We had our first read for Edges the other night. I was nervous, excited, proud of the cast and crew we snagged and really really proud of the incredible material we get to work with. I think this is going to be a really special show, completely different from Reefer Madness. It's a little tricky when people ask what the show is "about" because you show up, we sing you 12 songs and then everyone goes home. It's a visceral experience where, hopefully, more than one song resonates with you. 

If I had to, had to, had to give you an "about", I would say it's about: "Who I am" vs "Who I want to be."

This resonates with me. Anyone that knows me personally knows that I have a no BS policy in my life. I try to be as real and honest as possible, even when it gets me in trouble. I do not small talk, I do not fake laugh (or anything thing else for that matter), I will not say anything behind your back I wouldn't say to your face. This works 90% of the time. It's not easy being completely true to yourself and honest, when most other people aren't. People feel the need to fit into these little molds that society has created, and Edges is about challenging that. About daring to break out of that to be yourself. Caterpillar to Butterfly style.  

So this week-end was the General Auditions for our next season, and I thought I would offer some general feedback. As an actor I learn a lot from watching other people audition, so here are some take-it-or-leave-it thoughts. Please keep in mind that these are MY opinions and preferences, not necessarily everyone's. That if you think I'm referring to you, I probably am, along with 90% of the people who came out. And that everything I say has an opposite and true meaning.

1. Song Selection (Can be applied to monologues)

• If you are auditioning for a company in general, check out their mandate. If it’s to do Canadian work, audition with a Canadian piece. If it’s contemporary musicals, don’t sing something from 1930.
• If you sing something from the show you are saying: “this is how I will play the character”. If that’s different from the director’s view, you may be limiting yourself. Try finding something from the same composer. (By the same token, if it’s exactly what the director wants, you jump to the top of the list! No risk, no reward)

2. Accompaniment vs. Acapella

• If you are lucky enough to have an accompanist, do not bring in something from SONDHEIM or JASON ROBERT BROWN. It’s really hard. Like really, really brilliantly hard. As an option, find a really good piano player; have them practice for a week and record it, then ask the auditors (in advance) if you can just play your accompaniment CD in the audition.
• If you’re singing acapella, try to pitch yourself before you start. Find out what your starting note is and if there’s a piano, plunk it for yourself, get the iphone piano app, borrow a pitch pipe. Whatever! It will ensure that you do not start in the wrong key and flub that high note you’d normally ace.

3. Paperwork

• Everyone likes their resumes and headshots in their own way, so I think, unless specified, it’s better to just hand it in loose. If you want to staple/paper clip it, make it recto-verso, so they can just flip it over.
• Sheet Music should be in a binder or book with time signatures, keys and other important clues on how to play your piece highlighted. If you have cuts, make them as clear as possible. 

4. Auditioning

• It’s not a rehearsal, not quite a performance; it’s a chance to show your skill, technique and talent. So do that. Don’t sing something because the song is funny. Sing something that shows that YOU are funny. Don’t sing lyrics about belting, if you can’t belt. Show yourself.
• Your personality is just as important as your talent. (I have cast in the past because I thought someone would be more fun/nice/open to work with than another). Smile, dress appropriately, be on time, don’t apologize, if you’re gonna shake my hand then do it with conviction, be confident. If you are too nervous for any of the above, learn how to fake it.

5. Afterwards

• Say thanks, good luck, whatever and leave the room. (Some people like to email afterwards, keep it short). Go and get yourself a treat. Auditioning sucks.
• If you don’t get the part, 90% of the time it’s because they already have 2 blondes in the show, you’re too tall/short, they like your voice but not your eye color, you remind them of another actress they hate. 10% it’s because you can’t hit the notes they need, your acting skill/technique isn’t quite there, or you can’t kick as high as the other girls. 

MOST OF THE TIME IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOUR TALENT!

Auditioning sucks. It’s a skill, practice. Audition for your mom, friend, co-workers, whatever. Remember that the auditors are there because they want you to be good. They want you to be perfect for the part, they are cheering you on! (On the inside… Let’s keep it professional.) Go to every audition that you can, and you will start getting work. (A teacher once told me that for every 10 auditions you get 1 call back and for every 10 call backs, 1 job. That’s 1 in 100.)

I have auditioned as an actor for people who fell asleep on me, or walked over to a corner and started having a conversation with others. I’ve walked into rooms and before I even read they say “Thank-You”. These people are assholes, and you do not want to work them anyway. Do not let bad audition experiences put you off. Practice, practice, practice!

After being ridiculously impressed at last year's auditions, I am so excited for this weekend! On Saturday and Sunday, we are having our general auditions for next season.

There are over 60 people coming to sing for us and I cannot wait! I have finally gotten my brain kinda wrapped around getting back into the groove of things. I have to constantly remind myself to do one thing at a time and if something else pops into my head, I put it on a list for later. It's already challenging doing 2 shows, but I need to focus on EDGES for now and once I've got a good grip on that: SPELLING BEE! Now I am off to make some homemade mac and cheese!

So in 20 minutes I will be 27. A good friend of mine told me that it sucked, because you feel like you're getting old, and you start to think about all the shit you haven't done and how there isn't much time left to do them and how you're pretty much one foot in the grave. I, however, feel newborn. I have spent a large portion of my life in fear. All kinds of fear. It has held me back, and always made me feel like I needed more (money, experience, friends, connections) in order to do the things I wanted. 

Last week I went to New Hampshire. It's small, and near, but I travelled to a new destination. Last month I opened my first musical. It was in a small theatre and I couldn't pay my actors, but I directed and choreographed a great piece of theatre. Last year I launched my theatre company. It was a facebook page at the time and only 60 people came to the party, but I put myself out there and said "This is me. This is what I stand for. This is my company." 

Fear can prevent or drive. I used to let it stop me. (I did not audititon for 2 years after theatre school, because I felt like if a company saw me and I wasn't 100%, they would never consider me again.) Now when I am faced with that empty-pit-of-the-stomach feeling I say, "What are my choices?" It always boils down to 2-3 choices. A, B, or C. I think about my ultimate goal in life, my mandate/mission, and I choose whatever will help me get there the best. It's the hardest thing in the world to let go of, but if you are going to succeed in life, you need to trash it! 

I am grateful this Thanksgiving/Birthday weekend for having the tools to turn my fear into... something better.

Once all was said and done, this show was a great success! Reefer Madness: The Musical, had nine sold-out shows (out of 15) and 1,029 people saw it. 

We put in over 6 months of work and it all paid off. I hope this is just the beginning, as they say, because I do not want to be just another artist who puts on one show, realizes it's impossibly difficult, and gives up. I need to make this company work, and I think that's what'll give me the drive to make it work. There are already a few projects up in the air, and we'll let you know when they land! 

Thanks again to everyone that came out! 

We only spent 150$ on marketing, and it just goes to show that good work will get a good audience. And that Montreal musical theatre is an up-and-coming force to be reckoned with! I thank my incredible cast and crew, because these people worked their talented little butts off, for the simple reward of doing the show (read: they worked for free, someone hire these people!) 

Until next time!

Well, there are only five shows left. 

It has been such a whirlwind ride from day one to now. Our first shows were half empty and we couldn't get press in to save our lives. Now we are getting glowing reviews, sold out shows and message after message from people, strangers and friends, who love the show. I am really proud of this show, and after the last show, I will never see my baby again. I am sad, but at the same time, I have already started working on the new projects and I hope this is my life from now on. 

One thing to the next with a couple of days in between for video games and sleep!

Well, we are over the hump. We are at the halfway mark (ish) and have only 8 shows left of Reefer Madness!

This has been the most amazing (and difficult) run. So far the word of mouth and feedback is amazing. But watching the show everynight has caused me to analyse every minute detail, and it's hard not to stand up and yell STOP!!!! Please move an eighth of an inch to the left for perfection. And...GO! At this point in the game I am learning to let go, and it's the only thing I didn't really plan for. The past two shows, I've let myself relax and enjoy the show. 

I have gotten a lot of praise lately, (and frankly friggin deserve it) but the true credit goes to the cast and crew. As much as I have done to put on the show, at least 20 other people have given as much time and talent and love. So in terms of energy put in the universe, my piece of the pie is teeny tiny!

Last night was opening night of Reefer Madness, and I cannot describe the feeling of pride I experienced. This has been such an amazing experience, from the get-go 6 months ago, and last night was everyone's reward. I couldn't have asked for a better Opening night. 

Now I hope that the cast gets the opportunity to be seen by people that can help them along in their lives. I am really gratefull for the 30+ people who have helped me make this show what it is!

Our first preview of Reefer Madness was last night and I am so proud of this show. Knowing the piece so well, I clearly noticed every little thing that went wrong, but it was so cool to see how people covered and adjusted to keep the story going. You can rehearse all you want, but until you have an audience, you can't really know how the show goes 100%. That's why you do a preview, it's to have one last "practice run", but with an audience. You can see where the jokes are working on not, you cal tell where the audience is really into it, or not. 

This show has a lot going on with set and costume changes, props, singing, dancing and special effects. I cannot even imagine what backstage is like. (I am told it's pandemonium!) But now that everything is set, I feel like tonight, it's really going to come together. 

Break a leg!