Today marks the beginning of the first week in the past five months that I will not have a show to rehearse/perform/prep for, and actually after the past five months I am OK with that.
Normally at this time I'd be freaking out, "when will I ever get cast again", but thankfully this time those thoughts have stayed away. (Ok, not completely away but much quieter than normal). It could be that I'm growing up and becoming more mature and more comfortable with this business and the ebb and flow of the tide of shows. It also could be the fact that working a full time job and doing two consecutive shows with no break in Berwyn is exhausting. I like to think it's a nice combination of both.
I do know that I am worried, worried about being left out, being left behind, or worse...being forgotten. The truth is that any and all of those things are possible depending on how the time between shows is handled.
It's not to say that breaks from shows aren't needed or valuable, I am definitely in need of some time off and I'll be getting it. A summer vacation this June takes me out of the running for a few shows/classes and so the next prospect is a few months off if not more.
This is a bit scary, fear of falling out of practice is most prominent in my mind as possible consequences of a long break from performing. But there are ways around that. Reading and writing are of course two of the most common, the best way to keep up creative insight is to keep your mind working. Watching TV and playing video games won't help when you have to get back into the swing of things.
But probably the most interesting thing a good friend advised me to do when dealing with a "dry spell" is to simply experience life. Seems simple enough, but the reality of the situation is that as an actor it's easy to base your life around your shows, and spend the time in between "waiting" rather than "living".
Gathering stories and life experiences allows you to not only pass the time but to grow as a performer. The more you've experienced the more you'll be able to express on stage or in your art or your writing.
So for the time being I will write, and read, and take classes when I can but most importantly I plan to live.
5.23.2011
4.27.2011
Our Dad is in Atlantis Review - Time Out Chicago
"Garcia does masterful work as the older brother, occasionally registering his bleak situation with a stoic stare like something out of a De Sica film."
- John Beer
Read the full review here.
photo credit: Anthony Aicardi
- John Beer
Read the full review here.
3.04.2011
Dental Society Review - The Chicago Reader
"Acted by a tight six-member ensemble, the 85-minute show grabs on and doesn't let go..."
- Jack Helbig
Read the full review here.
photo credit: Anthony Aicardi
- Jack Helbig
Read the full review here.
Let me see those Molars.
OPENING NIGHT.
Well not really...that was last week Saturday. My apologies for the late post.
After three weeks of rehearsal "Dental Society Midwinter Meeting" opened at 16th Street Theater. Because this is a remount and the original production was only about 6 months ago there is little press coverage of the show.
But so far the reader has seen the show and really enjoyed it. I'll post their review later today.
It's amazing for me to think about the last month from the beginning of the rehearsal process to the opening night performance. Normally there will be three weeks of rehearsal, maybe four, and one week of tech before dress rehearsal and previews.
Our show had two weeks of rehearsals, one day of tech, two "dress" rehearsals and two previews before opening. I can honestly say that this was the shortest/best/most interesting rehearsal process I've had the pleasure of being a part of.
My biggest issue is making the choices necessary for a great performance quickly and without fear. When you have time to make those decisions it's easy to rest on your laurels and let things come as the may. This rehearsal process was different, it was faster paced and required myself and the other actors to make bolder choices to see where we could take the scenes.
This rehearsal process, as all of them have turned out to be, has been an incredible learning experience for me. The actors that I've had the privilege to work with, the director, playwright, and technical team have made this a truly great experience.
The only hiccup was the drunk audience member on opening night, our 8pm performance, who had to be removed from the theater by the policy for being loud and obnoxious...oh well. That is to be expected. Glad we got it done with early.
Well not really...that was last week Saturday. My apologies for the late post.
After three weeks of rehearsal "Dental Society Midwinter Meeting" opened at 16th Street Theater. Because this is a remount and the original production was only about 6 months ago there is little press coverage of the show.
But so far the reader has seen the show and really enjoyed it. I'll post their review later today.
It's amazing for me to think about the last month from the beginning of the rehearsal process to the opening night performance. Normally there will be three weeks of rehearsal, maybe four, and one week of tech before dress rehearsal and previews.
Our show had two weeks of rehearsals, one day of tech, two "dress" rehearsals and two previews before opening. I can honestly say that this was the shortest/best/most interesting rehearsal process I've had the pleasure of being a part of.
My biggest issue is making the choices necessary for a great performance quickly and without fear. When you have time to make those decisions it's easy to rest on your laurels and let things come as the may. This rehearsal process was different, it was faster paced and required myself and the other actors to make bolder choices to see where we could take the scenes.
This rehearsal process, as all of them have turned out to be, has been an incredible learning experience for me. The actors that I've had the privilege to work with, the director, playwright, and technical team have made this a truly great experience.
The only hiccup was the drunk audience member on opening night, our 8pm performance, who had to be removed from the theater by the policy for being loud and obnoxious...oh well. That is to be expected. Glad we got it done with early.
2.09.2011
My White Coat and Gloves
I have officially started rehearsals for Dental Society Midwinter Meeting by Laura Jacqmin and directed by Megan Shuchman.
First rehearsal was on Saturday. A quick read through and some scene work. This is my first time doing a show with such a short rehearsal process. It really is quite a different experience.
The goal was to come as "off book" as possible the first day, which I must say everyone did really well. The primary challenge will be to get everything blocked and solidified, create an outline if you will, and after that we can come back to fill each scene in with the necessary color. This is a bit of a departure from how I normally work and although it will be a challenge I am glad I am getting this opportunity. The cast and director and playwright have made this a really great experience so far.
I urge everyone to come see this show. I think it's funny and smart and wonderfully poignant.
For ticket information visit the 16th Street Theater website at:
http://www.16thstreettheater.org/seasonfour/DentalSociety.html
First rehearsal was on Saturday. A quick read through and some scene work. This is my first time doing a show with such a short rehearsal process. It really is quite a different experience.
The goal was to come as "off book" as possible the first day, which I must say everyone did really well. The primary challenge will be to get everything blocked and solidified, create an outline if you will, and after that we can come back to fill each scene in with the necessary color. This is a bit of a departure from how I normally work and although it will be a challenge I am glad I am getting this opportunity. The cast and director and playwright have made this a really great experience so far.
I urge everyone to come see this show. I think it's funny and smart and wonderfully poignant.
For ticket information visit the 16th Street Theater website at:
http://www.16thstreettheater.org/seasonfour/DentalSociety.html
2.16.2010
Return to Haifa Review - Chicago Tribune
"...[a] gutsy, powerfully acted show... It’s a performance you should not miss."
- Chris Jones
Read the full review here.
photo credit: Michael Brosilow
- Chris Jones
Read the full review here.
Return to Haifa Review - Chicago Stage Style
"...This is a very solid cast and I would be remiss if I did not mention young Todd Garcia who plays several roles but stands out as Khalid, the son of Ishmail and Safiyeh who never knew that he had an older brother. This is two hours of tense drama and also gives us some insight into the lives of people who have been displaced by war and the struggles to survive. It deals with culture clashes, religion, family and in the end the bond between these two families that had endured loss of property and loved ones."
- Al Bresloff
Read the full review here.
photo credit: Michael Brosilow
- Al Bresloff
Read the full review here.
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