriers of ignorance.

This is why I act... It's a powerful stage... my entire life I've felt the call, but have been afraid at times that I seemed too selfish (an actor is always trying to stay fit, working on craft, putting performances/auditions before everything or everyone else)... Coming from a service-minded family (of talented teachers), I was raised to live a life for others. I'm thrilled to discover this powerful mission, and get to work. Hopefully, the end of these applications is in sight.

Check this out: http://starbucksloveproject.com/#/main/

Snowed In.. MFA Apps...

Late December... blizzard has made its way from Virginia to this New England town... hitting so many of friends and loved ones, who I picture snuggled up watching movies, last minute Christmas shopping online, sipping hot cocoa or red wine. I'm snowed in at my parent's house where I have been residing since August. Cozy.. wood stove blaring, smell of a pancake breakfast being prepared. One year ago, I moved from DC to NY, and am now in RI. I am missing DC friends and the few NY friends now more than ever. Finishing my MFA applications today. Looking forward to all the paperwork being out, and turning complete focus to auditions.... and the holidays!

Hope you are safe and enjoying the snow that has brought us a White Christmas!

Focus

So my first few months in this city were difficult. 'Nuff said. I feel blessed to have had a group like Artistic New Directions to keep me going with Improv and new works, blessed to have a job (even if it is waiting tables), and blessed to have fab roommates (my bro Marcel, and friend Taisha).

I have recently found a highly recommended vocal coach whose clients perform on Broadway and throughout the world, many whose names you'd recognize... He has helped me to accept who I am, how I am seen, and love it... Each week we are finding new songs to add to my audition book, and I am working it.

I do need to get into dance class too. Hopefully by mid-July I'll be there.

Friday night, I was SO inspired by Sherie Rene Scott's show, "Everyday Rapture". If you haven't seen it, check it out! It closes next week. I felt like she was speaking to me and where I'm at in life. It didn't hurt that she threw in a few songs from "Mr. Rogers!" Marvin Hamlisch happened to be at the performance I went to.. no announcement or anything, I just heard the man after me at the box office say, "Two tickets under Hamlisch", and sure enough there he was, the famous composer... LOVE NY!

New York Debut!

So I've made it! Next week I open my first New York show. It is a short comedic play entitled "This Relationship" by Patrick Nash, directed by Kristine Niven. The play is part of a larger production, "An Eclectic Evening of Shorts II" produced by Artistic Directions.

If you are in the city, please do come!

"An Eclectic Evening of ShortsII"

Theatre 54
244 W. 54th St.
12th fl

Tickets $18.00
212 868 4444 http://www.smarttix.com/

http://www.artisticnewdirections.com/
212 875 1857

There are two sets of plays ("Boxers" and "Briefs" performing in rep.) My play is in the "Briefs" set. Dates/times are:

Previews:
Saturday, March 7 @ 8pm
Sunday, March 8 @ 2pm

Opening:
Monday, March 9 @ 7pm
Wednesday, March 11 @ 8pm
Friday, March 13 @ 8pm
Saturday, March 14 @ 2pm
Sunday, March 15 @ 7pm

Artistic New Directions
Kristine Niven & Janice L. Goldberg, Artistic Co-Directors
presents
An Eclectic Evening of Shorts II

*Actors Equity

Boxers Actors: Chris Campbell, Christian Conn*, Brian Corrigan*, Jeffrey Dannemen*, Crystal Finn*, Allison Goldberg*, Carol Lempert*, Ian Lowe*, Kristine Niven*, Eric Petersen*, Felicia Ricci, Megan Stern, Jennifer Laine Williams*, Jennifer Wren*
Briefs Actors: Trey Albright*, Elise Arsenault, Michelle Best*, Donna Klimek, Douglas Manes*, David O. Marx, Elena McGhee*, Devin Moriarity, Brian Gerard Murray, James Nugent*, Laughlin Rice, Cooper Shaw*, Ruth Sherman, Paul Singleton*, Amir Wachterman, Scotty Watson*

A New Day -- A New Administration

I watched Barack Obama's Inauguration from Times Square last week, and felt so proud and blessed to be an American. Although I've grown up in THE most patriotic town in America (Bristol, RI has the oldest 4th of July Parade in the country, and celebrates year round with red, white, and blue stripes down our main street), I haven't felt very patriotic during the past, oh, eight years. Originally, I was scheduled to work breakfast/lunch, but because our lunch was not looking busy, I was let off just in time to step out onto the square. What an experience... I was surrounded by the most excited and thrilled New Yorkers and tourists... we were strangers talking freely, hugging freely, letting tears of happiness run freely; rejoicing in celebration of this momentous occasion. I stood next to two women who were as thrilled as I, and two British gentlemen (who were psyched to be in town for this unique, historic American event). They had many questions, about the outgoing VP in the wheelchair, the trivia questions on CNN (i.e. "Obama is the 5th youngest president", etc.), and we were proud to answer them. It was an interesting moment to reflect, and realize that "Wow!", not many other countries vote for their leader, and I wonder if any have had 44 presidents. I take so much for granted... and I don't believe I am the only one.

More thoughts to follow...

Work in 2009

Hello, Hello!

I am writing to share my good fortune.. I have been hired at a fine dining restaurant in Times Square. Although this does not sound like the best job ever, I'm an actor in New York... I'm on my way to making it, have my first restaurant gig :)It's called Blue Fin, check it out: http://www.brguestrestaurants.com/restaurants/blue_fin/index.php

In all seriousness though, economic times have made it difficult for me to rely on temp jobs/teaching jobs for steady income from the start. And I need work right away. My first week and a half in New York has been both challenging (not knowing if I can spend any money) and amazing (catching up with old friends/acquaintances from many parts of my life). Now secure in a serving job, I am free to begin the audition search for acting jobs, and the application process for teaching artist work. I begin standardized patient work Thursday at Cornell Med School.

Thank you for your prayers and thoughts thusfar, and may 2009 be a blessed year for us all!