Well, it's official. The autumnal equinox occurred on September 22 at 5:19 PM Eastern Time. I wasn't paying attention myself. I had gone out to lunch with my mother at Cafe Muse in downtown Royal Oak. (They have a simply delicious vegan burger, by the way.) We were in search of a mirror or matching set of mirrors to replace one that was water-damaged. Didn't find the mirrors but had an enjoyable afternoon. Don't recall where I was at 5:19, though.
It's been a busy, 14-hour-workday fortnight. (A fortnight is an archaic way of saying "two weeks.") But we've accomplished quite a bit, especially on the film project. By the way, if you haven't done so, check out our teaser and behind-the-scenes webisodes on YouTube. Just type in "politics of street crime" and it should come right up.
When I think of September I always think of renewed energy and focus. Of rainy afternoons in Birmingham, window shopping for fall clothes and enjoying a flavored coffee in a coffeehouse.
I hear many people say we didn't have much of a summer. Yes, it was a cool one. But the first three weeks of September were pretty near perfect. I hope we see a good Indian summer soon!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Happy Ever After, Matthew and Michele!
Congratulations to Matthew and Michele Dakho, whose lovely wedding I attended on Sunday. The setting was the sprawling lawn and gazebo in front of the Dearborn Inn. Strains of music from Fellini's Amacord floated on the delicate breeze as we took our seats. Presently, a pair of children, a small boy and a chubby, barely-redhaired toddler in a tiny gown began the procession of attendants, which were all children! Isn't that great? I just loved that. Matthew's son Noah was the best man and his cousin Isabel Kado was the maid of honor. The wedding ceremoney was simple and so aesthetic. Probably the most tasteful wedding I've attended. And, thank you, Matthew and Michele, for dispensing with the lighting of the "unity candle." I hate it when I see that tired, unoriginal and overused faux tradition at weddings! Instead, they did a sand ritual in which they each poured different-colored sand from two separate glass containers into a larger one, symbolizing the blending of their lives and families. Much better.
Anyway, the reception and dinner at the Dearborn Inn were wonderful, the food and cake were great. But just as we were at the "tiny mint" stage (for those of you who don't know, that's a reference from Monty Python's Meaning of Life), Matthew led us to a table laden with the richest, most delectable confections along with a huge chocolate fountain. Wow! I have never turned down a sweet, let alone chocolate, but even I had a limit. I had no choice but to shake a leg on the dance floor with Noah just to get the blood flowing somewhere other than my stomach.
Much happiness to you, Matthew and Michele (and Noah too!)
Anyway, the reception and dinner at the Dearborn Inn were wonderful, the food and cake were great. But just as we were at the "tiny mint" stage (for those of you who don't know, that's a reference from Monty Python's Meaning of Life), Matthew led us to a table laden with the richest, most delectable confections along with a huge chocolate fountain. Wow! I have never turned down a sweet, let alone chocolate, but even I had a limit. I had no choice but to shake a leg on the dance floor with Noah just to get the blood flowing somewhere other than my stomach.
Much happiness to you, Matthew and Michele (and Noah too!)
Friday, September 11, 2009
Links to Teaser, Behind-the-Scenes and Article
Gosh, I almost forgot! The Squeaky Wheel sent an e-mail reminding me to publish the links to our teaser and behind-the-scenes webisode on YouTube. So here they are for the teaser and webisode, respectively:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM_uKJHNiOo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIcgefS6SJY
Oh, and we got some press this week too! Check it out:
http://thecountypress.mihomepaper.com/news/2009-09-09/Marquee/Movie_at_the_Mays.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM_uKJHNiOo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIcgefS6SJY
Oh, and we got some press this week too! Check it out:
http://thecountypress.mihomepaper.com/news/2009-09-09/Marquee/Movie_at_the_Mays.html
That's all, folks -- for today!
Monday, September 7, 2009
The Lovely & Talented Deirdre Tracey
It's been an eventful week (I'll tell you about my "Annual Day Off" in a later post.) But I would be remiss if I failed to mention the presence of fellow actor -- and my friend -- Deirdre Tracey on our set Sunday the 30th of August, 2009, at the aforementioned May home.
It was actually Brian the Director's idea to cast a member of the Panic In Detroit (aka Corrupted Minds) lineup in a guest star role. What a great idea it was! Deirdre Tracey was asked to play the role of Anne Arlington, trophy wife -- and slightly resentful -- of her wealthy and influential magnate husband, Jack Arlington (played to GQ perfection by Rhys Wyn Trenhaile.) Luckily, Deirdre accepted the role and filled it beautifully: bringing her unmatched grace, unerring taste and -- best of all -- dry sense of humor.
As a matter of fact, Matthew Dakho is to be credited because several times I looked over and saw Deirdre laughing merrily at something Matthew had just said. And since it appeared he was talking non-stop, she was laughing every time I saw her.
By the way, in an unrelated note, it was Deirdre's dad that schooled me on the fact that in reality there's no such thing as "Scotch-Irish." It was a term invented in this country in the 19th century to gain acceptance for unwanted Irish immigrants by associating them with the more accepted Scottish-American population. And it's true; when I visited Ireland for my sister's wedding some years ago, the term is non-existent there.
But getting back to my story... . When it came time to say good-bye to Deirdre, it was my privilege to visit for a few moments with Miss Nadia Catherine Raft -- or as I've often referred to her, "Princess." Nadia is Deirdre's lovely little daughter who shares her mothers long limbs and flirtatious demeanor and her dad's true blue eyes and smile. (It was nice to see you, too, Greg Raft! I don't know what's going on up there in Saginaw, but you all looked SO great!!)
Well, there's so much more I could say, not only about my friend but about the magical day we had in North Branch at Mr. May's house. But time's short today. Stay tuned for more later....
It was actually Brian the Director's idea to cast a member of the Panic In Detroit (aka Corrupted Minds) lineup in a guest star role. What a great idea it was! Deirdre Tracey was asked to play the role of Anne Arlington, trophy wife -- and slightly resentful -- of her wealthy and influential magnate husband, Jack Arlington (played to GQ perfection by Rhys Wyn Trenhaile.) Luckily, Deirdre accepted the role and filled it beautifully: bringing her unmatched grace, unerring taste and -- best of all -- dry sense of humor.
As a matter of fact, Matthew Dakho is to be credited because several times I looked over and saw Deirdre laughing merrily at something Matthew had just said. And since it appeared he was talking non-stop, she was laughing every time I saw her.
By the way, in an unrelated note, it was Deirdre's dad that schooled me on the fact that in reality there's no such thing as "Scotch-Irish." It was a term invented in this country in the 19th century to gain acceptance for unwanted Irish immigrants by associating them with the more accepted Scottish-American population. And it's true; when I visited Ireland for my sister's wedding some years ago, the term is non-existent there.
But getting back to my story... . When it came time to say good-bye to Deirdre, it was my privilege to visit for a few moments with Miss Nadia Catherine Raft -- or as I've often referred to her, "Princess." Nadia is Deirdre's lovely little daughter who shares her mothers long limbs and flirtatious demeanor and her dad's true blue eyes and smile. (It was nice to see you, too, Greg Raft! I don't know what's going on up there in Saginaw, but you all looked SO great!!)
Well, there's so much more I could say, not only about my friend but about the magical day we had in North Branch at Mr. May's house. But time's short today. Stay tuned for more later....
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Beautiful Day in North Branch
Have you ever heard of North Branch, Michigan? I hadn't until last week when we visited the lovely home of Mr. Edward May as part of a location scouting for our current film project, Politics of Street Crime.
Jim Howey gave us the lead to Mr. May's estate in North Branch. (Check it out on www.theexecutiveconferencecenter.com.)
Jim Howey gave us the lead to Mr. May's estate in North Branch. (Check it out on www.theexecutiveconferencecenter.com.)
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Can Bad Acting Cause Transmission Trouble? PART 2
I heard about an actor who couldn't drive and act at the same time. Sounds like the punch line to a joke, but it's true! Oh, wait! I've already told you about this.
Details are sketchy but I did hear that the actor in question has been brought down a peg by the incident and is now much easier to work with.
Details are sketchy but I did hear that the actor in question has been brought down a peg by the incident and is now much easier to work with.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Can Bad Acting Cause Transmission Trouble?
Possibly. I heard of an incident in which an actor was suspected of ruining a transmission. This occurred during a scene in which the actor was required to act while driving.
Oy, vey!
Oy, vey!
Monday, June 29, 2009
25:THE SHOW!
Wow. Can't believe it came and went. Our 25th anniversary celebration. (Actually, it's the first of two or three events we're planning to commemorate 25 years in show business.) And how fitting that it occurred at the very same place we produced our very first play, A Short History of Hardin County, Birthplace of Abraham Lincoln in October of 1989. We had a great weekend and I am so proud of my actors! Some of them weren't even born when we first opened our doors in 1984!
Brian and I have had many a merry moment recalling highlights at the Studio: remembering students at the original location at 621 S. Washington (Larry Cates, Mike Bryant, Gail Nelson Welch, Pat Harris, Cynthia Betley, Jim Hughes, Debra Moran, Chuck Metty, Carol Ilku, among many, many others); recalling the time Sam Raimi -- yes, that Sam Raimi -- visited the studio as a guest director and calling me "kiddo" (we'd held some auditions overseen by Bruce Campbell for Evil Dead II when their offices were still on 9 Mile in Ferndale.) Then there was the year we had a Casablanca-themed New Year's Eve party. And the day Juliet Prowse (dancer, actor, former fiancee of Frank Sinatra and pantyhose pitchwoman ["Nothing beats a great pair of L'eggs!"]) visited the studio with our friend and star of The Big Story, Brian Schulz.
Have to also give props to our friend and original staff member, Gary Haight. What a beautiful man! Not just physically, but spiritually. I'll never forget the first time I saw Gary. The late afternoon sun was shining through the window at the studio when I arrived to take my first class. The light hit his gorgeous blond hair and blue eyes as he looked up at me. That moment is frozen in my memory: I was regarding one of the best looking men I have ever seen. Over the years, he has become one of my best friends and mentors.
Oh, also -- can you believe it? -- Charlie Maas stopped by the studio today while we were out! Charlie is a great friend as well. He used to own The Picture Company in Royal Oak at the end of Washington Avenue where we used to run class for a while and put on a few really good shows. Charlie used to shoot my headshots back when photographers used real film. He was an expert printer whose work was simply exquisite.
These and other thoughts ran through my head this past weekend as we presented 25: The Show at 1515 Broadway. Stay tuned for more reflections....
Bye for now!
- Aida
Sunday, June 14, 2009
We're On Broadway!
1515 Broadway, that is.
Today was our first rehearsal at the theatre where we'll be presenting 25 - THE SHOW on June 27 and 28.
We actually started our stage careers there. Back in 1989 we produced A History of Hardin County, Birthplace of Abraham Lincoln. I am happy to see how 1515 Broadway has grown and prospered. Thanks to owner Chris Jasczsak! (Hope I spelled that correctly.)
Anyway, it was great to be working in a theatre again. It's a nice break from our hectic shooting schedule for Politics of Street Crime.
Gotta go, but hope to see all our friends on June 27 and 28!
Bye for now.
- Aida
Today was our first rehearsal at the theatre where we'll be presenting 25 - THE SHOW on June 27 and 28.
We actually started our stage careers there. Back in 1989 we produced A History of Hardin County, Birthplace of Abraham Lincoln. I am happy to see how 1515 Broadway has grown and prospered. Thanks to owner Chris Jasczsak! (Hope I spelled that correctly.)
Anyway, it was great to be working in a theatre again. It's a nice break from our hectic shooting schedule for Politics of Street Crime.
Gotta go, but hope to see all our friends on June 27 and 28!
Bye for now.
- Aida
Thursday, June 11, 2009
My Teammate Tim
Heard some sad news last night. Tim Cole's brother is quite sick. His transplanted liver is failing. Tim is very worried. I thought of you last night and this morning, Tim, and honestly said a prayer for you.
But let's not forget it's also your birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TIM!
Hang in there. You've got quite a burden at the moment, but please take out a little time to enjoy your birthday with your brother.
For those who don't know, Tim and I lead the hair and makeup team on our current film project Politics of Street Crime. (Natasha Akrawi has recently joined the team, bringing her talents in both hair and makeup.)
Again, Happy Birthday, Tim!
Bye for now.
- Aida
But let's not forget it's also your birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TIM!
Hang in there. You've got quite a burden at the moment, but please take out a little time to enjoy your birthday with your brother.
For those who don't know, Tim and I lead the hair and makeup team on our current film project Politics of Street Crime. (Natasha Akrawi has recently joined the team, bringing her talents in both hair and makeup.)
Again, Happy Birthday, Tim!
Bye for now.
- Aida
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Stage Fright! It's SO Scary!
Well, kids, today's topic is stage fright. One of my actors confided that she gets stage fright and asked me what she could do about it. An actor with stage fright! How unusual. (I hope you detected the irony in that.) All actors get stage fright, some very infrequently and others more frequently. "Well," I said. "Preparation is very important. And concentration on what your goal is in the scene, of course. If you focus on the circumstances of the scene, you won't think of the audience." Blah, blah, blah.
Even vastly experienced, thoroughly prepared actors will, for unknown reasons, sometimes get panicky and go blank before a performance. Although not in that category at the time, I remember when I was in eighth grade I had to dress up as Dolley Madison and, in the first person, give a little speech about myself as the fourth president's First Lady. I had on an exquisite gray satin, period-accurate gown that my mother had made. Definitely the best costume. But when my turn came, I went blank as an idiot's stare!
At the moment, we have a number of aspiring young actors with little or no theatre experience. They've all done film, but very limited stage. The actor who took me aside with her confession is such a one. I felt sorry for her because although as an actor I do prefer film, there is no substitute for the immediacy, energy and joy of performing on stage. So what do I tell these hopeful actors?
I woke up this morning with an insight that made me sit bolt upright in bed: Love your audience. Consider it your job -- and your privilege -- to entertain them. Include them -- not in your scene necessarily -- but in your heart. Welcome them. You need them. Remember: even if they are not yet present when you perform for film, they exist. You have an audience, albeit a future one, when you're on camera. It takes great courage to be an actor. Essentially, as actors we are illuminating the things that unite us as human beings: the sorrows and joys, the common and shared human experience. It is a very noble thing.
There's a lovely scene in the beginning of Ingmar Bergman's film Fanny and Alexander that I just love. In it, a theatre manager has gathered his actors together at the annual Christmas party. He addresses them as beloved family members and reminds them of the specialness of their work. He refers to the theatre as their "little world," a place where people from the bigger outside world may come to set aside their troubles for a little while, to gain insight into their own lives and to feel comforted with a sense of common humanity. That scene never fails to move me. It's bringing tears to my eyes now.
So, to that actor or any other stage frightened performer, I would say this:
Love -- for your audience -- is all you need.
Bye for now!
- Aida
Even vastly experienced, thoroughly prepared actors will, for unknown reasons, sometimes get panicky and go blank before a performance. Although not in that category at the time, I remember when I was in eighth grade I had to dress up as Dolley Madison and, in the first person, give a little speech about myself as the fourth president's First Lady. I had on an exquisite gray satin, period-accurate gown that my mother had made. Definitely the best costume. But when my turn came, I went blank as an idiot's stare!
At the moment, we have a number of aspiring young actors with little or no theatre experience. They've all done film, but very limited stage. The actor who took me aside with her confession is such a one. I felt sorry for her because although as an actor I do prefer film, there is no substitute for the immediacy, energy and joy of performing on stage. So what do I tell these hopeful actors?
I woke up this morning with an insight that made me sit bolt upright in bed: Love your audience. Consider it your job -- and your privilege -- to entertain them. Include them -- not in your scene necessarily -- but in your heart. Welcome them. You need them. Remember: even if they are not yet present when you perform for film, they exist. You have an audience, albeit a future one, when you're on camera. It takes great courage to be an actor. Essentially, as actors we are illuminating the things that unite us as human beings: the sorrows and joys, the common and shared human experience. It is a very noble thing.
There's a lovely scene in the beginning of Ingmar Bergman's film Fanny and Alexander that I just love. In it, a theatre manager has gathered his actors together at the annual Christmas party. He addresses them as beloved family members and reminds them of the specialness of their work. He refers to the theatre as their "little world," a place where people from the bigger outside world may come to set aside their troubles for a little while, to gain insight into their own lives and to feel comforted with a sense of common humanity. That scene never fails to move me. It's bringing tears to my eyes now.
So, to that actor or any other stage frightened performer, I would say this:
Love -- for your audience -- is all you need.
Bye for now!
- Aida
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Sugar Blues
Wow. I'm experiencing a sugar downer right now. Aaron Pettway thoughtfully brought three boxes of Entenmann donuts to workshop tonight and I had. . . not one, but TWO donuts. Or is it doughnuts? Either way, I wish I'd only taken ONE!
Tickets for our Silver Anniversary Show at 1515 Broadway are available at our studio in Royal Oak and, very soon, on the web site through PayPal. They'll be at 1515 Broadway too. After a bit of a chaotic start (isn't is always like that in theatre?) we're getting in a rhythm of rehearsals now.
Have two music videos that I'm helping produce: one is going to be produced and directed and shot by Christopher Chynoweth and Mike Berlucchi for a rap group called The Regiment. And Dylan is negotiating with some artists right now for another music video shoot.
Happy Birthday to our June babies: the lovely and talented Agnes Rose; Justin Hickmott (a great kid!) and camera magnet Tim "In-the-Shot" Cole!
Also, a shout out to Mic: Feel better, man. (He has pneumonia.) Irina, are you attending tomorrow?
To all who went to Cedar Point: I hope you used sunscreen!
I'm feeling better now, thank God. Go Wings!
Bye for now!
- Aida
Monday, June 8, 2009
Successful Music Video Shoot with GOREVETTE!
Hello, Everyone!
I'm so pleased that our shoot went well yesterday. We invited Gorevette (check out their MySpace page) to participate in a scene from our current film project Politics of Street Crime. The scene takes place in an after hours club (when was the last time YOU went to an after hours club?) and show the band (Nikki Corvette, Amy Gore, Lianna Castillo and Al King) performing as "Monique" and "Michelle" (played by Agnes Rose and Natasha Akrawi) walked through the scene. Mic Lydell and Tim Cole (as "Cowboy" and "Reichers," respectively) also appeared in an incidental scene.
Some of the footage shot yesterday will also be used for a music video for Gorevette. Long story made short, I had been communicating with Amy Gore for a bit to make this happen. It was a pleasure dealing with Amy and the rest of the band. They were sharp, professional and very cool. I urge you all to catch their show July 18 as part of the Concert of Colors. Did you know they were contacted by the legendary Don Was about performing together? The same Don Was that produced a Rolling Stones album and was leader of the famous Was (Not Was).
Props to our crew too! Matthew Dakho -- a fine actor in his own right -- helped run a smooth set as AD. Jaclyn Wells, with quick and quiet efficiency, dressed the set in record time. Saw her dancing too! Doug Austin, our cameraman (and also a drummer with Via Regia), bonded with drummer Al as they worked to solve the problem of how to play drums without making noise. We were able to keep up the necessary pace with Steve Horn's stoic focus as key grip. Much thanks to everyone else: Theresa, Rachid, Whitni, Irina, Jim, Dan, Justin, Caitlyn, Marco, Chivon -- have I left anyone out? If so, please forgive.
And finally, thanks to everyone at Bastone Restaurant and Commune Bar: David Ritchie, Matt, Bronwyn, Christy, Kelly, Kane, Mary, etc., etc.
OK, kids....gotta go!
Bye for now,
Aida
I'm so pleased that our shoot went well yesterday. We invited Gorevette (check out their MySpace page) to participate in a scene from our current film project Politics of Street Crime. The scene takes place in an after hours club (when was the last time YOU went to an after hours club?) and show the band (Nikki Corvette, Amy Gore, Lianna Castillo and Al King) performing as "Monique" and "Michelle" (played by Agnes Rose and Natasha Akrawi) walked through the scene. Mic Lydell and Tim Cole (as "Cowboy" and "Reichers," respectively) also appeared in an incidental scene.
Some of the footage shot yesterday will also be used for a music video for Gorevette. Long story made short, I had been communicating with Amy Gore for a bit to make this happen. It was a pleasure dealing with Amy and the rest of the band. They were sharp, professional and very cool. I urge you all to catch their show July 18 as part of the Concert of Colors. Did you know they were contacted by the legendary Don Was about performing together? The same Don Was that produced a Rolling Stones album and was leader of the famous Was (Not Was).
Props to our crew too! Matthew Dakho -- a fine actor in his own right -- helped run a smooth set as AD. Jaclyn Wells, with quick and quiet efficiency, dressed the set in record time. Saw her dancing too! Doug Austin, our cameraman (and also a drummer with Via Regia), bonded with drummer Al as they worked to solve the problem of how to play drums without making noise. We were able to keep up the necessary pace with Steve Horn's stoic focus as key grip. Much thanks to everyone else: Theresa, Rachid, Whitni, Irina, Jim, Dan, Justin, Caitlyn, Marco, Chivon -- have I left anyone out? If so, please forgive.
And finally, thanks to everyone at Bastone Restaurant and Commune Bar: David Ritchie, Matt, Bronwyn, Christy, Kelly, Kane, Mary, etc., etc.
OK, kids....gotta go!
Bye for now,
Aida
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
25th Anniversary
Yes, it's hard to believe, but our studio has been around for 25 years! Wow! Have met and worked with so many interesting, creative, unique human beings in that time. Right now, our current crop of aspiring actors is preparing a 25th anniversary showcase featuring scenes from the various shows we've produced over the years. We'll also be screening highlights from our films.
On Wednesdays, the group focuses their energies on our latest film project: Politics of Street Crime. Not only do the actors have roles in the film, but they work on production too! Cool bunch of people.
Hope to see everyone at our 25th Anniversary event. It's on June 27 at 8PM at 1515 Broadway. Tickets are available at our studio in Royal Oak and will soon be available for purchase at 1515 Broadway and on our web site: www.theactorsworkshopdetroit.com.
Bye for now!
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