Showing posts with label disney. Show all posts
Showing posts with label disney. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
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.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
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.
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! :)
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.
- Craft
- Read books
- Stay up to date on current events
- Rehearse every night
- Health
- Listen to your body
- Eat right
- Reserve some time for yourself
- Work for optimal strength and flexibility
- Graphic Design
- Continue to develop skills
- Freelance for supplemental income
- Consider online courses
- Create!
- Exploration
- Research graduate programs
- Research teachers/studios/opportunities in NYC
- Consider taking another international excursion!
Now isn't this a better blog than my typical ramblings about the show?! :)
Warmly,
Tony
Monday, February 8, 2010
"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!
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
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
Friday, January 22, 2010
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
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
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
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