The Bird and Mr Banks

Last Saturday I had the privilege of seeing Sam Anderson perform the title role in The Bird and Mr Banks. Anderson's work was extraordinary. And the play itself, the writing, the direction, the set, made me remember how transformative fine theater can be. Yes, as Aristotle demanded: a cathartic experience. I am still thinking about it days later. It's playing at the consistantly excellent Road Theatre in North Hollywood California. Click here for more information.

RIP Natasha

Natasha Richardson. A beauty. A heartbreaking talent.
Watch her sing "Maybe This Time" as Sally Bowles in Cabaret. This pretty much sums it up.
Click Here.

Sanctuary

Last night in my class I had one of those experiences that make me so grateful to be an actor and a teacher. A very talented student and colleague of mine Ogy Durham, and a wonderful young actor named Nicole Lagstein did a scene from Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya. Both actors came to class fully prepared, they had both obviously paid a lot of attention to wardrobe and brought in rugs and accessories so that the stage was transformed into a quiet and lonely dining room in an old home. The storm had passed, and Sonya and Yelena reached for life by reaching out to each other and got a few moments repast from their individual loneliness. The critique after the scene was invigorating. Both students asked challenging questions which led to deep script analysis work. Like that late night conversation between Yelena and Sonya, our little class in a tiny theater deep in the valley became for a few hours, a sanctuary, a repast from the loneliness of the “business” of acting. A small group of artists in the pursuit of growth and excellence, reaching for life.

Quote for the Day

I read this on my pal Michael Lally's blog today. Seemed so apropos for the times.

"Fill your bowl to the brim
and it will spill.
Keep sharpening your knife
and it will blunt.
Chase after money and security
and your heart will never unclench.
Care about people's approval
and you will be their prisoner.

Do your work, then step back.
The only path to serenity."

Lao-tsu from the Tao te Ching (the Stephen Mitchell translation)

Back to the Blog!

One of my new years resolutions is to get back to the blog--so here I am!

This has been a great year for me as an actor and a teacher. I have been doing a play in Los Angeles, "It's Just Sex", that has been extended twice, a lead role on a Disney Web Series, great guest stars on House and Two and a Half Men, and I even got to be a Casting Director on two projects "Children of the Corn" and the Web Series I am on, In2ition. But the professional development that has made me the happiest, has been the chance to help get some of my students some acting work. Two students, Tracey Paleo and Desiree Dundr have worked in the play I am doing "It's Just Sex", Tracey as my under-study (with guaranteed performances) and Desiree in a fun cameo as "Amanda the Hooker". Pete Punito, my long-time student and Studio Monitor, got cast in In2ition in a role that will return if the show gets picked up for a second season.

Jamie as Mrs. Fox with Pete Punito as Agent Cortell.

Back in Iowa

I am back in Iowa--Des Moines this time--teaching a class and giving a talk at the White Rose Film Festival.

The class was this morning. A great group of actors. And the films I have seen have been fantastic. My "Keynote" speech is tonight. More later...

I took this pic while waiting for my bags after my casting trip to Iowa. Nothing like customer service...