Telling the Truth

David Mamet's memo to his writers on THE UNIT was recently released online. I was struck by his statement "The Actors job is to be truthful." Easy, right? WRONG!!! To be truthful requires more than your "Talent." You must have artistic integrity.

I believe artistic integrity is made up of your discipline, stamina, technique, work ethic, professionalism, and awareness.

Professional stage actors are most often required to perform eight times a week. Precisely hitting specific physical, vocal, and emotional marks (set by a director) TRUTHFULLY requires steadfast artistic integrity.

After the thrills of opening, actors tend to grow lazy or selfish. Your artistic integrity ensures that your performance doesn't waver. Having artistic integrity ensures you tell the same story each night truthfully...regardless of circumstances.

I'm currently blessed to be working with some true artists. I've enjoyed watching performances bloom with rich artistry--but remain truthful each night.

On the flip side, I'm taken aback by the negativity, entitled criticism, and pretentiousness of many theatre folk. Many see a performance and then delight in privately tearing it apart afterwards. Others watch YouTube clips and have the audacity to leave negative comments. If you can do better--then why don't you? (Easier said than done!)

I put together this video clip for MTI ShowSpace. Young writers Benj Pasek & Justin Paul discuss social networking and the future of musical theatre. I concur with these guys. If we keep being negative--WHO WILL CREATE!?

One cannot get better from watching and criticizing others! We are one big family and we should care about each other if we want art to be made. Find ways to contribute positively--don't contribute to the negativity.

Nike says it best: "JUST DO IT!" CREATE! Don't give in to fear. Be bold and take risks!!!

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