I have avoided adding an entry for no other reason other than I have been avoiding it.

Things have been a little insane over the past few weeks. After a large block of no work and auditions I got slammed over a 3-day period with about 7 different things including an hour and a half callback, a 3-hour's notice audition, an intensive, and previously booked auditions.

Everything went well. All of them went by with no hitches and I had positive responses from all of them. Did not book two of them, which is OK as I came down to one of two choices and in both cases I was just not old enough to play the roles. I have been booking more and more TV/Film auditions, which is just fine as I try to determine (as if I should be doing such a stupid thing) where I belong and where I will find the clearest (ha ha) path to steady work. There are days when I want to wash my hands of trying to pursue musical theatre, but then an audition or callback comes my way. There are days when I think it is insane to try and do TV or film, but I will get called in and really nail the audition. This, you would think, wouldsnap me into the frame of mind of: STOP TRYING TO CONTROL THINGS!

Right...

So what I thought I knew what I was going to do, I now am unsure. I just refuse to be another minority actor statistic that works to rise above ethnic expectations only to be quashed by the acting glass ceiling. Frankly, if you are going to say "open to all ethnicities" don't let it be lip service. And I know that union regulations call for that statement, but I would so much prefer knowing they really are NOT open to anything else than the norm.

I digress.

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches I want to give general thanks to all the amazing actors and friends I have met in the last year and the opportunities I have been given and tripped and fallen into as a complete neophyte and unknown. Of special significance are three professionals I have recently come in contact with who are immeasurably helpful to my developing actor psyche and ability.

1) Ted Sluberski - should anyone ever need an acting coach (TV/Film/You Name It) then you MUST contact him. Or take his 5-week class which will change how you look at film and TV auditions. The man knows the industry inside and out, knows the people working in it, what people are looking for and how to really bring YOU to the role. He is truly amazing and completely knowledgeable. He can also spot BS a mile away so always be prepared.

2) Marci Phillips - who I have only heard about in passing in the most positive terms but only recently met in an all-day intensive. She is an incredible human being with the most wonderful spirit and outlook on the business and the process of auditioning for TV/Film. Her advice is immeasurably valuable. She has more than earned the respect and admiration of any actor that has crossed her path.

3) Seth Rudestsky - who I have looked up to since I was in FL as this amazing repository of MT knowledge and know-how and who I was recently blessed to be able to coach with. He is genuine, hilarious, concerned, and completely on the ball about acting and singing a song by removing all the fluff and crap and bringing out the best. I feel honored in light of his craaaaazy schedule to be able to coach with him when the occasion allows.

And most of all, I am thankful to still be breathing despite the daily aggravations that come along with trying to work as an actor. I keep reminding myself of what I have accomplished in less than 2 years and of the many moments still to come. It may be a slow and often painful process, but I am willing to ride it out as long as my sanity and ego allow for the blows (such as the complete confirmation that one of the biggest casting agencies definitely does not like me for some reason because every time I go in for them I get the COLDEST welcome and most lackluster response - cemented by an experience today - which I would normally let roll off but because of the breadth of projects and the people involved, who I genuinely do like despite the reactions, are more than important in the biz. I feel like it started with one person and now I am the guy that everyone has heard about because I get this look whenever I am in there. Paranoia? Maybe.)

So I will hunker down for warmth and wait for the new year to bring about greater things. I have some projects on the burner that I am hoping will pan out to something great.

I am currently rehearsing a playlet for the 52nd Street Project and feel honored to be a part of it.

I also did a reading of Stuart Gerber's play 20 Liquid, directed by Dev Janki (who is a genius and a gentleman all in one). The play really is quite amazing and the cast of the 4 of us just clicked like magic. I REALLY hope I am able to continue with it despite being completely against the character type.

Was recently cast in a showcase of Now Boarding by Bill Quigley. A 2-man show and the other actor, Yuval Boim, happens to be another client my manager represents. Not sure who is playing what role, but we may pull a Hoffman-Reilly True West deal. Who knows.

Going for a reading of a musical based on the prophet Mohammed (oh yes) tomorrow. Music is very indie folk rock which I LOVE. Cross 'em.

And until then...I bid myself and whoever reads this a fond farewell.