Sometimes I feel like a nut... Sometimes I don't (I prefer the latter...)

Well, 2009 has already been an explosive and challenging year. I am pleased to announce I have been nail-biting free for one month now (perhaps I should take up a career in hand modeling?), and no one even had to call me stupid!

This week will be the final performance of PILOT PREVIEWS - an industry showcase at The Next Stage. While it has been frustrating at times trying to get industry people and friends to come see the show, those who have come have been incredibly responsive and positive. Favorite comments include "Every single performer was on top of their game," "you could tell everyone was up there cuz they love it" and "That was so...good!" (The third one was from Chrissy, who said it with such a surprised voice, it both insulted and delighted me - I mean, really, what was she expecting?!) My manager, Gisela, came this week, so that was lovely.

I also chatted with a manager's assistant at The Woods afterward this week who gave me some advice regarding playing up my "cute, quirky girl" comedic chops. I think because of my training, I have come to value drama and the art of playing tragedy more than playing comedy. But honestly, a lot of people have told me they prefer me in a comedic role. Tyler is of the belief that to play comedy, one must work one step beyond tragedy - one must find the humorous in the absurd - and that I am really lucky to be good at it. When I think of it that way, I am reminded of Beckett and Durang and playing Izzy in Rabbit Hole and I realize that comedy can be very smart and vital. It doesn't all have to laughter for laughings-sake; it can be a much-needed relief for an audience and a society at large when done right. So, I think I'm going to take that compliment and run with it. Thanks, Ty!

This week also marks the beginning of filming The Anniversary, a movie I was cast in way back in September that is just now starting an extremely ambitious shooting schedule. The writer/director is John Campea, founder and editor of TheMovieBlog.com (check it out!). I am super-excited to be involved in the project - we had a cast & key crew meeting this week and everyone is awesome - and looking forward to playing what I consider to be a 3rd wave feminist comedic character. I get to pick my character's name (it is currently Date Girl #5), so if you have any suggestions be sure to leave a comment!

This Tuesday when I was driving to work the local NPR station's Air Talk segment was discussing the recent layoffs at LA newspapers of theatre critics with the three biggest Artistic Directors in town. I called in and had the chance to chat with them regarding my concern for what this means for theatre as public discourse. They seemed pretty hopeful about the commitment of local theatres to their communities, but agreed that my concern is a very real one. It was pretty exciting to pass their screening process and be able to be on air with such distinguished guests :)

I received word back from Dramatists Play Service this week regarding my request for rights to perform My Name is Rachel Corrie in LA, and it looks like I am going to have to fight for this one. Supposedly there are restrictions on rights to perform it in this region - maybe they are waiting for a big theatre to take it on? - but I think it is absurd that it hasn't been produced here yet. Especially with the current situation in Gaza. The idea has already been planted in my mind, so I will keep trudging ahead until I can make this happen.

I recently got a second wind while writing my one-woman show and will hopefully be sending out a draft to my faithful friends in collaboration, Matt and Ashley, very soon. Deadline to apply for NYFringe is in 16 days, so I have a lot of work ahead of me! My friend Andrew has agreed to help me with sound design, I think I'll have Teresa do some costume design work, and Bailey is always down for collaboration, so if it works it should be a pretty communal process.

On the personal side of things, my very best friend in the world moved here on Monday! Chrissy just finished up school in Cleveland, packed two suitcases, and flew to our humble hostel-abode on Sierra Bonita. It's quite humorous to be sharing a bedroom with my two best friends since 5th grade, but I couldn't ask for any better people to be sharing my life with. She already did a stellar job of cheering me up when some Hollywood-esque bullshit was bringing me down this week, and has proven herself a natural at finding furniture on the street (a favorite pastime of Teresa and myself). If you see her out, buy her a drink. Yes, she is single, and I think everyone back in Cleveland would agree, the best company to have no matter what mood you are in.

That's all for today. If you want to leave any comments on this site, please do so on this blog - the comment section on my contact page doesn't seem to be working. Thanks for reading and take care!