Here is another way you can help AIDS Walk Orange County!

Late Night Leftovers and Theatre Out presents "Acting Out Against AIDS" a cabaret benefitting the 2010 Theatre Out AIDS Walk team.

Great Music! Great Food! Opportunity Drawings!

Featuring the talents of Danny Blaylock, Jasmine Curry, Jason Michael Hammond, Lindsay Henkeinus, Carie Millard and Frankie Marrone.

Hosted by Shaun Michael McNamara with a special guest appearance by everyone's favorite Explorer in an all new sketch.

TWO PERFORMANCES ONLY!!!
May 8th @ 6:30 PM and 9:00 PM
Buy Tickets!

100% of the proceeds benefit the 2010 Theatre Out AIDS Walk Team as we walk to support those living with HIV and AIDS in Orange County.

Can't make the event? Donate online here.

The 10th Annual CSULB Theatrefest proved to be quite an experience. I listened to about 20 comedic monologues over the course of 3 hours. Thank goodness the students brought some energy and light into the dimly lit, dreary classroom setting. There were probably as many successes as there were failures yesterday. I think the valuable learning experience provided to these high school students are immeasurable. There is nothing more relevant to an actor then to see their peers perform, and to get feedback early on in their craft. My favorite of the day was a young man who performed Cyrano De Bergerac (and no I didn't favor him just because I love the play). It was amazing to me that he would take on such a challenging piece of theatre and hit the nail on the head, especially at the tender age of sixteen. Most importantly I admire the bravery of the students I saw this weekend. It is one thing to perform safely in your classroom, and another to perform in front of strangers in unfamiliar territory. I think there is great hope in the upcoming generation of actors.

Theatre Out is gearing up for AIDS Walk Orange County 2010, which will take place on May 22nd at the OC Great Park. Last year Team Theatre Out raised over $10,000 and ranked in the top 5 walk teams. We are challenging everyone to double our efforts this year. The 2010 team goal is $20,000. Every 9 minutes the lives of 580,000 people in the US since its outbreak in 1981. Please consider walking for this worthy cause or sponsering a Theatre Out walker. Donate Now!

I was listening to the following song in my car today, and I suddenly connected to it as it seemed to somehow personify what Margaret sees in Isabella in Edward II. If I were to create a soundtrack for Edward II, this would certainly be a part of it.

"Monarch"
Feist

The Queen has a feint had a fall
Don't give me ether or open my vein I'm sane
I know I'm sane
I don't give a care for the crown or the shield
I will not protect you or happily yield
To the one who makes me come undone

Who was born and in what way
All the fields and poppies ay
Who was born in what way
All the fields

The Queen is walking away with only her stockings on
Waving having forbidden pears and song
Valiant and the colours are too gold
Colours of the morning old

Who was born and in what way
All the fields and poppies ay
Who was born in what way
All the fields

Monarch now lay (your) jeweled head
Monarch now lay (your) jeweled head
Monarch now lay your jeweled head

Monarch now lay your jeweled head
Monarch now lay your jeweled head
Monarch now lay your jeweled head

The Queen saw the beast in the ribs of the garden
Husband dear you are nearer to the eye
You're thrown place you wouldn't hold a pardon strokes

By the hand of God
By the hand of God
Though you is so cruel

Who was born and in what way
Who was born and in what way

I have been asked to serve as a judge for my second consecutive year at the 10th Annual CSULB Theatrefest, on April 16th and 17th. Last year I served on the judging panel for the classical scene semi-finals. This year they have changed the program, so I will bebe involved in judging the comedic scenes semi-finals, which will include classical and contemparary selections. I am excited at the prospect of providing feedback to the young actors in attendance and perhaps even learning a few things from them as well.