Thursday, December 9, 2010

I am currently in the process of maybe getting hired in 5 places.

All I had to do was lower my standards! Yay!

I guess having too many to choose from is better than not having any at all. I don't think it'll be a tough decision which one (or two) I choose, but it's always awkward doing something like that.

I do know, however, that Safeway's going to be one of the ones I don't keep. Fuck Safeway, that's all I have to say about that.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Astoria to Portland


We left Astoria in high spirits. The evening was great, and the town was cute. On our way to Portland, we stopped at Fort Clatsop, the turminus of Lewis and Clark's trip. It was BEAUTIFUL, and a cool recreation of the fort.


The fort. Sort of a hippie shot, but it happens.


Here's where they landed. Gorgeous. No wonder they stopped.

The trip, for the most part, was uneventful and beautiful. Pacific Northwest is gorgeous, as a rule, I think.

Our Portland plan was to head to Uncle Mike's house, and rock out the whole mooching off family thing, and since his son, Monica's cousin, Zach, was having his birthday during our stay, we stopped at a foodie place to get a gift certificate. It was a cool place, but I learned my first lesson of foodie culture: you have to wait a long time while the snarky clerk talks on the phone.

Anywho, we made it to Mike's, were made right at home.

Here's one of our hosts:


Thursday, November 4, 2010

Coos Bay To Astoria

It was bittersweet, leaving Coos Bay. It's a nice place, albeit a little sleepy for my tastes. After seeing Invasion of the Body Snatchers (the original) at an awesome classic theatre in the town, there wasn't much else to do, aside from sit around and eat, which, honestly, is a really cool thing... that gets repetitive after a while. So off we went!

The next two days were basically a Goonies pilgrimage. We went to haystack rock, (way in the distance)

And the Bowling Alley from the movie:




And the jail where the Fratelli's escaped:


It was pretty awesome, and I actually watched the movie that evening, so I knew what we were talking about.

Also, on the drive, we went to the Tillamook Cheese Factory. THAT. WAS. GREAT.


Saturday, October 23, 2010

After Ashland we headed West, to Coos Bay, OR. (Check out Grilla Bites if you ever are in Ashland, organic and healthy, not too expensive.) It's actually a really quaint place, and we have some very good friends there, so the road trip took a nice early 3 day break of just relaxing and watching youtube with people our age. We also ate at a Thai restaurant and I got to play some FPS that I thought I never would with a pretty reasonable coplayer. He didn't kill me. How nice of him!

The Oregon coast is amazingly beautiful. Reuben took us to see some hidden bays and coves where he used to kayak with his dad. It was magical, wonderful, perfectly clear. There were a lack of dogs (which was nice) and the water was surprisingly warm (which is even nicer). It was a good little fun stay at home thing. Staycation almost, except we drove bunches of miles to get there. I miss it.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Life lately has been lots of ups and downs. I think that's what comes with unemployment. If I was employed, I wouldn't have had such a wonderful summer, but I'd have money. Anyway. Not being in a show has been nice, even after dropping out of Pirates. Yep, dropping out of a show made me feel good. What does that say about me? What does that say about my art? That I want to drop it? It's just so hard. I don't know what to say about that, but I think this really comes from the area I'm in. More and more I feel I'm wasting my time (and my youth) in a horrible area for art. It's an old area, one that sucks your soul. Then you spiral down and think that you're a bad actor. You know, it all just goes downhill. Boo!

I've been on a road trip for the past 16 days. Right now I'm in Missoula, Montana at the Windam (?) hotel. They have waterslides, which I really want to go, but my body says a nap might be a little better. We started in Marin, and left to go to Ashland to the Shakespeare festival. The car we rented is a white beast of a thing. It's pretty magical in bad weather and on bad roads. I now know why people buy those big ass stupid cars. Not that I will ever, but hell, I can be a hypocrite for a month.

Anyway. Ashland was lovely, and the drive up was beautiful. Even though it's in Oregon, it felt more like Northern California, especially places like Carmel. Rich, elite. It was a little different because it was a university town; there were some pretty cool book and game stores in the shittier neighborhoods of town, but downtown near the Shakespeare festival was very much for the rich and the tourists. And "Throne of Blood" was pretty bad, but that seems to be the consensus that comes from everyone when one goes to Ashland to see the shows. Pity. We also saw "The Social Network" at a movie theatre there. Good. Not great, but it made me want to join Diaspora when it comes out.

We camped in Ashland for two nights. It was fun, but there was a Creepo two sites over that looked like he slept in his very dirty car. I'm glad we weren't killed. Mostly because we were able to enjoy the campsite better. Camping's fun, if dirty.

There's a lot in between Ashland and Missoula. 14 days, in fact, but I'm feeling a little homesick, so that'll be saved for later.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Monday, August 9, 2010

Monday, June 7, 2010

My Summer

My days have been filled with a shit ton of rehearsal for this summer repertory theatre that I'm doing in Santa Rosa. It's incredibly fun to be doing nothing but theatre for the summer, and there's a part of me that wishes I was doing more than one show with them. But then my rational mind remembers that it's not that much money, and I'm not housed full time up there like everyone else, and my part time housing roommate is kind of a flake. So that's fun.

For the most part, it's amazingly fun! Yesterday we learned Michael Jordan's Ball for 3 hours, and while that is a little much for one rehearsal, it was a terrific workout, and I'm sore as hell today. If only something like that could happen every day, I wish I could dance every day and not have to pay for it, that's really the thing, isn't it?

The rest of the process has been great, except for the director and I have a conflict on You Rule My World. I'm right, and that's not just me gloating; I know the song and have been studying it for about 6 years as an audition song. I did eventually convince him partially, but he has an idea, and since I called him on it, he backpedaled and realized I was right, but with his idea wrapped in there, saying that both can work.

I knew it would be like that, I knew that he would take my idea and make it his own. He's not a bad director, but he is definitely the type to rely on the talent of the actors and then take all the credit. Fine with me really, as long as I get to make my art and it's nourished rather than hindered by the director. That and he kind of talked to me like I was an idiot. He did backpedal on that today as well, when I talked to him, he said I was a very talented actor. So that was pleasant.

In any case, I'm just going to do my thing and see what happens. It might just end up being exactly what he had in mind. Wouldn't that be fun?

---

Also, I'm currently signing up for Tai Chi classes. We'll see if I like them. I kinda hope that I do. And I also hope it's not full of old hippies. That's my biggest worry, I think. And my goal for after the show is to start eating better and working out. Dammit.

And I'm making a lot of new friends at SRT. So that's neat.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Warning: Includes Boring Theatre Talk

Had a bit of a reimagining of my life this morning, which resulted in me picking out some classes and other stuff to do this summer. I think I just need to stay busy, so through classes and volunteering and starting The Full Monty tomorrow, I think it'll be a good evolution of me into the person I really want to become. It was through a pretty awesome heart to heart with Monica, and although she can be abrupt sometimes with her advice, it's always right, and always sound... it's just me who's the sensitive one.

The classes I've chosen are Beginning Capoera and Tai Chi. And maybe a swimming thing at College of Marin. I haven't decided that yet. But hopefully the two classes will make me more centered, build more stamina, and pull me out of this goddamned funk that I've been in for so long. It's just bettering oneself, and that only happens when one is proactive. Too bad it took me two years to get on board for this. Blah. Also, after Full Monty, I'll take some voice acting classes; that's really the only way to break into that field.

So in other news, I'm doing The Full Monty, and I have to be at the theatre for the first meeting tomorrow at 8:30 AM. Who rehearses that early? I guess it's what pro theatres do, do it like a job job, rehearsing throughout the day, but still, it's... just going to be tough getting there as early as possible, leaving here an hour and a half earlier to get to Santa Rosa on time. If this part wasn't so amazing, I would never have taken it. But, that's how it always goes, doesn't it?

I hope this wasn't a bad idea to accept this... but there's not much to do about it now, and it's only two months out of my life. If it sucks, it'll be done soon, and I can rock the acting out enough that if I'm not quite there with singing, I'm sure it'll end up okay. And hell, I have a Embers of War, a staged reading thing, that I'm doing as well, right at the same time, so that'll be fun to flex a different acting muscle. BORING THEATRE TALK DONE.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Monday, May 10, 2010

Avocado Ice Cream!

I bought a quart.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Oh Lady Be Over

Lady, Be Good is ending tomorrow - not a moment too soon. It's still fun, but it's wearing me down, after tonight I really felt the wear of the run, and, to be honest, the disappointment of not getting a role that I thought I nailed. There was a lot going against me for this role, so it's not a big deal, but the bummer definitely sets in and is harsh.

However, I did get a great role... which may conflict with another great opportunity that I have later this summer. It's weird; I've been excited about this opportunity, and what may come from it, but I'm also kind of tired of musicals, this other opportunity gives me a chance to stretch a different part of my art. Anyway. Eh. Maybe I'll get to do both. Or maybe I'll just do one. I just know that the first opportunity pays a lot more. And both are good industry connections. We'll see what happens. Such drama. Ha, get it?

Maybe it's just time to get out of this town. I don't know, Monica, what do you think?

In the meantime, insomnia.

A Fine Place To Have Pizza

Monica and I are on a trip through the headlands and we found some
magical places to eat. Pizza is from Arizmendi.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Oh What a Lovely Party

So I got entrance applause. That's never happened before... and to be honest, probably won't happen again in this production. But man, I drunk that in while it lasted. I guess, then, I'm doing something right, yeah? The entire show was a success, and while everyone else did great as well, I don't really need to pay attention to them when I'm so fantastic. It's a pretty awesome feeling; I'm super happy and still on a high from the rest of the show.

It also means I'm not able to sleep right now, despite some Tylenol PM coursing through my veins. Luckily, I have some TV to catch up on. Too bad there's some still coughing from this plague that happened last week. It'll get over itself; just have to keep saying that I'll feel better, no matter what.

Anyway. Developing this character has been pretty great. It's of course a goofy role, not written that well, and therein lies the challenge. Even the song I sing is pretty dumb, but if you make everything work, obviously something good happens.
Opening night!

It's been a not so long road, to be honest. We only started rehearsals about 25 days ago, but look how far we've come! In this time, we've staged probably one of the best musicals San Francisco will see for a long time, and without the huge Broadway budget. Or really any kind of budget at all.

As we get closer to the start, I realize that I've been given a really great opportunity with this role, and I'm happy I'm in good hands with the director; good enough to be doing a pretty great job in a role that could go horribly awry if not done correctly. There are a couple of parts in this show (the two leads, the main comic relief guy) that are pretty easy to understand - they have all the good dialogue, all the good punchlines, etc. But my character requires a little bit more thought; there's really no good lines, and the lines he does have are more weird than anything else. Let's just hope audiences like my take on Bertie. I know I do.

Also, I just got a haircut and I look awesome.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Working Hard

This show (Lady Be Good) is going to be very good. The rehearsal
process has been a little grueling at times, but it's what's good
about theatre. We're making discoveries and doing a really great job
all around. It's why I love doing theatre in the first place; I just
wish we would run longer than 3 weeks. I'm doing a great thing here...
but that's the nature of the beast, and I'll enjoy the time I have.
And true enjoyment in the theatre world for me is rare.

So good. I'm doing a good thing with this. Plus, the people are
terrific. I may have made some awesome and longtime friends here. So
yes 2010 might not be as bad as I thought it would be.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Theatres a little different. I'm sick, but I'm at work. If this was
any other job, I'd take the whole day off. But here we are, sitting
here, miserable, waiting for my next enterance.

I guess that's just how it works. At least all this dancing is making
me sweat out all my toxins.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Been working on Lady, Be Good! It's surprisingly good. The director, while loosey goosey at times, is very competent when it comes to running a fast moving ship such as a silly comedy from the 1940s. Good for him.

I've been lack about posting here, simply because it's been the day to day shit of looking for jobs, and feeling sorry for myself for not getting a pretty great, pay for everything in my life, gig, but after a heart to heart with Monica, I realize now that's not the way to go through things; too bad it took me 2 years to fully understand that this time is my own, and I should be using it to improve myself. Example: I have an apple and some toast for breakfast, rather than my waffle concoction.

Also, just found out I was accepted for health insurance at Kaiser. Yay? There goes 100+ bucks down the drain every month that I don't have, plus stamps. I don't know why stamps bugs me, but in this age of wireless payment and shit, why can't I just pay the fucking thing online. You'd get the money quicker, and I'd not have to go buy stamps. Fuck stamps.

Anyway. Looks like I'll have to ask for money to pay for my health insurance. Why do we have to pay for it again? Wow, looks like this semi positive jaunt back into the writing world turned into something bitter. Better start thinking positive again.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Gets way too rambly

The Miser is going well! We had a very awkward audience tonight, which fucked everyone up, even the old pros like me. Since we only had one preview, we still don't know when people will laugh, and therefore when people do, it'll drown out the next lines. Acting 101, but everyone forgets it every now and then.

So yes, the show's going well. And since I'm less stressed, I think I have less inclination to sleep, and therefore my insomnia is coming back in full force! Sitting here, typing this, after trying to sleep for 3 hours. How fun is that? Tea? Doesn't work. Pills? Don't work. So far, the only thing that's worked is NyQuil, but damn if I'm not going to use a medicine that also fights pain that I don't have.

At least I get to catch up on Legend of the Seeker. Good show, even though I think those fighters should tie up their hair. Too easy to pull on. Still, I'd much rather be a wizard than a fighter. Zedd rocks. I guess I am kind of tired; this writing is making less and less sense to me.

Monday, January 11, 2010

MISER

Eating pizza, thinking about The Miser. Gonna be a great show! Ross Valley Players. Don't miss it.

The run through last night was a little awkward for me, mostly because I did some exploring with my character. And in this late in the game, that's awkward rather than exploratory. But at least I know what not to do, hm?

It's going to be great though. And going out last night with the cast was fun! I ate my WHOLE BURGER. That's what tech will do to you.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Miserroni

After a bazillion years of rehearsal, The Miser is going to open next week! Which is amazing, because we need a fucking audience. It's at the point where the production team isn't laughing anymore, so us as actors think we're doing terrible things, tempting us to change everything that's been working for weeks... lately it takes my concentration not to change what's been working. I know that what I've been doing is good, it's just disconcerting sometimes.

So in the meantime, I've been playing with my new PS3 and loving it! Yes yeah yeeeesshhshhh! I could go into a debate as to whether or not the 360 is better or worse than the PS3, but let's just say that I'm happy with the selection that my loved ones gave me this holiday season. There's some great things that come from Christmas. Yay consumerism!