Alive and Well

Messing with Texas

2009-04-19T11:54:00.000-07:00

Well- I'm here. Somewhere in between Goliad, Victoria, and some other small Texas towns. Two nights ago, all piled in a big van in the middle of the night, we (the cast and some crew members) pulled up to this 1970's ranch house that seemed to be and actually IS in the middle of nowhere. We piled out of the van with our luggage, walked inside, and were greeted by several deer and other dead animal heads victoriously displayed all over the cheap wooden paneled walls. The house hasn't been lived in for about a year, so it has this stale air atmosphere, spiced with cheesy silk flowers, and country mart nick knacks everywhere you turn.
It's like a big slumber party. We're all sleeping on bunk beds, air mattresses or pull out couch beds. We are here. For a month. Shooting a film.

We start shooting tomorrow (Monday) and will be pretty busy most of the time. We've visited all the locations, and they are pretty authentic and great! As our time progresses, I will do my best to update everyone with what is going on, including pictures.

From Obama - To Texas

2009-03-23T19:41:00.000-07:00

Everyday is a new adventure for me here in this crazy whirlwind of a city that is Los Angeles.

Last Thursday, I had the amazing opportunity to shake President Obama's hand, while he was giving a Town Hall speech here in Downtown Los Angeles.
As he entered the gymnasium, he appeared right where I was standing, beginning to shake the hands of everyone around me. Before I knew it, my hand was one of those that he was shaking!
I am a bit overwhelmed and yet kicked into a daze of pure truthfulness as I ponder the reality of my surroundings. I stand with full attention to this man - hearing his thoughts, his challenges and his feelings on our issues. Obama inspired me. He inspired me and also awakened in me a new point of view on my life, how I can make a difference by understanding what is truly happening not only in our country, but in the world. Being aware, and becoming educated is the best gift we can give ourselves. No matter your profession, or what skills you possess, we'll be able to actively make a difference just by being aware.

Soon- I'll be heading to Texas for a month shooting the new slasher/horror film "The Eves." www.theevesfilm.com
I will be updating this blog upon my experience in Texas, and keep you readers up to date with what's happening!
This is my first horror film, and I have to say, I'm a bit excited!
I play the character Paul, who is younger brothers with the leading girl, played by Cathy Baron.
Paul is a sincere, and an honest boy who leads his friends to safety with his intelligence and well being. While having never faced a life or death situation, Paul remains calm and bravely arises to the challenge of what it takes to become known as a hero.
Filming will last one month beginning mid April 09.

Creative solutions

2008-04-22T14:42:00.001-07:00

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

2008-04-19T23:42:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-03-06T18:27:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-01-29T15:45:00.000-08:00

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

Good News!!!

2007-12-16T22:44:00.000-08:00

I was offered and have accepted to play the role of Nathan Leopold in the L.A. premier of Stephen Dolginoff's "Thrill Me," presented by the Havok Theatre Company at the Hudson Backstage Theatre in Hollywood!!!

"Thrill Me" premiered Off Broadway in 2005 and has since had 20 other productions world wide! The L.A. premier will open January 25th, directed by Nick Degruccio.

"Thrill Me, The Leopold and Loeb Story" is a two person musical about the infamous thrill killers, Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, who in 1924 Chicago committed many crimes including the murder of an innocent young man.

More details coming soon!!!

Merry Tuba Christmas!

2007-12-03T16:29:00.001-08:00

The other night, I had the pleasure of witnessing something quite unusual, but extremely heartwarming. I attended the 32nd annual Tuba Christmas here in Los Angeles!!! Yes that's right, over 200 tuba players filled the stage of this old-school theatre house in Glendale. We had to chug our delicious eggnog and scramble in quickly to get a seat of this strange event. The place was PACKED! All to see 200 + tubas play Christmas songs, while everyone got to sing along!
It reminded me of being in my grade school band, and having concerts in the school gymnasium. It had the same sense of community and holiday cheer, along with the cheesey holiday apparel; Christmas sweaters and red socks with the silly reindeer antler headbands. People went NUTS over these tubas, and I have to say, it was pretty awesome. Not to mention beautiful sounding!

Today I had an audition for the musical "Thrill Me: The Leopold and Loeb story."
It will be the Los Angeles premier of this two person musical based on the thrill killers, Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, who in 1924 Chicago, killed a young innocent boy just for the thrill of it.
It will be directed by Nick DeGruccio and performed at The Hudson Backstage Theatre in Hollywood.
The audition went well, but they noticed right away that I wasn't a member of any union, which might weigh heavily on my chances of being a part of it.

I will be in Chicago a week from today! I've bought a new scarf and everything! Bring it on!

Tis The Season!

2007-11-26T10:54:00.001-08:00

Greetings my fellow friends and family!

It's that time of year again...and wait a second...it's 79 degrees outside? What is going on?!!!
Oh, that's right, I'm in a completely different part of the country where the climate doesn't even budge. Well, it does slightly. There is a hint of fall in the air, with a few trees here and there attempting to give me a glimpse of what its like back home.

Being in Southern California is making me have mixed emotions, especially during this time of the year. The holidays are especially special to me because not only is it a time to be thankful for friends and family, it is when I decided to come into this world. Yep! My birthday. Its usually snowing, blowing or sleeting during this time, but instead it's beautiful, warm, and uh, did I mention beautiful? Yes, its nice...but it's just not the same.

I am currently working for this Christmas decorating business, where we go around and decorate for a lot of fancy businesses; hotels, law firms, banks, and also private homes. And as I unravel those balls of lights, it makes me miss the cold. Yes I said it...I miss the Midwest winter!

With all that being said, let me update you with the more important things:
- Yes I am working for a decorating business. This is their busiest time of the year. The guy who owns the business has been doing this for 17 years, and he makes enough money during the months of Nov - Jan. to sustain himself all year!!! He's also an actor.

- I recently signed with Steven Dry, with Schiowitz, Connor, Ankrum, Wolf inc. Theatrically. I'm starting to go on some auditions, and hopefully will get some work soon.

- I am also working on some smaller projects; a short "mocumentary" about life coaching. I'm submitting myself for student films so I can get some kind of reel together.

- I will be visiting the good old Windy City in two weeks. I will be there for my birthday, then make it down home for a few days as a holiday trip. I'm very excited to do this!! I will be in Chicago Dec. 10th - 13th then home in Millstadt Dec. 13th - 17th.

So as you sip your cups of hot cocoa, please think of me and know that my heart is not being warmed by the fire and hot chocolate, but rather by the southern California sun, and a vitamin water.

Much Love!

Update

2007-11-17T17:37:00.000-08:00

I will be updating this soon....there are a few things for everyone to catch up on.
We are about to close "dark play." There are only two more performances left. I also signed with Schiowitz, Connor, Ankrum, Wolf Inc. for theatrical representation.
Finding a secondary job is tough right now, and that is my main task. Living the life of an actor just got stressful, and I now better understand the true lifestyle of a "struggling" artist.

...be back soon!

The next step

2007-10-22T22:06:00.000-07:00

Its time to work. And its time to work hard.
After a glorious opening weekend of "dark play," I have had time to digest the praise and the mostly good reviews that have emerged from this production. But now it's time to work. Time to take the next step.
Its great, and I'm very thankful to know great people out here in California. I have good friends to turn to for advice and great co-workers. I have ideas of what I'd like to do next, but what will actually happen is still a mystery...

I saw the movie "Into The Wild" last night and it struck me hard. Sean Penn's movie beautifully displayed the story of Christopher McCandless, who was a college graduate that escaped the real world and found a new way of life in the mountains of Alaska but eventually starved to death. Although he ended up in a place that was quite peaceful and breathtakingly gorgeous, its not so much the final destination that makes this story so compelling but rather the people he encountered on his journey and the relationships he gained. There is something very true in this story that really made me think:
What are we here to do in life?
Why do we do what we do?
Are there things that we've always wanted to do but are afraid to start doing?
Do we convince ourselves that we are happy?
Is there something larger out there in life that we are missing?

The movie was very powerful for me, especially when I'm the exact age as the main character. Christopher McCandless is played by actor Emile Hirsch, who does an amazing job in capturing the free and adventurous spirit that McCandless probably had. Not being afraid of what the wilderness had for him, the college grad who called himself Alexander Supertramp, took his freedom as an opportunity to experience something so amazingly different than most of us in "society" choose to do. This only inspired me to realize where I am in my life, and is helping me realize even more to cherish everything life has to offer.

There are so many things I want to do with my life now, but I have to work, work hard to get there. I could easily drop everything, pack a bag, and hitch hike to the mountains of Alaska, but my adventures will be different than Mr. McCandless'. They will be different, but his story will help me be reminded to find freedom and adventure in life, in a way that hopefully will bring peace and happiness not only for myself, but for everyone else I encounter along the way.

It's Opening night!

2007-10-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

It's opening night at The Theatre @ Boston Court. We are opening Carlos Murillo's "dark play or stories for boys."

This is an important day, and it feels GREAT! Everyone has been working so hard, and we are ready to show the public what we've got!
I woke up this morning, and had a similar feeling that I had when I was a kid on Christmas morning. You get up and feel nothing but excitement in the air!
The apartment is clean, the parents are about to arrive, my shirt is ironed, I'm ready to go!!

Let's get it on!

2007-10-12T00:42:00.001-07:00

I am anxiously awaiting a very important weekend.
These are probably going to be some of the most important next few days that my life has seen thus far.

We are about to open the show at The Theatre @ Boston Court, and I can't wait! My parents are flying in to be here for opening night, and we are sold out!
It keeps hitting me more and more how fast things are going, and how lucky I really am. Not a day goes by where I don't thank the big guy up in the sky for such an amazing life at such a young age.

It will be an interesting journey, as I embark into this "entertainment biz."
It's what I've always wanted to do, and now it's happening. There are so many things that I am learning while being out here, and it would be hard to describe them all right now, so I'll describe them as they come to me.

Its such an amazing feeling when you can consider yourself an artist. I always have these moments where I step out of the present, and look down on the room in which I'm in. I did it today only to find that the room was full of amazing theatre artists, and I was among them.
It warmed my heart, to know that I was a "fellow" artist and couldn't help but be extremely happy with everything in the world in that moment.
Carlos Murillo, Michael Michetti, Johnathan McClain, Bethany Pagliolo, Danielle Jones, Adam Hunter, Jennifer Epps...were the other people in the room with me.

Let the weekend begin!

I only have five minutes

2007-10-10T16:54:00.000-07:00

So, I only have five minutes to start a blog.
I only have five minutes because I am about to get in my 1996 Ford Contour, that has a broken drivers side window, and drive for an hour in stop and go traffic from my Studio City apartment to Pasadena, California for our final rehearsal of "dark play or stories for boys." It is being produced at The Theatre @ Boston Court and we have two more previews, tomorrow and Friday before we officially open on Saturday the 13th.
It has taken me by surprise how quickly my life has changed out here. I am staring face to face with the rest of my life, and I can see right through its eyes.
I come from Chicago.
Before Chicago, I come from a small Illinois town called, Millstadt.
Coming from a small town, I am used to driving for extended periods of time. I would have to drive an easy 15 minutes to school every day in high school.
But now, I am living in one of the countries busiest highway galaxies, that calls itself Los Angeles.
A lot of times, when I am driving....I know this is horrible, but I imagine accident scenarios. What it would be like if one happened right next to me, behind, or in front of me, and the worst case, to myself.
I am a conscious driver, but there are times where the Southern California sun is kissing your face in the late afternoon, begging you to take a moment and close your eyes.
This is a difficult temptation to resist, but I must stay awake.
I actually do see accidents on the highway...tons. But they have already happened.
Well- I'm off to the tangled web of roads!! Wish me luck.