Updates

Greetings! It's been quite some time since I've written, so I thought I would take some time to update!

Following a wonderful layoff in NYC, we did a quick five show weekend in Albuquerque, NM. From there, we moved to Dallas, TX for a two week run. We had a wonderful time in Dallas at the beautiful AT&T Performing Arts Center. In addition to sharing a hotel with the cast of DREAMGIRLS, we traded tickets and forged friendships (We will cross paths again in San Francisco!). In addition, we were able to see the world premiere/revisal of SUPERMAN at the Dallas Theatre Center. In addition to officially meeting MTI ShowSpace vlogger Andrew Keenan-Bolger, I befriended fellow Beef & Boards veteran Cara Statham Serber and saw old BSU alums Christopher "Waffles" Wathen and Aaron Johansen. The boys showed me some fun nights out on the town and are both doing incredible work in theatre! Go Cardinals!

Fayetteville was a welcome adjustment. Coming from NYC and Dallas, it was very quite! We had a great gym with Clubhaus Fitness and I met quite a few fun people. Our local staff were all incredible people and I miss them already!

Now we are in Kansas City at the Starlight Theatre. Prior to arriving, I took a day to play in Branson with fellow cast mate Clifford Lyons. Cliff and I left after our last show in Fayetteville to drive to his Mother's home. It was nice to be in a house--albeit only two nights--with comfort, charm, and a delightful miniature poodle! Cliff and I had an awesome golden day at Silver Dollar City, Tanger Outlets and the Showboat Branson Belle!

Moo Moo Country Fun!

The Cotton Blossom?

Nothing like Dinnertainment!

Now that we are here in Kansas City, I'm reminded of my days at Jenny Wiley! Should be an interesting week...bats, bugs, and heat! The show starts with a national anthem before the curtain rises and the cast is introduced to 7,800+ seats. Since the sun doesn't go down until about nine, some of the initial illusions are adjusted for this unique space. Luckily, we have a cozy air-conditioned hotel to return to every evening!

Starlight Theatre

Finally, I'll conclude this leg of tour with two weeks in San Francisco. My buddy Tyler may come visit!!! I'm excited to meet California and this historic and beautiful city.

Following San Francisco, I have a layoff from August 30 to September 19 and I've decided to come home to Indiana!!! I'm anxious to visit my three nephews and my newly married Kristin Rapp! I'm also having Lasik done on September 10. It will be great to be around my entire family, correct my vision, and see old friends. (I'm making plans now--let's talk!)

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Swing it, Brother! Swing!

Recently I was pleased when producer Ken Davenport featured Arbender Robinson, a Dance Captain/Swing on his blog. From reading this account, I am inspired to share my own experience approaching such a heavy job!

First off, many of you might not know what a Swing is or does! Often when I tell people I'm the Male Swing on Beauty and the Beast, they say "I don't remember that character in the castle!" :)

Essentially, as Swing I am an on-call actor. If someone can't do the show (due to illness, injury, or conflict), I fulfill their performance, or track. My job is to cover the eight tracks of the male ensemble. I was also hired to understudy Lefou. In an emergency situation, I also cover the eight female ensemble tracks in the town scenes!

Requirements:
Arbender spoke very accurately when he said swinging "requires a ton of homework to remember different vocal parts, blocking, choreography, and acting intentions for each character. This includes everything they do offstage, too: costume changes, prop shifts, entrances and exits, etc."

Swinging requires a person to be very organized and detail oriented to document and implement every nuance of a role. In addition, one has to delineate what is critical to the show vs. an individual's artistic choices. One has to be able to fulfill ALL the critical requirements AND adapt/adopt the artistic choices.

Tips/Tricks:

It's easiest to get everything down first! I choose to work digitally through videos, notes, charts and tracking sheets. Once in the computer, it's easy to clean up and implement changes. Digital notation makes it easy to record future notes, modifications and discoveries as well as preserve the work for future generations!

While I'd love to elaborate on my methodology of digital notation, it is my hope to find freelance work after this tour teaching my process to stage managers, dance captains, swings and any directors/choreographers interested in preserving or selling their work. Swinging is a very difficult job and I am hopeful that my process can be further refined and perfected to become useful to others.

I will say that if one finds themselves in a Swing role, begin by WRITING THINGS DOWN. Many of your questions can be answered by returning to your own notes! Look at the big picture. Find the patterns first, and then notate the myriad variations with MAXIMUM specificity.

Hint: Think about movement in terms of US/DS (or upstage and downstage!) as well as towards center or away. (It will help you to quickly reverse things!)

Pitfalls:
You get MANY days off!
Inevitable anxiety...

Positives:

You get MANY days off!
You get to play MANY parts!

I really enjoy my job because every day is different! Performing the same role everyday in a long run has its advantages and disadvantages. However, Swinging Beauty and the Beast has taught me things about myself and theatre that I would never have garnered if I didn’t get to observe and do so much!

I am grateful and proud of this show and hope you'll get the opportunity to see it--with or without me in it! :)

Tony's Tour Tips

Greetings from New Haven, CT and the Town and Castle of Disney's Beauty and the Beast!

Though this is my first tour, I feel I've learned things I didn't know before. Therefore, I wanted to share some touring tips for my friends (heading into tours of A CHORUS LINE, THE COLOR PURPLE, and SPAMALOT) that will help save money and sanity!

Errands

• Banking
• Obviously, notify them you'll be traveling!
• Go paperless.
• It's the dawning of the age of greenness!
• You don't want Mom involved in your financial affairs...
• Register for a rewards card.
• Charge everything.
• Set up a Mint.com account for budgeting.
• Print your statements for your accountant at tax season!
• Use your points for recreational travel or a pre-paid Christmas!
• Direct deposit will keep money IN your account...
• Set up auto-pay for your bills.
• Research
• Learn about the rules of minimalism (You don't want to carry things you won't need).
• Sign up for all rewards programs 
• Hotels
• Airlines
• Pharmacies
• Retail
• Starbucks
• Follow Tony's tips!

Packing

• Get good luggage (Heys has been suggested) 
• Something lightweight yet durable...
• Leave room to grow
• Get a smart phone, stupid!
• Lost? I'll get directions!
• Need Yelp? Find out what others recommend.
• Instant pics and videos and access to your Twitter and Facebook!
• Download free podcasts
• American Theatre Wing
• Yoga to the People
• Keep your business going--email all day long!
• Buy a durable external hard drive.
• Back it up (You don't want to lose your stuff)!
• Use Handbrake to rip your favorite movies and TV shows!
• Keep yourself entertained on long travel days 
• Share with your tour mates!
• Pack a power strip. Some hotels only have ONE outlet!!!
• Buy Purex's new detergent sheets. It saves space and is less messy.

Bus

• Find the perfect bus buddy.
• Someone you don't see all the time--but will and can!
• Find your position (I would suggest you sleep on the floor and get an aisle seat).
• Buy a shower caddy for the bus window.
• Store your headphones and *headphone splitter!
• Keep some snacks on board!
• Invest in a foam egg crate and good pillow!
• A sleep mask and Benadryl can also help you to get good rest...

Hotel

• Eat ANY free food. 
• ...sneak some home for later!
•  You can easily make oatmeal and coffee in your room!
• Grocery shopping saves SO much money...
• Call ahead to get a fridge and microwave.
• A plugged sink with ice can serve as a mini fridge!
• If the front desk is "out of quarters," refund your dollars in their vending machines! Hotcha!

Locale

• Ask your local crew and staff for recommendations.
• Find the hot restaurants and bars!
• Get the best stylist in town!
• Going out is expensive...
• Pre-game at home and BYOB!
• Ask about specials/happy hour when arriving.
• Just say no (once in a while).

Lastly, YOU must take care of yourself. Get plenty of sleep and be sure to talk to friends and family. It will help you stay sane!

Hope our paths cross out there!!!

(((LOVE)))

Tony

Backstage Tour of Disney's Beauty and the Beast

Check out this backstage video tour I gave in Ft. Myers, FL! It gives you a nice insider perspective of the show.

Finding "Home" on the Road

It's been a while since I've written--mainly because I've been insanely busy performing the last two weeks with Beauty and the Beast!

Rather than elaborate on the show and the pandemonium of split tracks and traveling, I'd like to write more about what I'm learning and exploring.

1.) What do you want to do after this tour?
Those closest to me know that I'm always planning and thinking ahead. It's a weakness of mine. Sometimes I wish I lived a more reactive/present life than a proactive/prospective one. Regardless, by setting micro and macro goals, I'm maintaining financial security and striving to reach my potential. I have many side interests and am currently torn about what to do with the rest of my life!

In the next 10 years, I want to:
1. Garner critical appraise in roles (Regional/NYC)
2. Have financial security
3. Establish community
4. Be healthy
5. Challenge myself

Ideally, I'd like these five ambitions to be lifelong.

I LOVE theatre and I've been fortunate in working consistently. (Success!) I could continue to explore this path--but I'm finding myself unsatisfied with the type of roles I'm booking. Eventually, I want to take on more prominent roles that require all of my skills--specifically in NYC.

I have an opportunity to return to NY and sign with a prominent dance agency, but I'm considering taking a year or two off to go to graduate school. I want to study voice and acting in a focused distraction-free zone. I need to garner confidence and an optimized identity. I want support and feedback from teachers that are actively interested in my growth and development. What is most important to me is that I don't look back at my decisions/life with regret.

I wonder whether taking two years off to study and invest would bring me this work faster than trying to broaden and develop my craft while active in my profession? Perhaps it is better to work, approach auditions differently, and seek understudy opportunities?

It's a difficult decision that I'm only beginning to investigate. I have plenty of time to explore/ponder/research/evaluate with my current contract. I will continue to talk it out with my friends and family but welcome any advice/commentary should any colleagues read this! :)

2.) What are you doing/learning while on tour?
Tour life is exhausting. Often I don't know what day it is or what city I'm in. This blur can be attributed to our early status. We are still daily rehearsing, learning, tweaking, and adjusting (I'm reminded of Wendy Mortimer's adage "Every show is a rehearsal.") alongside the creative team.

I am learning to survive "homelessness" by reaching out to close friends and family--while creating a new family on the road! I invite you to share email updates, photos or video chat with me!

I'm slowly becoming a minimalist. I am learning to evaluate what I need, what matters, and how to prioritize function for space! I feel that when I return to an apartment (in NYC or at a university), I will find myself selling possessions in favor of clarity, organization, and cleanliness.

While I'm on tour I've set four priorities, based on many articles on minimalism.

1. Craft
1. Read books
2. Stay up to date on current events
3. Rehearse every night
2. Health
1. Listen to your body
2. Eat right
3. Reserve some time for yourself
4. Work for optimal strength and flexibility
3. Graphic Design
1. Continue to develop skills
2. Freelance for supplemental income
3. Consider online courses
4. Create!
4. Exploration 
1. Research graduate programs
2. Research teachers/studios/opportunities in NYC
3. Consider taking another international excursion!

Now isn't this a better blog than my typical ramblings about the show?! :)

Warmly,

Tony

"Final" Rehearsal Days

I am writing from Starbucks in Downtown Providence early in the morning. After attending the best Super Bowl party of my life (sorry Hoosiers!), I came home and couldn't sleep more than a few hours. After endless tossing and turning, I decided it best to get up and blog this morning, work out and begin to work on my 2009 taxes!

It's the day of our "final" dress rehearsal. I use final loosely because the show is really in previews. Tonight will be the last time the doors will be closed to the public, but the show will still be finessed and rehearsed for weeks. It is an exciting day as Broadway photographer Joan Marcus joins us to capture the show. I'll post links to the photographs when available.

I'm constantly running the show in my head. I get frustrated when I can't think of what comes next because I know that will be a huge problem when I go on! In good news, I'm developing a great methodology! Because I'm on tour, I'm turning all of my notes/charts/script digital!

I'm working with the dance captain to create charts for every musical number in the show. By creating a template in Photoshop, when we need to follow one track more specifically, I can highlight track positioning in a number of ways!

Say "Bonjour" to Act One, Song #2 at Bar 16!

In addition, I've created an excel spreadsheet for every track. Having Stage Management and Wardrobe share their spreadsheets have allowed me to more quickly assemble costume/set changes and props!

Since I'm working so much on my computer in rehearsal, I've also begun taking notes digitally. This allows me to quickly write down changes and later wade through my charts and spreadsheet to make the necessary adjustments--sometimes for nine people!

If that's not enough to keep me busy, I'm also doing some print pieces for a previous web client, Angela Kariotis! I look forward to sharing her work here later.

If you are really interested in the show, be sure to take advantage of some of the virtual media available:
Official Website and Press
Official Tour Blog
Become a BATB fan on Facebook

I look forward to the journey and adventures ahead! Hope to see you soon!

Tony

Rehearsal Update #2

Tomorrow is our designer run! We have run through the show twice now and it is in great shape! This NETwork's production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast has been re-imagined and is being fulfilled by 30 carefully cast, incredibly talented actors and actresses. I am looking forward to the impending tech process. We will gain additional rehearsal time as well as the magical synergy from the missing elements!

I'm becoming more comfortable with my swing position and the daily refining and evolving from rehearsals. Currently I'm focusing on the big picture, but will soon be able to get specific. While I'm not yet getting to perform, I am so grateful for this experience. It is a blessing to observe firsthand the process of Broadway creatives!

While I still have much work to do, I find it hugely gratifying that I will eventually get to explore multiple roles! I have to say I most look forward to playing Lefou and Monsieur D'Arque and am most terrified to assume Carpet or any track that isn't Tenor II! Regardless, the fear I hold will dissipate over time with enough rehearsal.

In good news, I was able to accomplish front and back handsprings this week with the help of Olympic trainer Wei Zhu. I have another session with him on Monday morning and will tour with at least one gymnastic coach! My special skills are growing!!! :)

Please feel free to write me from time to time! I look forward to seeing many of you in several weeks!

(((LOVE)))

Tony

2009 Blog Archive

I've moved!

To access older blogs, please click here.

Rehearsal Update

I'm writing halfway through week two of rehearsals. By tomorrow the entire show will be staged! I don't know where I've found the time to write this morning--perhaps it is a gift to myself!

Swinging is no joke! I won't be nervous once I learn each track I'm covering. However, the possibility that I might need to go in at any moment today due to illness, fittings, or unexpected complications is what stresses me out right now!

The show is going to be wonderful. (Watch our commercial for a glimpse of the new airy design.) I feel truly blessed to be working on the piece with the original team. It's wonderful to hear first hand stories and effective direction from the "horses' mouth." Many on the creative team are making improvements to their work from the successful 1994 Broadway production.

We have a media meeting on Friday morning. By then I should have my camera delivered. I hope to be able to vlog from the road.

In outside news, I am grateful to say that I will  continue to do creative work with Music Theatre International, Creative City Design, and now Simple Light from the road. I look forward to sharing projects such as...

Pasek & Paul Interviews on MTI ShowSpace
Broadway Teachers Workshop Commercial
BTW Inside Access: Stephen Flaherty

That's all for now! I need to review harmonies and choreography!

(((LOVE)))

Tony