R & J, Stuff Happens, and Best of Craigslist.

Whew. It's been a freezing cold winter in Philadelphia. I'm currently enjoying second semester senior life - i.e. taking only three classes, writing a thesis, and auditioning like crazy in Philly/NYC when I can get there.

Lots of updates!

1. Really stoked to report that I will be acting in The Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre's Spring production of Romeo and Juliet, directed by David O'Connor. I will be playing Balthazar as well as a few other ensemble roles, in addition to playing percussion for the show. Couldn't be more excited to embark on this project! Rehearsals begin March 4th, and we open in April/run through May.

2. I have also just begun the process of DIRECTING(!) a staged reading of David Hare's Stuff Happens for New City Stage's presidential reading series. The show will run for four performances in May, along with two other pieces directed by Will Steinberger and Mark Rudd. Specific dates and times on my homepage/more info on their website! We just started the first round of auditions. I'm already learning lots - it's a challenging play, but one about which I am extremely passionate. It uses *mostly* public statements made by politicians and journalists as a means of dramatizing the U.S. entry into the Middle East following the attacks on the twin towers. Definitely a far cry from Midsummer (my last directing project).

3. I was also just cast in Simpatico Theatre Project's Summer Production, The Best of Craigslist. The piece is, as the title would suggest, comprised of skits based on Philadelphia Craigslist ads. The segment I'll be in is called "How Craigslist Distances Us," and will be directed by Ambor Emory. We don't begin rehearsals until May, and we run July 12-15. Wooo devised theatre!

4. I've been hitting up NYC lately to go in for some film project (and occasionally theatrical) auditions. It's been fun! Pleased to report I will be shooting a piece with New School student Rebecca Tiernan this Saturday, based on Samuel Beckett's Come and Go. It's an art film she's developing as part of her thesis - check out her work. 

5. Had an incredible time on Cape Cod in January, doing a show with Excelano to benefit WE CAN and Independence House, two fabulous organizations that provide support for abused women/women in transition on Cape Cod. A playlist of the show will be uploaded to youtube in the coming weeks!

6. Also got a chance to perform in UPenn's Vagina Monologues this February. I acted in "Then We Were Jumping," which was this year's spotlight monologue. The show raised over $50,000 for W.O.A.R., the only full-service rape/crisis center in Philadelphia. Check out their campaign to stop the violence. Wonderful experience, INCREDIBLE group of women.

Those are the biggies!

Also....have had the chance to see some awesome theatre in Philly this winter. Shout-out to Bright Invention/White Pines Productions. LOVED their show "Click!" Was convinced in an evening that long-form improv is probably the coolest thing I'd never heard of in Philly. Check 'em!

And, for your viewing pleasure: http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/VIDEO-Idina-Menzel-Cast-of-IFTHEN-Lead-FROZEN-Singalong-on-GMA-20140226#.Uw4O6PRdWUB