On Wednesday, February 20th, I was taking my water break during my three hour combat class, when my teacher, Charles Conwell, came up to me and told me that he and Charlie Gilbert had come up against some sort of "political wall," that was preventing them from getting me funding for stunt school this summer. Bummer. However, I reassured him that, money aside, I'd still be going, because I know a good opportunity when I see one. On Thursday, February 21st, I received an email during work from Charles, congratulating me on receiving the funding! I have never been so excited about an opportunity as I am now! The International Stunt School at Seattle looks fantastic. I managed to get into touch with one of its "veterans," who watched some of my combat videos and said, "You should have no problem getting accepted." I want to thank Conwell and Charlie Gilbert for making this a possibility. It's one step closer to making my dreams reality! Can't wait to set myself on fire and throw myself off the top of a building! (And hopefully, eventually get paid for it.)
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Wow. Equinox has come and gone. I can honestly say I've never had quite an experience like it. I walked into the theatre on Friday night, literally trembling with excitement. I couldn't sit still for the entire first half, until after my play had ended! No matter how many times I saw "I Think I Like Soy Things" performed, I never got over my nervous/excited/proud/giddy energy! Lucas Kappler (Roy Richards) has an extremely witty, outside-the-box approach to his work, which made him perfect for the role. He did a fantastic job in capturing the funny, yet angsty side of a teenager whose parents just don't understand. I also find it ironic that in the real world, Lucas would never consider going vegetarian. Dan Rosen (Drew Hastings), was the comical genius of the night. His natural comedic tendencies and relaxed manner onstage allowed him to fully dive headfirst in the being the clown that Drew Hastings is, even if it meant wiping chocolate pudding all over his face, or dancing like a fool during the onstage montage. I can honestly say that the audience left with sore bellies from the laughing Dan induced. Liat Kovnator (Moxie) was actually not my first pick for the role. In my head, I saw someone who was dark, brooding, and freaky. However, Liat not only captured those aspects of Moxie, but she also brought to it a sort of unapologetic "dorkiness" and awkwardness that I had never considered before. And, honestly, when you think about it, how else would a girl who's never had friends before behave when confronted with friendship? Liat's work was very impressive. When Chris Garofalo (Bradley McDonald) walked into the audition room, I knew before he even slated that he was going to play the bully. Chris has such a natural air of confidence and strength that he carries with him without even thinking about it. His investment in the circumstances of the play, as well as keeping in mind Brad's secret backstory, really made the character pop in a way I never could have imagined. I'm thankful that Chris originated Brad's character. For Brandon Essig and Kris Robinson, who played Mr. and Mrs. Richards, I cannot be thankful enough. The play presented them (and our miraculous design team) with a unique challenge: speaking/moving in unison with a recorded voiceover under them. It was, no doubt, a terrifying and frustrating theatrical feat. However, they did it wonderfully. The effect was stunning and earth-shaking; to hear your red-sillhouette-lit, all-powerful parents speaking from behind you was both spooky and fantasmic. I also have to commend Brandon and Kris for doubling as an extra jock and hussie (whom Kris lovingly dubbed ChaCha). And then we have Ryan Sitner (Coach Turnbull). In writing the play, I didn't actually give Turnbull much thought. I wanted him to be the larger-than-life gym teacher character, of course, but as far as comedic material, I didn't really try to do much with him. That's where Ryan and the design team came in. Ryan embraced the idea of a gym teacher who's a little too into his prize wrestlers, and who maybe isn't the best person to be supervising a class of tension-filled teens. When I discovered that Ryan's costume consisted of knee-high socks, tight shorts and a polo, I thought I would die laughing. It got even funnier when they stuffed a sock in his already too-tight shorts. I also have to thank Ryan for doubling as Brad's dad. Of course, this post would not be complete without thanking Molly Barron, who directed this beast. If anyone else had directed this show, it might not have turned out so well. Molly approached it will a cheerful, bouncy and sometimes sloppy view, which was exactly what the show needed. The loosey-goosey sort of attitude she brought to the show made the funny moments funnier, and when mistakes were made, it was easier to flow with them. I can say the audience really relaxed and enjoyed the show, due very much to Molly's great direction. I'd also like to thank the brilliant and patient stage management and design teams for putting up with my 70+ cues. Sean Ravitz, Savannah Knechel, Maria Amador, Josh Campbell, Doug Smith, Rob Caso, Matt Dejong, Joe Samala, Shane Martin, Steven Lieboff, Sarah Galante, Joe Orsini, Michaerl Iacobucci, Brad Pouliot, Cara Franz, Monique Myers, Sara Chmielowiec and Bradly Akers: You guys are the bomb. Thank you so much for your hard work! Also, a big shout-out to Carlos Rios and P. Seth Bauer for helping me edit this monster of a one-act. Equinox was an incredible experience, and I hope to write more wacky comedies in the future And it feels great. I'm finally back in an established combat class, and I'm up to get certified in four more weapons. I'm also currently working on a 90 second fight for my upcoming Philly showcase in March.
I've been writing my butt off, and I'm submitting several of my short stories for two separate contests in West Virginia. Additionally, I'm looking at a future gig at FestivALL!, a big summer festival that features live performances, crafts, food and music. Jack the Jester may make an appearance! This semester has already begun to open doors for me. During our short break this morning, Charles Conwell approached me to ask if I would be interested in attending Seattle's International Stunt School over the summer. Yes. YES YES YES. He is currently looking for funding; I'm really hoping it comes through! The school looks amazing. Lastly, my short comedy, "I Think I Like Soy Things" is opening this Friday, at 8 PM in the Caplan Studio Theatre at UArts. If you're around, I'd be honored for you to attend! Facebook link to the event: Equinox 2013 Here is a short write up that was posted on the Hur Herald in Calhoun County, WV: http://hurherald.com/cgi-bin/db_scripts/articles?Action=user_view&db=articles_hurherald&id=50963 When we got the schedule for Equinox rehearsal, it was a little unspecific. I understood that the first 3-4 weeks were focused on workshopping my play and editing it. I had a lot of great ideas that I hoped would be incorporated into the actual performance, and it looks like the production team is doing their best to make it happen. On Monday of this week, I showed up 15 minutes early to rehearsal, as usual, and my lovely stage manager, Sarah, said to me, "Why are you here?" I said, "Um... rehearsal?" She reminded me that the scripts were frozen, and I really didn't have to be in rehearsal anymore. Granted, that was a huge load of stress off my back, because I had a lot of other things I had to get done before winter break. But I didn't want to let my baby go! Not yet! I decided to hang out for the first 30 minutes of rehearsal, "just for moral support." Let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the feeling of watching words I've written physically come alive in front of my eyes. I am blessed with an eager, excited, energized cast and a beautiful director and stage manager. My baby is in safe hands, I think. Equinox will be presenting I Think I Like Soy Things on January 26th, 2013, in the Caplan Studio Theatre at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Open to the public! We'd love to have you! So, my one-act is currently in workshop and rehearsal, and I really could not be more pleased! I've found so much inspiration from my classmates, cast and production team, and I'm overflowing with creativity!
On that note, I want to take the time to encourage everyone to go see shows. If I had not gone to see The Berserker Residents' performance of The Giant Squid, this show never would have happened. To dove-tail off of that, take the time to eat with your friends. My dear friend and fellow colleague Arlen Hancock inspired the title for my show. The conversation went something like this: Me: Whatcha eatin'? Arlen: Tofu. Me: Oh cool. Arlen: Tofu's made out of soy, right? Me: Yep. Arlen: Guys... I think I like soy things. Bam. A project is born. My new goal is to find inspiration in any and everything. And I encourage everyone else to do the same. |
Jessi's ThoughtsHey everyone! This blog is to keep you updated on what I'm currently working on. I will be posting show dates, readings, and other crazy stuff here. Archives
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