Messing with Texas

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

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

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

Good News!!!

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!!!