John William Galt

On friday I attended the Professional Artist Series at Richland College.  The guest speaker was John William Galt.  Who?  You may ask.  Well, let me just tell you who.  You may not recognize the name, but you will definitely know the voice.  Mr. Galt has a long and distinguished career in professional theatre, film, and broadcasting.  From being an original cast member of the American production of No Sex Please, We're British to appearing in films such as Forrest Gump, Talk Radio, JFK, The Return of Josey Wales, Paper Moon, and Born on the 4th of July among others, John has had a fascinating career.  He has been in over 1000 commercials and his voice is instantly recognizable from Budweiser to Harley - Davidson to countless others.

I am on the left, Mr. Galt on the right.  He was fascinating, and I wanted to share his knowledge with you.  He began in theatre, and he talked about what he thought made a successful show.  "There are three things."  He said.  "Audience involvement -- character, Entertainment value, and take them somewhere they didn't expect to go."

He went on to talk about the entertainment industry, and what keeps most of us out.  "What keeps you out is that they don't know you."  Ok.  What he was really getting at is that you have got to use shameless self promotion, and get your name out there.  He gave us his trick for getting his name out there.  "Give them something shiny and useful with your name on it, and then they will remember you."  At the end of the series he gave us all pens with his name on them.  Good idea.

He talked of his many movies and the stars he has met, and then he said, "the insecure ones are the ones that are jerks.  Once they know you they are very nice, and genuine."

Being a voice over artist, he offered advice on recording.  "Protect you throat, open up the throat, and chest and let the chest resonate.  Enunciate beyond the mic, find the sweet spot of the mic, and pop on the other side."

As the series came to an end he talked about how to deal with producer types, and people in general, and gave some advice to the young actors in the room.  "People will treat you the way you allow them to."  "When you go to an audition what you're selling is you.  So, do something you are comfortable with.  The world belongs to those who show up, just keep showing up."

Labor Day 2 2011

On this, our second day of the Labor Day weekend, we decided to take the train down to the West End.

The girls loved it.  Well heck, we all did for that matter.  There is just something about riding a train.  It can be relaxing.  You don't have to worry about traffic, parking, or any of the other hazards of the highway.  You have time to sit and talk with your traveling companions.  And you get to see the city, specifically "the other side of the trees."  That is what one of the girls said today as we rode.  "Now we get to see what it is like on the other side of the trees."  Yes, yes we do.  You don't take the train to keep a schedule.  The best way to ride is for fun, and that is what we did.  As you ride nostalgia kicks in.  You begin to imagine the days of the the old west, and life seems a little easier somehow.

Once we got downtown we wondered around and ended up at the castle.

In case you don't know what the castle is, it is the old red court house downtown.  They wanted to go inside, but alas, it was sunday and the museum was not open.  So, we had to settle for a picture on the steps of the castle.  After the picture we headed to the big box.

As you may have figured out by the picture, the big box is the JFK memorial.  They loved it.  It had a stage to perform, and dance on, and open spaces to run around in.  After a moment, my wife said, "Do you think we should try to explain this to them."  "No."  I said.  I think they are still too young to understand it.  But we did feel like we should heard them elsewhere to run, out of respect for the monument and others.

We finally got to the west end and ate and went in the western shop.  My sister in-law is from Louisiana and we like to give her as much Texas paraphernalia as possible.  So naturally we had to stop in and look at the cowboy boots, rhinestone jewelry, and cowboy hats.  Unfortunately, I do not have any pictures of that.  However, on our way back to the train stop, Amelia did the robot dance.  This, my friends, is worth looking at...

As we rode the train back, all of us were talking.  There were many interweaving conversations, and I thought this could not happen in a car.

Labor Day '11

My wife's family has come to visit this weekend, so, we have a house full of kids.

Having all the kids around makes me feel young again.  It also makes me appreciate the simple things in life like playing baseball in the yard, home made gifts that may not be that valuable monetarily, but are invaluable sentimentally, and swimming.

Traditionally, Labor Day marks the end of summer, and as a kid I used to dread going back to school, but this year I am glad to returning to the classroom at Richland College.  You see I am an adjunct faculty member there this year.  I teach intro to theatre and acting I.

Just a reminder don't wear white after this weekend.  I don't know where that rule comes from, but it seems to be important.

Back to the family and this weekend...
I had the opportunity to teach my 4 year old nephew how to bat this morning.  We played a lot of baseball today, and during one of our games I was coaching him on his hitting and said, "keep your eye on the ball."  To which he replied, "I always keep it on my eyeball."  I had no response to that.  Here he is in action.

Our niece will celebrate her 7th birthday soon, so, my wife gave her her birthday present in a bag she made out of capri sun pouches.  I know, you are probably thinking, "what in the world would a bag made out of capri sun pouches look like."  Well, you're in luck, I have a photo.

It is a neat little purse for her to carry her squinky's in.  Those are the presents that you really want to hold on to.

Towards the end of the day we went swimming at the hotel where the in-laws are staying.  This brought back a flood of memories.  dunking each other in the pool, throwing one another in the pool, and of course relaxing in the hot tub.  As we were swimming the girls ask me and papa to throw them in the air and let them land in the water.  So, we did.

Of course, me, papa, and the girls loved it.  Mom however, did not.  "That is too high."  She would insist, as the other girls would beg, "throw me, throw me."  So, papa and I found ourselves in an interesting catch 22.  To throw, or not to throw, that is the question.  Of course, we threw.  It was just too much fun.  The weekend is off to a good start.

4 Lovely Women

The girls and I went to the mall yesterday.

This giant pin is one of their favorite things to see when we go to the mall.  We made our usual rounds, and saw our usual things, the pin (of course), the fountain, the turtles, and the ducks.

They were trying to watch the duck, but I think the duck got the better show.  The middle one (in age) is trying to touch her hair in the water.  the oldest I think has had enough , and the duck, well I'm pretty sure she is thinking, "here we go again.  Some stupid kid is going to fall in.  I am just going to stand over here out of the way."
After we played with the duck we went to do one of our other favorite activities, ride the escalator.  When we reached the top something happened that revealed my future to me.  The girls stepped of the escalator look up into the heavens of the second floor of the mall and their jaws dropped.  Just then their mother said, "who wants to go to the make-up store?"  From the escalator they had seen this eden of womanhood, and even though they have never been allowed to wear make-up, they instinctively knew that this store was exciting, mysterious, grown-up, and where they needed to be.  They squealed as if they were in junior high, and yelled as they jumped up and down thrusting their hands in the air, "I do, I do."
They entered this shop as if they were entering Cinderella's castle.  This would make them princesses.  As soon as we entered the store a sales woman came over and said, "Hi ladies."  They gleamed with excitement.  Their dreams were coming true, they were grown-up ladies.  "Can I help you find something?"  The sales woman asked.

 "We are looking for lip gloss."  Their mother answered.  "Here, Lindsay will show you where it is."  And off they went with lindsay to find the lip gloss.
They found it, and began to pick their favorite colors and try it on.

All four of the girls were excited.  There was a flurry of activity, and they were all talking 90 to nothing. It was almost too much for my male brain to handle, and I was contemplating going to my empty square when I remembered a conversation I had with Barry Nash.  Barry is in his 50's and has two daughters.  I was directing him in a play when we got to talking about being the only man in a house full of women.  His daughters are grown now, so I was hoping to pickup some points of survival.
He said to me...
"There will come a time when you walk into your house and want to talk to someone about what is going on in your life.  As you try to do this, you will realize no one in this house understands me.  Not only that, but they don't care to."
Here in the make-up store, I could feel that moment beginning to creep its way into my life.  I told the Barry Nash story to my wife, and told her that sometimes I do wonder what it would be like to have a son.  Because, let's be honest, I think almost every guy thinks about having a son, and how he's going to rear him.
"Oh stop it."  she said, as she figuratively slapped me in the face.  "What."  I thought.  "I don't understand this sudden feeling of aggression."  "You are lucky to have 3 daughter.  Because we all know that daughters love their daddy's best, and when you are older you will have 4 girls that all love you to death."  She said, as the reality of these words tugged at my heart.
"Aw, you still love me."  I said.  "Shut up."  She answered, and in that moment I knew she did.  Then I looked at these 3 beautiful young girls, and saw how happy there were to be in the make-up store, and like the grinch, my heart grew 3 sizes.  Then one at a time they came over to me and asked how they looked.  "Like a princess."  I said.

The Baseball Game

The girls and I went to see a Rangers game last night.

As we were watching the game, the oldest, who is 6, asked why I like baseball so much?  That got me to thinking.  I think I like baseball because I played the game growing up.  That is the simple answer.  However, there is so much more to the answer, and at her age my daughter wouldn't understand it all, but I felt like I needed to write my answer down so I can remember the answer when she is old enough to grasp it.

Baseball can be a metaphor for life.  The field is precisely measured and very green and pretty, but the action on it can be chaotic.  The action is sometimes nonexistent, but then can happen at lighting speed.  The field starts from a single point, home plate, and fans out.  All the action starts from this one point, gets knocked around in the field, and comes back to this one point.  The players are all trying to get home.  It is the only game where the defense has the ball.  There is always tension, and a power struggle between two players, and in those seemingly quiet still moments there is a tremendous amount of action as we wait for the pitch.

Baseball is a great social outing.  As we watched the game there was a couple behind us that were on a date.  The girl didn't understand the rules of the game, and the guy was ever so happy to explain them to her, and she just loved his explanations.  Baseballs inherent structure, and pace allows time for conversation, which is the cornerstone of a great social event.

Baseball, like so many other events, is an escape.  I played baseball growing up, and my father coached me.  As I watch a game I am always taken back to an idealized time in my life when things were better and easier.  In the rough times of my life baseball always gave me, and my father something to talk about.

When my oldest daughter asked me why I liked baseball this is what I wanted to say, but I said, "I like it because I used to play, and it is relaxing."  She looked at me and said, "You still play.  With me in the back yard."  Yes I do.  The youngest got up the next day and asked "can we go to the soccer ball?"  She repeated the question several times before her mom and I realized she was talking about the baseball game.  We began to ask her questions about the ball-game, and were shocked when she could tell us some of the things that happened in the game.  I just thought they went for the snacks.

I am glad they liked the game, and the snacks.

Totally Technical Theatre

For the past two weeks I have been co-teaching a class at the Dallas Children's Theater called "Totally Technical Theatre."  The class was for middle school students.  We had 6 brave souls sign up for this inaugural venture.  The class covered the basics of technical theatre, you know, lighting, scenery, costumes, props, video, and sound.  Yes, the students actually had hands on experiences in some aspect of all the previously named areas.  It was a busy two weeks.  Our class worked in conjunction with one of the acting classes.  We designed the lights, set, and costumes for their final show case.

The students loved it.  They showed up early for class.  Were eager to get started, and on the last day said they were going to be sad when the class was over.  I think one of them might have even said they might cry when it was over.  As I sat back stage and watched the students I realized another important role that theatre can play for children this age, it provides a place where they fit in.

I continued to observed the students, all the reasons I loved theatre, and chose it as my career came flooding over me again.  I stood there, and relished those feelings.  It made me love theatre again.  I had gotten so used to the "theatre factory" that I work in, that I had almost forgotten the things that made me fall in love with theatre.  Then, like a gift from heaven, these students helped me remember the fun, excitement, coolness, magic, entertainment, happiness, and joy that is theatre.  They also helped me remember that theatre is a place where I am the cool kid, I fit in, I am good, and the acceptance that we all really want from others can be had, if only for a moment.

I was told once that success is helping others achieve their goals.  The students in the Totally Technical Theatre class made me feel like a success, and all I had to do was share what I know, and pay attention.

We made a video of the highlights of our class to show the parents what we had done the last two weeks.  I figure I should share it with you.  The link is below...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUg4zOBL89Q

The Rug Doctor

So the little girls left this morning to visit Nonni for a while, and the wife decided it was time to clean.  A good idea since it has been since 2005 that we have had the house empty of all children.  "Can you go rent a rug doctor?  They have them at Kroger."  She asked.  "Sure," I thought "that is easy enough.  Just get in, get out, we will have clean carpets, and everyone will be happy."  Off I go to Kroger.

I get to Kroger and realize, walking into a new store is like trying to find your way out of a labyrinth, and without the string to guide you.  I wondered around, and in true male form, found lots of things to buy that we didn't need.  Until finally I found the Rug Doctor.  I paused, looked at the rug doctors, and realized they were all locked up.  I mean as tight as fort knox.  "Ok, I need customer service."  I thought, and headed to the customer service counter.  When I arrived there was a long line of people.  "Wow, everyone needs some service this morning."  I thought, as I headed to the end of the line. While waiting I read the board hanging above the service counter, and discovered just what services they will provide for you at the customer service desk.  The services included, but are not limited to, cashing checks, money orders, lottery tickets, carpet cleaning, and apparently tickets to Schlitterbahn.  While I needed to use the carpet cleaning option, I really wanted to use the Schlitterbahn option.  However, I did now know why the line was so long.  No, everyone was not buying Schlitterbahn tickets; they were buying lottery tickets.  It is Saturday after all.  I really wanted to ask someone if they would buy me a lottery ticket.  Support your local starving artists, you know.

When I finally reached the counter I rented the rug doctor and the cashier called Adela to help me out with the rug doctor.  Adela comes, talks to the cashier, in spanish, and begins to take the rug doctor I just rented back to the rack.  "No, no I am parked out here."  I said, pointing towards my car.  She continued to walk away from me.  "No, uhm, excuse me that is for me."  I said, as I followed her back to the aisle.  "Hello, that is for me."  I began to wave my arms.  "Me, that is mine.  Hello."  I exclaimed, laughing on the inside at the sight I imagined others in the store saw.  Me, a long tall gangly man chasing a very tiny woman through the grocery store waving my arms wildly, and her just walking as if nothing was going on.  Finally, I caught up to her, and tapped her on the shoulder.  "That comes with me." I said.  She looked at me, turned, and headed to the rug doctor rack.  "No, no."  I said jumping in front of her to stop her.  "That is mine.  I rented it."  I explained.  "oh."  She said, and stood there looking at me.

I was unsure what to do next, so I did nothing, and we stood there looking at each other for a while.  Until finally I thought, "well, I guess she got it.  Start walking and see what happens."  So, I started walking, and she followed.  "Okay," I thought, now we are moving.  She continued to follow me out to the car.  I picked up the rug doctor, and put it in the back of the truck.  Adela stood there.  "Thanks," I said, and tried to get past her into my truck.  She just stood in my way.  "You have got to be kidding me," I thought, "surely she doesn't expect a tip."  However, she continued to stand and stare.  "Uhm, I think I have some change."  I said, and began to dig in my pockets.  I grab all the change I had, and handed it to her.  "Gracias." She said and walked away.  As I got in my truck, I thought, "I wonder if I just got hustled?"

When I got home the wife was ready to use the rug doctor.  So, I unloaded it, and she got right to work.  I went to another room in the house to begin cleaning it.  I still haven't mustered up the guts to tell her I think I got hustled at Kroger.

Our Trip to Colorado

We took our first official family vacation last week.  It was great.  We went to Colorado.  I have to give credit to my wife for making the trip with 3 little girls enjoyable.  She had us on an army like schedule.  We were up, on the road, and having breakfast in the car by 7:30am.  That is awesome for a family with a 2 year old, 4 year old, and a 6 year old.  She had movies scheduled, stories to read, and even left time to listen to "kids place live" on the satellite radio.

On the way out we ate at "The Big Texan."  No, none of us tried the 72oz steak dinner challenge.  That is like eating a whole roast, you know.  However, we did wait anxiously every-time some young robust young man walked in.  My wife said, "if someone takes the challenge while we are here, we are staying to watch."  No one did.  Boo!  We saw Palo Duro canyon.  The girls seemed impressed.  Then we went swimming in the pool at the hotel.  Well, let me rephrase, the 3 young girls went swimming.  That water was cold.

The next day we stopped in New Mexico at Capulin Volcano.  The girls were worried because they did not want the volcano to erupt while we were visiting.  Once we assured them that it would not erupt they loved it.  They became junior rangers.  Meaning, they completed the junior park ranger scavenger hunt.  We saw "bambi."  The youngest loved that, and kept asking to go pet "bambi."  We had a picnic lunch on the top of Capulin, and this is where "squirmy" enters.  Squirmy is a caterpillar, cute right?  The girls thought so, and spent a great deal of time following squirmy around and squealing.  I don't know if it was the following or the squealing, but squirmy got pissed.  So pissed in fact, that he stung the middle one.  I know right?  Who knew caterpillars could sting.  That is kind of cool, you know, except for the stinging my child part, but they can sting that is cool.

Once we got the middle one calmed down we went down the volcano, and they received their junior ranger badge, which they wore with pride for the next two days.  This trip to the volcano was the defining moment of the trip.  You see, after this every pile of dirt, mole hill, or bump was a "volcano," and every divot, ditch, or hole was a canyon.  And that is how we rode through the countryside to complete our journey, and arrive at the cabin where we were staying, with the girls yelling that they see a volcano, and a canyon.  In fact when we arrived at the cabin the oldest said, "Yay, we made it to the canyon."  Right.

My parents and sisters family joined us there, and we had a great time.  We went to the "sand bank," at the "lake."  This is also know as the sand bar in the Rio Grande river, don't worry we were in CO, so the Rio Grande is still blue and cold, not brown and warm like it is in Texas.  We went rafting in the "lake." We climbed "gum-ball mountain."  This is what the girls decide to call the mountain in the park where the sheep herders cabin is.  That is what we were climbing to see, and they had just finished watching strawberry shortcake before the climb, so naturally the rocks were "gum-balls," the grass was "icing," and the sticks were "candles."  Makes sense to me.  We saw two parades and no fireworks.  Happy Fourth!  The biggest and I climbed up the "deer trail."  This is a trail that leads to the top of Mount Moriah, which is the mountain behind our cabin.  I used to think my dad just called it a deer trail until I hiked to the top one March with my wife, and found elk.  She was quite scared to be so close to a herd of elk, I was like, "this is awesome, wow, dad was not lying to me when he called it a deer trail."  Turns out deer, and elk, do use this trail to come down to the river to get water.  When the biggest and I got to the top she sat on the cliffs, and looked out over the park and river and said, "It is awesome up here."  Kinda made the whole trip worth it.

The girls had a good time they did not want to come home.  Here is a video of the highlights of our trip...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnNoxwbeEqk

Emery's Milkshake

Last week in church the paster talked about the importance of fathers in the lives of their daughters.  Specifically, how studies have shown that girls with positive paternal input are more likely to succeed, and those girls without positive paternal input search for it in other males that do not have pure and honest intentions towards them.

Our  pastor also shared a story about orphaned male elephants that were living on a wildlife reserve in South Africa.  The biologist on the reserve began to notice strange behavior from the young orphan male elephants.  They were secreting a strange liquid.  They would also stab hippopotami with their tusks, and then force them under water, and drown them.  As it turns out, in the wild this liquid is a sign to older male elephants that this young male is looking for a "father figure,"  and the older male elephant will take the young male and teach him how to be a mature elephant.  These orphan elephants did not have that positive male role model, and were struggling to figure out how to me a mature responsible elephant.  The connection from elephants to humans is not that much of a stretch.  Young humans with out a positive male role model do the same thing.

All this to say, I decided that I needed to actively try to be a positive role model for the girls, and that as part of that I would come up with ways to connect with each one of them.  So that they would know that I love them, and when tough times come they can think of this connection, and know I am always there for them.

Emery and I created a secret hand shake.  However, she refers to it as our secret milkshake.  Here we are in action...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IGaYOkTnIE

The Bird House

The Girls hung out with me in the shop on Friday.  Mom had gone to a meeting.  "Well, I guess I am not going to get much done at work today."  I thought.  After mom left I was struggling to think of what to do with them.  Then I remembered my cub scout days.  "A bird house, of course.  What an easy, and great thing to build with them."  I thought.  So, we embarked on a building excursion that I will remember for a long time.

We began to gather the materials and get the tools out.  "Can we paint it."  The oldest asked.  "Yes."  I said, as I continued to get all the materials and tools organized.  "Can we paint it now."  The middle one chimed in.  "In a minute, we have to build it first."  I answered.  This seemed to satisfy them for a while, and buy me a little time to get this bird house put together.  "Build like the wind."  I thought, you are dealing with a time bomb.

However, I did want to take advantage of the "teachable moments," and teach them about tools and measurements.  So, as we began our project I talked to them about speed squares, T squares, goggles, (which they loved, and wanted to take home to wear), tape measures, (we talked about how many inches are in a foot), and how to use the jig saw.  Then it came time for cutting.

"Anyone want to help me cut out the bird house."  "Ahhh, no, no."  Was the reaction from the oldest and the youngest, but the middle one was all in.  So, she hopped up on a stool and began to help me cut out the side of the bird house.  We started the saw, and just like in the movies, there were screams all around.  I finished cutting out the bird house while the girls stood with their fingers in their ears screaming.

"Can we go paint it now?"  Asked the the oldest, again.  "We have to put it together."  I answered.  "Ughhhhh!  When can we paint?"  They whined in unison.  "Soon, we just need to attached the pieces."  I said.  I went to get the pneumatic brad gun.  I thought, as most men would that this would be the highlight of the build.  I mean come on, shooting a brad with 90 pounds of air.  Awesome!  So, I get it all set up and ask if anyone wants to help.
Tears all around.  "No don't shoot the birds."  They cried.  "I am not shooting birds.  This is to hold the house together."  I tried to explain.  It didn't matter, they were not having it.  I put the bird house together quickly, and announced that it was time for paint.

"Yay!"  they screamed with joy.  "I will go pick out the colors."  The oldest said, and ran to the paint room.  The other two followed right behind and they began to search for paint.  I put the bird house on the floor and realized  "I am a dead man if these kids get paint on their clothes." I tried to think of how to keep paint off kids clothes.  Then I realized I was dead, because there is no way to keep paint off of kids clothes.  No matter what you put on them, cover them with, or spray them with, paint will stick to kids.  But I knew I had to do something.  So, this is what I did...

I was very proud of my innovation.  They had a good time painting the bird house, and I thought all was well.  Then I took the bags off the children.  I even took scissors, and cut the bags off the children, so as not to get paint on the children.  I was feeling good about myself, then, out of no where and like a demon in the night, paint on the youngest's shirt.  "You have got to be kidding me."  I thought.  I should have known, because there is no way to keep paint off of kids.

I was scrambling to find something to take the paint out of her shirt.  Then I had an awesome idea.  Acetone.  I put some acetone on a rag and tried to wipe it off.  It just bled into the fabric.  "No, no, no, you are supposed to work.  Why aren't you working."   I thought.  And just like that, I was dead.  My only hope was that mom would love the bird house, and not notice the paint, yeah right.

Mom got there, and did love the bird house.  She was anxious about the painting, but after the girls told her they wore plastic garbage bags.  She came over, and gave me a hug.  "You covered them up.  I am so proud of you."  She said.  "But one got paint on her shirt."  I answered.  "Oh, that shirt is old, as long as you didn't get it on her shorts.  But you covered them up."  She gave me a hug.  "I am so proud of you.  And I love my bird house."  She said.  "Miracles never cease."  I thought.  Here is the bird house...

Memorial Day

Better late than never.  The girls and I went to Marshall for Memorial day.  We had a great time.  We took some family photos, coming soon, and played with the baby horse.
Here are the highlights of the weekend...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oA0jAzAh6-Q

Nouveau 47's New Works Festival

From Thursday May 12, 2011 through Sunday May 22, 2011 Nouveau 47 hosted a New Works Festival.  It was great.  I was fortunate enough to have a play read, direct one of the readings, and participate in the Storytelling event on Monday May 16.  Here are the links to my story...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jltcGZ6Drto

and to my play that was read.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Vugeo0KGJ0&feature=related

enjoy!

The Egg Toss Story

Last Monday, April 18, I told a story as part of Nouveau 47's Theatre Appresh.  The theme was "childhood memories."  So, I told a story about my days as an Indian Guide, and the egg toss.  Here is a link to the video.  Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U89WoAZMcaU

Amelia's Birthday

We had an exciting day today.  We celebrated Amelia's 6th birthday.  There was cake, singing, and bike riding.  Yes, she got a bicycle for her birthday.  So, naturally we spent some time learning to ride it.  Here are the videos from the festivities.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wY1ChtMwg3E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8RZR0qNI4M

Amelia at the Rangers game

Amelia and I went to the Rangers game on Tuesday 4/05/11.  We had a good time.  Here is a little video of our time at the game.  Hope you enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9P5eeRWcT8

Makenna tells a knock knock joke

Brandy was trying to entertain Makenna in the van.  Turns out she entertained us.  Here is Makenna's first knock knock joke.

Later she added a twist to the joke.  I have added her 2nd joke below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb7QuQK_r9w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpBQccDwaUQ

Escucha video

We performed the reading of Escucha last night.  It was well received.  Here is the video.  Enjoy!

http://www.vimeo.com/21379086

Escucha

Nouveau 47 is presenting a reading of my play Escucha.  It will be Monday March 21 at 7:30pm, at the Magnolia Lounge in Fair Park.  Donny Covington is directing, and the cast includes Josh Glover, Blake Montgomery, and Cara Reid.  Come on out and enjoy.

Reviews of The Lesson

The first weekend of Loop has come to an end, and the reviews are out.  Here are a few reviews of The Lesson.  enjoy!

http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2011/mar/07/theater-reviews-out-loop-fringe-festival-addison/

http://theaterjones.com/outoftheloopfringefestival2011/20110304223757/2011-03-05/Loop-Review-The-Lesson

http://frontrow.dmagazine.com/2011/03/out-of-the-loop-theater-review-second-thought-theatre’s-the-lesson/

http://www.dallasobserver.com/2011-03-10/culture/out-of-the-loop-fest-teaches-a-lesson-in-how-to-do-ionesco-tap-this-turns-on-some-crazy-rhythms/

This is from the Dallas Morning News...

Of the shows I caught on Friday and Saturday, days two and three of the 11-day event, Second Thought Theatre came on strong with Eugene Ionesco’s The Lesson. Second Thought is the most established of the five small Dallas theater companies in the festival this year. The Lesson uses a lot of personnel associated the ensemble before the recent reorganization – and is none the worse for that.

Some of director Mac Lower’s ideas are too silly even for Theatre of the Absurd: Anastasia Munoz’s perky direct addresses to the audience as the Pupil and Abigail Herring’s sexy subtext as the Maid just don’t make sense. Undeniably, though, Lower gets great performances from all three actors. David Lugo’s Professor transitions from Elmer Fudd-like stutters to violent magnificence with all kinds of psychological detail.

The Lesson Opens Tomorrow

As you know I have been directing The Lesson by Eugene Ionesco.  Well, the time has come.  It opens tomorrow, 3/04/11.  Performances are tomorrow at 8pm, Sat. 3/05/11 at 5pm, and Thurs. 3/10/11 at 7:30pm.  Tickets are $10.  It is being performed as part of the Out Of The Loop festival.  Come check it out.

Here are a few photos from dress rehearsal last night.

The True Story of the 3 LIttle Pigs

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs has been running at the theatre for a while now.  The theatre meaning the Dallas Children's Theater, where I work.  We had photo call yesterday so I decided to share some production photos.  Here is what the show looks like... enjoy!

This is the back of the pig jury.  The jury is made of puppets, and two crew members operate the puppets from here.

This is the whole stage.

The Prosecutions desk and pig jury.

As the name would indicate, the press bucket.

The Lesson

I am Directing Ionesco's The Lesson for Second Thought Theatre as part of the Out of Loop Festival.  Come and check it out.  We perform Friday 3/04/11 at 8pm, Saturday 3/05/11 at 5pm, and Thursday 3/10/11 at 7:30pm.

Rehearsals are going well.  We have a great cast, David Lugo, Tasia Munoz, and Abigail Herring.

All guys are stupid and all girls are crazy

On Valentines Day I told a story illustrating the theory that all guys are stupid and all girls are crazy.  It was well received.  Here is the link...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT8uWv8sQ3w

Hope you enjoy, and can relate.  Well, you know, in a good way.

The excitement of yesterday!!

We had yet another snow day yesterday.  So, the girls went out to have a snowball fight.  Here are the highlights....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a82Dj02f4ks

We also decided to go ahead and begin potty training Makenna.  No problem, except that her sisters don't understand why she gets treats and they don't.  You'll see...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJ25SL60juc

I wish all my days could be so fun.

Ice Skating

Today was the second snow day in a row.  So, the girls decided to ice skate on the driveway this afternoon.  Here is the result.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lIxQCtJzj4

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Snow Day

We woke up this morning to icy roads.  School was closed, and I had no work.  Sounds like a recipe for sleighing.  Here is our Texan attempt, complete with cardboard.  Hope you enjoy!  We did.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXfD_7z8peY

Everyman Performance

Last Monday, January 24, the reading I directed of an adaptation of Everyman was performed.  Here are a few links so you can watch it for yourself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1ATksJ_zU0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp4sd_CUMRw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLe46h5jO8s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPAqAWAbXow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PeQRUyhV-8

It seemed to be well received.  Let me know what you think.  Enjoy.

Everyman

I have been busy directing a reading of Everyman, adapted by Tasia Munoz, and Monday night we perform it.  The performance will be at 7:30pm at the Magnolia Lounge, as part of Nouveau 47's Theatre Appresh.

The idea was to use Commedia characters and play with the relationship between audience space, and actor space.  It will be interesting to see how an audience reacts.  Here are some rehearsal photos.