Don't Want To Give It Away, But . . .

 

SCAPINO - 1976. That's me on the dock

There's quite a thrill involved when you do sonething you love and get paid for it.  I spent 21 years as a Touring Professional Actor/Director. Meaning I got paid for performing and sharing my craft. Then, after moving to Spokane, spent about 10 more years as a Working Actor.  After being able to put food on my table by indulging in a profession I adore, I must say it's difficult to "give it away".  Opportunities to work professionally in this area are few and far between, but the draw of the stage remains strong. 

So now comes the difficult question -- I want to get back on stage, but I don't want to jump into just ANY production. Especially since I would be donating my time and talents to do so.

I often ask other actors to name a play they've done and would NEVER want to do again. For me, that was the musical A WONDERFUL LIFE.  I thought the script needed a LOT of work, even though playing Clarence was enjoyable.  Then, 15 years later, I was giventhe opportunity to do the show again - but this time I was getting a hefty paycheck for my efforts.  Did I put my opinions aside for the sake of income???

Yes, I took the job

A good friend (PT) has said acting is the Second Oldest Profession. You are told "Be at this place at this time, here's what you'll wear, and when you're done the money will be on the dresser" (actually the check will be with your agent, but still) But I digress . . . 

So, do I take whatever roles are available just to feed my habit, or do I exercise discretion and select projects I really WANT to do and suffer the consequences? (see previous post about the Project That Never Came About - "A Mild Rant")  To quote one of my least favorite playwrights -- "There's The Rub"

Until next time.

Back On Stage In A Classic

 

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE The Musical

I didn't think I'd be back on stage at Coeur d'Alene Summer Theater - a full time job tends to get in the way - but they needed me and it worked out.

Paul Gordon's PRIDE AND PREJUDICE The Musical. 

The reviews were very good

I had the opportunity to play Mr Bennet - the 1813 British Version of Tevye ("I have 5 daughters!")  I was welcomed in by the cast and crew on Day 3 of rehearsals.  Our director, Antoinette DiPietropolo, was a joy to work with -- and a HOOT! Even though we were working on a classic piece of British Literature, I actually got to spend 20 minutes teaching a fellow cast member how to do a proper spit take. Antoinette insisted on capturing the moment on video.

Even the rehearsals were fun

On to the next adventure - directing a new Christmas play. We will be presenting A SHERLOCK CAROL at Spokane Civic Theater. (auditions start September 24, 2023)

Take a Bow, Folks.

Back In The Theater -- well, kinda

 After FAR too long, I have been able to get back to what I love doing. COMEDY!

The Spokane Shakespeare Society joined together with Riverfront Park for a summer event - Shakespeare In The Park. The first production was something about sprites and fairies dreaming in the middle of summer or something like that.  But THEN - - - 

We had 7 performances scheduled and due to conflicts in the park ended up doing them in 4 different locations.  But that's what keeps an actor on his toes, ain't it?

Rehearsals Underway

Our Set - Simple But Eloquent

It has been a great run (at this writing we still have 2 more performances to go) with a fun group of people doing pure silliness! And being outside we have been able to have live audiences and hear them laugh and moan and talk back.  It's been a great way to get back into the swing of things.  

Kaylan, Robert, and Jerry

We even went live on the KXLY morning news -- at 5AM (sheesh)

Now I want to do more - and more -- and MORE!

Memory Lane Is A Road Less Traveled

Remembering Past Projects . . . 2013

Getting Started

I've always wanted to do this, and now that it is probably not the cool, current thing anymore, that's when I usually get involved - so here we go.

Had a great show experience last Saturday as we did our 8th (I think) Fund Raiser Murder Mystery Event for the LOS.  It was a return engagement of DEATH AND DECEIT ON THE NILE, and I was the director this time.  I also played Zelda Lavish, Art and Antiquities Dealer (who was in reality Melvin Lavinski, Jewish Businessman from Hoboken NJ)

                                          Zelda Lavish getting ready for her close up



Zelda Lavish entertaining the audience

                               . . . . not to mention, The Shoes. (Ouch!)

                                                                                          
We did 2 shows and had good attendance - considering we were up against Hoopfest - and the LOS ladies were pleased with the financial outcome.  Overall, a fun time with a group of actors who were a joy to work with and a lot of fun, too.

                    The Cast: Kat, Charlie, Jamie, Damon, Sarah and Jim - - - 

 - - - and ME!

Looking back on it, it was a fun experience because of the people involved.  Everyone came into this project with the expectation of having a good time.  No one suffered from "prima donna" syndrome - everyone had one goal - to make this the best show we could.  I was sorry it was over so fast.  Thanks to everyone involved.