Theatre Out’s production of BRIEFS: A Festival of Short Plays closed this weekend. Our closing matinee performance was sold out, so I watched my directing piece from the booth. The cast really pulled out all the stops today – ending this high energy show with a bang.

As part of the audience experience we asked our patrons to vote for their favorite play.  The playwright will receive a special recognition from Theatre Out. The awards went to:

The Best of the Fest - Audience Favorite was Attack of the Dorothies by J. E. Phelan

The Best of the Fest - Producer's Choice was Shiny Pair of Complications by J. Stephen Brantley

Congratulations to all on a wonderful performance! I sincerely hope that Theatre Out will continue this tradition with another short play festival in 2011. Let’s keep our fingers crossed!

BRIEFS: A Festival of Short Plays opened this weekend to an enthusiastic crowd. Audience members have already cast their ballots for Best of the Festival. My actors have worked very hard to deliver a heart-felt performance in A Bridge to Something. Playwright Corinne Kawecki came to see the show, not once, but twice this weekend. She traveled a great distance from Chicago to see her piece and support the festival. The cast and I were honored to meet her and hear her input on our work.

If you are planning on seeing the show I suggest ordering your tickets now, as we are already starting to sell out next weekend. Hope to see you there

I am honored to announce that the Theatre Out family has asked me to direct an original short play entitled A Bridge to Something by Corinne Kawecki. I am very excited to begin this journey and make my professional directorial debut.

Theatre Out is casting BRIEFS: A Festival of Short Plays, which producers plan to make an annual event. This two-week showcase will feature 10 original plays chosen from over 150 submissions. Keeping with the mission of the theatre, all pieces revolve around the LGBTQ community. Each show will perform every night of the festival and at the end of the run the audience will choose 'Best of the Festival".

Click here for more details: Audition Notice

Tonight I closed Theatre Out’s production of Edward II at the Empire Theater to a full house. I am in awe of the kind-hearted, talented people I have met during this process. Working with the founders (Joey Baital, David Carnevale and Jack Millis) and director/playwright, Darcy Hogan, has been inspiring. Her innovative use of Christopher Marlowe’s powerhouse history, created an emotional journey for me driven by character, love and desire. I am so thankful to have played Margaret, and that Darcy trusted me to originate a role which she so carefully and lovingly constructed.

Opening night of Darcy Hogan’s innovative adaptation of Marlowe’s Edward II proved a satisfying experience. I truly congratulate my fellow cast members, dedicated director and crew, for opening with positive reviews. Our small, but eager, audience followed us on our journey through England’s intimate landscapes of passion, malice and vulnerability. Tonight marked the first time I felt the inner truth of my character. When Gaveston spoke to me and touched me, I felt deeply moved. There was a sense of magic tonight that came from just listening to each other – a simple task that is often forgotten and underestimated. My parents, my most adamant supporters and critics, seemed to enjoy the performance. Although, my father did comment on my apparent display of forehead tension (I think I have created a monster!). I suppose I am going to have to focus the emotional angst of my character within the technique of relaxed readiness. With 10 performances left, I intend to continue to make new discoveries and make choices to center Margaret in the world of the play. This week of reflection is sure to further stimulate my creative juices and refresh my focus as I work to fine tune my character with each passing performance.

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.

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