Creative solutions

We are well into our residency here at Montalvo, and I have to say it is such a delight to be here.
Our reading happened on Sunday evening, and we had only a handful of people attend. However, we received wonderful feedback that was very useful for our process. Chris Dolan, the playwright, has since made several changes and improvements in the script. Once we receive changes, it's back to the work space to work them out. In these readings, great discussions arise and amplify our creative thinking, which in itself is a delight to witness and partake in.



What is great about this process, is our surroundings. Yesterday, before we met again to read a new version, I was able to take a hike in the mountains and see the huge redwood trees that are all over the place here! Its so great to hike, be inspired by nature, then go right into the workspace.

Alive and Well

Fortunate am I to be experiencing life in the beautiful estate of Montalvo.
With gorgeous surroundings in the mountains of Saratoga, California and uniquely designed residency cottages, Montalvo proves itself to be a true artists get away that inspires, and lets life of a working artist flourish. Whether it be an architect, a musician, playwright or an actor, Montalvo welcomes all and gives time and space for life and creativity.

Pictured is the cottage where I am staying. Today was our first day of work on "The Reader," and we have an invited reading tomorrow. Our team of 9, are working together to create a workable script of an adapted story of the novel, "The Reader," by Bernhard Schlink. I couldn't be more excited than to be surrounded by artists from all over the world to collaborate on a script of such a beautiful story.
For more info on the story click here: The Reader

I will keep this blog updated during our time here at Montalvo.
I am off to sleep, and will eagerly awake for a refreshing morning hike in the beautiful mountains of Saratoga.

Marching On!

I hope this March brings much life and energy into your life as it has with mine so far.
2008 is shaping up to be a memorable year for me.
"Thrill Me" just got extended two more weeks and we have been getting amazing reviews and full houses!!! The experience has been amazing and I have been having nothing but great great fun with everyone involved.
With this show coming to a close, I am very excited to "March" forward into the rest of '08.

I have just signed on to this amazing project involving the adaptation of "The Reader" by Bernhard Schlink, for the stage.
It is a work in progress staged reading that will take place at the Montalvo Arts Center in Saratoga, California. I will be there for five days in April, working with these amazing people; i.e. the playwright and Bernhard Schlink himself, to present a first reading of this stage adaptation.




"The Reader" is an international bestseller that was a book featured in Oprah's book club in 1999. It is currently being made into a film starring Kate Winslet.

The staged reading that will happen in April, will be the first version for the stage hoping to move on to become a larger production in 2009.

In other news...
I met with CBS casting today for a general meeting.
"Thrill Me," having good reviews, was a starting point of discussion. It was nice to show my face there today, because they are extremely busy with pilot season at the moment...so hopefully my timing was good enough!

Next weekend is our big shoot date for "You, Only Better." We are shooting 70 percent of the movie in two days...so we have huge day ahead of us.
For those of you who don't know about the film yet, check out these trailers!
Trailer 1
Trailer 2

2008 and Beyond!

I know this may come a little late, but Happy New Year everyone!!

2008 has started with a bang for me! This past weekend was the opening weekend of "Thrill Me," and let me tell you, it was a fantastic opening!
We didn't get to do our final dress rehearsal until Friday morning, (the day of our preview) due to the space we are using that we are sharing with Comedy Central. We did a que to que, had a full dress, had dinner, then had a preview that night. The preview went over great! I had two lovely friends and DePaul alums in the house, and people seemed to enjoy the creepy killer duo of a show.

Saturday night was full of excitement as the Havok Theatre Company opened its doors for the 1st time to an interested and curious audience.
I love opening nights! The energy in the building seemed to be so electric and fresh. I fed on that energy. As a performer, it is something special to share that energy with a full house of theatre goers.

We shared the same space-
we shared the same time-
we lived and breathed the same moments

this "time", this shared time is sacred. There is no other time or place that is the same.

Every time I perform in a show, I feel this way. I have these thoughts, these experiences that make my work so incredibly valuable to me.
It struck a chord with me this weekend, as I was feeling the similar sacred feelings, with all the excitement,
all the new fresh theatre faces that I've met here in Los Angeles-
that I know I am doing what I'm supposed to be doing- illuminating lives
through a vehicle called Theatre.


The reviews are starting to come! Click HERE for opening night pics and review from LAStageScene.com