Friday, July 03, 2009
July 3rd, 2009
One of the nice perks of working in a theater is the wonderful and talent people you get to meet. In this case I speak of one of the Bartenders, Gina. She has made an awesome set of the cast of South Pacific from champagne corks and other accoutrement from behind the bar & nearby. I won't rattle on but I do want you to enjoy the figures from Gina!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
June 24th, 2009
At the Wednesday matinee one woman from a group of four, takes some playbills, I said I haven't seen her tickets & don't know where her section is and I only have enough for my section. She finally shows me her group's tickets and stands there facing me with a scowl on her face. One of her group seemed like a very nice woman and she had a smile on her face. I said "Here, I'll hand these (playbills & tickets) to you, you have such a nice smile on your face."
I then showed the group to their seats. The lady with the scowl then put both her feet over the seat in front of her. I approached her and said" Excuse me, we kindly request that you don't put your feet on the seats". She replied "When I see someone coming to sit I will take them down." I called another usher over because I did not want a confrontation with her. The other usher had to repeatedly explain to her in order for her to remove her feet. She then asked me what my name was and I said "My union does not require that I disclose my name but I am the only heavyset man with a grey goatee that works here.
During the intermission, she went to the House Manager and made a complaint.
The House Manager came over to me and casually said "Tone it down.". I said I did nothing wrong, and the House Manager said "The woman is a school teacher, and she did not like the way she was spoken to". I said "Let me tell you what happened." And the House Manager would not let me speak, and/or defend myself. She kept saying we have a new breed of patrons now coming to the theater and I need to "tone it down."
One of the Usher Directors told me they were standing there when the woman complained and said that the woman said she was never yelled at like that in her entire life.
No one was yelling! not me, not her, not the other usher who came into it.
I consider myself a damn good usher, even though it is just an extra job for me. I make sure the patrons are greeted properly & most of the time compliment them on something. When I hand them the playbills, I say if they have any questions before the show starts don't hesitate to flag me down.
This is my life at the Vivian Beaumont Theater in Lincoln Center.
Thanks doc, I'll leave my quarter at the door when I leave.
...and how was your day?...
-Jeff
I then showed the group to their seats. The lady with the scowl then put both her feet over the seat in front of her. I approached her and said" Excuse me, we kindly request that you don't put your feet on the seats". She replied "When I see someone coming to sit I will take them down." I called another usher over because I did not want a confrontation with her. The other usher had to repeatedly explain to her in order for her to remove her feet. She then asked me what my name was and I said "My union does not require that I disclose my name but I am the only heavyset man with a grey goatee that works here.
During the intermission, she went to the House Manager and made a complaint.
The House Manager came over to me and casually said "Tone it down.". I said I did nothing wrong, and the House Manager said "The woman is a school teacher, and she did not like the way she was spoken to". I said "Let me tell you what happened." And the House Manager would not let me speak, and/or defend myself. She kept saying we have a new breed of patrons now coming to the theater and I need to "tone it down."
One of the Usher Directors told me they were standing there when the woman complained and said that the woman said she was never yelled at like that in her entire life.
No one was yelling! not me, not her, not the other usher who came into it.
I consider myself a damn good usher, even though it is just an extra job for me. I make sure the patrons are greeted properly & most of the time compliment them on something. When I hand them the playbills, I say if they have any questions before the show starts don't hesitate to flag me down.
This is my life at the Vivian Beaumont Theater in Lincoln Center.
Thanks doc, I'll leave my quarter at the door when I leave.
...and how was your day?...
-Jeff
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Sat June 13th
I usher at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre at Lincoln Center, where South Pacific is enjoying it's 1st revival on Broadway. Concert versions have been done but this is the first full-blown production since the show originally ran from 1949-1954.
Basically it's an easy show to work, it's just long. Curtain time is 7pm on Tuesdays, 8PM on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, with matinee performances at 2PM on Wednesdays & Saturdays, & 3PM on Sundays. Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays are slowing a bit, but basically it's still sold out or very close to sold out on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays.
In dealing with the public, we've heard every excuse why poeple are speaking on their cell phone in the Theater or texting (A famous Celebrity couple attended once and she was texting during the entire Overture, as I stood watching from a couple of aisles across, the white/blue light from her device was throwing a beautiful glow over the people sitting 2 and 3 seats away in all directions, but was it really the time & place).
I've sat many celebs but my favorite remains to be Lauren Bacall. I think it was during "Dinner at Eight" when Ms. Bacall (known for her bitter attitude) approached me. I commented on how I loved "Waiting in the Wings" (A show Ms. Bacall did a few years back with Rosemary Harris). She said in gravely voice "What did you love about it?" I replied "You, of course", which she in typical Bacall fashion said "They train you well here."... and she blew a kiss to me.
Another favorite was Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn.
It was during "The Coast of Utopia" when Mr. & Mrs. Russell approached me, he was first she was behind him. The tall dreamy blue-eyed presence was very polite, Goldie was holding the brim of her hat down over her eyes, but her smile & trademark birthmark was apparent. When they were comfortably in their seats, he said that they did not see the 1st & 2nd parts of the trilogy, would they be able to understand the 3rd? I mentioned (as I was looking at him, his dreamy blue eyes were fixed on my eyes.. that gave me a delightful shudder) "There is a synopsis on the Playbill, and that this is Stoppard... you don't really have to understand, as much as enjoy the presentation." He said "Thanks, Buddy!"
Made my night.
-Jeff
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Tuesday June 2nd, 2009
I just returned home from seeing the film EVERY LITTLE STEP with a good Actress friend of mine. The documentary of A CHORUS LINE, past & present. Bring tissues, you'll cry out of happiness, melancholy, and maybe even some resentfulness. The film is intense for dancers, singers, actors... anyone in an Arts field to be honest. All our lives are the same... we strive to perfect the talents we were given, only to be the subject of rejection. Of course we know it's not personal (Yeah, sure), but still we are told no.
For a dancer everything was covered in the docubio, but for Actors... what happens when you go from a "working actor" to a "sometimes working actor" or least yet to a "don't the casting directors know I'm alive, actor". When does the Actor need to re-examine reality versus their goals & dreams, and possibly (for their own sanity) establish new ones. New goals & dream that can fit within the parameters of the given circumstances of the reality of their life.
So what do we do? What do we do after crying, sulking, throwing darts at our agents picture, leaving garbage outside the door of the young actor down the hall that just booked a job... What do we do after the physiological effects of our emotions run dry and we are left standing naked in front of the mirror?
We survive, that's what we do. We finagle our way through our own existence by finding something, somehow, somewhere, that can still give us our Arts fix. Whether it be directing, writing, painting, and/or the occasional "The casting directors all know me, but OK I'll send out some postcards" routine. Life goes on... and so do we... the group of ultra talented, awesome individuals who haven't yet found their "break".
Easy to say, I know... but look at the options... there are none. That's what you should be saying. I am and always will be an actor! I am and always will be a singer! and so on. That doesn't change, the only thing that changes is our mentality. Yes, I know booking a job lies in the hands of the casting directors AND the roles available. (That's why it's sooo important to know your "type" and market yourself that way). BUT, and I say BUT in capitals... that's not your only talent. People like us, in the Arts are wonderfully sensitive, perceptive people. We may have our one talent that we would die over... but look inside yourself, see that rainbow kaleidoscope waiting for a release.
I'm drained. Tonight was dessert after a day of meeting with friends. Treat yourself to dessert... and leave a comment if you wish.
Always onward & upward
-Jeff
For a dancer everything was covered in the docubio, but for Actors... what happens when you go from a "working actor" to a "sometimes working actor" or least yet to a "don't the casting directors know I'm alive, actor". When does the Actor need to re-examine reality versus their goals & dreams, and possibly (for their own sanity) establish new ones. New goals & dream that can fit within the parameters of the given circumstances of the reality of their life.
So what do we do? What do we do after crying, sulking, throwing darts at our agents picture, leaving garbage outside the door of the young actor down the hall that just booked a job... What do we do after the physiological effects of our emotions run dry and we are left standing naked in front of the mirror?
We survive, that's what we do. We finagle our way through our own existence by finding something, somehow, somewhere, that can still give us our Arts fix. Whether it be directing, writing, painting, and/or the occasional "The casting directors all know me, but OK I'll send out some postcards" routine. Life goes on... and so do we... the group of ultra talented, awesome individuals who haven't yet found their "break".
Easy to say, I know... but look at the options... there are none. That's what you should be saying. I am and always will be an actor! I am and always will be a singer! and so on. That doesn't change, the only thing that changes is our mentality. Yes, I know booking a job lies in the hands of the casting directors AND the roles available. (That's why it's sooo important to know your "type" and market yourself that way). BUT, and I say BUT in capitals... that's not your only talent. People like us, in the Arts are wonderfully sensitive, perceptive people. We may have our one talent that we would die over... but look inside yourself, see that rainbow kaleidoscope waiting for a release.
I'm drained. Tonight was dessert after a day of meeting with friends. Treat yourself to dessert... and leave a comment if you wish.
Always onward & upward
-Jeff
Sunday, May 31, 2009
May 31st, 2009
Welcome to my blog.
I am an Actor/Screenwriter/Filmmaker/Broadway Usher/Bookkeeper.
As an ACTOR I've appeared on Stage, TV, Film in such shows as:
Regional Stage includes: Guys & Dolls, Camelot, Marty, Sexual Perversity in Chicago, Carole & Charlie...
TV includes: Sex & the City, Law & Order: Criminal Intent & Special Victims Unit, Rescue Me, The Sopranos, Mad About You.
Film includes: Riding in Cars with Boys, Serendipity, Devil & Daniel Webster.
As a SCREENWRITER/FILMMAKER I've written/produced: The Lilac Papers (www.lilacpapers.com)which was my first short film & received Honorable Mention in the Los Angeles Screenplay Festival of 2003. I'm currently finishing rewrites on my first feature length Romantic Comedy KNOCK 3 TIMES (www.knock3times.info).
As a BROADWAY USHER, I've worked various Broadway Theaters but my home is the Vivian Beaumont Theatre at Lincoln Center, where SOUTH PACIFIC is current playing. I've been there since CONTACT in 2002.
As a Freelancing FULL-CHARGE BOOKKEEPER, I pay my bills.
Welcome as I rant & rave about my personal & professional endeavors.
-Jeff
I am an Actor/Screenwriter/Filmmaker/Broadway Usher/Bookkeeper.
As an ACTOR I've appeared on Stage, TV, Film in such shows as:
Regional Stage includes: Guys & Dolls, Camelot, Marty, Sexual Perversity in Chicago, Carole & Charlie...
TV includes: Sex & the City, Law & Order: Criminal Intent & Special Victims Unit, Rescue Me, The Sopranos, Mad About You.
Film includes: Riding in Cars with Boys, Serendipity, Devil & Daniel Webster.
As a SCREENWRITER/FILMMAKER I've written/produced: The Lilac Papers (www.lilacpapers.com)which was my first short film & received Honorable Mention in the Los Angeles Screenplay Festival of 2003. I'm currently finishing rewrites on my first feature length Romantic Comedy KNOCK 3 TIMES (www.knock3times.info).
As a BROADWAY USHER, I've worked various Broadway Theaters but my home is the Vivian Beaumont Theatre at Lincoln Center, where SOUTH PACIFIC is current playing. I've been there since CONTACT in 2002.
As a Freelancing FULL-CHARGE BOOKKEEPER, I pay my bills.
Welcome as I rant & rave about my personal & professional endeavors.
-Jeff
Monday, February 02, 2009
Monday Feb 2, 2009
Ahhhh the pains of struggling to be a working actor. I haven't heard from any of the auditions in the past 2 weeks, so I dealt with my 5 minutes of grief and are moving on... (Damn that West Side Story Tour would have been sweet!).
SO what's on my list: still rewriting my screenplay, but I'm working with an awesome script coach and to see the script evolve from a great idea, but so-so script to something that is is really good. The idea has changed a bit, but it's just getting better & better.
No immediate auditions this week, but I am always available. Between all the survival jobs, it gets overwhelming at times, trying to make sure I do enough of this "survival" jobs to pay the rent & living in the city is not cheap.
I'm out of words for right, so I'll leave my quarter at the door doc.
Thanks!
-Jeff in NYC
SO what's on my list: still rewriting my screenplay, but I'm working with an awesome script coach and to see the script evolve from a great idea, but so-so script to something that is is really good. The idea has changed a bit, but it's just getting better & better.
No immediate auditions this week, but I am always available. Between all the survival jobs, it gets overwhelming at times, trying to make sure I do enough of this "survival" jobs to pay the rent & living in the city is not cheap.
I'm out of words for right, so I'll leave my quarter at the door doc.
Thanks!
-Jeff in NYC
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Saturday Jan 31st, 2009
As January closes, the burden of anticipating a booking gets closer.
In the past 2 weeks I auditioned for:
a bit part on the IFC original series ZRock,
the lead role in an independent SAG low budget film titled "The Evangelist",
and the West Side Story European Tour... (these are the same people I auditioned for a few years ago & was cast in the Asia/Pacific tour as Gladhand & turned it down. Lots of discrepancies in the contract versus the breakdowns & my agent advised me to "Respectfully decline".
... so far haven't heard anything. I gave good auditions.... let it go.
Money is tight (what else is new), and nothing else is visible right now on the horizon, BUT as we all know, things can change very fast.
That' it for now from my corner in NYC.
-Jeff
In the past 2 weeks I auditioned for:
a bit part on the IFC original series ZRock,
the lead role in an independent SAG low budget film titled "The Evangelist",
and the West Side Story European Tour... (these are the same people I auditioned for a few years ago & was cast in the Asia/Pacific tour as Gladhand & turned it down. Lots of discrepancies in the contract versus the breakdowns & my agent advised me to "Respectfully decline".
... so far haven't heard anything. I gave good auditions.... let it go.
Money is tight (what else is new), and nothing else is visible right now on the horizon, BUT as we all know, things can change very fast.
That' it for now from my corner in NYC.
-Jeff
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