Quick summary.
A fair amount of auditions with a minimal amount of success. I played Mr. Collins in Pride & Prejudice at Cape Fear Regional Theatre. I did ok, but as I look back I think I was letting myself get away with a lot of bullshit. But it was the bullshit that got me the role so it's ok I guess.
I spent the Summer in New York attempting to audition, but I really just ended up working a lot at Tommy Bahama. Auditions are pretty non-existant in the Summer, which is unfortunate because I'm looking at being there again this year.
I got a random call from Terry at Meadow Brook inviting me to play Simon Bright in The Game's Afoot...and offering me my Equity card. So I'm now a proud member of Actor's Equity. Excellent.
I took an actor marketing class with Paul Russell that I think was worth the $238. I got out of it what I wanted: a point in the right direction. Now I think I know how to market myself and communicate effectively in this industry.
I'm on the road now with Ford doing the auto show circuit. Pay = 10. Fun = 8. Artistic satisfaction = -3. This is a money grab. And a good way to travel and see the country. I'll probably do it again next year to get a little more ahead. That and I surprisingly enjoy it. I meet some cool people, hang out with attractive girls, and get to see cities that I probably wouldn't have a chance to see. It blocks me out of a lot of work, notably theatre work, but maybe this is a way for me to focus on a bit more tv/film/commercials.
I think I need to remember that there's no ticking clock for the industry. As Paul Russell told me, "The industry will be here." He said he actually did the auto show circuit a bit. It's perfectly fine. I just need to use the time and money I'll gain from this to focus on the artistic work I want to do. I want to direct something this summer. Get a group of friends together, ala Gruesome. Maybe it's with Wayne Staters. Maybe it's with Dan. I'd like to work with him. He's a talented dude.
I'm still in the greiving process with Sara but that's to be expected. 3 year relationship = 1 1/2 years of recovery. Or so the equation goes. That's ok. I've gone through several Sara-hangovers and recovered every time. At least I don't feel trapped like I did with her. No longer is my first thought when I wake up a self-loathing one about how much I'm disappointing her.
I still question whether I should stay in New York or move to Chicago or Minneapolis. My gut tells me that I'm in the right place, but it's tough to be sure when self-doubt plagues me around every corner. I think this is just part of life. There are times like grad school when I was sure of what I was doing and I was following my "plan." And then there are times like now when I feel a little like I'm floating and direction-less. I just need to take stock and realize that it's ok to go through these times of doubt.
I've managed to see a lot of theatre since I got to New York. I have been good about that. I don't think it's possible to have a better two days of theatre than I did on Wednesday and Thursday. The Glass Menagerie with Cherry Jones and Twelfth Night with Mark Rylance, but really both casts were stupendous from top to bottom.
The Glass Menagerie was heartbreakingly beautiful; artistry flowing out of every moment. It was definitely a dream play, with Laura being pulled into the dream through the back of the couch. Choreographed moments of dance with soft strings setting the tone. Each character was marvellously flushed out and specific. Laura holding onto Tom's pantlegs has stuck with me. The gentleman caller was vastly different than I read him but a very successful take on him. Almost annoying and nerdy, yet flowing with energy and confidence. His old self and his new self. It's just about the best thing I've seen since I've moved.
Twelfth Night was simply a clinic in how to perform Shakespeare. The mastery over the words but moreso just how many rules you can break. I always love it when rules are broken and it works. Mark Rylance, probably the best stage actor of his time, added "ums" and stutters all over the place in his portrayal of Olivia. Viola, also played by a man (all male production) made me fall in love with her. Her! I can't stop saying "her" even though I know it was a man! The nuances and subtlties in the men's portrayal of women was fucking brilliant! More exaggerated head nods, one leg always slightly bent thus kicking out the hip in a very feminine manner. Olivia's nervous behavior and figity hands illustrated her insecurity. Mariah's overflowing bosom! Heck, I could go on and on! Fantastic!
All this served to motivate me. Take classes. Work on characterizations. Specifics! Exactness! Theatre is both of those and those are the qualities I'm drawn to in a performance. Know the character inside and out.
That's all for now. Gotta keep up on this.
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