Living With An Actor » Stories

Green Thumb Cranks New York City

admin — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 07:30:11 +0000

It’s always great to see talented people get recognized. The New York Times gave a lot of space to Vancouver’s Green Thumb Theatre and their production of Cranked.

It’s also great to see my old pal, artistic director Patrick McDonald and his team, getting the attention they deserve in New York.

Patrick was the best man at my wedding, we’re both 5′ 11″, and he’s almost as old as I am.

Unlike me, he does manage to keep a job.

This year he’s celebrating 20 years as artistic director with Green Thumb.

He’s always had a great eye for a script, and under his direction, they turn into exciting and mesmerizing theatre.

Just getting noticed in New York is a big deal, and the NYT gave the show quite a lot of coverage in this (non review) review…

With Kyle Cameron as its focal figure, and Jason Pouliot as its D.J. and sound technician, “Cranked” is an engrossing, cautionary tale by Michael P. Northey. Directed by Patrick McDonald, it is produced by a theater company that explores issues relevant to the young and is mounted here by New Vic at the Duke, the New Victory Theater program for teenagers that parallels Green Thumb’s aims.

full story here

Cranked actor Kyle Cameron is blogging about his time in New York, though the by-line on the blog says “Green Thumb”. Kyle’s been doing Cranked for a while before getting to New York, but his excitement is infectious…

I love this city. There’s so much to see and do. Since we’ve been here, I’ve eaten at two or three different (usually fantastic) restaurants every day, seen numerous beautiful and interesting neighbourhoods, and done my best to overdose on great theatre

Actor Slash Cosmetologist

admin — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 02:32:02 +0000

Korean actor Jung Woo-sung is getting into cosmetics.

Why ?

I was always interested in the cosmetics field because I am someone whose beauty is consistently evaluated. I also wanted to share my tips on how to maintain good skin with men who are negligent of skincare. I know I don’t have special knowledge in this field, but I took the courage to do what I like.

‘Nuff said. Read all about it.

SAG Puts the Spurs to the Horse

admin — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 02:25:13 +0000

There’s nothing like a crap economy to get to get people thinking straight

No. Wait a minute..

Screen Actors Guild President Alan Rosenberg vowed to press ahead with a strike-authorization vote, after defeating an executive board effort to kill the measure and oust the union’s chief negotiator.

read all about it

It’s Theatre, But It’s On the Screen. Huh ?

admin — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:46:30 +0000

I guess this is a good thing. No slag on Stratford, and not necessarily mutually exclusive, but wouldn’t it be better to spend money getting real actors on real stages across Canada ?

Maybe seeing this will spark local production. Ya, right

Cineplex Entertainment (TSX: CGX.UN) is pleased to announce the world film premiere of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival’s production of Bernard Shaw’s Caesar and Cleopatra will be shown one time only on Saturday, January 31, at 1p.m., in High Definition (HD: 21.93, -0.99, -4.32%) and digital surround sound exclusively at more than 80 select Cineplex Entertainment theatres across the country.

the press release is here

SAG Sack

admin — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 04:41:15 +0000

Rumours and more rumours as the Screen Actors Guild mess gets messier

Regina Fringe is Waiting For You

admin — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 03:05:58 +0000

I guess I’m on the mailing list being secretly circulated by Fringe Festival managers all across Canada. In truth, I haven’t been to Regina in about 20 years, but since I’ve produced a Fringe show or 2 in Vancouver, somehow I’ve ended up on Rod McDonald’s list.

Ach well. If you’re interested in Fame and Fortune…for better or worse Regina awaits

Dear Fringe Friend,

I am putting the finishing touches on The 2009 Regina Fringe Festival and I have a few spots left to fill. If you know of a company looking for a great, little festival, then please forward this email to them.
The Regina Fringe is on from July 2nd to the 8th and for the entry fee of $525, a company receives five shows over the course of the seven days.
While we are on the topic of money (and when are we not), I want you to know that I made more money in Regina last year than I did at The Winnipeg Fringe or The Calgary Fringe. While there are no guarantees, some of the companies in Regina were drawing 90 to 100 paying customers to a show.
Also, Regina has a reputation as being the most performer friendly Fringe Festival on the circuit. We look after our touring companies. We treat them with respect and we do not burden them with endless rules and regulations. Did I mention that we have a performer/volunteer green room where we serve great meals for three bucks?
If you need more information, send me an email or check us out at www.reginafringe.com.
Thanks.
Rod in Regina

I think I’d feel better about going to the Queen City and putting on a show if they let me redo their web site . Ouch

Acting Like a Singer – Singing Like an Actor

admin — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 02:31:18 +0000

My head is spinning and in danger of flying away. It’s all too much for one day.

Nora Jones is going to ‘try’ acting.

Zooey is singing.

Scarlett has a record deal.

I’m so glad my mechanic isn’t practicing medicine.

We’re back

admin — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:32:05 +0000

Sadly, this little blog has suffered from neglect.
However, we’re going to recitfy that…

Canada’s first matinee idol – Robert Goulet

admin — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 07:56:14 +0000

As a kid I remember the pride Canadians had for Robert Goulet – a kid from Edmonton who was becoming a big star in New York, LA and Vegas.

I preferred the Rolling Stones, but the 60’s were Goulet’s decade too. And it was great to hear a French-Canadian surname on the Ed Sullivan Show.

Robert Goulet died today – loads of tributes online – and a good detailed story in the New York Times.

Unleashed – Acting is for the Dogs

admin — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 05:40:56 +0000

Without a doubt, the funniest and freshest couple of minutes you’re ever going to find.

Unleashed makes Mondays worth it.

Unleashed is an animated comedy show that follows the trials and tribulations of animal actors in Hollywood. A new episode every Monday!

If there was ever an example of how main-stream-media is missing the boat, this is it.

Catch the episodes on the Unleashed website, or on Blip.TV or subscribe to their feeds.