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Read about my 1st year in Chicago - 200012/29/01For those of you who know the name Rich Talarico, you know that he's hilarious. For those of you who don't, he was on the mainstage at Second City for a while and now he's a writer for MAD TV. I met Rich after The Roof is on Fiddler at ImprovOlympic that took Chicago by storm and not only is he very talented, but a super nice guy. The reason I speak of him? To let you know that he recently put up a film on ifilm.com called Stewart and it's really funny. Go check it out and vote right away!
12/28/01I just finishing auditioning for a film titled "Haciendo el amor...brujo" by Alpha Studios. It's a dark comedy based on an actual cast and crew of a mini-series. I auditioned for a stern and crazy stunt coordinator and a wacky FX guy. It's shooting in Chicago this February. The audition was quick, but I think it went well. We shall see!
12/22/01I auditioned for a feature film today through a company in CA. It's shooting for a month next August in Chicago. I think the audition went really well. They had me read a couple of different roles and I think they liked what I was doing. The callback is next May so I hope to hear from them. The film is basically about a fake modeling agency who takes advantages of not so bright girls...sounds perfect for me!
12/21/01Yesterday was the Baxter Medical corporate video shoot. It was kinda weird. The day started at 6:00am and we pretty much shot all day. We had a number of the big wigs reading cue cards over my shoulder interacting with me. It was tough from a concentration point of view. I felt pretty off most of the day. I guess because I felt like a whore making a silly corporate video...yeah...that was it. But it pays fairly well, so maybe that will make it all better....hee...hee...
12/12/01Tonight was my final Level 4 ImprovOlympic class with Abby Sher. Overall the class was cool. Personally I like a little more "constructive criticism" and direction, but Abby is an awesome person and I love the gang in my class, so it was fun. Next up is Level 5 with Craig Cackowski!
12/10/01Today I went to the Baxter Medical corporate site to scout the location and meet the big wigs. It's a very sterile environment and we were making sure we had everything ready for the shoot and looking for as much funny as we could. It might be a little tough considering the environment, but I'm sure we'll come up with something. Below are some video captures from that day.
12/08/01I auditioned today for Evente'. It's an improv show that will be running early next year at the WNEP theatre. It's basically the improv style of "Event" where you get a suggested event and improvise from there by tagging out one person and taking the scene either into the future or past. The audition was okidoki I guess. We'll wait and see if a cute guy with a goatee is on there shopping list!
12/06/01I got a call from Dreaming Tree Films today for an industrial video. It's for Baxter Medical Equipment and they want me to play a sportscaster type guy. It will be some scripted material and some improv. We are supposed to shoot December 20th and I think the CEO and some other corporate types are supposed to be in it too. This one is gonna be nuts!
12/03/01Today was my Second City Touring Company audition. I think it went ok, but who knows baby! If I don't get it this time, I gonna keep on trying till my gums bleed...ok...I'm not sure what I meant there.
11/30/01Yesterday I shot The Museum by Danny Jelinek. Another good experience for the books. Boy do I love being on the set! Damn, I gotta do this for a living...damnit! A day or so before the shoot, Danny needed to fill the role of a crazy lady so I recommended my friend C. J. from my Second City classes. It worked out and she was awesome. So if you need a crazy lady...just let me know!
11/27/01Tonight was my audition for Flung. It went pretty well I think. The director and playwright were there, so that was kinda cool. We'll see if I'm what they are looking for!
11/26/01This past weekend a couple of Second City classmates (Kara & Adam) and I went to the Second City in Toronto, Canada. We saw their currently running show titled Family Circus Maximus. It was overall a good show. The physical work was very good and a couple of people stood out, but it was lacking a certain "edge" that I think Chicago's Second City has. Their new theatre was amazing and very technologically advanced. The theatre is right in downtown Toronto which was pretty cool for the most part, but it did bring in a very "touristy" crowd. Oh well, gotta make that buck. On the way back we took a short detour and saw Niagara Falls. It was an astonishing wonder to see. If you've never seen it, you gotta go check it out. We were a little rushed for time, so we didn't stay too long & I definitely wanna go back and get a little closer this time.
11/18/01
I got a call today from John Sterchi (an amazing actor) at the American Theatre Company. I recently auditioned for an understudy role in "American Buffalo" but didn't get cast. He remembered me from that audition and wants me to audition for their next show "Flung." It would be unbelievable to work there. I've seen their last two shows and they do amazing theater. I mean true thought provoking and passionate theatre. Wish me luck! The story of four adult children who gather at the family's summer cottage two years after their father's death to scatter his ashes from atop his favorite sand dune. During a long Fourth of July weekend, this disparate group of estranged siblings attempts to cobble together the elusive and contradictory memories of growing up with (and without) their difficult patriarch. As each sibling attempts to come to terms with their past and present lives, they learn about themselves, their father, and a little bit about each other.
11/16/01Tonight was a rehearsal for the next student film I'm doing. It's called "The Museum." It's written and directed by Daniel Jelinek. I'm playing the same character from "Choke." It's essentially a dream sequence from the other film and they are going to be viewed together. I'm playing a snobby art connoisseur wanna be. Danny (the director) is really exuberant-n-cool and Megan (playing my girlfriend) is a total nut. When the film is over, I'm calling an insane asylum.
11/15/01Today I shot the student film "Choke" written and directed by Pedro Jimenez. It was my first experience in a student film environment. There were a lot of nervous people running around not quite knowing what to do. Perhaps it was their esteemed Professor watching over their shoulder or the bad acting that was happening before them...wait...did I say that? It was still fun though. I still get all tingly on a set. The camera, lights, cables, and everyone running around...damn I love it!
11/11/01
Would you like to see the best damn show in Chicago right now? Go see "Holy War Batman or The Yellow Cab of Courage" on the e.t.c. stage at Second City that just opened tonight. I was able to slip into the opening night party and rub elbows with people cooler than me too. Damn I love the free food at those things. Anyway...you MUST go see this show. It has amazing ensemble work and it's pacing is impeccable. The direction and acting is flawless. The show goes head first into territory that really needs to be laughed at right now. I've gone weekly for months and it was amazing to watch the process develop right in front of me. The show is really, really, really tight. I want to work at Second City one day and I can only hope to be a part of something this good. It shall happen baby!
11/10/01Today I auditioned for two student films ("Choke" by Pedro Jimenez and "The Museum" by Daniel Jelinek). They offered me the roles on the spot and I accepted. "Choke" shoots on 11/15/01 & "The Museum" shoots 11/29/01. The character that I'll be playing appears in both films, so that should be fun. I also auditioned for Greasy Joan's spring production of "Comedy of Errors." The audition went pretty well and it would be a great show to do so I hope to hear from them.
11/05/01The Three Second City Touring Companies.Today I called in to sign up for the Second City Touring Company auditions. My slot is Monday, December 3rd at 3:05pm. Let the nerves begin. Oh, by the way...I'm gonna get it this time sucka!
10/31/01Today I had an audition in Wisconsin for Lori Lins Ltd. Whew! What a drive out to dem der parts. It was for an "enthusiastic casino guy." The Wisconsin Dells will be shooting a commercial to promote the casino and the bit is some guy wins and runs into a crowd or something mimicking the "Lambeau Leap." That's when a football player scores a touchdown and jumps into the crowd. Kinda corny, but hey...it's an audition!
10/30/01Well boys & girls, my Conservatory training at Second City has come to a close! Last night was my Level 5 graduation show! Boy do I feel...anti-climatic. I thought I'd feel different. Don't get me wrong, I'm super duper happy to be done with the show and I'm happy with my training, I guess thinking about all of this way back, I figured it would all be a bigger deal to me. But it's not. Oh well. It's been one helluva learning experience...I will say that.
10/24/01
I started my Level 4 ImprovOlympic class tonight with Abby Sher. The class actually started last week, but I missed it because I was out of town. It looks like it will be a fun class. Some of the old gang that I took early IO levels with are back in this class. Good times baby!
10/20/01
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Merrin Trantum (writer/director) giving direction to Deborah and me. |
Well...sniff...sniff...the "Plain and Simple" shoot ended today. I've never been so damn sad after any type of production. I absolutely loved doing this film. The Director and crew were awesome and the actress (Deborah Leydig) playing my evil wife was perfect! I think we had a great rapport.
I had so much fun shooting this film. It was a great learning experience working with the blue screen and props and I'm sure I'll work with these guys again one day. I can not wait to see the finished product!
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Here's a shot of the whole blue screen set. |
Remember the Bud-Lite commercial audition (9/07/01) I blew chunks at? I got a callback today. The audition is next Tuesday. How in the hell did that happen! I was horrible! Oh well, who knows what the hell is going on. Maybe I should try to suck like I did last time. Then I'll get the gig!
Oh, speaking of getting gigs, I recently got a letter from PAX/TV. They are going to run my episode from "It's a Miracle" on their "Miracle Pets" show. It's a perfect fit, since it was all about a dog. So I'll get a nice chuck of cash for that and eventually residuals from both shows if they run it more than 5 times a piece within a year and 1/2. Sweet!
Today was the beginning of shooting for "Plain and Simple." It was actually really freaky. I was doing something that brings me much joy while America was going through an unbelievable tragedy. We didn't even talk about what was going on outside of the set. We just kept on going and trying not to freak ourselves or each other out. It wasn't too easy to play this happy loveable character, but it was nothing compared to what others were enduring at the same exact time.
Today I went to a Bud Lite commercial audition. Instead of preparing for the audition yesterday, I learned my lines for a scene I was rehearsing the night before with my class. It took forever to park downtown and I was running late. I pretty much sucked and wasn't prepared enough so I definitely didn't get that one. Ain't that a beaitch!
I auditioned today for a Columbia College student film called "The Confession." I didn't really know anything about the film prior to the audition. Now I know it's got this not so merry band of priests who have their own idea of justice when people sin too much. They kill them. I'd hate to go to that church!
The audition was fun and I think I did pretty well. I think I connected well with the script because of the dramatic overtones. Even though I ALWAYS end up playing the goofy funny chubby guy, I love dramatic roles the best.
Let's just call this audition day from hell. I had three auditions today which is not a bad thing. I thought it was pretty awesome actually. First up was audition #1 for a couple of grad films. Which went well and I ending up getting a callback tonight. But unfortunately I'm unavailable the day of the callback, so I might be out of the running for that one. So this one was a good one except for not being available for the callback.
Let's skip ahead to audition #3. This was for what seems to be a really cool place that does theatre and films. Two of my favorite things. It was for The Artistic Home at their new digs on Irving Park Road. I did my monologue and they seem to like it and continued to tell me about a play coming up that they might call me for. It requires a southern accent, which I think I might be able to pull off being raised in Southern Georgia.
So what's the problem you ask? Two auditions with one callback and another with a possible play in the future?
Audition #2 was for AGAPE Productions. It was for a TV pilot called "The Least of These." Soooooo many people showed up that the lady running the place got pissed and apparently there were fire code issues. I got there at 4:47pm and didn't leave until about 8:15pm. All I did was sit on my duff and watch a katrillion people sit and wait with me. And 1/2 way through my wait, someone came in and said to cut our monologues down to a minute or so. After saying before that they wanted two minutes. When it was my turn I kept going and they called "time" on me. I only had three words to go.
My piece went ok I think. Watch me get a callback for that one. That'd show me!
If you didn't know this already, the nicest and coolest cat in improv is T. J. Jagodowski. I saw "Inside the Improviser's Studio" tonight at IO and it was awesome. He shared how he got started at Second City and IO and the good and bad of his improv career. High points were him telling us how to resurface a bowling alley and how he teared up when a huge portion of his family saw him improvise for the first time. If you missed it, you missed out. If you haven't seen him improvise, drop what your doing and go see him on the Second City e.t.c. stage right now.
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The front entrance to ImprovOlympic. |
Today's class at IO was one of the best improv classes I've had in a LONG time. This was one of those classes that paralleled the fun I have in normal "acting" classes. In normal "acting" classes you are more apt to use your own emotional being and share that with the class. Since character work is such a big part of improv, I think we loose a connection to ourselves on stage and don't share enough of our inner thoughts.
We worked mainly on monologues and they are one of my favorite tools of improvising. At IO it's customary to use your own experiences in monologue work instead of making up things. It's a great chance to share something about yourself that the audience and even your fellow players might not know. Then the magic of "Truth in Comedy" really happens.
So anyway, my level 3 IO class with Susan Messing is rocking my world big time right now. Basically, I can't wait for next week!
Ok, so I thought Wednesday would suck, but luckily I was wrong. I got a call from one of my agents (that sounds soooo LA) to audition for a HMO commercial shooting in Atlanta next week. They needed someone who could be a "regular" guy and be able to improvise with real people. It's a commercial where the guy is chatting with people with a hidden camera taping the whole thing.
The audition was at the casting office of Tenner and Paskal. I had never been there before and as I made my way through the maze of the downtown Chicago buildings, I realized that even if I don't get this gig, I really...really like doing this. I love auditioning and getting gigs, then rehearsing and then taping or putting it up on stage or whatever. Man this stuff is more fun than I thought! Don't get me wrong, sometimes it's frustrating and tough, but what isn't that's worth having.
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Del Close Theater - ImprovOlympic
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Today was a GREAT day! I had my first Level 3 class with Susan Messing at ImprovOlympic, met a cool guy named Jason Chin who's a teacher and coach at IO and has a cool website (http://www.argosagency.com). And then I rehearsed with my Level 5 class from Second City for our show tomorrow. Now that's what I call a good day!
And tomorrow will be awesome too. I'll be calling in to sign up for the Second City Touring Company auditions and doing my Level 5 show. Earlier this year, I got a callback, but didn't get hired. I'm shooting to get it this time baby! So Monday should be another good day.
Of course...Tuesday will probably suck. Wait...let me check my calendar. No, Tuesday won't suck! I'm auditioning for a Northwestern Student Grant film called "Jackson." I'll be auditioning for the role of Leon Pottermeyer. He's a guy who tries to hire another guy to steal his dog from his ex-wife. I know...weird huh?
Ok...so Wednesday will suck.
I found out that a rough cut of the film I did called "Hunting Humans" is ready and on it's way to me. I can't wait! In this film, I'm a scummy detective, I've got a gun, and I die. It just doesn't get any better than that!
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| In bed almost getting shot. I know, I know it looks like I'm naked! |
The makeup for a wound. |
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| The final confrontation. | A shot over my elbow. |
I auditioned today for Apple Tree Theatre. It was for "The Diary of Anne Frank" and I read for the role of Mr. Van Daam (did I spell that right?). They just called me out of the blue a couple of days ago and asked me to audition. I think they saw me at the Chicago Unified Auditions. They are an Equity house, but this show is non-Equity. It's part of their Theatre for Young Audiences program and would be a daytime gig.
After the trek to Highland Park, I did my dramatic monologue as requested, and they asked me to come to the callback at 4:00pm. I said..."Huh? Callback at 4:00pm? I didn't know that you were having callbacks today." So they had me read a scene with the people they had there and that was that. I think the monologue went well and the reading was ok, but who knows with this crazy game.
I'm super busy right now and probably couldn't squeeze it in, but it would be worth it for such a wonderful show. So we shall see!
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After our first Level 5 show! |
pictured L to R are: me, Kara, Celisa, Paul,
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I have been sooooo busy lately. Rehearsing for my first Level 5 Sketch show took up most of my time. Also working on the marketing and the website. Which you can see by clicking here. Our show is called "Nature Called and Left a Message." Crazy huh?
Our first show was this past Monday. I think it was a really good show, especially for our first Level 5. We are working really hard on this show and I think it shows. The process has been stressful at times, but we always pull through. This is one of those moments in life that I'll never forget. I've just got to remember to enjoy it while it lasts. Wish me luck & come see the show!
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This is me rehearsing a scene while Jose Luis Marra |
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| Before with the "blue screen." | And after with animation. Pretty cool huh! |
The above test pictures were taken at a rehearsal for the animated film "Plain and Simple" on 08/04/01. Yesterday we had another rehearsal. It was a lot of fun. It was just the director (Merrin Trantum) and the actress playing my evil wife (Deborah Leydip). We were basically blocking our main scenes and getting ready to work with objects and characters that aren't really going to be there. You know, I think I've done a few plays with real people that weren't there either....hee....hee....
Today was a "look see" audition at Jean Moss Photography for a U.S. Postal ad. It was for a comic book store owner, so I wore a really silly Superman t-shirt. From the way the photographer interacted with me, I don't think I was right for the part. Or he was just super tired of taking pictures of dorks in Superman t-shirts all day!
Today was my Level 5 class at Second City. That class is going awesome! We are preparing for our Sketch Revue and I think we are going to have some really good stuff.
And after class I went straight to my first rehearsal for the animated film "Plain and Simple." It was a whole bunch-o-fun! We worked on dealing with the "blue screen" and interacting with animated characters who are really just pieces of blue cardboard. I'm really excited about this project.
Today we wrapped the film "Threshold." Super duper was the time had by all. Except for the part where we had to shutdown the set for over three hours because of the monsoon type rain that flooded the basement and traumatized the electrical equipment. Besides that, everything went wonderfully. I think the film will be good when it's done. I'm looking forward to seeing me portraying a sweaty hillbilly who tries to act like a badass but doesn't succeed very well. Wait...is that my real life?
Tonight was my Level 2 ImprovOlympic class. It's going okidoki. A little slow for my taste right now, but what can you do. A lot of people are still just starting out and I remember being there. Except I was really really horrible when I first started out and these guys are doing pretty well for just beginning.
Today was our first day of shooting for the film "Threshold." It was a lot of fun. I tell you, there is nothing like the feeling of being on a film set. It was hot and steamy inside this old restaurant, but it didn't seem to matter. The cast & crew are very cool and we all had loads of fun cutting up during takes. We shoot until Thursday and I can't wait to get back to the set!
Today was our first Level 5 class! Yep, we had an improv show before our first class...weird huh? It was very very sssswwwweeeetttt!!!! We put up scenes that we've been working on recently and brought back some old stuff from long ago. Norm Holly is our teacher and he really knows how to make scenes work. I think this will be a wonderful experience and our future shows should reflect how much fun we're having.
This past Sunday we had our final Level 4 show. It was a pretty good show. Not the greatest ever, but that's the way this crazy improv goes!
And if there wasn't enough improv to go around, last night was our first Level 5 improv show. It was super amazing to be performing on the e.t.c. stage! Of course our only audience was the other class, but it was still awesome!
Today was a commercial promo audition for a new show on TNN (The National Network). Something about a flat bed truck roaming the county and doing a TV show. They just wanted normal looking people looking up and going "huh?" So for the audition, that's what we did. So now the fun part...wait and see if you get it or not.
Last night was the shoot for "Chris Lerving's: Human Hunter." It should be completely nuts when it's done. It's a parody of "The Crocodile Hunter" except this guy is hunting hookers, pimps & homeless people in the city. Wait until you see the pictures of me in a crushed purple velvet suit with zebra striped trim on my cuffs and my bell bottomed pants. Oh, and I also have gold chains and Elvis glasses. I'm totally getting an Oscar for this one.
I got offered and accepted the role of John (a hillbilly type) in the film "Threshold." A bit of his character description is:
Sounds like me! We start rehearsals next week and then shoot July 29th through August 2nd.
I got cast in another short film! Woo Hoo! I'll be playing the role of a pimp! Finally, a role I can use all my theatre training for! The film is called "Chris Lerving's: Human Hunter" and it's a spoof on "The Crocodile Hunter" show. Essentially the main guy is doing the "hunter" type thing in the city and for my part, he pisses off one of my bitches and then I think I might kick his ass a little. I still need to read the script to get the whole gist, but that's the basic concept. I can't wait to get one of them pimp hats!
The following was listed on The Second City's website. I was part of the class and it was pretty fun. I think you might be able to see me in the background somewhere!
The Second City Training Center on CBS-2
News -- (7/10/01)
The Second City Training Center in Chicago is featured on the CBS-2 News
on Friday, July 13 during the 5 PM newscast. Steve Baskerville selected us for
his "Best of Chicago" segment on acting programs. Steve was a great
sport and took part in an improvisation class with Michael Gellman and a group
of Training Center students. We particularly liked his gibberish! Tune in on
Friday for more.
This past Thursday's auditionathon is over. Three in one day will wear you out! So the Budweiser commercial one went really well. From what I understand, they are looking for very specific types, so who knows how that one will go. And the ATC audition was a little weird because they had be read for the understudy of a guy who is like 60 or something. The reading was good though. I read with another guy and we were directed different ways and I think it went ok. We shall see! And the final audition was for a pimp. The audition went ok I think, but I'm not sure if I was what he was looking for. Who knows!
My next audition is this Tuesday night. It's for two independent films and a play at the same time. How cool is that!
Ok things are going really crazy good right now! I got three calls yesterday. One was to possibly emcee a gig or spokesperson or something. They need someone funny who is good with people and quick on their feet. I don't have all the info yet. I've got to return that call still.
And the second call was to audition for an understudy role for the American Theatre Company. My softball team plays them next week so I've got to make sure to not strike anybody out. If you are keeping score, I pitch for the Second City team and in each game I've struck at least one person out (mostly girls) and I've had hits, runs and RBI's in each game too. Damn I should play in the softball BIG LEAGUE! Oh, sorry. The understudy role would be for Teach in "American Buffalo." I saw their production and I look A LOT like the guy playing the role. We are definitely the same type, so we'll see how that goes.
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finally, I got offered the lead role in the animated film "Plain &
Simple." I accepted of course. The film only has a couple of
live characters and everything else is animated. I mean everything!
Like chairs, desks, penguins, everything! Yes I said penguins. By
the way, a penguin is at the center of the story. I'm getting the script
mailed to me so I'll let you know more as soon as I do. At this point we
are slated to start shooting in August. I can't wait!
The auditions won't stop! Ok, they'll stop real soon I'm sure. But for now I've got three more! First up is an industrial. It might just be print or maybe character stuff. I'm not sure yet, but I know where I gotta be (Evanston) and when (next Monday). And I also know I'll need to smile. So I've got it down baby!
Another audition is this Thursday for a Columbia College independent thesis film called "Chris Lerving's: Human Hunter." It's a comedy and they are looking for a pimp. So I'm there!
And to round off today's auditionathon, on July 14 I'm auditioning for a short film called "Threshold." It's a very tense dark film. The script and other info is available at the writer/director's website.
I am now officially a blur. This was a photo shoot promo for Illinois Lottery. If you look REALLY hard you can find me in the above picture. Around Chicago you can also see me as a blur on a billboard. Watch out Hollywood!
Last night was our Level 4 improv show. It was pretty cool. We've only got one more and then we're off to Level 5!
Three words...audition, audition, audition. Auditions everywhere!
Last Friday I auditioned for the Cenacle Theatre Company's "As Bees in Honey Drown." It was at the Pilsen Theatre on West 18th Street. I think the audition went really well and I'll hopefully hear about callbacks this week.
I auditioned for an animated film called "Plain & Simple" yesterday. There are only two live characters and one of them is "a pudgy, dough-faced man." Yep, you guessed it. I'm auditioning for that guy. It was pretty fun. It would be an awesome gig to get, so we shall see!
And the award for the biggest commercial audition so far for me will be this Thursday. I'm auditioning for a Budweiser commercial. For the record, I hate Budweiser beer. But that day, it will be as if I'm drinking the finest scotch of all time! I'll let you know how it goes!
I have had two auditions this week - the string cheese voice over & a look see for Sara Lee. So I had to go smile big, put on a bath robe and kneel on one knee and look like I was fixing a TV. Whew! This acting thing is hard work!
I also received my "not this time" letter from the League of Chicago Theatres. It's from the big cattle call that I went on May 30th. This was my first time getting invited to audition, so that was cool. I'll get a callback next year damnit!
Tomorrow is my second level 4 show with The Second City Conservatory. I'm looking forward to this show because we've been working on some really cool stuff in class and we are going to try a little out for the show.
Speaking of class, I'm done with my level 1 class at ImprovOlympic. I start level 2 on the 21st. My level one class was ok and great. It was ok because a lot of people had zero to little experience so we didn't do much improv muscle stretching. And on the great side was T. J. the teacher. He's awesome. Very smart, very funny and knows more bizarre references than an intergalactic encyclopedia!
I got a call today from Lily's Talent Agency to do a voice over audition this Monday. They want a wacky character voice for a string cheese spot. Woo Hoo!
I also got a call to audition for a play reading that should lead to the actual production. It's a pretty freaky piece about this guy & girl's odd love affair. It's called "I Live For You" and the guy ends up going loopy about religion and lands in a mental hospital, so I'm perfect!
The audition with Wenhwa Ts'ao at Columbia College was awesome. There were two other people and they gave us a couple of beats and we improvised the rest. It was a lot of fun improvising on film! Two of my favorite things: Improv + Film = fun!
I got a call today to audition for a piece called "Plain & Simple." It's a animated film with some live action. It sounds really interesting. My audition isn't until July 1st and I'm waiting for the sides, so more info to come.
I did my Unified Audition for the League of Chicago Theatres yesterday. It was ok. I was nervous on stage, but I think I pulled it off. They laughed at the right places. It has been absolutely forever sine I've done a monologue for an audition. I've been cast from improv, cold readings or just off of my headshot for the past couple of years now. Weird huh? Unfortunately, there were not a lot of theatres present during my time slot. The important thing is to get a callback and then all the big dogs will be there. We shall see!
I received a call today to audition for a short film by Wenhwa Ts'ao with Columbia College. It's an experimental piece. Apparently they're going to put one guy and two women in a kitchen and give them scenarios to improvise from. With separate directors coming and going, but not knowing what the last director did while the actors maintain their characters. Pretty freaky huh? It sounds very interesting and I'm looking forward to the audition this Friday. It's a two day shoot and it pays $100 a day so that's pretty cool.
This past weekend I shot the short film "Root Canal" by Scott Gribble and Wonder Dog Media. I wish I knew bigger words to describe how much fun it was. I think I love doing film more than anything. Every second of the whole process rocks my world. Each pore of my body intensely enjoys the surroundings of a film set. I can't wait until it's what I'm doing all the time!
I had loads of fun and everyone involved was awesome. I'm really looking forward to working with them again.
Last Friday, I also did the print job for the Illinois Lottery as the Cubs fan. It was pretty cool. I just sat there all day and acted like I was at a ballgame, even though we were in a little college's gymnasium. I think my hat (on someone else's head) and my knee might end up on a billboard. Have I hit the big time or what people!
I Just got a call from my agent about the Illinois Lottery gig. I'll be one of the Cubs fans in the stands for the print shoot. I'm not the main guy, but it's still a paying gig, so that's cool. She said they loved my foam rubber hand (with #1 on it). So was it my cute face or the foam rubber hand?
Yesterday I had two print auditions. I hadn't heard anything from my agent in a while and in one day I get two auditions! Isn't that weird? The first audition was for 3M's Imation branch. It was a funny shot of a guy in the middle of the road comparing the yellow line to a swatch and about to get hit with a taxi. So basically you just had to make a "I'm about to get hit by a taxi face!"
The next audition was for a Cubs fan who had just won the Illinois Lottery. He's sitting at Wrigley field enjoying the game with a couple of butlers waiting on him. So I had to make a "I'm a normal guy enjoying the game with a couple of butlers waiting on me face." And that's it. You smile, make a funny face and you're out. So goes print auditions.
Tonight I have a sketch show audition for the Level 5 writing class at Second City. This will mark my 3rd or 4th audition of this type and I still haven't been cast. Either I'm sucking big time at these auditions, or there just aren't any parts for a chubby, balding, 32 year old guy who looks like he's in his later thirties...sniff...sniff...no I'm fine...really.
About a month ago I applied for an audition slot in the Unified Auditions sponsored by the League of Chicago Theatres. It's most of the local theatres and casting directors getting together to see a "cattle call" of local actors. Last year I didn't get selected to audition (I had just moved here), but this year I did! Woo Hoo! My audition slot is May 30th at 4:45 p.m., so between now and then, I'll have enough nervous energy to power a small country.
Today was my first Level 4 class at Second City. My teacher is Anne Libera. I actually had her for an Audition Workshop class in February of 2000, which was technically my first Second City class. I had been here for less than three weeks, so it's kinda cool to have her toward the end of my Second City training. She's very intelligent and has a great teaching style. I'm certain that I'll enjoy this level.
We'll be doing four shows in this level and tomorrow we have our first show! Donny's Skybox theatre at 7:00 p.m.
I recently got cast as the lead in a short independent film called "Root Canal." It's about this guy who has a serious fear of the dentist. It's really funny. As this guy is walking through the halls, he sees these weird visions of craziness happening in the little rooms. Let's just say there's a midget, a big drill and a talking fish. That should set the tone for you!
The shoot will be over memorial day weekend and I'm really looking forward to working with these guys. It's for Wonder Dog Media and the director/writer seems really cool. Below you'll find my favorite excerpt from the piece:
I just got back into town from doing the "8th Anniversary Comedy Pig Show." It was loads of fun jamming with my old gang. We had two great shows. I think the highlight for me was dancing around with way too little on doing our rendition of the "Spice Boys."
Last night was my second Level 1 class at ImprovOlympic
with T. J. Jagodowski. The class concentrates on the basics for developing
a Harold. It's a lot of fun and my class seems really cool. T. J. is
an awesome teacher and I'm really looking forward to growing more as an
improviser at the IO.
Because of my superior softball playing skills, I am now on the Second City's softball team. Ok, actually I just signed up because they needed people. It's pretty cool, because I know most of the people through other people or through classes or auditions, etc. It's fun playing, but they use a 16" softball in this area. It's like a normal softball, but bigger and squishy!
I just got cast in a play reading called Anarkali at Jallozai (A new play for the Women of Afghanistan). It will be read May 6th, 12:00pm at Katerina's Coffeehouse. I'm playing a not so nice guy, called Emperor Akbar. The play is designed to bring the plight of Afghanistan women to the public. It's a pretty heavy piece, and I think I'll enjoy being involved.
Meeting Mr. Marvelous is now showing here. I hope you like it.
I just got back into town from a little vacation, and in my email inbox was a possible gig from Second City Communications (their corporate training side). They needed a response right away, which I couldn't do, so I missed out on that one. I spoke to someone there who asked me to send my headshot/resume in for consideration on future gigs, so we'll see how that goes!
I just got signed with another agent! Woo Hoo! This agency is Lori Lins Ltd. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I know, you're thinking Wisconsin? Me too, trust me. But apparently a lot of Chicago actors get work from out of town agents. And maybe the out of town agents like having that talent pool to pull from. I've got an appointment on May 7th for a taping and then that will be used to show their clients. The lady there said they wanted me for "on camera" stuff, so that's kinda cool.
So now I have 3 agents working for me. If I can't get work now, I officially suck.
This weekend cocksurehanded closes and I've got an improv show with my class on Sunday. I'm pretty excited about both.
Last night was my audition for the "mockumentary" film and I got a callback today! Yeah! The callback is next Wednesday. I know a little more about the piece now. It's basically about a improv troupe and it's all improvised...I think. Ok, that's really all I know about it, except that there's no pay. Aren't the fun ones always without pay? Damnit!
A friend of mine taped the "It's a Miracle" episode for me. I watched it and they did use the last take of me crying over the dog. It was kinda weird seeing me crying on TV. But still pretty cool. Damn, they aren't kidding when they say that the camera adds pounds. I swear I look like a 300 pound moose!
"cocksurehanded" is now open! We had a good opening night. We had a great crowd who seemed to laugh at everything. Saturday night was a little less packed, but they seemed to like it too.
And my class did an improv show last night. The show went ok. It was our first Level 3 show with our new teacher. I think most of us were nervous or something, but some good character work happen.
This past Friday, I sent out photo postcards to all the talent agents in the area with "upcoming show" info on it. Always a good thing to do to stay in touch. In only three days I've gotten two calls from agents expressing an interest in me and one of them signed me today! Woo hoo! The agency is "Ambassador Talent" in downtown Chicago. It turns out that the director and an actor from my current show is also listed with them, so I think that definitely helped in the "getting in" department. So now I've got two agents that represent me. In Chicago, it's common for talents to be "multi-listed" so having a couple of agents is a pretty good idea.
This past Monday, the cast of "cocksurehanded" did the "Mancow" radio show. It was crazy! Mancow loved our song and I think we got some unbelievable exposure for the show. We open this Friday night at 10:30pm at the Bailiwick. Last night was our first time inside the theatre and rehearsal was bumpy in spots. But overall it wasn't too bad considering everything that needed to be dealt with. I think we are going to have an awesome opening and I can't wait!
And don't forget, tomorrow night at 8:00pm eastern & 7:00pm central on PAX/TV, watch "It's a Miracle" to see me cry over a dog!
And in the "boy I'm a busy little bee right now" department, I've got my first Level 3 class this Saturday and we are doing an improv show the next day (Sun, 7:00pm, Skybox Theater). Hope to see you there!
I am sooooo beat! Rehearsals are kicking my bootie! We are dancing and singing like crazy! My momma warned me they'd be days like this. It's awesome though. I think if we can get the show tight, it should be well received and kick some butt. We have an awesome Musical Director (Alan Bukowiecki) & Dance Choreographer (Peggy Morgan) that have been working with us and I think this show is going to be something else baby! We open next week! I hope you can see it. Click on the "cocksurehanded" banner for more info.
And in the "always looking for the next gig" news, I've got an audition on 03/22/01 for a feature length "mockumentary." The audition notice said they were looking for a "slightly overweight, Caucasian male" who improvises. HELLO! Could I be more of a white overweight guy who improvises? Like the "Joker" in Batman said..."just wait till they get a load of me!"
A week from today the cast of "cocksurehanded" is suppose to be on the "Mancow's Morning Madhouse" radio show broadcast out of Chicago on FM 101.1. Mancow's show is completely nuts and perfect for this type of show. His website is: www.mancow.com
I've done a little radio before. A couple of commercial radio spots, an "olde time" radio show doing character voices and I also called into a radio station to say hello to my Valentine one year (can I put that on my resume?).
This past Saturday was my last Level 2 class. I'm really, really happy with my class. Now we are off to Level 3 starting March 10th!
And last Thursday was the shoot for the web short. What a crazy day! It was loads of fun and the cast and crew were a great bunch of people. I hope I get to work with them again. The piece that I'm in ("Meeting Mr. Marvelous") is basically one of four pieces in the series "Book of Stories" (a synopsis is below).
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| Mr. Marvelous (Estlin Feigley) at the diner with Jim the waiter (also the writer of the piece). | Jill (Maura Pheney) getting to know Mr. Marvelous. |
In "Meeting Mr. Marvelous," a woman finds herself waiting in a diner for a date from a personal ad. In the diner are an eclectic group of people from this crazy world we live in. I played "Moose." This guy is basically the weirdo big guy in the diner who seems to always be grossly stuffing his face with food. Was this type casting or what? And I must add that I don't know when I'll be able to look at another burger again! Then a masked super hero named "Mr. Marvelous" waltzes in and comedy ensues. I'll leave the rest of the story for you to watch on your own.
The stories are going to be broadcast soon on UPN’s KNIN.com and WBKansas.com.
WBKansas.com is even doing a chat about "Book of Stories" on 03/22/01. Click here to join in!
http://www.wbkansas.com/bookofstories.htm
Below is a synopsis from the Dreaming Tree Films website.
“Book of
Stories”
A young woman wanders into a
used bookstore looking for something to inspire her. She looks through several
books and old magazines, and then grabs for an old hardcover book. But it is
blank, with the exception of an inscription that reads “A book is not a book,
until it has been lived in.” Upon opening the book again, it is full of
pictures, newspaper clippings and diary entries. She recognizes herself in the
pictures - but the clothes and the people suggest another era...
“Book of Stories” is an episodic “Twilight Zone” type program that
reveals how we are linked by the stories we share. Episodes will air regularly
on WBKansas.com and UPN’s KNIN.com starting in January 2001.
So hey! I got the part in the web short. Yeah! It seems like it's going to be a funny piece. What's really nice is the people seem really, really cool. I can tell it will be fun to work with these guys. We are rehearsing the scene tomorrow and I shoot on Thursday from 8:00am - 6:00pm. As "Moose" I'm basically in a diner eating and I see the super hero "Mr. Marvelous." I approach him and look like I'm about to kick his butt when it quickly shifts to me thanking him emphatically for saving my great aunt from a gang of punks. What a great guy that "Mr. Marvelous" is!
It's a short scene, but a good one. And I can tell, this is the type of group that once you work with them successfully once, you work with them in the future. So I hope all goes well and I'm sure it will.
I guess it will be available on the internet one of these days. When it is, I'll let you know!
Last night was my second & last show for Level 2 at Second City. It was super cool. It was a good show and the house was packed like last time. Now on to Level 3 where we'll be doing three shows. Woo Hoo!
And out of the great blue yonder, I received a call today about a "web short" being shot later this week. Oddly enough, I sent my headshot & resume to these guys (Dreaming Tree Films) last September for a different film. They never called and that was that. But they must have held on to my headshot because they buzzed!
So I have an audition tomorrow for a character named "Moose." Do I look like a moose guy? Wait...don't answer that. All I know about the character & scene is his great aunt was saved by a super hero and he comes to thank him. Is that nuts or what!?
The show got it's first press! Of course they opted to not use the title, which is "cocksurehanded" by the way. And Terry Armour even mentioned the show this morning on WGN-TV. So we are cool baby! Below is a copy of the article that appeared in the Chicago Tribune's Inc. column.
I did the audition today and was offered a part! So I accepted! The show is way nuts, but it looks like it's going to be a lot of fun. It's a cast of only six men and they play a whole butt load of characters. Some of them women! If you've seen my Miss Pig Pictures, you know I make a pretty ugly woman, so who knows if I'll be cast in those parts.
The show runs Friday & Saturday nights at 10:30pm, March 16 - April 7 at Bailiwick Repertory Theater. I hope you can make it!
A director called me today to audition for a sketch show at Bailiwick Repertory. I think he has my headshot from my original mailing when I first moved to Chicago. I'm still getting calls from that! Can you believe it!
The audition is this Saturday. It's supposed to be a late night comedy show that's pretty edgy and raunchy. Sounds like my kinda show!
I got a "not this time" letter from Second City about the Touring Company Auditions. I got good feedback about my audition. I was told that I "made quite an impression" and "they look forward to seeing me next year." So at least I didn't suck too much. I'll get it next year though!
Yesterday was very nerve racking! It's was a very intimidating audition. I tried my best to have fun, but it was tough. I think it went ok, not great, but ok. I don't think ok will cut it though. I should know something next week. If nothing else, I'm way ahead of where I thought I'd be at this point in the game, so I'll kick some ass next year!
Tomorrow is my first Improv show with my Level 2 class. I'm really excited about that. It's been a while since I've done an Improv show in front of an audience. And I really like my class. This is gonna be a good tight nit group. We should do not too bad tomorrow. Come check it out if you can!
And if you're waiting on the news about my "It's a Miracle" episode, I talked to the producer and he said they're backed up and it's still going to be a couple of more months. He'll let me know when it will be airing and then I'll let everyone else know!
Ok, somebody messed up somewhere! I got a callback tonight from Beth Kligerman with the Touring Company! How freaky is that! It's this Friday and I'm sure I'm gonna pass out between now and then. Someone call the paramedics.
Today marked my first full year here in Chicago. And what a day it was! I auditioned for The Second City Touring Company today and I think it went pretty well. You never know with these things though. One of the people I auditioned with has been auditioning for ten years. I want to get into it, but I don't know about ten years!
Tomorrow I audition for a "Hoosier Lottery" commercial. I got this audition through Lily's Talent Agency. The role is for a guy in a Duck suit! If I'm not a perfect duck I don't know who is. Ok, maybe that's not true. But oh well, as they say - "it's a gig!"
On the 15th, I audition for a sketch show written by the Level 5 Writing class at The Second City Training Center. On the 16th I'm auditioning for The Second City Touring Company. This will make my second straight year auditioning for them. Sadly, it's not uncommon for people to audition for five or more years for the Touring Company. It's super tough to get into that troupe.
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