written in my dressing room in my journal
The actor in me is sad.
The New Yorker in me is ready to go home.
The athlete longs for the comfort of his own bed, the accountant in a bundle of nerves worrying about how to pay the bills, and the lover is excited about spending time w/Maxine again.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
an actor talking to the audience
MY FRIEND: Yay!
ME: O, there's more! Just you wait...
MY FRIEND: Grin!
ME: O, there's more! Just you wait...
MY FRIEND: Grin!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
feeling jilted
written in my journal in my hotel room
Look, if I get you tickets to my play, and I hook you up w/backstage passes, wouldn't you come backstage? Or, failing that, wouldn't you call or text me and let me know you weren't coming?
I'm not going to pretend that I paid a lot of money for the tickets, or arranging that was a huge hassle, but I hate wandering around backstage like a dumbass after I've just done an emotionally draining performance.
I'm sure that I'm acting this way because I feel rejected by the Power Broker. I haven't made a great effort to see her, but I feel like she's made zero effort to hang out with me while I'm here. All of my other friends have.
I guess she's not my real friend.
That hurts my feelings.
Look, if I get you tickets to my play, and I hook you up w/backstage passes, wouldn't you come backstage? Or, failing that, wouldn't you call or text me and let me know you weren't coming?
I'm not going to pretend that I paid a lot of money for the tickets, or arranging that was a huge hassle, but I hate wandering around backstage like a dumbass after I've just done an emotionally draining performance.
I'm sure that I'm acting this way because I feel rejected by the Power Broker. I haven't made a great effort to see her, but I feel like she's made zero effort to hang out with me while I'm here. All of my other friends have.
I guess she's not my real friend.
That hurts my feelings.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
the memorial weekend miracle?
Caught up on the blogging once again. I'm not rehearsing this week (finally), so I'm hopefully that I will be able to get some posts done.
Plus...
(don't tell anyone)
(but there's a rumor going around that we're going to get internet in our rooms!)
(i don't want to get excited or anything, but the network is there...it's just not connected to the internet...and i overheard someone at the front desk saying that the hookup would happen on wednesday...which is tomorrow...)
(again, trying to keep my hopes tamped down - hence this parenthetical post. i'll let you know tomorrow if there are any exciting developments...)
Plus...
(don't tell anyone)
(but there's a rumor going around that we're going to get internet in our rooms!)
(i don't want to get excited or anything, but the network is there...it's just not connected to the internet...and i overheard someone at the front desk saying that the hookup would happen on wednesday...which is tomorrow...)
(again, trying to keep my hopes tamped down - hence this parenthetical post. i'll let you know tomorrow if there are any exciting developments...)
Monday, May 26, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
out and about in Fox City
in my brother's car
MY BROTHER: So this must be the cool spot of Fox City. The traffic is terrible and all these people are acting the fool.
ME: Yeah. Look at those people in line for something. What is that?
MY SISTER-IN-LAW: It looks like a premiere. That's why they're all in front of that board.
(silence)
ME: Um, does that guy's shirt have sequins on it?
MY BROTHER: Yeah - what is that?
ME: Um, it's the state of New Jersey.
MY BROTHER: Classy.
MY BROTHER: So this must be the cool spot of Fox City. The traffic is terrible and all these people are acting the fool.
ME: Yeah. Look at those people in line for something. What is that?
MY SISTER-IN-LAW: It looks like a premiere. That's why they're all in front of that board.
(silence)
ME: Um, does that guy's shirt have sequins on it?
MY BROTHER: Yeah - what is that?
ME: Um, it's the state of New Jersey.
MY BROTHER: Classy.
Friday, May 23, 2008
no jitters here
We're opening the show tonight - but we performed in front of an audience last night, so, in my mind, we're already performing. So I had all of my nervousness yesterday.
Actually, that's not true. I was nervous on Wednesday for the dress rehearsal. Then I walked out on stage and saw all those empty seats, and I actually felt a bit let down. Weird.
Anyway, I'm excited that we won't have any more rehearsals, and I will actually have a week or so to explore Fox City before I head back home. I have to admit I'm looking forward to sleeping in my own bed...
Actually, that's not true. I was nervous on Wednesday for the dress rehearsal. Then I walked out on stage and saw all those empty seats, and I actually felt a bit let down. Weird.
Anyway, I'm excited that we won't have any more rehearsals, and I will actually have a week or so to explore Fox City before I head back home. I have to admit I'm looking forward to sleeping in my own bed...
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
grillin'
This is how we make dinner - and dessert - at this theater. Awesome.
Mobile post sent by Rover using Utterz.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
an open letter to the fight director
Hey man. Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to read this. I assume that you are busy, since you've only made 2 out of our 20 rehearsals, and we've been fighting every day.
I know that you're good at your job, since you've got such a long resume, but I wanted to give you a couple of pointers. I mean, it's always good to be a lifelong learner, right?
First, if you're going to miss most of the rehearsals, it's probably a good idea to work with the fighters alone first, rather than in front of the entire cast. That way, when you give your 20 simultaneous contradictory notes, it won't be so embarrassing. And, since I'm on the subject, maybe you don't want to give notes that contradict each other. Just a suggestion.
Most importantly, remember that a "fight director" is very different from a "casting director" or a "director". So when you tell an actor that "the best way to make sure that you're never hired again by a fight director is to say what you just said", you should probably know that the actor knows that (a) you don't have the power to hire/fire anyone, (b) you should stop twisting around his words, and (c) everyone knows that you have a small dick.
Thanks for all of your hard work!
Sincerely,
The Rover
I know that you're good at your job, since you've got such a long resume, but I wanted to give you a couple of pointers. I mean, it's always good to be a lifelong learner, right?
First, if you're going to miss most of the rehearsals, it's probably a good idea to work with the fighters alone first, rather than in front of the entire cast. That way, when you give your 20 simultaneous contradictory notes, it won't be so embarrassing. And, since I'm on the subject, maybe you don't want to give notes that contradict each other. Just a suggestion.
Most importantly, remember that a "fight director" is very different from a "casting director" or a "director". So when you tell an actor that "the best way to make sure that you're never hired again by a fight director is to say what you just said", you should probably know that the actor knows that (a) you don't have the power to hire/fire anyone, (b) you should stop twisting around his words, and (c) everyone knows that you have a small dick.
Thanks for all of your hard work!
Sincerely,
The Rover
Monday, May 19, 2008
i generally assume she's checking up on me
via text message
LIL' BIT: Hey dude...how is the swordmanship?
ME: Hi! So far so good...although [the lead] 2nd I both sprained nt ankles. His is worse... Anyway, we haven't fought together in a week.
LIL' BIT: Crap! RICE. :-D nice break though...a chick is out of my show with a sprained ankle too. I think she is back next week.
ME: Mine feels pretty good right now. How are things for you? Settling into the run?
LIL' BIT: Yes. It is great. About to start acting class...
ME: Hope it goes well...give me a ring sometime...
LIL' BIT: I will...any good times?
ME: you mean, with the ladies? Um, no. You?
LIL' BIT: I actually meant good times to call you. :-)
LIL' BIT: Hey dude...how is the swordmanship?
ME: Hi! So far so good...although [the lead] 2nd I both sprained nt ankles. His is worse... Anyway, we haven't fought together in a week.
LIL' BIT: Crap! RICE. :-D nice break though...a chick is out of my show with a sprained ankle too. I think she is back next week.
ME: Mine feels pretty good right now. How are things for you? Settling into the run?
LIL' BIT: Yes. It is great. About to start acting class...
ME: Hope it goes well...give me a ring sometime...
LIL' BIT: I will...any good times?
ME: you mean, with the ladies? Um, no. You?
LIL' BIT: I actually meant good times to call you. :-)
Sunday, May 18, 2008
wasted day
written in my journal in my dressing room
Eight hours of rehearsal. How much time did I work?
About ten minutes.
And that wasn't even onstage. That was in the back of the house, practicing my fight. And the only reason we did that was because it had been two days since I had run the thing at speed, with a live person.
I made the best of it, though - grilled, watched several episodes of 30 Rock, Scrubs, and The Office, and tried my best to be social. Part of me wishes I could have been home in the "corporate apartment" doing laundry and watching the basketball game. But a job is a job, even if you're not properly utilized.
Eight hours of rehearsal. How much time did I work?
About ten minutes.
And that wasn't even onstage. That was in the back of the house, practicing my fight. And the only reason we did that was because it had been two days since I had run the thing at speed, with a live person.
I made the best of it, though - grilled, watched several episodes of 30 Rock, Scrubs, and The Office, and tried my best to be social. Part of me wishes I could have been home in the "corporate apartment" doing laundry and watching the basketball game. But a job is a job, even if you're not properly utilized.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
the joys of tech
written in my notebook in my dressing room
1st day of tech. We're working in a space that is old, but cool. Every lunch break they fire up this huge 5' long charcoal grill - awesome. So far my meal today I had a tuna steak covered in wasabi mayonnaise and pepper. Pretty good.
One of the interesting things about the play I'm doing is that my character is around at the beginning and the end, but not the middle. So I have a huge chunk of time (between ninety minutes and two hours) to chill out. Unfortunately, during tech, that two hours stretches into ten. So I'm going to spend much of the next few days reading magazines and watching videos on my iPod. I'm getting paid, though, so I can't complain too much...
1st day of tech. We're working in a space that is old, but cool. Every lunch break they fire up this huge 5' long charcoal grill - awesome. So far my meal today I had a tuna steak covered in wasabi mayonnaise and pepper. Pretty good.
One of the interesting things about the play I'm doing is that my character is around at the beginning and the end, but not the middle. So I have a huge chunk of time (between ninety minutes and two hours) to chill out. Unfortunately, during tech, that two hours stretches into ten. So I'm going to spend much of the next few days reading magazines and watching videos on my iPod. I'm getting paid, though, so I can't complain too much...
Friday, May 16, 2008
a realistic dream (mostly)
Last night I dreamt I got married. Ceremony and all. Apparently we got married the day after Jim and Pam from The Office, because they were hanging out with me (that was the only unrealistic thing).
And, yes, I know who the bride was. Let's just say that I'd be pretty thrilled if it played out.
What does this mean?
And, yes, I know who the bride was. Let's just say that I'd be pretty thrilled if it played out.
What does this mean?
Thursday, May 15, 2008
semi-proactive
Just finished whittling down my headshots from 280 to 20. I should have done this weeks ago, but I just hadn't been able to get to it until now. (They're on my MySpace/Facebook pages, if you're interested in checking them out and giving me some feedback.)
I'm hopeful that these pics, plus the recent additions to my resume, will give my career the bounce I need to work consistently. I know that I'm doing pretty well - three shows a year for the past 5 years is nothing to sneeze at. But I need to start landing better-paying jobs, at higher-profile theaters (like the one I'm working at now), as well as beginning to venture into film and TV.
Next step (after I narrow it down to a couple of photos and get them touched up and reproduced) is to send out the new pics to...well...everyone I've ever encountered in a professional setting. I'm hoping that can be accomplished by mid-June, if I get all of the letters written by the time I leave Fox City.
Wish me luck! (And feel free to introduce me to your second cousin who is the head of casting for NBC.)
I'm hopeful that these pics, plus the recent additions to my resume, will give my career the bounce I need to work consistently. I know that I'm doing pretty well - three shows a year for the past 5 years is nothing to sneeze at. But I need to start landing better-paying jobs, at higher-profile theaters (like the one I'm working at now), as well as beginning to venture into film and TV.
Next step (after I narrow it down to a couple of photos and get them touched up and reproduced) is to send out the new pics to...well...everyone I've ever encountered in a professional setting. I'm hoping that can be accomplished by mid-June, if I get all of the letters written by the time I leave Fox City.
Wish me luck! (And feel free to introduce me to your second cousin who is the head of casting for NBC.)
i thought laundry would be cheaper
Went over to the local dry cleaners today. I'm looking for a place close by that will do my laundry. I don't have a whole lot of time to do it myself, and I'm running out of clothes. I figured that it wouldn't be that bad - there's a place across the street from me at home that charges fifty cents a pound. So, worst case scenario, maybe two bucks a pound, right?
Wrong.
Try SIX DOLLARS A POUND.
Yeah.
Oh, that's just the rate for underwear.
For heavier stuff?
SEVEN DOLLARS A POUND.
Heavier stuff includes t-shirts.
Needless to say, I won't be taking my clothes there. Looks like I may be spending my off day in the crappy laundry room of our "corporate apartment". Grrrrr.
Wrong.
Try SIX DOLLARS A POUND.
Yeah.
Oh, that's just the rate for underwear.
For heavier stuff?
SEVEN DOLLARS A POUND.
Heavier stuff includes t-shirts.
Needless to say, I won't be taking my clothes there. Looks like I may be spending my off day in the crappy laundry room of our "corporate apartment". Grrrrr.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
i hate this place (not Fox City)
I hate this "corporate apartment".
I was awakened at 8:30 this morning by two things: (1) my phone ringing - there was no one on the line, and (2) some idiot talking in the hall at full volume. Add in the fact that my bed is concave (meaning my back is sore) and I think it's safe to say I didn't have a restful night.
I did have a good night around town in Fox City. Had dinner with a friend from high school, which was all right. Then I met up with the Power Broker, who doesn't live too far from here. Things were...um...fine? There's a lot going on with her, but we were with a group of people (who were all hella cool) so I didn't find out any details on whether or not she still has a boyfriend. So...I'm not holding my breath. But I still think she's pretty cute.
(I just re-read the post I made after meeting her, and I'm kind of amazed that I was that excited about her. That NEVER happens.)
All right. Time to go back upstairs so I can shower before housekeeping comes in. I hear it's free iced coffee day at Dunkin' Donuts...very exciting...
I was awakened at 8:30 this morning by two things: (1) my phone ringing - there was no one on the line, and (2) some idiot talking in the hall at full volume. Add in the fact that my bed is concave (meaning my back is sore) and I think it's safe to say I didn't have a restful night.
I did have a good night around town in Fox City. Had dinner with a friend from high school, which was all right. Then I met up with the Power Broker, who doesn't live too far from here. Things were...um...fine? There's a lot going on with her, but we were with a group of people (who were all hella cool) so I didn't find out any details on whether or not she still has a boyfriend. So...I'm not holding my breath. But I still think she's pretty cute.
(I just re-read the post I made after meeting her, and I'm kind of amazed that I was that excited about her. That NEVER happens.)
All right. Time to go back upstairs so I can shower before housekeeping comes in. I hear it's free iced coffee day at Dunkin' Donuts...very exciting...
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
some housekeeping
OK, a couple of things:
First of all, I've been going back and trying to fill in posts that I haven't been able to get online, dating back to April. Unfortunately, I seem to have lost some of the scraps of paper that I used in the migration to Fox City. Can we all agree that it's ok for me to throw up some Fried Fish links in the missing days, until I find those missing posts? I'm hoping that they're on my desk at home, but I won't be back there for another few weeks. I know that probably nobody cares about this but me, but I said I was going to do 365 and, dammit, I'm gonna do it!
(Here are the links - all cool sites that will occupy your time for at least a few minutes, I promise:)
April 14
April 18
April 27
April 28
April 29
May 3
Secondly, one of these posts has been on my mind for a few weeks, and it's buried so far down (I started writing it on April 23, where it is posted) that I had to call your attention to it. I'm kind of proud of my open letters, and I think I'm going to post more of these. This one is called an open letter to my ex-classmate, and I think you're going to see where I'm coming from.
So, with that, I'm off to rehearsal, and to see an old flame...
First of all, I've been going back and trying to fill in posts that I haven't been able to get online, dating back to April. Unfortunately, I seem to have lost some of the scraps of paper that I used in the migration to Fox City. Can we all agree that it's ok for me to throw up some Fried Fish links in the missing days, until I find those missing posts? I'm hoping that they're on my desk at home, but I won't be back there for another few weeks. I know that probably nobody cares about this but me, but I said I was going to do 365 and, dammit, I'm gonna do it!
(Here are the links - all cool sites that will occupy your time for at least a few minutes, I promise:)
April 14
April 18
April 27
April 28
April 29
May 3
Secondly, one of these posts has been on my mind for a few weeks, and it's buried so far down (I started writing it on April 23, where it is posted) that I had to call your attention to it. I'm kind of proud of my open letters, and I think I'm going to post more of these. This one is called an open letter to my ex-classmate, and I think you're going to see where I'm coming from.
So, with that, I'm off to rehearsal, and to see an old flame...
Monday, May 12, 2008
yahoo mail is driving me up the frickin wall
...because I've been getting stupid error messages all day. I mean, I just want to write one stupid e-mail. ONE. And it's not like I can just hop on at any time, because I have to lug my laptop down to the fuckin' lobby.
Grrrrr.
Can you tell I'm bitter?
Grrrrr.
Can you tell I'm bitter?
i'm getting sick of blogging on paper
written in my notebook in my room
Anyone have any other bright ideas?
Anyone have any other bright ideas?
Sunday, May 11, 2008
play 2, rover 0
written in my notebook in my room
Twisted my ankle and banged up my knee today in rehearsal. Thank God for a day off tomorrow. I hope the rain stops so that I can walk to the grocery store...
Twisted my ankle and banged up my knee today in rehearsal. Thank God for a day off tomorrow. I hope the rain stops so that I can walk to the grocery store...
Saturday, May 10, 2008
fellowship update
I didn't get it. Found out about ten days ago, but I've been too busy with life to actually mention this on here. I kind of assumed, once a week passed from the interview without hearing from them, that it wasn't happening.
Don't feel too bad for me, though. Apparently they are extremely interested in working with me...as an actor. Between this and the job that I am currently working, I may be taking a big step up in the business.
(Which is cold comfort after seeing my last paycheck.)
Don't feel too bad for me, though. Apparently they are extremely interested in working with me...as an actor. Between this and the job that I am currently working, I may be taking a big step up in the business.
(Which is cold comfort after seeing my last paycheck.)
Friday, May 09, 2008
THE EMPIRE STRIKES BARACK
This is really, really funny. Especially if you know the Star Wars movies.
And with this I wish you a fun-filled weekend...
Thursday, May 08, 2008
so fresh so clean
Doing a lot of physical work for this production, so I'm kind of sore. Mostly shoulders and calves (which is strange, because I have the largest calves in the universe - remind me to show you a picture of them sometime). It's two hours a day, so it's more than enough to work up a good lather.
And the pollen count here has been off the charts. My eyes were burning all day yesterday. I try not to rub them (especially after getting hit in one of them) but sometimes I can't help it.
As a result of this, I'm taking two showers a day. I feel a bit bad about wasting the water - but it makes me feel SO much better. Right now I'm in the lobby, and I've still got that fresh shower feeling. It feels so nice at this time of evening.
Off to surf the net - damn this accursed building for not giving me internet access in my room!
And the pollen count here has been off the charts. My eyes were burning all day yesterday. I try not to rub them (especially after getting hit in one of them) but sometimes I can't help it.
As a result of this, I'm taking two showers a day. I feel a bit bad about wasting the water - but it makes me feel SO much better. Right now I'm in the lobby, and I've still got that fresh shower feeling. It feels so nice at this time of evening.
Off to surf the net - damn this accursed building for not giving me internet access in my room!
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
not a good sign
via text message
FRIEND OF ROVER: Hey what ya doin 2 nite? I have an extra ticket to opening night of (her play)
ME: I'm coming! They set aside a bunch of tickets for us. So I'll see you at the opening party...break legs...
FRIEND OF ROVER: Thanks dont have any expectations! It is ...fine
see comments for explanation
FRIEND OF ROVER: Hey what ya doin 2 nite? I have an extra ticket to opening night of (her play)
ME: I'm coming! They set aside a bunch of tickets for us. So I'll see you at the opening party...break legs...
FRIEND OF ROVER: Thanks dont have any expectations! It is ...fine
see comments for explanation
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
i know why the caged bird sings
I'm sitting here in the lobby of my "corporate apartment", using the internet. Somehow a bird has gotten inside. He's looking right at me.
He's very confused.
He keeps flying around looking for a way out. Three of the walls in here are glass, and occasionally he'll fly around and bump into the window panes. He's tried the light fixtures, to, but to no avail. So now he's sitting here, watching me use the computer, and occasionally heading to perch on the plant in the corner.
Bizarre.
I hope he can get out.
He's very confused.
He keeps flying around looking for a way out. Three of the walls in here are glass, and occasionally he'll fly around and bump into the window panes. He's tried the light fixtures, to, but to no avail. So now he's sitting here, watching me use the computer, and occasionally heading to perch on the plant in the corner.
Bizarre.
I hope he can get out.
Monday, May 05, 2008
grossness
written in my journal, in my room
Brown water came out of my shower this morning. That does not make me a happy camper.
Brown water came out of my shower this morning. That does not make me a happy camper.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
a glitch in the matrix
So I'm in my place in Fox City. "Corporate apartments", supposedly. It's pretty old, actually - sixties-style place, old-school sink and fixtures, very conservative decor (a framed picture of flowers is the idea of high art here).
But the tragedy?
No internet.
They have wireless in the lobby, but that's it.
How am I supposed to consistently regale you with stories of the crazy times I'm having in the FC? I mean, seriously? And what kind of "corporate apartment" doesn't come with internet in the rooms? I don't expect them to be all rewired and stuff, but at least they could buy half a dozen routers and sprinkle them all around the building.
So, unless the situation changes, I'm afraid you're going to be in for a whole month of notebook-to-computer posts. I've got some free time tomorrow, so I'm going to try and fill in the previous paper-and-picture posts. Then you can have something to read.
But the tragedy?
No internet.
They have wireless in the lobby, but that's it.
How am I supposed to consistently regale you with stories of the crazy times I'm having in the FC? I mean, seriously? And what kind of "corporate apartment" doesn't come with internet in the rooms? I don't expect them to be all rewired and stuff, but at least they could buy half a dozen routers and sprinkle them all around the building.
So, unless the situation changes, I'm afraid you're going to be in for a whole month of notebook-to-computer posts. I've got some free time tomorrow, so I'm going to try and fill in the previous paper-and-picture posts. Then you can have something to read.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Fried Fish (the missing link edition - pt 6)
Here's your procrastination tool for the next six hours - Incredimazing has a ridiculous number of pics to check out. You're welcome.
Friday, May 02, 2008
these are my clothes
I think i need more color in my life...oh, the irony...
Mobile post sent by Rover using Utterz.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
a 9-to-5 i actually like
First day of rehearsal today - very exciting. It was a little bit unusual because we jumped in right away, but it was still great. I was walking home tonight thinking about how lucky I feel when I actually do what I want to do for a living. I wish it could always be like this.
So now I'm lounging on my couch at home, watching the Pens-Rangers hockey game. After taking my brother to that game last month, he's now become a huge hockey fan, which I find kind of funny. Of course, it's a lot easier to watch a sport when your team is doing well.
I have to stop typing so I can focus on the game...
So now I'm lounging on my couch at home, watching the Pens-Rangers hockey game. After taking my brother to that game last month, he's now become a huge hockey fan, which I find kind of funny. Of course, it's a lot easier to watch a sport when your team is doing well.
I have to stop typing so I can focus on the game...
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