Exit, pursued by a bear

A Post In Which the Author Is a Little Vain, but Doesn't Quite Give a Damn...

2011-07-17T21:57:00.000-07:00

What do you like about yourself, your physical self? It can be something small, but I think everyone should have something. No matter how the rest of them looks. There are those tiny little things that if they're doing all right, I can leave the house in the morning ready to take on the world. I don't think of it as vanity or narcissism. I just think that our bodies are so incredible and should be something we should be amazed at and thankful for. Me personally, I love my glasses; my hair; and my eyes.

I think glasses are amazing! I know people who are embarrassed to wear them, but I think they can make such a statement about someone. Eyes themselves are such beautiful, little marvels of nature, so what's wrong with putting a frame around that? I love em and they have continued to change as my personality has. My current specs? They're from a company called Anglo American Frames in England and are by far the most comfortable pair I've ever owned.

And yes, people ask me about 4 times a day if they're real every time a Harry Potter movie is released.

Im also sort of in love with my hair. Its been a lifelong, arduous journey; we've had our fair shares of quarrels, but I've grown to love my curly mop of hair. It's been dyed blue, its been tied back, it's been chopped, and left dangling and I love every time I get to do something new to it. Right now its down to my shoulders, but future projects necessitate a 50's or 60's style cut. So we'll see how these curls fare under pomade and side parts.

What part of yourself do you love? What do you see in the mirror that makes you happy? I think everyone has at least one thing, and its important to know what that is. Because even if others don't notice it, or even don't like it, it's your life and your body; enjoy what you have while you have it.

In which the author presents his apologies for doing nothing when promising much...

2011-07-11T21:37:00.001-07:00

Im sorry... more to come...

Changes as the year comes to a close...

2010-12-12T17:45:00.000-08:00

I'm always surprised by the changes that still manage to scrape through in our lives in as small amount of time as a single month. I've been thinking of this past year as it draws to a close, and even in these last few weeks, things are constantly changing. Life is funny that way.

Speaking of changes, I was in this show last week:

And now I find that we have been chosen to go to L.A. and present this wonderful, exciting, fantastic play to our peers from all over the lower western states. Pretty exciting stuff!

Life is good...

P.S. The play for the month? Richard II. Sorry I didn't post it earlier. More to come on this play. I want plenty of time to gush over it. I love this one!

Giving Thanks

2010-11-27T23:08:00.000-08:00

What made this Thanksgiving a great one? It can be summed up in one night's events..

Hot Cocoa made fresh

Putting up the Christmas tree together as a family

Listening to Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" with my Dad on the record player

I am grateful for music

I am grateful for family

I am grateful for my home

I am grateful for the beauty of the world around me

I am grateful

O, had I but followed the arts!

2010-11-23T18:21:00.000-08:00

I have decided to begin a little project. I may never finish, it may not be of interest to anyone, but I will begin it and see where I go from there. Upon preparing for my audition for the Utah Shakespeare Festival I realized that while I'm fairly knowledgeable in regards to the Bard's works, there is so much that I haven't even begun to explore... what a surprise.

It's not like I have 400 years of production history to research

oh wait.....

So to conquer this mountain, I am going to read the complete works again, but a little further in depth than I have in the past. I plan on reading one play for each month. That's 38 plays, giving me a finishing date of February 2014. That's more than 3 years, but by the time Im done with this, I'm going to know my stuff inside out....well, that's the hope anyways... and for those few readers I do have who are not the slightest bit interested in this, not to worry, I'll still blog about my blocked up sink or my favorite recipes or whatever I decide to write about, but I feel like this is an important part of who I am as an actor, and want to know more about this heritage that I've joined.

So, to start things off, the first play will be... a mystery until my next post.

The photo below is from one of its productions... can you guess which one? I love this production's concept of using falling sand as a relation to the protagonist's failing world. I want to steal it in one way or another, but can you imagine the itchiness. I am sure those costumes were a bugger to clean...

I also wanted to mention something interesting that I learned today. Shakespeare's plays were compiled in Quartos and Folios. The actual scripts have changed throughout these different publications, and I've always wondered why. Understandably, many of these plays were written down from memory, and editing was not as uniform then as it is today, but I figured that could not be the only excuse. The interesting thing I learned today was just one of those reasons why we have so many variations in Shakespeare's works.

I learned that Parliment passed an Act to Restrain Abuses of Players in 1606, "which made it a law that if at any tyme or tymes ... any person or persons do or shall in any Stage play ... jestingly or profanely speake or use the holy name of God or of Christ Jesus, or of the Holy Ghost ... shall forfeite for everie such Offence by him or them committed Tenne Pounde." This made all the difference between editions of Shakespeare's plays, and in the folio edition, one will notice that all references to God have been replaced with the word heaven. This may not seem like such a big deal at first, but if you look at a play that's written all in verse, and the characterizations rely upon that verse, adding in another syllable changes a whole lot.

So, now when you are reading a play by Shakespeare, think about this, and realize that not all editions are created equal. In fact, there are quite a few changes that make some pretty big changes in character, scansion, and flow. The best way to find these changes? Get a good copy of the play. I'd recommend the Arden editions. They have the most extensive notes.

Anywho, I've worn out my welcome today and am signing off, but if there are any plays you want me to read next, or if you want to read along with me and send some tidbits my way, you're more than welcome to do so. Have a good Thanksgiving!

2010-11-14T14:06:00.000-08:00

Life is scary.
There's many things to ruin and many plans to upset.
Get over it...

I don't mean this maliciously, nor is this intended towards anyone in specific, but there's many a circumstance where I've wanted to say this, so I'm doing it now on this particularly introspective, cloudy Sunday.

We only have a short time here, and an even shorter time to share it with individual people that cross our paths, so why not make the most of it?

You don't want to ask that person out for fear of rejection? Get over it.

You don't want to pursue your dreams because you might not make it? Get over it.

You don't want to show someone your work because its not perfect? Get over it!

There's very few times in our lives where not trying to reach our full potential will actually benefit us. So just go for it and if it all falls apart, who cares! You have friends to help you pick up the pieces, and yes, everyone has friends to support them, even if they don't believe it.

I don't want to get too sappy here, and no, I wont be quoting Nelson Mandela. I just want to say that you can do it. You might fail, but who cares? I will allow you to feel sorry for yourself for a couple of days, but that's it. After that, you better pick your feet up off of the ground and restart; because otherwise, you're just wasting time.

Things I've Learned

2010-08-03T20:29:00.000-07:00

These past few days, this whole summer in fact, I have had chances to play around in other fields in the theatre world. I've run a soundboard; I've set up lights for Sundance, UVU, and for film; and I've even become the dramaturge for an upcoming production of Antigone. That being said, I've been learning so much, and realized something that I wish I had learned before.

You see, I am an actor. I always will be, and although I have enjoyed all these projects I've worked on, I would always rather act. I already knew that though. Its a part of me. It's something that's hard to describe; a passion that I feel deep down in my bones. What I didn't realize was that these things I have been learning would have such an impact on my acting. It has. It will continue to do so. I've always thought myself as a well rounded citizen of our little planet earth. I know enough about the world and its' cultures to be decisive in my opinions and little enough to still see it with an wide eyed, awe filled wonderment.

I realized this summer that the same is true in the acting world.

In order to be a good actor, I've realized that knowing the world that you work in is vital to your art. I'm not saying expertise is a must, but knowing your way around a light board or being able to conquer the terrors of the costume shop sewing machine is part of knowing how this big theatre world exists. I just think the more I know about the lights above me, the sounds coming from the speakers, or the makeup I'm wearing, the more I will be able to manipulate and synthesize them into my own work as an actor. Just a thought.

So for all my theatre friends out there, even though it is not the biggest thing in the world, I make this recommendation: Know your world and continue to learn things that are new to you. Know what its like to sew a costume, or hang lights, or paint a set to look like something it isn't. I'm lucky to be going to a school that is really open about learning these things, and while I will eventually be going to grad school and specializing in a specific field, I think these things will be useful in creating the most out of that ultimate goal. It makes us better actors, better scholars, and all around better people.

After all, knowledge is power, right?

Highlights of the Week

2010-07-12T20:12:00.000-07:00

To See:

Whilst randomly scrolling through the interwebs I found this great website by illustrator Steve Morrison. Check it out. Really cool stuff.

http://www.stevemorrisonillustration.com/

To Eat:

I also had the chance to find pictures of the most amazing chocolates ever. They're in an Italian Deli in Salt Lake City called Tony Caputo's and are from Chocolatier Blue, based in California.

Are these not incredible? Boasting such simple yet unique flavors such as Sage Honey and Grapefruit Rosemary, these chocolates are as delicious as they are beautiful. Though they are a little pricy, (2 dollars per delectable piece) they are worth the cost if you want to surprise a special someone with something a little more appealing than a bag of Hersey's.

To Hear:

Firstly, if you have not heard of the Icelandic band Sigur Ros, you need to remedy the situation. My music find for the week is the artist Jonsi, lead singer for the band Sigur Ros. He has recently come out with a new album that is the most joyful, cathartic, reflective and everything else happy in the world album that I have ever heard. Go look him up!

To Read:

This book is an old one that I've read over and over again. I am putting it down this week because I read it again before I let my friend Ashley borrow it. As for everyone else who I didn't lend it to: READ THIS BOOK! Its the best book I have ever read and each time I read it I fall in love with it all over again.

For Those That Came Before Us and Those That Follow After

2010-06-02T10:08:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of my ancestors. I only know one of their names, and I don't know much about their lives, but here they are nonetheless, and they are very much a part of my life and heritage. Isn't it fascinating to think about? Had one of my great great grandparents moved to India, or California, or anywhere else in the world, I might be a completely different person. I am blown away by that simple fact. It's like an intricate web that seems so big, but is made up of individual threads. Every action they made had a consequence which in turn created the person they were, which in turn set up the lives of their own future generations. Now, I'm not saying that they are responsible for everything I've done. I think we all are born with certain personalities and are prone to sensitivities towards certain aspects of life. I also think that we are born with the ability to choose and change the course of our lives as well. I do think, however, that if my ancestors had lived differently that could have possibly changed some aspects of the life I live. More of a variation on a theme than an absolute shift. That's what I think anyways.

I started thinking about this as I was taking old photos from our family library and digitizing them for my father. As I thought about this, I also realized that I was in a similar position. Whatever I do with my life; if it be theatre, accounting, living in England, or staying put in Utah Valley all my life, I will change some of the circumstances of future posterity. That is so interesting to think about, isn't it? Its awe inspiring and terrifying at the same time. We live our lives as if they are our own, which in a certain aspect, they are. But there is suddenly a certain gravity to those life changing choices we make, knowing that we will in turn be affecting the lives of future generations. This applies for our character and value as well. As I hear the stories my Dad tells me about my ancestors, I find great uncle so and so was a charitable man, whereas great grand somebody was a thief. The way we act now will be remembered and there is a certain amount of familial honor that I think is to easily forgotten in our fast paced, "live in the now" world.

It's certainly something to think about.

2010-03-21T18:02:00.000-07:00

Well, another Spring Break has come and gone. I had a really enjoyable one this year so I thought I would share some pictures. I didn't do anything particularly grand, nor did I leave town, but I was able to spend some good quality time with friends and Family.

To start things off, my parents and I started the yearly ritual that comes to those with green thumbs. It was time to prune our fruit trees. We usually get about two or three loads in the truck that we send down to the dump. Although its healthy for our trees, they don't seem to appreciate it and by the end of the day, we're full of cuts and scrapes.

I also got to see this:

You can read my almost 100% unedited review at http://www.utahtheaterbloggers.com/1163/the-secret-garden-at-the-childrens-theatre. They give me free tickets to review shows across the Valley and I just have to show up and write how I felt about it. Pretty sweet deal if you ask me.

What would spring break be without one last foray into the mountains to seek out the last of old man winter? While I am not one for winter sports, (you'll never see me in skis again after the great ski lift incident of 95) I decided to go snowshoeing with my sister and mom. It was actually really nice. I am amazed that someone could create these contraptions that keep me up above the snow by making my feet bigger. Who knew?

Although all this time with my family was fun and good, I got to do some fun things with my friends too. I judged a drama competition and got paid for it :), I had a nice little bonfire (the first of many), and I saw An Education with my friends Nick and Jessy. All I can say is

GO SEE THIS MOVIE

It was so beautiful! And I think it had a really important message. I think its easy to see things in life and wish that we could have it right then and there. That things were easier and more fun. It's not meant to be this way. We have to learn. We have to struggle. It's part of the beauty of existence.

So that brings me to today. The last day of spring break. What would a break be without some cooking? For dinner my mom made her famous roasted pepper pasta and I got a chance to make these yummy Brioche rolls. There is something so blissful about cooking for others. I love it so much. If I wasn't going to school for theatre arts, you can bet your buttons I'd be a master chef. Oh well. Its a nice hobby. By the way, do those rolls look yummy? I'll post the recipe next time.

Down the Rabbit hole

2010-03-06T12:32:00.000-08:00

So, I saw Alice in Wonderland last night and despite what others have been saying, I LOVED it. I love that story anyways and I've always wondered why. After watching this film I realized it's because I love stories about children going into the world and returning as empowered beings. Its a great idea, and an idea that I think children should be told. They are capable. They will have to face the world and they will sometimes fail, but if they persist, they will return from their journey with a new strength.

Upon reflection, I thought of a couple of other movies that have similar ideas. These types of films are all some of my all time favorites as well.

Coraline is such a great movie on so many different levels. But I just love how independent she is and how the way she views the world changes as her journey progresses. I loved how the film took us along with her experience and little by little we saw her parents, her neighbors, and even the world around her change.

Matilda is another film that I have always adored. Its set in such a relatable world. School is a scary place, and I think we've all had moments when we've thought our parents didn't care. Plus, I love reading. I've loved to read since I was a little child. I think Matilda and I could have been friends.

Kiki's Delivery Service is another great film. I particularly like this one because Kiki's enemy isn't a huge dragon, or something symbolic of that sort. Instead, Kiki's challenge as she goes into this new world is simply to find a way to belong and be herself. It's something we all want. It's something we all relate to. Now, if only we could all fly, that would be awesome!

Some may call me overly optimistic, too forgiving, or simple in my choice of films. But I'd rather like the good things in a movie and go away from it hopeful for what lies ahead in my own future than stand as an "unbiased" critic who cant get over the fact that the director failed to include such and such or didn't focus on so and so. If sophistication means not being able to see what I saw last night and enjoy it, then I'll stand on my own.

Life of a SLACer

2010-02-27T20:06:00.000-08:00

So this weekend I saw Salt Lake Acting Company's production of Too Much Memory. Before I rant and rave about what I saw, I want to talk a little bit about how amazing this place is in genreal. So let's back it up a little and go back in time to a magical place called last semester in Acting 2.

This man, Chris Clark, had our class buy tickets to this random little theatre in Salt Lake. I had no clue what it was, but I was pretty happy because this place charges 50$ and over for season tickets, and we were getting them for around 30$. What's not to enjoy? So with tickets in hand I go to this building:

Its a nice little place, but considering it used to be a church Im thinking of gym floors and cultural halls. Well, I walk in and the first thing that happens is one of the head hanchos of this place takes us around to check out the theatre. She shows us a little cafe with yummy food and the place is covered with photos and paintings by local artists. So far I am very pleased and we havent even gotten into the actual performance space yet. When we finally did wander in there, (and yes, we did wander in since they just let everyone float around the place) I am greeted with this remarkable set:

It really looks like it goes on forever, doesnt it? And its so brillaintly set. I suddenly knew that this show was going to be something special. Then the show started and I realized something else for the first time.

I ADORE HAROLD PINTER

Really though, it's true. The man is a genius, and this theatre is genius for pulling it off so well in an area where everone else in the world is doing 7 Brides for 7 Brothers for the umpteenth time. Anyways, the show is amazing, the set is amazing, and the actors are amazing. Particularly the actor Daniel Beecher as pictured below.

It was great.

So, thinking it was maybe a one time thing, I go to this place once again. To go see a show called Masterclass.

Once again, it was amazing.

Mezmerizing.

So I once again start getting excited as this week rolls around and I get ready to see the newest show, Too Much Memory, which is a modern retelling of the story of Antigone. I had just gotten back from KCACTF for a competition and was excited at the idea of seeing an actual theatre company perform and not a university. Don't get me wrong, Anton's Uncle and Tea were the best shows ever, but it's nice to see professional actors doing their thing on stage like at SLAC.

So, I sit down in my chair, staring at another beautifully simplistic set and begin watching as the actors begin warming up on stage, making a square around the space with tape, and talking to the audience. This proved to be the overall feel of the show, and with only the exception of the chorus character, it worked very well. In fact, the whole show was overall a great one. In fact, the whole point of this entry is to say how much I love this theatre. SLAC is the best around. They're my new homeboys. End Scene.

The Universal Tongue of Movement

2010-02-14T19:47:00.000-08:00

I recently returned from the KCACTF theatre conference in St. George. It was a great learning experience and I had a great time. I thought I would write a little bit about things I've learned while there.

My school is awesome. We may not have won all the competitions, but our school had some of the most honest and natural actors I saw that week. Our teachers are doing well. Very well.
I am awesome. I know that sounds a little pigheaded of me, but its true. I learned some great things while I was there about strengths that I never knew I had. I will always be on the path of learning and progressing, but whenever an obstacle gets in my way, I'll overcome it. And if I don't right away, I will later. It's empowering to know that about oneself.
Winning is not the final goal. There was so much to learn from this aside from the competition alone. Some of these lessons I'm only learning now, which is why I've edited this post. We learn, we grow, and we move on a little wiser.
Earplugs are truly a godsend. I was in a room full of snorers. I admit, I do too. I wont deny it. But I cant hear myself do it. I will never go anywhere without earplugs again. Thank you Levi.

I also want to take some time to write about shows that have changed the way I see my craft. I had the chance to see a show called Anton's Uncles while I was at KCACTF. It was phenomenal. It was a movement piece based on Chekov's Uncle Vanya. It was so fascinating to see how they used movement to convey the actors emotions. It wasn't just for spectacle. Everything they did had a purpose. Everything they did seemed like an outward execution of how these people felt inside. It was beyond words. In thinking of the show, I looked back on some of my other favorite shows. They all are my favorites for that same reasoning. That type of theatre connects with me in a very personal way. Here are some photos and clips from some of my favorites:

Another Picture of Anton's Uncles. It was performed by Theatre Movement Bazaar.

This is a still from Death of a Salesman by a New York based company called Theatre Mitu. I dont cry easily, especially when watching film or theatre, but I was an emotional mess after this show.

This last picture was from a performance by the Montreal based circus troupe Cirque Eloize. It called Nebbia, the Italian word for Fog. I saw Cirque du Soleil shortly afterwards, but this show is the one that really touched me. So much was conveyed even though very little was spoken.

I think the reason I loved these shows so much is because I didnt need to rely only on words to understand. There is something so noble and basic about the way our bodies move. It tells so much. I hope one day to be able to control my body in that way. I want to be able to craft stories that everyone, no matter the age, race, gender, or religion can relate to. I want to speak the universal tongue of movement.

Bon Appétit!

2009-12-16T11:18:00.000-08:00

Okay, so let's get something straight. Yes, I fall in and out of various obsessions. Yes, I make alot of goals I never reach. Yes, I go from hobby to hobby. Having said that, and keeping in mind that I am NOT planning on being the next Julie Powell of blogging, let me say that I am totally obsessed with Julia Child at this point in time. I have no intention of going through her cookbook, nor do I plan on ever making aspic. But let me say, that lady rocks.

After watching the movie Julie & Julia, (which I thought was absolutely marvelous) I decided to find out a little more about this "chef legendaire". So I browsed a few recipes, read up on her life, and tried a few dishes.

The woman is a genius.

Case in point: I decided to make an omelette a la Julia. Let me preface this by saying that I have never liked omelettes. I rarely even like scrambled eggs. This omelette, however, was different. It was divine breakfast food from the gods. No kidding! I just had to sit there for a moment and think, "Is this my cooking? Is this really just an omelette? Why have I not known about this before now?!" It was pure goldeny eggy bliss. And from that moment on, I knew that Julia Child was my new best friend.... Just as long as we have an understanding that I am not going to use nearly as much butter as she does.

Speaking of food, I think one of the reasons that I really liked the movie Julie and Julia is the same reason I like to cook. First off, there is something so nice about sharing good food with people. I rarely make something fancy for myself, it's just not the same. Sharing good food with good friends is where it's at. There is nothing better. Another reason I love cooking is summed up in a quote from Julie and Julia. After a stressful work day, Julie Powell said, "You know what I love about cooking? I love that after a day when nothing is sure and when I say nothing, I mean nothing. You can come home and absolutely know that if you add egg yolks to chocolate and sugar and milk, it will get thick. That's such a comfort."

It's true. It's nice to know that there are certain, unchanging principals in cooking. And if it turns out wrong? I won't lose my job, I'll just order pizza.

gratitude |ˈgratəˌt(y)oōd|

2009-11-27T20:55:00.000-08:00

Well, it's my first Thanksgiving home since I came back from Canada and there is much to be thankful for. I'm nearing my year mark back home and I have many things I've done that I'm proud of but more importantly, people that I have met who have been there for me. I owe these people many thanks and deeply indebted to them. Among those people, (who are to many to name here) I have created a list of other things I am indeed grateful for. It's amazing to see what you have put down, and once the list has begun, I have been able to see how truly blessed my life is.

I'm thankful for my friends, old and new. I have met some amazing people this past year who I now count as some of my dearest friends. They have helped me when I was a lost freshmen, they have guided me during rehearsals for plays with loving comments and friendly camaraderie. They have been colleagues, old mission companions, teachers, ward members, workmates, and general friends. I can do nothing with them, and being with them and feeling an overwhelming joy knowing I am sharing my life with such talented, caring, and creative people.
I'm thankful that I've found my passion in life. I have talked with many people about schooling and it has surprised me to learn that many of them are still wondering what they want to do with their future. By no means do I think this a fault on their part, but I am glad I have found from an early age what I want to do with my life and what my calling is. It's what keeps me going when things are tough, it's what helps me look forward to each day, and I'm glad I have been blessed enough to be able to find that.
I'm also thankful for my limits. I'm discovering more and more about myself everyday in pursuing my studies as an actor and I'm learning what I can do, what I can't do, and what I haven't yet done. It's liberating to know what forces restrain me and which ones I can conquer. By knowing what is beyond me, I can find ways around it to other doors that are open.
I'm thankful for my parents and family. The older I get, the more I realize my parents are right about everything they've taught me. I've also learned that the most important people in my life are those I have been raised with. No amount of learning, money, fame, or acclimations can replace the people I am proud to call brother, sister, father and mother.
I'm also thankful for the really small things I have around me. Sorry, for getting all puppies and sunshine, but its true. Little things like a nice cup of herbal tea, christmas lights, Sammy's pie shakes, a good book, good plays, good movies, good music, my bike, a fresh harvest from the garden, my walnut trees, and other things like that.

Its good to be alive and able to experience a life thats so rich and full of beauty. Life is good.

2009-11-25T11:37:00.000-08:00

This is THE BEST french cookbook that I've found so far. It has beautiful photography and the recipes are wonderful. There is a section on chocolate that has some of the best desserts ever. My favorite recipe comes from this book so I've decided to post it so you all can enjoy! Its a great meal with some grape juice and mini quiches.

Warm Tuna and Potato Salad Serves 6

For the dressing

2 shallots, finely diced

3 tablespoons white wine vinegar

2 tablespoons grainy mustard

sea salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 pound small red potatoes

6 ounces thin green beans, trimmed

olive oil for the pan

8 ounces of cherry tomatoes

6 ounces tuna in olive oil, drained

4 salt packed anchovies, filleted and cut

into thin strips

1 large bunch of basil

For the dressing, put the shallots, vinegar, mustard, salt,

pepper into jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously again.

Shake well before using.

Gently cook the potatoes in their skins in a saucepan of

lightly salted simmering water for 20 minutes.

Drain the potatoes, cut them in half , and place them in

a salad bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss to coat the warm

potatoes.

Meanwhile, heat the oven to 400 F. Lightly brush a

baking sheet with the olive oil. Toss the cherry tomatoes in

oil to coat them and roast for 10 min. Add the hot tomatoes

to the potatoes and green beans.

Flake and add the tuna along with the anchovy strips

and gently mix. Tear up the basil, scatter it over the salad,

and serve at once.

Bard, pistoles, y Mexico

2009-11-15T18:38:00.000-08:00

Im currently in a production of Much Ado About Nothing at UVU and I must say, I am quite enjoying the experience. After participating in Chris Clark's production of As You Like It, I couldn't get the idea out of my head that I really wanted to be in another Shakespeare piece. I enjoyed the vitality and exuberance of Shakespeare's characters, and since I was only a musician for As You Like It, I was really anxious to sink my teeth into an actual role.

So here I am, weeks after a very nerve wracking audition, playing the role of El General Don Pedro. Here's an image of what the director, (John Graham) is envisioning for us:

That's right! We're Mexican! It's taking place during the Mexican revolution. I'm having a lot of fun and I'm learning alot of things. I've made a list of some of the experiences and lessons that I've learned.

1. Cowboy boots are a pain in the butt. I've never worn them before, and I have to wear them every rehearsal. Mine are kind of stylish though, so its cool. Beauty is pain....?

2. Bull fighting is a horrible sport. My character is supposed to have a certain grace mixed with machoism, so I was told to watch bull fighting. While I could see how it applied to my character, the event itself is one of the most violent and cruel things I've ever seen. They basically skewer the bull alive. Im all for a good show, but seeing a animal in spasms on the area floor vomiting blood? Not really my cup o tea.

3. There is not very much subtext in Shakespeare. Everything you need is in the script. People said what was on their minds so all the clues needed to build a character is all there for you. This was a little hard to do at first, but after a while I've found it makes acting so much easier.

4. Stage Combat is convincing when its practiced well. One of John's specialities is stage combat and so our process is really specific and detailed for every fight scene in this show. It usually consists of doing each movement step by step and in slow motion until it's completely safe. Some of the actors are doing movements so complex that they wont be going full speed until the week before the show opens.

5. Make bold choices! Sometimes you make a mistake, but if you never do something bold, you can never do anything exciting either. There are many people in this cast who are making some pretty great choices in their characters, and its only been through trial and error that those choices were found.

6. I will never like Mexican food. I'm okay with salsa, and Wendy's bean dip is to die for, but I am not a fan of Mexican food. I had such a hankering for ribs when I was in Charlotte's web, and I thought this might be the same, but no. I'm just not a fan.

I love this show. Viva Zapata!

Amour de Chocolat

2009-07-02T07:31:00.000-07:00

I've always loved the film "Chocolat" and thought the hot chocolate that she makes in the film looked absolutly wonderful.

Recently I found a cook book called "My French Kitchen", written by the same woman who wrote the book the movie "Chocolat" was based on. It has a ton of great meals that remind me of the European feel that I enjoyed on my mission. Here's the recipie for the hot chocolate that was made in the film. Its rich, it's dark, and its excellent. When I make it for my family, I omit the chili, but I think its a nice little kick.

Chocolat Chaud serves 2

1 3/4 cup of milk
1/2 a vanilla bean, cut in half lengthwise
3.5 ounces of chocolate (60% dark)
cinnamon stick
1 small hot red chili, seeded
brown sugar (to taste)
Whipped cream, chocolate shavings or other toppings

In a heavy sauce pan, bring the milk to a very slight boil. Introduce the vanilla, cinnamon, and chili and let cook for a few minutes, making sure to slowly stir with a wisk. Grate the chocolate into the milk and stir until melted. Take off the heat for ten minutes and let infuse. remove the chili, cinammon stick, and vanilla pod, place on heat again until hot, and once poured, top with whipped cream, or other desired toppings.

Color and Light

2009-06-30T11:53:00.000-07:00

I recently saw an amazing muisical by Stephen Sondheim called "Sunday in the Park with George". Its a fictitious musical about a real painter named George Seurat. It was a beautiful musical and its made me want to take up sketching again. I always flirted around with it and made copies of photos, but now I am actually reading books about method and learning to do it on my own. Its really amazing. After a few days my art has improved dramatically, (not to say it is anything great still but hey, an improvement is better than nothing) and its interesting noticing how I see the world. Light has more depth and quality. I see shapes and contours more, and the world feels more... living.

All of these things I'm feeling and noticing really convinces me that there is a creative wellspring in each person that just needs to be tapped into. Anyone can draw, and anyone can make art. Art is unique. It may be critisized by others, but thats of little to no importance. Creating art is not only about others. Its about changing the world around you and the way you see it. After one does that, then there is the hope that is affects others in a positive way and helps them glimpse into what you see. I don't know... I just think its cool.

Pros and cons about being a grownup....sort of

2009-06-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

It's not that I am ragging on being 21. It's great. I love 21. Its a nice number and I think there are lots of good people in the world associated with it. There are just some things that I wish weren't involved with being 21. But with the good comes the not so good. Because I know the whole world cares, here's a list of them.

Pro: I can drive a car

Con: I have to pay for gas

Pro: I go to University!!!

Con: I have to pay for textbooks and fees

Pro: I have a lot more freedom to do what I want

Con: ... okay, that one is pretty cool.

Pro: Many of my good friends are getting married!

Con: Many of my good friends are getting married...

Pro: I can legally drink

Con: I don't drink...I guess the idea that I have that freedom is good...I think?

Pro: I could pick up and travel anywhere in the world I want to.

Con: Swine Flu.

Overall, I can't complain. I mean, all he good things about being a kid are still at my fingertips, I just have a bigger world to play in. I still love blowing bubbles, riding my bike, making a mess out of messy food, taking naps, reading a good book, sitting next to the fire with my parents, and other cheezy cliche things like that.

I guess the important thing is just making sure you go out and grow and explore the world, but keep the good things that you learn. Because honestly, who wouldn't feel better after a stressful day at work if we could take a nap and finger paint?

My first Semester at UVU

2009-05-17T17:20:00.000-07:00

Cool stuff I found this Semester

Music

Beriut- Gulag Orkestar

Carla Bruni

Camille-Le Sac Des Filles

Andrew Bird

Dear Science

Coraline

Sufjan Stevens-Come on Feel the Illinoise

The Frogs

Evening Primrose

Bjork-Volta

Gulag Orkestar

Movies

Coraline

Marie Antoinette

Asterix and Obelix aux Jeux Olympics

Jules et Jim

Paris Je T'aime

Doubt

Mon Oncle

Bon Voyage

Something Wicked This Way Comes

Cool places to go/eat

Zupas

Used bookstore on Center Street in Provo

Greywhale

Plays and Books

Petit Nicholas

Something Wicked This Way Comes

Wit

Last Night of Ballyhoo

Fat Pig

Mercy Seat

Rhinoceros

Floyd Collins

Home of the Brave

Offending the Audience

Endgame

Enrico IV

Charlotte's Web

Kaspar

Tartuffe

Almost an Evening

Medea

Hotel Cassiopeia

Lessons

2009-05-03T17:19:00.000-07:00

I saw Cirque Eloize perform yesterday with my brother in law. It was a great performance and was truly beautiful. I love shows like this because they always make me feel in a way that very few things are capable of doing. Here is an excerpt from my journal after the performance.

"There are moments when we see things that are pure beauty. Though we do not understand them completely, we feel something deep within ourselves resound and echo. There is so much about ourselves that we don't understand, and so much that we haven't even begun to think of understanding. There is a wisdom forgotten within our minds whose imprints surface in seeing such things. I think this is why I study theatre. It is wonderful to have these inklings and understandings, but is even more beautiful when I can see it on the faces of others and see them rejoice in the experiences I offer them. I dare not say I take joy in creating this experience, for I believe it is too deep and too... elemental, (for lack of a better word) than something I could create of my own will. It is rather an exchange in which I am a tool or device. I am happy to be that and be surrounded by the constant mystery and joy of this art."

I have had many "white doors" open to me this semester and I learned much from them in taking steps through. Here are some valuable things I've learned.

I. Serving a mission does not change everything.

I thought I would come home and be a great student and really well organized all in one instant. You still have to work at things if you want to improve. We never can just wave a wand and make yourself incredible.

II. Serving a mission does change some things.

The way I looked at the world was very different and I felt I was more receptive and creative because of the time I spent with the people of Quebec. The world suddenly became much bigger and there was much more to learn.

III. Take a risk whenever you can.

When I started my Acting I class, I decided I would push myself and do something unique and different each time I performed. Not to say it all worked, nor that I did anything incredible, but I wanted to push myself enough to not feel comfortable. It was great! I went to a handful of auditions that went both well and not so well, I got the lead in the Foreigner, and I performed scenes in my class where I played all sorts of different roles. Each one was a bit of a risk, but I did it, and now that it's over I can safely say that was one of the best classes I ever took.

IV. Expose yourself to the world in as many ways as you can.

Serving a mission helped me with that. I realized that if, for example, I wanted to create a great play, I need to be open to as many influences as possible. The more I know what's going on in the world around me, the better I can create a reflection of that world for those who watch.

Goals

2009-04-13T08:29:00.000-07:00

So I found a new musician I really like thanks to my director/teacher Chris. It's a band called Beirut. It's indy gypsy. I like it alot! It got me started on an idea too. I decided I'm going to take a swing at mask making. I collect them, but I want to make em! Yes, one more thing to add to my stuff of things I want to do. I always get these projects that I want to do and spread myself too thin on most of them. The ones I do accomplish turn out pretty good though for the most part. So far my big projects for the year are to:

Get really good at mask making

Learn to play the accordion

Get my Shakespeare project started

Play the violin as a street performer in Salt Lake City

Read Talking to Tesla (why cant I find time to read anything other than school stuff and plays?)

Save up all my money for Europe

.....so far I have a mask made and am on my way with the accordion.... thats all. Oh well.

There's no swimming in my show

2009-04-05T13:50:00.000-07:00

So this blog is pretty much blank, which describes me at the moment. I love hanging out with my friends, but I've basically sold my soul to theatre. I just finished a play for the PG Players. I got to play Charlie in "The Foreigner". It was fun and I got to draw alot of inspiration from my crazy family and friends. Now I'm going off to play in the Forest of Arden in Chris Clark's "As You Like It". I get to play the violin and I love it. I know... I'm a geek, but oh well. So between those rehearsals, school, work, and church, I've become practically monastic in my social life. Sorry guys.

It has begun

2009-03-02T18:48:00.000-08:00

So I have finally decided to get one of these things. It will be full of jokes only I get, and will be horribly out of date as I write only one or two entries every three months, but oh well:).