http://www.lynxtheater.org/
Esther Friedman, Multi-Passionate woman with clarity and purpose. Hi there. I am this mixed chick that mixes it all up. I act in an occasional gig, write plays, books, TV pilots. Folks pay me to help plan and resource their social events.I seek out stars, hearts and smiley faces where ever I am.
Share this Blog
Friday, December 5, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
LIVE Performance at GALA EVENT December 3, 2008
December 3, 2008
Come out for a live performance in New York City for the Lynx Theater Benefit Gala. I will be performing excerpts from Random Sharp Objects: How I Got the Past Out of My Ass
www.lynxtheater.org
Please join Lynx Ensemble Theater on Wednesday, December 3rd for a gorgeous gala celebration to support our new season. The benefit at Gina Gallery on Manhattan's Upper West Side will be styled by Alison Stewart and will feature performances by the extraordinary Bill Bowers, Esther Friedman, and Vanessa Hidary, delicious drinks and finger foods, a scintillating silent auction, delightful gift bags, and a sensational crowd. The only thing that will make this event more fabulous is if YOU come.
Tickets can be purchased using this link:http://www.nycharities.org/event/event.asp?CE_ID=3279
Fully tax-deductible donations can be made to Lynx Ensemble here:
http://www.nycharities.org/donate/c_donate.asp?CharityCode=2387
Join us to meet the Ensemble, share your ideas, and raise a glass to celebrate truly terrific theater! Thank you in advance for your support.
Looking forward to seeing you!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
I will be interviewed LIVE
I will be interviewed LIVE Wednesday November 19,2008 5pm Eastern/2pm Pacific to discuss all aspects of the Mixed experience.
Mixed Chicks Chat is the only live weekly show about being racially and culturally mixed. Join your hosts Fanshen Cox and Heidi Durrow LIVE each Wednesday at 5pm Eastern/2pm Pacific to discuss all aspects of the Mixed experience.
Don't miss this great weekly podcast on www.talkshoe.com. (Keywords: Mixed Chicks)
Subscribe on www.itunes.com FREE and listen whenever you want.
http://www.mixedchickschat.com/
Monday, November 3, 2008
Watch Multiracial Comedians on PBS
The documentary Crossing the Line: Multiracial Comedians is being made available to all PBS starting Sunday, November 16, 2008 for the next four years. Scheduling is done by each station independently. Please contact your local PBS station and ask them to schedule it.
Learn more AND WATCH pilot video about Multiracial Comedians HERE
Monday, September 8, 2008
A great blog about Mixed folks
Submitted by Mixed Roots Film & Literary Participant Esther Friedman.
Click on Link Mixed Chick Chat
Click on Link Mixed Chick Chat
Go see a fabulous talent and bad ass chick Rain Pryor.
While I am preparing to tour, go see a fabulous talent and bad ass woman Rain Pryor. Below are dates for upcoming shows in Baltimore, Philadelphia and Texas.
More info at www.RainPryor.com
September 24,
Fried Chicken & Latkes @ Women's Department - Lion Of Judah - Annual Celebration
THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore, MD
"Fried Chicken & Latkes" is told through song and characters. Solo performance about growing up Black and Jewish in the 1970's. The story takes us on a journey of racial identity, family, career, spiritual growth and love. Rain gives us a glimpse into the universe that was her childhood and is her life, morphing effortlessly, into the people around her. Winner of the NAACP Theatre Award, Nominated for the LA Ovations Awards
October 1, Fried Chicken & Latkes @ CCBC-Dundalk, Baltimore, MD
"Fried Chicken & Latkes"
October 4 & 5 Pryor Experience @ Painted Bride, Philadelphia
Jazz Comedy Cabaret -The Pryor Experience
Performance in the Present Tense
Saturday, October 4, 8pm and Sunday, October 5, 3pm
$35/$17.50 for members
Rain Pryor returns to the Bride in a jazz inspired cabaret featuring Pryor’s signature comedic interludes. Growing up in Beverly Hills as the daughter of a classic Jewish mother and the African American humorist Richard Pryor, Rain brings a sharp wit to fundamental questions of race, faith, and identity. Her stunning voice in a musical performance with arrangements from Grammy-nominated Keith Killgo.
for tickets
http://www.PaintedBride.org
October 14 Pryor Experience, Austin Texas
Jazz Comedy Cabaret
Thursday, July 24, 2008
One Person Show Workshop in NYC - Aug 3, 2008
One-Person Show Workshop in NYC!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Put away your fears and learn how to
create and produce your own solo show .
Ruth Otero helped me put my show together
Ruthy has written, performed, and produced several solo shows in New York and Los Angeles. In 2002 she was chosen as one of Variety's "10 Comics to Watch" for her 2nd show "Dancing With My Demons". Her latest show "OOOPS! I Killed My Mother" was developed as part of the John Ford Amphitheatre Latino Play reading Series, and was presented at the 2004 New York International Fringe Festival.
For More Info Click here
Monday, May 12, 2008
Mixed Roots Film & Literary Festival in Los Angeles
Please visit www.mixedrootsfilmandliteraryfestival.org for more information.
Hope all is well and you are ready to enjoy the summer.
Another opportunity to check out an excerpt of my show. I am in LA for 3 days this week and you and a guest are invited to attend for Free.
The Mixed Roots Film & Literary Festival celebrates those who have created and continue to create works addressing the Mixed racial and cultural experience through film screenings, readings and workshops. All events will be held at the Japanese American National Museum - 369 East First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 – Sign up at : www.mixedrootsfilmandliteraryfestival.org
June 13 - Mixed Unplugged: Live Performance of the Mixed Experience (Mature Subject Matter)
Host: Victoria Tilford
• Joe Hernandez-Kolski & Joshua RKB Silverstein: So Fresh and So Clean
• Maya Lilly: Mixed
• Warren Hutcherson, stand-up
• Kaypri, Babygirl, the coming-of-age sitcom/drama/confessions of a media-codependa-lova-holic
• Esther Friedman, 4525 Henry Hudson Parkway
June 14 - The Process of Writing a Solo Show
Esther Friedman (10:15am-11:15am)
National Center Conference Room:
Curtain Rising Magazine Review on Pages 34 & 35
Click on Photos below to read latest reviews for Random Sharp Objects
Friday, April 4, 2008
An Audience member gave me black and white cupcakes
A lovely lady whose name is Diane heard about my show and what it was about and after she introduced herself she gave me these as a gift
I took a picture of them before I ate them all by myself.
I took a picture of them before I ate them all by myself.
The Black and White Lady
I hung out with my friend Sarah who is also my sisteeer. She's awesome. So we are out and about in the East Village and we hit happy hour at Niagra's on 7th Street and Ave A. I always call it Nigel's, but it's Niagra like the sign says.
So we are hanging recapping the week when the bartender offered us shots and called them a White Lady. We knocked them back and as Sarah's shot glass hit the bar she said, these are good and all, but what about a Black and White lady? Ohhh. The bartender took on the challenge and said she'd be right back. This is what she came back with 
The Black & White lady is Pink! Ingredients:
Gin
Lime Juice
Chambourd
Simple Triple Sac
That's the best that I could remember the day after.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Process of Creating a Solo Show # 7
The original title of the show went from Reflections and Shadows, to Random Sharp Objects (you'd have to see the show for the reference). It was pretty cool the different reactions from people. For the most part people really enjoyed it and could relate. I had a couple of incidents where I felt I had to defend myself and my art and it is through those indcidents I am grateful for standing my ground on how I tell this story. It's my story and I don't have to alter it for anyone else to make them feel comfortable. That was a great lesson for me to learn. I'm also thankful to Larry Clarke who reminded me to just tell the story and tell the truth. That is what I always remember before I go on.
It was sad when we closed but we all needed a break. I decided to go back East and see my family. The whole time I was there something inside me would be reminded that my sister Sarah said she could see this play in New York. Other people said the same thing, which is a nice compliment, but how was I going to do that? I asked the universe that question. I asked Hali if she wanted to continue and she said she would be was unable to travel so I adjusted the script to have me just do my parts.
I submitted the show to various theaters in New York, and I had some bites, some discussions and people said I need to get into the NY Fringe Festival. I thought that would be a daunting task and almost pulled out of the notion of even going to New York. After the 3rd theater that passed on the project, I contacted Cheryl King the creative director of Stage Left Studios. Her theater specializes in solo repretory and I thought how perfect. I submitted my piece and shared my vision and Cheryl was on board. Sarah and Adam Cruz said they wanted to co-produce. Then Shari said, I need a roommate. Which by the way we live on the same street my mother and grandmother opened their first dress shop and a block away from where my dad had his record stores. I've come full circle. All the pieces where coming together, it was all right in front of me and as of the first week of December 2007, I decided to just say "Yes" to all open doors and see where they lead and that is how I'm in New York doing a production of Random Sharp Objects: The Story of How I Got the Past Out of My Ass
It was sad when we closed but we all needed a break. I decided to go back East and see my family. The whole time I was there something inside me would be reminded that my sister Sarah said she could see this play in New York. Other people said the same thing, which is a nice compliment, but how was I going to do that? I asked the universe that question. I asked Hali if she wanted to continue and she said she would be was unable to travel so I adjusted the script to have me just do my parts.
I submitted the show to various theaters in New York, and I had some bites, some discussions and people said I need to get into the NY Fringe Festival. I thought that would be a daunting task and almost pulled out of the notion of even going to New York. After the 3rd theater that passed on the project, I contacted Cheryl King the creative director of Stage Left Studios. Her theater specializes in solo repretory and I thought how perfect. I submitted my piece and shared my vision and Cheryl was on board. Sarah and Adam Cruz said they wanted to co-produce. Then Shari said, I need a roommate. Which by the way we live on the same street my mother and grandmother opened their first dress shop and a block away from where my dad had his record stores. I've come full circle. All the pieces where coming together, it was all right in front of me and as of the first week of December 2007, I decided to just say "Yes" to all open doors and see where they lead and that is how I'm in New York doing a production of Random Sharp Objects: The Story of How I Got the Past Out of My Ass
Process of Creating a Solo Show # 6
I'm rushing to get current with this blog called Process of Creating a Solo show because things have been moving so fast, it's hard for me to keep up.
So last I shared my writing process and about the angels that I have been graciously been blessed with. So I'm starting to feel confident and I was even getting to the point where I could see myself actually perform a show. I was not nearly ready but I could see it.
I asked my ace boon coon Jeana Rhinerson to host a reading of my solo show. Only my trusted friends and fellow peers where invited. I basically read it out loud for the very first time. I was so nervous, but I was in safe loving hands. I asked for feed back and oh boy they gave it. Some critical some supportive, but most importantly I took what I needed and I left the rest. Everything they had to say helped me tremendiously. I kept writing.
I also got involved with a lovely team of fellow writers called Naked Angeles. Hosted by Kathleen Dennehy and Larry Clarke. Because I had to wear two hats, the performer and the writer I asked the actors from this group to read my different characters. This helped me separate and focus on my writing. Then I went back in and performed what I wrote. I am forever grateful for that process. Thank you angels.
As I envisioned a venue, I remembered Frank Megna from Working Stage. The first theater I was able to perform in when I arrived to Los Angeles. It had been over 8 years since I worked with Frank. I looked him up and noticed that he had a writing/performing class. I thought I need to contact Frank and get into his class. It would really help me flush out all the stories I was compiling. I emailed Frank and said "Hey Frank, It's a Blast from the Past, remember me?" Frank is like, hell yeah I remember you. I sign up for Frank's class. Here was another commitment I would make. Once a week no matter what, I will write and I will attend this class and I will get up on my feet. Eveyone in class was awesome. When it was my turn Frank would have us improv the scenes that I wrote and new stuff and by doing this new angles came up and things I completely forgot about. Fellow actors filled in for members of my family. It was a good time doing this work.
Frank decided that the student would put together a showcase of what we were doing in class. I had to at least do 15 minutes of the show. I thought this was doable. So we started crackin it in rehersals. A turn of events took place between the other students schedules and it was now down to only Hali Morell and myself and Frank thought to combine both of the pieces we were working on because some how they were related. We did an improv on how our stories were related and Hali went home and wrote then brought in the opening scene for our show. We were trying to figure out a date to have a production and then how Hali tells the story I came in to rehersal and said we've got to do it May 24th no matter what. Why everyone asked. Because my sister and her husband are coming into town that week which is rare and I really wanted her to be there. We must do it that day. Frank said let's do it, which meant we'd have to open in 2 weeks. Talk about fire under our asses. Exciting times. The energy was in the air. We were living in the theater.
We did the show for an audience for the first time and it was a hit. Frank and co creative director of Working Stage Diana Ljungaeus said they felt we could pull off a couple of more nights, which we did. After 4 shows, Frank had some ideas to flush out the story some more so we went back into workshopping to find our way through. Then Frank and Diana told us one night that they thought we could pull off another 6 week run, would we be up for it. Hali and I just looked at each other and said sure.
After a 6 week run we got some reviews and great feedback and had a hell of a good time.
So last I shared my writing process and about the angels that I have been graciously been blessed with. So I'm starting to feel confident and I was even getting to the point where I could see myself actually perform a show. I was not nearly ready but I could see it.
I asked my ace boon coon Jeana Rhinerson to host a reading of my solo show. Only my trusted friends and fellow peers where invited. I basically read it out loud for the very first time. I was so nervous, but I was in safe loving hands. I asked for feed back and oh boy they gave it. Some critical some supportive, but most importantly I took what I needed and I left the rest. Everything they had to say helped me tremendiously. I kept writing.
I also got involved with a lovely team of fellow writers called Naked Angeles. Hosted by Kathleen Dennehy and Larry Clarke. Because I had to wear two hats, the performer and the writer I asked the actors from this group to read my different characters. This helped me separate and focus on my writing. Then I went back in and performed what I wrote. I am forever grateful for that process. Thank you angels.
As I envisioned a venue, I remembered Frank Megna from Working Stage. The first theater I was able to perform in when I arrived to Los Angeles. It had been over 8 years since I worked with Frank. I looked him up and noticed that he had a writing/performing class. I thought I need to contact Frank and get into his class. It would really help me flush out all the stories I was compiling. I emailed Frank and said "Hey Frank, It's a Blast from the Past, remember me?" Frank is like, hell yeah I remember you. I sign up for Frank's class. Here was another commitment I would make. Once a week no matter what, I will write and I will attend this class and I will get up on my feet. Eveyone in class was awesome. When it was my turn Frank would have us improv the scenes that I wrote and new stuff and by doing this new angles came up and things I completely forgot about. Fellow actors filled in for members of my family. It was a good time doing this work.
Frank decided that the student would put together a showcase of what we were doing in class. I had to at least do 15 minutes of the show. I thought this was doable. So we started crackin it in rehersals. A turn of events took place between the other students schedules and it was now down to only Hali Morell and myself and Frank thought to combine both of the pieces we were working on because some how they were related. We did an improv on how our stories were related and Hali went home and wrote then brought in the opening scene for our show. We were trying to figure out a date to have a production and then how Hali tells the story I came in to rehersal and said we've got to do it May 24th no matter what. Why everyone asked. Because my sister and her husband are coming into town that week which is rare and I really wanted her to be there. We must do it that day. Frank said let's do it, which meant we'd have to open in 2 weeks. Talk about fire under our asses. Exciting times. The energy was in the air. We were living in the theater.
We did the show for an audience for the first time and it was a hit. Frank and co creative director of Working Stage Diana Ljungaeus said they felt we could pull off a couple of more nights, which we did. After 4 shows, Frank had some ideas to flush out the story some more so we went back into workshopping to find our way through. Then Frank and Diana told us one night that they thought we could pull off another 6 week run, would we be up for it. Hali and I just looked at each other and said sure.
After a 6 week run we got some reviews and great feedback and had a hell of a good time.
What's up with this Iris Bahr?
I kept asking myself self and then my friends, because her name keeps coming up on my journey of bringing my solo show Random Sharp Objects to New York.
Let's start with meeting Danny Robinson in June 2007. I had an opportunity to meet with Danny and in our meeting he mentioned that he works with Iris Bahr, who had a successful one woman show in New York, called "Dai". Iris was nominated for an Obie when her show was at the Culture Project and then her show moved to a off broadway theater for something like 18 weeks. Danny just mentioned it and suggested I check her out. I googled her and was like ok, if I get to New York I will definitely check her out. I noticed she worked with Craig Carlisle who also directed Fielding Edlow's solo show. Craig was cool because he gave me a quick 101 on how to think when writing a solo show. Thanks Craig. Coincidence, small world. What ever.
Things are coming together, all things RSO are in effect to go to New York. Jump to landing in New York. My roommate and dear friend Shari and I are rockin and rollin in NYC. I tell Shari about how I met Danny in LA and he suggested I go see "Dai". Shari's is like "hold up! Danny use to rep me and the guy that use to live in this apartment co-produced the show "Dai". We were like that's weird!
So it's down to the wire because "Dai" will be closing in one week. I'm strapped for cash until I start earning from doing my own show and I'm trying to figure out how I can go see the show. I contact Iris and ask her if I can stand in the back and watch the show. She invites me to see her perform. I am estatic and grateful. She was amazing. She did like 12 characters and told a touching moving story through the lives of people in a Tel Aviv cafe just before it gets bombed. Intense shit. I waited around to try and see her to thank her again, but the staff asked me to move out of the lobby. When I got home I thanked her again.
The next day Shari tells me I won't guess who she ran into today. Who? Iris Bahr, says Shari. That's crazy, I say. She's like yeah I know, Iris was talking about her show and then I told her how you are my roommate and you just saw the show last night and about my friend Paul who co-produced. That's crazy!, we're both yelling out loud in our fab apartment.
So opening night of my own show in New York I go to lunch with J. Keith van Straaten who is in New York hosting his own show What's My Line?
I'm telling J. Keith about how I got to go see Iris Bahr in "Dai" and how trippy it is that her name keeps coming up. J.Keith looks at me from across the table and says I know Iris. We're friends. "No way!" I say. I'm going to text her right now, he says. I told him to text her that she is invited to opening night, I keep inviting her. She couldn't make. We still have not met but when we do it will be superfabulucious.
Let's start with meeting Danny Robinson in June 2007. I had an opportunity to meet with Danny and in our meeting he mentioned that he works with Iris Bahr, who had a successful one woman show in New York, called "Dai". Iris was nominated for an Obie when her show was at the Culture Project and then her show moved to a off broadway theater for something like 18 weeks. Danny just mentioned it and suggested I check her out. I googled her and was like ok, if I get to New York I will definitely check her out. I noticed she worked with Craig Carlisle who also directed Fielding Edlow's solo show. Craig was cool because he gave me a quick 101 on how to think when writing a solo show. Thanks Craig. Coincidence, small world. What ever.
Things are coming together, all things RSO are in effect to go to New York. Jump to landing in New York. My roommate and dear friend Shari and I are rockin and rollin in NYC. I tell Shari about how I met Danny in LA and he suggested I go see "Dai". Shari's is like "hold up! Danny use to rep me and the guy that use to live in this apartment co-produced the show "Dai". We were like that's weird!
So it's down to the wire because "Dai" will be closing in one week. I'm strapped for cash until I start earning from doing my own show and I'm trying to figure out how I can go see the show. I contact Iris and ask her if I can stand in the back and watch the show. She invites me to see her perform. I am estatic and grateful. She was amazing. She did like 12 characters and told a touching moving story through the lives of people in a Tel Aviv cafe just before it gets bombed. Intense shit. I waited around to try and see her to thank her again, but the staff asked me to move out of the lobby. When I got home I thanked her again.
The next day Shari tells me I won't guess who she ran into today. Who? Iris Bahr, says Shari. That's crazy, I say. She's like yeah I know, Iris was talking about her show and then I told her how you are my roommate and you just saw the show last night and about my friend Paul who co-produced. That's crazy!, we're both yelling out loud in our fab apartment.
So opening night of my own show in New York I go to lunch with J. Keith van Straaten who is in New York hosting his own show What's My Line?
I'm telling J. Keith about how I got to go see Iris Bahr in "Dai" and how trippy it is that her name keeps coming up. J.Keith looks at me from across the table and says I know Iris. We're friends. "No way!" I say. I'm going to text her right now, he says. I told him to text her that she is invited to opening night, I keep inviting her. She couldn't make. We still have not met but when we do it will be superfabulucious.
Process of Creating a Solo Show #5
So last I left off I was talking about how I started to write my story and when I got stuck I asked for help. Over 8 years ago, I told my acting teacher Michelle Shay - who most recently played a character Aunt Ester in August Wilson's play Gem. She already won a Tony for Seven Guitars. I'm doing my best to follow in her foot steps. Anyway I told her how I wanted to do a solo show. She suggested I meet with Elana Golden -
Elana invited people to share with her their most intimate and difficult moments. Realizing the cathartic experience inherent in the artistic expression of one's "wound", as well as ecstasy, she began to teach writing, using her own life journey as inspiration. Elana re introduced me to the story of Persephone -
I would be inspired to find my own story after ready about Persephone, but I was also scared of my own story so I put my pen down. Why bother I thought. I have nothing to say. I siked myself out real good.
A year went by and I came across Mark Travis. Mark has a process of developing and directing one person shows that has generated numerous notable productions including, Time Flies When You're Alive, and A Bronx Tale. Mark was taking on new clients and I had an opportunity to sit with him and discuss how I could start creating a show. Mark taped that conversation for me so I could hear what I was trying to say. I was confused and scared and just didn't really know what my story was, in a way I wanted him to tell me. The whole process felt daunting to me so I said forget it and walked away. I never called Mark back.
Cut to another 3 more years gone by. A story was itching in me and I was attracted to other people who had solo shows so I went to see more theater. One of the first was Fielding Edlow - writer and performer of Coke Free JAP. Loved it. I was intrigued with her intellect and smart writing, related to her angst, and saw a soul sister before me. Watching Fielding being a warrior and how she operated inspired courage in me. Love you Field.
So I thought maybe to get back in the game again. As I got out to see theater more I also came across Jamie M. Fox, writer and performer of Independence -
Jamie had mad skill in telling a story and I reached out to her for guidance. She was so generous to share with me her experiences and passed along resources and I started to feel like maybe I could do this.
As I was putting my intention to write a solo show out into the universe I came across Ruth Otero - another very talented actress. Ruth a professional solo performer was putting together workshops that help you create and produce your solo show. Two things I definitely needed to do. So I took Ruth's 2 day workshop and I walked out of there with a templete for a show. I was willing to write and see where it took me. Ruth gave us self contracts to sign and set the date for us to get our rough drafts done and to get a signature of a witness. I asked Jamie M. Fox to sign mine. It was dated 6/27/06 and I finished my draft 8/26/06. Thanks ladies. Ruth is awesome, sign up for her future workshops.
I started writing my ass off and then I remembered that a lot of my stories had to do with my ass and how that related to the past, so my working title became How I Got the Past Out of My Ass. I didn't know if that would actually be the title but if I could get away with it that is what it was going to be.
So I had my rough draft. I was so proud of myself to make it this far. That was enough for me. I could put it down now. But something inside myself said if you put it down it might take another 3 years to move forward. So as I was struggling to get myself do some rewrites my boyfriend broke up with me. I was shocked and then I realized I had choices. I could sulk and go to bed real early and cry for a couple of months or I can put everything I have into this creative project. I chose the creative project. Every piece of energy, resource went into the completion of my script. Everything!!!! I wanted to really experience moving forward and making it to the other side. There where so many people before me that have done it and I want to be next.
Once again putting that energy out into the universe, I started being lead to the next indicated step. At a social gathering I ran into Mark Travis again. I didn't think he would remember me, so I introduced myself to him again. I told him I still had the recorded tape of our meeting and a completed draft of my script. I asked if he would work with me this time around. I knew Mark was before me that I was given a second chance and I was taking it. Mark agreed to work with me and I made the commitment to work with him once a week no matter what. Mark challenged me during this process and we got to the nitty gritty of the story. Mark was then given numerous opportunities to promote his book and teach all over the world so our time together came to an end. I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to work with Mark. Big smiles and hugs Mark
Elana invited people to share with her their most intimate and difficult moments. Realizing the cathartic experience inherent in the artistic expression of one's "wound", as well as ecstasy, she began to teach writing, using her own life journey as inspiration. Elana re introduced me to the story of Persephone -
I would be inspired to find my own story after ready about Persephone, but I was also scared of my own story so I put my pen down. Why bother I thought. I have nothing to say. I siked myself out real good.
A year went by and I came across Mark Travis. Mark has a process of developing and directing one person shows that has generated numerous notable productions including, Time Flies When You're Alive, and A Bronx Tale. Mark was taking on new clients and I had an opportunity to sit with him and discuss how I could start creating a show. Mark taped that conversation for me so I could hear what I was trying to say. I was confused and scared and just didn't really know what my story was, in a way I wanted him to tell me. The whole process felt daunting to me so I said forget it and walked away. I never called Mark back.
Cut to another 3 more years gone by. A story was itching in me and I was attracted to other people who had solo shows so I went to see more theater. One of the first was Fielding Edlow - writer and performer of Coke Free JAP. Loved it. I was intrigued with her intellect and smart writing, related to her angst, and saw a soul sister before me. Watching Fielding being a warrior and how she operated inspired courage in me. Love you Field.
So I thought maybe to get back in the game again. As I got out to see theater more I also came across Jamie M. Fox, writer and performer of Independence -
Jamie had mad skill in telling a story and I reached out to her for guidance. She was so generous to share with me her experiences and passed along resources and I started to feel like maybe I could do this.
As I was putting my intention to write a solo show out into the universe I came across Ruth Otero - another very talented actress. Ruth a professional solo performer was putting together workshops that help you create and produce your solo show. Two things I definitely needed to do. So I took Ruth's 2 day workshop and I walked out of there with a templete for a show. I was willing to write and see where it took me. Ruth gave us self contracts to sign and set the date for us to get our rough drafts done and to get a signature of a witness. I asked Jamie M. Fox to sign mine. It was dated 6/27/06 and I finished my draft 8/26/06. Thanks ladies. Ruth is awesome, sign up for her future workshops.
I started writing my ass off and then I remembered that a lot of my stories had to do with my ass and how that related to the past, so my working title became How I Got the Past Out of My Ass. I didn't know if that would actually be the title but if I could get away with it that is what it was going to be.
So I had my rough draft. I was so proud of myself to make it this far. That was enough for me. I could put it down now. But something inside myself said if you put it down it might take another 3 years to move forward. So as I was struggling to get myself do some rewrites my boyfriend broke up with me. I was shocked and then I realized I had choices. I could sulk and go to bed real early and cry for a couple of months or I can put everything I have into this creative project. I chose the creative project. Every piece of energy, resource went into the completion of my script. Everything!!!! I wanted to really experience moving forward and making it to the other side. There where so many people before me that have done it and I want to be next.
Once again putting that energy out into the universe, I started being lead to the next indicated step. At a social gathering I ran into Mark Travis again. I didn't think he would remember me, so I introduced myself to him again. I told him I still had the recorded tape of our meeting and a completed draft of my script. I asked if he would work with me this time around. I knew Mark was before me that I was given a second chance and I was taking it. Mark agreed to work with me and I made the commitment to work with him once a week no matter what. Mark challenged me during this process and we got to the nitty gritty of the story. Mark was then given numerous opportunities to promote his book and teach all over the world so our time together came to an end. I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to work with Mark. Big smiles and hugs Mark
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Process of Creating a Solo Show # 4
When my mom passed away I had a lot of time to reflect. Reminicing and seeking happy times to keep me strong, then remembering some not so happy times. It is during this period in which I was falling apart did I have to find myself again so by picking up the pieces of my emotional and physical make up did I pick up my journal and started writing. In one particular entry I asked myself the question, why is it I don't seem to date black men? I was trying to remember and then count how many black men I did date compared to how many white men I dated and I thought that was odd. I am a bi-racial woman and I love me some flavor, yet I stopped dating black men. Then I started becoming standoffish with black men. It was disturbing. I remember my body and mind was trying to work something out but for some reason I was paralized and what ever message was trying to express itself through me could not because of fear, anger, it was frozen inside. During a Kundalini yoga class with Gurmukh of Golden Bridge, she mentioned that we hold the past in our ass and if we can beat it out we would feel much better. A seed had been planted. It was within this area, my buttocks I held all that anger all the fear I had of black men and I wanted it out of me. Doing body work exercises and taking the time to really listen to my body I was finding the answers to my pain and in the midst of releasing I was given an opportunity to heal though I didn't know it at the time, I only knew afterwards. It was a simple conversation in a gym with a gorgeous black man did I rediscover who I was and gain some freedom from all the unnessecary pain. I got to see how I was projecting fear of black men but in reality I was just scared of myself, my own body as a woman and how powerful just being a woman really is. There were several entries in my journals, but I thought this one most interesting and transformative in rediscovering myself again, so I began writing and writing and when I got stuck, I asked for help.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Process of Creating a Solo Show # 3
I'm on a roll tonight, because I was behind in writing my blog. So after seeing my favorite performers in New York City I decided in this lifetime this is what I am going to do. Like I said I don't know how I just know I am. I'm not going to discuss the other back story behind moving to LA. I am going to focus on the journey of creating a solo show. So when I got to LA, I was in survival mode. After leaving the Village Voice in New York, my sister Deborah pitched for me to work at the Los Angeles Jewish Times in California. I worked there for 3 years and at the end was General Manager. Talk about crazy experiences, I'll have to write about them in another project. As I worked I thought to get myself in the theater scene right away. The first place I went to was Working Stage. I met and worked with Frank Megna. He says, I was a smart ass, not focused. My head was always some where else. He was right. All I did was drink coffee and smoke cigarettes and talk about how I wanted to be an actress. I had talent, I just didn't know how to focus in on it and make it work for me. So I got to work with Frank and he asked me to be in a Working Stage Production called Licking Light Bulbs. I played a drugged up girl Friday. Good times. Near the end of the production I was struggling with family drama and relationship drama and struggled with the "show must go on". It was really hard and as soon as the production was over, I disappeared. I was not getting the parts I wanted, I was not even getting called in and I thought to put up my coat and as I was preparing to squash my own dream my Mom passed away.
The Process of Creating a Solo Show # 2
Last I left off my experience at the Public Papp Theater. So I knew that is what I wanted to do. I didn't know how I was going to do that, I'm just saying that is what I wanted to do. I could say it was also around 10 years old when I use to perform old Rosana Dana skits for my parents and then recreate the commercials from 1978, 1979. Spic and Span, Tide, but it was really after watching Anna Deavere Smith. I also got to see John Leguizamo in Mambo mouth. I know to wait outside of the theater a little bit to the right or left of the entrance where the performers will eventually come out to go back to their normal lives. John jumped out the door with rollarblades and speed off into the city streets. I got no time to get my playbill signed, but I still thought it so cool that he was wearing his jeans and a tshirt like everybody else and he really seemed to be like everybody else, he was just telling his story 20 minutes before to a live audience of about 500 people. He also happen to sit next to me at the Manderian Chinese restaurant on Beverly Blvd. in Los Angeles 5 years late, but I just kept eating my food and never said a word. I so wanted to say, Hi John, I saw you in New York, but I didn't and I didn't regret it, I just might get to see him again and tell him how I am a great fan of his. I just might get to say what a great inspiration he has been for me.
2 week count down to the opening of RSO
What's going on? Well, I am working off of Sarah's laptop at the moment which survived 4 to 7 year olds throwing a ball around that hit coffee and spilled all over the laptop! Nightmare waiting for the thing to come back to life. Adam took it apart cleaned it and it finally magically came back to life, yet the keys on the right side don't necessarily work, so I am doing the best I can with what I have. Example, I can't press return so I'm going to have run on sentences in this blog. It is week count down. All the press releases went out and we got our listing on several cool theater sites. www.theatermania.com, www.broadwayworld.com, www.nytheater.com, www.playbill.com, www.broadwayinsider.com, to name a few. Now we just need to get the media to come and review the show. I was talking to a very professional PR person at a high profile film studio and she said it is still done the old fashion way, you fax or email your press release and then you call to follow up. There is no way of getting around making that phone call. She said don't leave messages on the machine. A newspaper writer will not even listen, it is most likely they will delete. Keep calling until you get someone and then pitch your story. Let them know why their readers would like to know about what you are doing. She told me to not be ashamed of promoting the show. Get the word out there. So that is what I am doing.
Friday, February 8, 2008
The Process of Creating a Solo Show # 1
Originally I've been inspired by John Leguizamo, Anna Deavere Smith and Jennifer Lewis, all of whom I've seen live. When I saw each one of them I knew that is what I wanted to do. They are true storytellers and they bring life to all the characters in their stories, they become those people.
I remember I had to see Anna Deavere Smith. Smith is perhaps best known as the author and performer of two one-woman plays about racial tensions in American cities — Fires in the Mirror (Obie Award-winner and runner-up for the Pulitzer Prize) and Twilight: Los Angeles 1992 (Obie Award-winner and Tony Award nominee).
I had to see Fires in the Mirror and it was the last night at the Public Papp Theater and I didn't have a ticket nor money to see it. I don't know what I was thinking but I went to the theater and stood in front of the box office and stood in the corner. My plan was to wait and maybe an extra ticket would pop up. A miracle ticket. Which I use to get at Grateful Dead shows. In the past I have given away free tickets so I knew I was due return karma. One guy did have an extra ticket because his date didn't show up, but he wanted to sell and decided to wait till someone brought the ticket from him, which they did.
I started to panic because the doors had closed and the show was about to start. I asked the box office, if they would be so kind as to gift me one because it was the last show and no one else was going to buy the ticket. They said no.
A little over 10 minutes went by and I wasn't going to budge. There was a sadness inside myself because I thought to give up, but there was some spark to hold on because anything could happen. I waited and tried to fight off the fear of nothing happening. I stared at those closed doors and then one door swung open. I don't know who the woman was, she may have been an usher or someone from the box office, or maybe even another theater goer who saw my plight outside, but she motioned for me to come over, she pointed to the only seat in the room and said go. I walked down the aisle to the second row, CENTER.
I sat there in awe of Anna and then later smiled to myself of the whole experience.
I remember I had to see Anna Deavere Smith. Smith is perhaps best known as the author and performer of two one-woman plays about racial tensions in American cities — Fires in the Mirror (Obie Award-winner and runner-up for the Pulitzer Prize) and Twilight: Los Angeles 1992 (Obie Award-winner and Tony Award nominee).
I had to see Fires in the Mirror and it was the last night at the Public Papp Theater and I didn't have a ticket nor money to see it. I don't know what I was thinking but I went to the theater and stood in front of the box office and stood in the corner. My plan was to wait and maybe an extra ticket would pop up. A miracle ticket. Which I use to get at Grateful Dead shows. In the past I have given away free tickets so I knew I was due return karma. One guy did have an extra ticket because his date didn't show up, but he wanted to sell and decided to wait till someone brought the ticket from him, which they did.
I started to panic because the doors had closed and the show was about to start. I asked the box office, if they would be so kind as to gift me one because it was the last show and no one else was going to buy the ticket. They said no.
A little over 10 minutes went by and I wasn't going to budge. There was a sadness inside myself because I thought to give up, but there was some spark to hold on because anything could happen. I waited and tried to fight off the fear of nothing happening. I stared at those closed doors and then one door swung open. I don't know who the woman was, she may have been an usher or someone from the box office, or maybe even another theater goer who saw my plight outside, but she motioned for me to come over, she pointed to the only seat in the room and said go. I walked down the aisle to the second row, CENTER.
I sat there in awe of Anna and then later smiled to myself of the whole experience.
| Saturday, January 26, 2008
| ||
| Wednesday, January 09, 2008
| ||
|
breezy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)