To those whom it may concern,
We are now in Wednesday of week 2 of the world pausing and saying, "WTF," and I fear I may be going mad. Not mad in the sense of hating anyone I live with, for indeed I adore these crazy fools. Not mad in the sense of going completely stir crazy, though I am indeed feeling that. Nor mad in the sense of wanting to wear a hat indoors for no reason. I may be mad, but I shall never be that mad. Mad in the sense of complete ennui for things to be semi-normal again. Mad in the sense that I am more than ready to be on the stage again (but that was a feeling I had for some time). Things are all topsy-turvy, and I have frankly had about enough. So, here's what I'm doing...trying to not go totally mad. I'm doing my best to read both literature and plays. (Very good.) I am working out at home. (Yay!) I'm enjoying the company of those closest to me. (Not really a choice there, but at least I like them, so that's a win.) All in all, I am attempting to stay positive and not let this whole thing throw me completely off my game/nut/rocker. My hope is that once this is all over and done with, I will be even more sought after in the audition game. I haven't given up, nor do I intend to. Please send your positive thoughts and also any suggestions of things I should read/watch. I am also going to ask on here, do any of you out there have any suggestions of actors who you think I am similar to/roles you think I could/should play? Please share either in the comments on here or on Facebook. Stay safe y'all
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This was not how I expected this day to go.
I woke up feeling a little down with the news. I learned that my grandmother, the woman who helped start me on this path was nearing the end of hers. Hospice care was called for and she was to have an in-home aid for her passing. This woman, who taught me so much, had been suffering from dementia for some time which had taken a sudden turn for the worse. Little did we know how sudden or worse. She died less than an hour ago. You may ask why I am writing this...because I need to grieve in my own way. I need to honor the woman who influenced me. Verlyn Bruns was not only an amazing teacher but an amazing human. She loved fiercely and would call you out should you need it. When my sister and I were young, she was the one who initially took us on stage. In her living room is a framed article of her repairing the grand drape at the Rochester Civic Theatre with my sister and I playing on stage. She never missed a show I was in. If you had met her, you would never forget her...nor would she let you. She taught my family how important it is to believe in yourself. She taught me how to bake, and how to be a good host. Mostly, she taught me the importance of loving your family and friends. The circle you keep is what holds you up in this world. Like I said, this was not how I expected this day to go. Anna and I will be flying out to Minnesota to be with my family as soon as we can. I thank you all in advance for your love, support, and condolences. Grandma, I am going to honor you every day. Thank you for you love and strength. Hello everyone!
I wanted you all to know that I am still out there trying my best. Last year, I had the honor of attending just under 100 auditions. This year is also off to a great start. I know I have put it out on other platforms, but I have a few goals for 2020. I have been working on my weight all of my life, so for 2020 I want to get down to 220 lbs. I know it will be a struggle, but with support from my wife, friends, and my reps I know I can make this happen. My second goal is to get at least 2 bookings this year. I know, I know, it does not seem like a lot, but 2 solid bookings will mean so much to me. I will also shortly be getting new headshots, so be on the lookout for those. Thank you all for your support! I saw this image online today associated with an article about stress. Boy, oh boy, is this ever the truth. First off, I am terribly sorry that I have not blogged here since March. Let's just say that things have been stressful? Anna and I are finally going to move out of the apartment we have been in for 3 years. We would stay, but the upstairs neighbors have zero respect for this little thing called sleep ("You always need to sleep" was a counter-argument they used when I asked them to turn their music down because I had work the next day) let alone for respect for us a people (they were so rude towards Anna, saying things that I will not repeat). Additionally, our landlord has been ineffective at not only working on our complaint but also following through on much needed repairs. We still have mold growing in our bathroom...yay. Added to that, I've been auditioning like crazy, but no one is really biting. I had a casting director in a class tell me once that I will work non-stop...in 10 years. (Cue stress) However, I am nothing if not tenacious. I keep going in for the EPAs and my reps keep submitting me for stage and screen. A major confidence booster I had was just this past Saturday when I did an amazing intensive with Brette Goldstein. The class was called "Beyond Type," and the goal was to get those attending to stop just seeing themselves as that "type" that everyone puts you in. She reminded us that we are in charge of our careers. If there isn't a typical place for us, make casting directors see you for you and what you want to do. Some of the notions mentioned were things I had thought before (i.e. you're in charge of your career, you have to make 'em want you, make the character yours), but hearing them reaffirmed and in Brette's amazingly blunt fashion was deeply refreshing. So, is everything okay? No. Are things going to be? I hope so. Am I gonna give up? Hell no. I'm still here...and I'm not going anywhere. Hey there everyone! There is more news on the horizon, but the first I wanted to share with you is this. I have some truly AMAZING new headshots thanks to the amazing Adrienne Lovette! You can see some of our favorites on my Resume & Headshots tab above. Recently, I have had several auditions that have felt spectacular. This week alone, I'll have gone on seven different auditions and felt good about them all! Be on the lookout for more news coming soon! Hello everyone!
Just a quick note to say I am still here. Audition season is here in full force, and I am ready for it. I am also pleased to announce that I am assistant directing a Sketch Comedy Showcase with TAP NYC! Other things are in the works as I work towards getting more work! Fingers crossed! Welcome to late February! How late is it? Well, the latest is can possibly be!
I have a few updates to share with all of you! First off, NEW MEDIA IS UP!!! Please visit the media page above to snag a glance at my new on camera reel and musical theatre reel! I am very pleased with both! Also, I wanted to give a HUGE thank you to everyone over at Reproductions and Actors Connection not only for the footage, but for hosting Broadway Connection last weekend. Over two-and-a-half days, I got to not only get to know some wonderful members of the NYC creative community, but I gained invaluable feedback from everyone in the room. We met with three different casting directors, the current assistant musical director for Frozen, and showcase before 6 agents all in one weekend! (Phew!) It was a good reminder to me that I am doing a lot of the correct things, but there is always room to improve. Number one on the "to-improve" list is my headshots! Needless to say, after nearly everyone saying that my headshots and my personality do NOT match, I'm going to be getting new headshots very, very soon. And on another note, Empty Can Productions is still kicking butt and taking names! Our latest episodes of Down the Hatch and Guess What You're Up are on all listening platforms. GWYA has been having quite a large following, so please continue to join us on this crazy journey and Jesse and I continue to watch awful films and write news-based comedy. Fingers crossed I'll be having more updates in the weeks ahead. Till then! Hey all! My new Musical Theatre Reel is up! Please feel free to look and enjoy.
As for updates in other aspects, sadly not too much to share. Auditions are still happening and fingers are still crossed all around. 27 came and went. Suddenly, I find myself a year older. ("And not a penny richer" to quote a certain old screw.) Thirty is now ever closer, and I am quite excited. Dispite still awaiting the right opportunity to come, I wouldn't trade theast year for the world. I made some changes to my life recently (i.e. I'm going to thw gym a lot, and read an amazingly helpful book, "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k"). All of this has reminded me that everything is only a matter of time.
In addition, I am loving my current place of employment for my "survival job." I am working Front of House at New World Stages. So, while I'm not on the stage at the moment, at least I am working in a theatre. My co-workers keep me excited and constantly inspire me to keep trying. I also have to give HUGE thank yous to Jesse for keeping me sane as we podcast together, Elizabeth for supporting both of us in this venture, and especially my AMAZING wife Anna. She is truly a constant well of support and gives me the confidence to keep trying. I also want to thank you...yeah, you! You are supporting me just by reading these words, and that is amazing. I hope to make you all proud. JP Hey all!
I know it has been a bit since my last post. Honestly, there has not been too much happening as of yet. I will be posting an in-depth update soon, but for now just know that I am still here, still trying, and still waiting. Best, JP |
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