The difference a month makes…

In the interminable doldrums of February, I was more or less mucking about with new tools and trying to translate my knowledge of CSSD SC into a rapidly learnable choreography system (which is going quite well – and has the added benefit of being more or less an intro to the actual fighting system). Now a month later, I find myself hip deep in projects, and more prospective work to come.

First up, this weekend I’ll be appearing in (and in Hoboken NJ of all places) a very short comedic piece by a favorite writer of mine, Janet Zarecor, called “Jerk Circle.” No fighting, but as it’s a comedy scene about a misogynistic doctor’s office, there is a fair bit of ball grabbing. Yep. No need to go back, I wrote “ball grabbing.” I have no idea where this is happening though, so… assuming I actually get to the show, I don’t know if anyone will see it. Which is sad, because it’s really funny.


Later in early April, I’ll be turning up in another short comedy piece “A Cold Reading” by C.L. Weatherstone (a fellow “12th Night of the Living Dead” and “Hack” veteran) – essentially he’s created a fart joke in 10 pages. High class, no. But hilarious? Yes. And while I’m not above a fart joke, I do try to stay on the side of good taste. So, we’ll be fart joking for charity. You can donate here.
Again, no combat – but worth mentioning. As we get closer to show date, I’ll post up more information.


Some friends over at kef productions are potentially putting up Marisa Wegrzyn’s “Killing Women” – this looks like it will be a fun one. More comedic than not, it features a fair amount of gun play. With any luck they’ll select me and buddy Bri-Guy to supply them with their stage props, and the basics on realistic firearm usage. I think we made a very competitive bid on the gig. And frankly, even if we don’t get it, I’m still looking forward to it. I’ve yet to see them produce a loser – and the version of the script I read was very, very cool.


Now, on personal level, the big news is that I was cast in the Impetuous Theater Group’s spring production – Crystal Skillman’s “The Vigil or The Guided Cradle.” First off, I’ve got a great role, which is shocking considering the level of talent who showed up for the audition. I must have done one hell of read – I’m now working alongside some truly awesome people. Helmed by none other than John “Dirty” Hurley, this one is not a comedy. “Vigil” is perhaps best summed up by the phrase on the poster… “A play about torture between now and then.” There is a lot of violence in this one, and suffice to say, this piece is very close to my heart, mostly because this isn’t violence for exploitation’s sake. Stabbings, Inquisitional torture methods, at least one suffocation all feature prominently in the action. I'm playing a 15th century terrorist, sleep deprived and not long for this world.

I love it. I’m hoping that I’ll also get to exercise some of my effects skills to pull off some of the more disturbing moments, as well as having to work my acting chops a bit. I haven’t done a show this serious in a long time, and while I don’t think I’ll have any trouble with the role, it won’t be a fart joke in the park. I’ll be posting more regularly as rehearsals go – and here’s hoping I can ride the wave of good fortune forward through the summer.

That is, if I don’t find a new job and move to the Virgin Islands. Which would be pretty sweet.