I'm here

The trip went pretty smoothly and I'm now settled into a CCNY dorm suite with three other guys, only one of whom I've met. I had a bad moment when I thought I might not be able to connect to the Internet with my antiquated equipment, but the purchase of a cable and the discovery of a port I didn't know existed on my computer set me straight.

I've said before that I think everyone in Manhattan looks like a great character actor, and when I was walking around yesterday I had the same impression. It's no wonder that Law & Order has been on so long, because the entire city looks like the supporting cast.

Just to set the scene - I'm on W. 135th St. As I say it's in a CCNY residence hall that abuts campus. The neighborhood is lots of apartment buildings, a couple of playgrounds, some basketball courts. There seem to be a great many families; there are kids all over the place as I walk the couple of blocks to the subway. Not a well-off neighborhood by any stretch, but I got the feeling of a strong community as I walked home last night. The trip to the Stella Adler Studio is one direct but long subway ride on the 1 train to 28th Street and then a short walk.

I'm still memorizing that monologue for Monday, it's coming. I'm going to carry it with me as I walk around today. Thank goodness for my fast memorization skills! More to come....

I'm flying....

On my way to NYC! Will I measure up? Will people think my accent is funny? Can I figure out the subways? (yes).....Stay tuned!

I just heard...

...from Mr. Earnest, the director I mentioned in the last post. He responded to my email and it looks good for setting up an audition for the Warehouse production of "The Seagull" while I'm in NYC. Now to get a good pic of myself.....

Other NYC plans

I'm officially paid up for the Chekhov intensive. A friend asked me last night what I knew about the other people in the program, and the answer is "nothing." I don't know anything about the ages or experience levels of the people I'll be training with. What will they think of me, or vice versa? When I auditioned I told the Stella Adler folks about the Upstate Shakespeare Festival I've been involved with for eight years,and (although they were all incredibly friendly) I felt as though I might have been wearing a straw hat.

One of the directors in town recommended that while I'm in NYC is try to get in touch with Matthew Earnest of the Deep Ellum ensemble. He has directed several extremely striking shows at the Warehouse Theatre here in Greenville in the past few years, including a great production of Julius Caesar (his own adaptation) this past season. This coming year he's doing The Seagull, and since I'm not going to be in town for the Warehouse general audition it was suggested I attempt to get in contact with him and read or do a monologue while I'm up there. So, I'm going to attempt to make those plans this week.....