Sunday, December 28, 2008

Broadway Melody of 2008

So now I can honestly say I've acted and sung in a musical on Broadway! (Well, it's honest in the sense that it's technically true but horribly misleading, as Broadway in this context refers to a thoroughfare in Anaheim, California.)

Monday, December 15, 2008

Mars Attacks!

I did a documentary a while back called The History of “The War of the Worlds”. I did this a while back but never got a copy or found it on the TV schedule, so I thought it was "lost." I only recently discovered that it did in fact air, but as part of a series and with a slightly different title. So for anyone who may have thought I made the whole thing up, here are some highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_B5O8WhaNw

"Anne"-Ouncement!

Yes, I know it's a lame title, but it is the middle of the night after all. So here's some news about "Anne of Green Gables": If you're planning on buying tickets but are hesitating because of the price or you just haven't gotten around to it, contact me ASAP and I may be able to get you a big discount. If you already got your tickets, pretend you never read the previous sentence and enjoy the show! Also, be sure you got to the right place. This is not a theater I've performed at before, so if you go to one of those, who knows what you might end up seeing.

Anne of Green Gables
December 18, 19, and 20 at 8 p.m.
December 20 at 2 p.m.
Anaheim Heritage Forum
201 E. Broadway, Anaheim

Friday, December 12, 2008

Skin Flick

In Jordan Raabe's It's Nice Out, I play a man who comes early from a business trip and walks into a coming out party.
This was a student project in which everyone in the class was given a different scenarion but the same few lines of dialogue.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Real Exposure


I'm not a big fan of reality shows, in part because generally when one of them is on in place of a drama or sitcom, fewer actors get work. But when I received an invitation to audition for a reality show about acting, I decided to go for it. Sure, there was the risk of ending up an episode featuring embarrassing clips from the losers' auditions, a la American Idol. Even worse, it might have turned out be like that horrible WB series where contestants thought they were competing to be chosen as the best singer but they were really competing to be named the worst for the amusement of the television audience. But then I reminded myself that I'm pretty much maxed out on humiliation at this point. There's not much more they can do to me. And it could even turn out to be legitimate. In any case, there's the promise of some pay and exposure and the possibility of it leading to bigger things. So I put together a mini stand-up routine and polished up a brand-new dramatic monologue that I thought would really set me apart. (There would also be a solo improv component to the on-camera audition). I got to the audition location in plenty of time, so I thought I'd take the opportunity to run through the monologue one more time, out loud, but I didn't want to disturb the other auditioners, and I was too self-conscious to rant outside on the sidewalk, so I walked down the hall and into the restroom. Well, as long as I was in the restroom, I figured I might as well empty my bladder. So there I was engaged in passionate soliloquoy and bodily discharge when the session runner opened the door, interrupting the verbal stream if not the liquid one. It was a small room and the urinal was situated so that he had a comprehensive view from the doorway. His eyes got wide and he stammered a little, but I guess I really don't embarrass as easily as I used to because I just smiled pleasantly and said I thought I had locked the door but obviously it didn't latch properly. A few minutes later I was standing before the camera as if nothing unusual had happened. I got laughs during my stand-up and improv and a wow after my monologue. When I was done he said I was definitely in the top 5 percent he had seen.

A couple of weeks ago, one of the members of the crew of a short film I acted in asked me to be in his short film. In the previous project, I played a father who was eager for his son to come out of the closet. This time, I play someone who isn't ready to accept it at all. The moment where my character finds his home filled with half-naked young men dancing to techno music made me want to laugh during rehearsal, but I think I pulled off being suitably disturbed on camera.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Nov. 22 Final Improv Show of the Age!

That's right, Improvisation Inundation's next show will be the last one we do in the G.W. Bush years before the dawn of the Obama era, and that's an absolute guarantee (unless we have another show scheduled that no one has bothered to tell me about)!

The Office Sports Bar & Grill
2106 North Tustin Avenue
Santa Ana , CA 92705
Cost: $10

[Map]

Come join us for an evening of improvisational comedy fueled by audience suggestions! Arrive early and have dinner and drinks. Food and beverage service will continue through the show. Reservations suggested. Call (714) 834-0943

Saturday, November 08, 2008

Come Again?

Lordy, here's a blast from my past:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6f2rl_yn1c.

You never know what's going to show up on YouTube.

Friday, November 07, 2008

Anne Opportunity to Save Some Green

Tickets for Anne of Green Gables - The Musical are on sale now. Readers of this blog have two ways to save up to $25 on the best seats in the house.

Ticket prices are:

Section A: $45 ($35 group rate, $20 early purchase)
Section B: $35 ($25 group rate, $20 early purchase)
Section C: $25 ($20 group rate, $20 early purchase)

Groups (10 or more) get 2 free tickets for every 8 purchased at the group rate.

The early purchase price is only valid until November 14 and is only available online. Visit https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/59312/prm/avonlea.

Monday, November 03, 2008

I'm Going to Avonlea!


Regular readers of this blog (if such fabulous creatures were to actually exist outside of my imagination) may recall my account of an audition gone awry during which I performed an inappropriate monologue. This was actually my third audition at this particular theater, and I more or less decided I was going to be permanent persona non grata. To my surprise, I got a callback, but not to my surprise, I didn't get the part. Within days, however, I did get a part (multiple roles, actually) in another show at another theater, so I was happy. Just a few days before the sold-out final performance of that show, I got an unsolicited call from a director at the first theater inviting me to come to an audition. Who am I to pass up another chance for rejection, I thought. So I went in not really expecting much, came out about five minutes later expecting less, and within a couple of hours I found myself cast in Anne of Green Gables - The Musical! I play the title character. No, I don't really. I may only have a couple of lines. I haven't seen the script yet. I'm just excited to be part of it. More news as the story develops.

ANNE OF GREEN GABLES

Dec. 18 and 19 at 8 p.m.
Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Dec. 21 at 2 p.m.
The Heritage Forum
201 E. Broadway Ave.
Anaheim, California


Tickets available online.


For more information, go to chancetheater.com or call (714) 777-3033.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Watch Me Heat Up the Screen! (Discovery Channel 10/27/2008)

I haven't seen the episode so I can't say how long I'll be on the screen, but there have been reported sightings of me in a promo.

Investigation X: Spontaneous Human Combustion

Monday, Oct. 27, 10 p.m.
"Can people spontaneously burst into flames that rise from within their own bodies? Investigators apply the latest technology in search of answers to the spontaneous human combustion phenomena."

Smokin'!

Friday, October 24, 2008

Can't Sleep - NIGHTMARES!

The house was filled to capacity for the opening of Nightmares at the Gallery Theatre. It was great to see Ron and Liz Breach, Mary Margaret Steele, and Mike McCulley in the audience. There were lots of laughs and gasps and not too many gaffes, and nobody got hurt too badly. Of the five vignettes that I was lucky enough to be cast in, I'd have to say "Stay" was the most fun. It's creepy, but very playful. The feedback I got was that it was a lot of fun for the audience too. "Writer" a.k.a "Run" is the most challenging in terms of layers, emotional turns, and intensity, but it seemed to work. It was the piece that really drew me into the production, although Sue Silva has written several funny/creepy/scary original scenes for this show. To anyone still planning on attending, please call 714-630-9870 and book now. The reservation list is nearly full for Sunday and I'd hate for you to miss out!

NIGHTMARES - only 2 shows left!
October 26 @ 8 p.m. - $10 (cheap!)
October 31 @ 8 p.m. - $15 (includes after-show festivities with cast members)
THE GALLERY THEATRE
3152 East La Palma - Suite G
Anaheim, CA 92807

UPDATE: Sold out! Thanks for your support.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Nightmares Tonight!

Will Ronnie act his age? Will Anthony knock it off? Will Davis finish what he started? Will Greg cause trouble? Will Barney ever come out of the bathroom?

Starting tonight, October 23, you have only three chances to find out the answers to these burning questions, and the reservation list is filling up fast.
Call now. Don't make me use italics again.

NIGHTMARES
October 23 or 26 @ 8 p.m.
- $10 (cheap!)
October 31 @ 8 p.m.
- $15 (includes after-show festivities with cast members)
THE GALLERY THEATRE
3152 East La Palma - Suite G
Anaheim, CA 92807
Call for reservations: 714.630.
9870

Friday, October 10, 2008

Living Nightmares


Straight from the subconscious to the stage, bad dreams come to life just in time for Halloween. Like last year's Nightmares, every scene is based on someone's actual nightmare, but these tales are all new for 2008 and the body count is much higher. I don't want to give anything away, but I play an adult who's very much in touch with his inner child, a man with serious family issues, a writer with a vivid imagination, a dude who's a bad influence, and a guy who's dying for a cup of coffee. Let's just hope I remember who I'm supposed to be, let alone my lines.

NIGHTMARES
October 23, 26, 31 @ 8 p.m.
The Gallery Theatre
3852 East La Palma - Suite G
Anaheim, CA 92806
Reservations (strongly recommended): 714-630-9870
Thursday & Sunday admission: $10 (cheap!)
Friday (Halloween) admission: $15 (includes after-show festivities)

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Do Over!

We were scheduled for a two-day shoot in the beautiful Manhattan Supper Club, but thanks to the hard-work and talent of the cast and crew, we wrapped in one. So, after patting ourselves on the backs and exchanging pleasantries, we went our separate ways looking forward to a well-deserved day off. Two days later, we gathered in a residential neighborhood of Orange to film another scene and learned that there had been a problem with one of the cameras and some of the footage might be unusable. So the night's shoot suddenly grew by several hours as we shot a new dining-room scene and a completely new, semi-improvised ending. I was a little apprehensive, thinking that the previous shoot had certain qualities that would be difficult to recapture, but I left thinking the new footage was even better. It felt like we were even more relaxed with each other and comfortable exploring and heightening. Kudos to the director for bringing together a group of strangers with the chemistry to function as a convincingly dysfunctional family. After the final night of shooting, I got good news from the director: both night's footage looked usable after all, and he's planning on editing two different versions. I'm looking forward to seeing both of them. It's not often I get a twofer.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Another Saturday at The Office

Yep, it's time for some improvisational fun and games. The venue is a full-service restaurant, so you can have dinner before the show and buy me drinks afterward, if so inclined.

Improvisation Inundation
Saturday Sept. 27 @ 8 p.m.
The Office (http://theofficeoc.com/)
2106 North Tustin, Santa Ana
714-843-0943 – reservations highly recommended
Admisssion: $10. I have a limited supply of 2-for-1 tickets available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Cheers,
Keith

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Opening the Vaults

Hey, kids, maybe you've wondered what Keith was doing when he was your age. Maybe you've wondered if Keith was ever your age. Maybe you've wondered when Keith started referring to himself in the third person. Well, some old footage is now available on the Internet that won't actually answer any of those questions. I'm not sure where I was going with this.

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

The Return of the Monologue From Hell

What are these words I hear coming from my throat against my will? What horror has been unleashed? The first time I had to do a prepared comic monologue as part of an audition, it didn't go over so well. I was trying out for a part in a holiday production at a theater that, although small and tucked away in a nondescript office park, manages to get a lot of awards and recognitions from local media. Unfortunately, the only comic monologue I had ready was one dealing with anger and disappointment and sex - mostly sex - and probably wasn't what the director wanted to hear. Frankly, I wasn't that thrilled with it myself. When I finished, the director flatly said, "Thank you," which I mentally translated as, "Please leave and don't come back." But I came back this year, determined to correct the mistakes of the past, to audition for a brand-new holiday production. I took center stage, stood tall, and begin speaking - the same damn monologue. It wasn't what I had planned; I had chosen a nice, lighthearted one for the occasion, but somehow the first accursed line just popped out. I felt powerless to stop or turn back, so went on, in horror, to the bloody end. Somehow I got a callback. Perhaps the curse was broken? But no, it seems I haven't been cast. Isn't that just like a curse, to make you think you've escaped, and then bam, it gets you after all.

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Working Late at the Office Again, August 9

Improvisation Inundation is doing another show at The Office. We'll be combining old favorites with brand-new games to create a hearty improv stew. ($10 a bowl. Actual food available at additional charge.) The show starts at 8, but you can start drinking at 6:30 to sharpen your comedy appetite. Reservations recommended.

The Office Sports Bar & Grill
2106 North Tustin Avenue
Santa Ana , CA 92705

714/834-0943

Yesterday I auditioned for a commercial in which I was supposed to be an automotive engineer whose wife thought he was cheating on her because he was spending so much time at the office, but he was really working on how to improve a car that couldn't be improved because it was already perfect, but when he gets home his wife gives him a suspicious look and he's supposed to react, but not too much, because the director wants it to be subtle, but enough so that the viewer instantly knows what's going on, but make it funny, but not too funny, because it's supposed to be real, but not too real, because that would be sad. So I just looked tired (because he was working late), hungry (it was suppertime), and confused (because he didn't know what her problem was), which I thought would be easy because I was tired (it was kind of a stressful day), hungry (I'd skipped lunch) and I really could not understand what the director wanted. I haven't gotten a callback, so maybe I didn't look tired, hungry, and confused enough. Or maybe I looked too tired, hungry, and confused. Or maybe I looked too tired, not hungry enough, and just as confused as I was supposed to. Or maybe my tired and confused were enough, but I wasn't supposed to look hungry. Or...

So today I was a sheep, and then a talk-show host. Surprisingly, I think I was a better sheep than a talk-show host. At least, it was surprising to me. Maybe it isn't to others. But they might decided to go with someone woollier anyway.

Monday, July 14, 2008

An Old-Fashioned Murder

If you're anything like most people, you've wondered what it would be like if Keith put on a straw hat and shot someone at close range with an antique revolver. Now, thanks to YouTube, you can see for yourself.

Sunday, July 06, 2008

July 12: Laugh Some Laughs, Drink Some Drinks, Eat Some Eats

Improvisation Inundation returns on July 12 for another night of improvisational comedy, fueled by audience suggestions and participation. If you haven't seen it, it's about time. For our repeat customers, we've thrown many new games into the mix while keeping several of your old favorites. The price of admission is a paltry $10. The show starts at 8 p.m., but the room will open at least an hour before that and food and drink service will be available before, during, and after the performance. Contact The Office for reservations.

July 12
Improvisation Inundation @ The Office
2106 North Tustin Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92705
714-834-0943

Thursday, July 03, 2008

I Am a Marital Aid

Here's something I did last year - a set of DVDs called "Treasure Your Marriage." Listen to me receive and dispense advice on wedded bliss. But why don't we ever see my wife? Is their some dark secret behind that big grin?

Sunday, June 29, 2008

A New Way to Ignore Me

Now everyone who doesn't read my blog, doesn't visit my Web site and doesn't befriend me on MySpace or Facebook has the ability to not watch several videos featuring me on YouTube. Some are old, some are new. Don't check them out http://www.youtube.com/user/keith4hire.

Friday, June 20, 2008

I Hate Nature and Nature Hates Me

It's too damn hot today. Oh, sure, it's my fault, just because I drive an internal-combustion-powered vehicle for insanely long distances, thereby exacerbating the greenhouse effect and speeding the planet's death spiral. OK, there may be some truth to that, but I'm somewhat constrained in my choice of transportation and residence right now. If I could live within reasonable pedaling distance of where I need to go, I would, all right? Anyway, it's too damn hot to wash and dry a load of clothes today, but the shirt I wanted to wear to the show tonight was dirty, so I decided to rinse it in the sink and let it dry in the sun. (Have I mentioned that it's hot?) But I figured if I hung it up, it would stretch and get awkward little points from where it was hung, so I laid it out on a flat surface. About 20 minutes, later, it was completely dry, unwrinkled, and toasty warm. It also had bird poop on it. That's right, some bird with all day in which to poop and basically the whole world as its toilet decided that it had to use that particular 2-square-foot area during that precise 20-minute span of time. Out of virtually infinite pooping possibilities, my shirt was this bird's preferred place to poop. This was no accident. This bird is malevolent. Watch the skies.

Or come watch our show. It's indoors, so your chances of getting pooped on our vanishingly small.

7:30, June, 20 2008 (Tonight!)
Admission: $10.

Roderick's Restaurant
14131 Redhill Ave
Tustin 92780 (714) 665-2709

Seating is still available, but we do recommend calling ahead if possible. Food and drink are available before, during, and after the show.

Monday, June 16, 2008

What Would You Do If I Sang out of Key?

Here's my first public attempt at musical improv with Improvisation Inundation, recorded at The Office on June 6, 2008.



If that didn't scare you off, you have a chance to see us live this Friday:

June 20, 7:30 p.m.

Roderick’s Restaurant

14131 Redhill Ave
Tustin 92780

714-655-2709

Admission: $10. Reservations recommended. Food and drink available before, during, and after the show.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

If the Minivan's Rockin', Don't Come a-Knockin'

Will Jill and Matt find happiness In the Driveway? Melanie Cruz and some guy star in a short film by Michael Sasso.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Smoking is Hazardous to Your Health

So it turns out the fluid in a hand-held smoke machine is really, really hot. Who knew spontaneous combustion could be dangerous? But today the marks on my arm don't look any worse than some I've gotten while taking a steak out from under the broiler, and they should be gone in a few days. Other than the scalding and inhaling oily vapor, it was mostly a fun shoot(Other than that, how did you enjoy the play, Mrs. Lincoln?), and I was well fed and met some interesting people, including an 85-year-old woman who wants to take me hang-gliding.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Mind If I Smoke?

I got a call yesterday from someone at a production company I worked for about a year ago, and he asked if I could worked for them again on Friday. I told him I might be able to and asked for more information about the job. He said I would be playing the part of a man who burst into flames. I told him I was going to need more details. He assured me that special effects would be used and I would at no point actually be set on fire, which was a relief, because I would have had to have asked for a lot more money. But maybe I'm making too big a deal out of it. According to David St. Hubbins, dozens of people spontaneously combust each year, it's just not widely reported.

Sunday, June 08, 2008

Tonight's Top Story

I co-wrote the first sketch of tonight's (Sunday, June 8) performance of The Big News Report, a news-based sketch show playing at IO West at 9 p.m.!

I.O. West
6366 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323)962-7560
map
order tickets

Monday, May 26, 2008

"The Office": Upcoming Episodes

Here are three chances to see me in another improv show. If you haven’t seen me in an improv show yet, here are three more chances not to see me.

Of course if you DO decide to show up, that would be super, just be sure to call ahead and make reservations. We had to turn people away from the two most recent shows. I don’t know what happened to them, but I can only hope they found the will to keep on living somehow. The cost of admission for each show is $10, and full food and beverage service is available. Come early and eat, drink, and be merry.

Saturday June 7, 8 p.m.
The Office Sports Bar & Grill
2106 North Tustin Avenue
Santa Ana 92705
714-834-0943
http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=2106%20North%20Tustin%20Avenue&csz=Santa%20Ana%2C%20%2092705

Friday June 20, 7:30 p.m.
Roderick’s Restaurant
14131 Redhill Ave
Tustin 92780
714-655-2709
http://www.rodericks.biz
http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=14131%20Redhill%20Ave&csz=Tustin%2C%20%2092780

Saturday July 12, 8 p.m.
The Office Sports Bar & Grill
2106 North Tustin Avenue
Santa Ana 92705
714-834-0943
http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=2106%20North%20Tustin%20Avenue&csz=Santa%20Ana%2C%20%2092705

http://myspace.com/improvisationinundation

Sunday, May 11, 2008

I'm starring in The Office!

That's right, The Office. No, not the hit NBC series, the restaurant and bar in Santa Ana. I'll be performing as part of Improvisation Inundation.

May, 17 2008 - 8 p.m.

The Office Sports Bar & Grill
2106 North Tustin Avenue
Santa Ana , CA 92705
Cost: $10

[Map]

We suggest arriving by 7 p.m. if you’d like dinner before the show. Drinks and food will also be served during the show. Try not to chew too loudly.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Sox and the City


I attended an AIDA acting class this week. If I had known we were going to be asked to take our shoes off, I would have been careful to wear matching socks. One thing we were supposed to work on in this class was sex appeal, and I'm not sure how sexy you can be wearing a pair of mismatched socks. Anyway, one of the exercises we did was a mock blind date. Now, if you think going on a blind date is awkward, imagine going on a blind date and being evaluated by a room full of near strangers. Then imagine that, halfway into the date, you hear the group leader ask,“Is he boring you?” Usually the voices like that are in my head and not audible to everyone. Yesterday, I appeared on The Sonny Bozeman Show as part of Improvisation Inundation, making our local public access television debut. It was my first time on live TV, but one of the hosts helped put me at ease by saying that the four people who usually watch the show are pretty nice. Anyway, all the games seemed to work and we got some very encouraging comments from the crew. Then I zipped up to Los Angeles to work in a short film starring Laura Dern and directed by Courtney Cox. I was a guest at a rooftop New Year's Eve party. In the attached blurry cell-phone photo you may be able to discern my “date,” the camera mounted on a boom behind us, the U.S. Bank Tower, and my enormous forehead.

Monday, May 05, 2008

On TV in the LBC

I'll be appearing with Improvisation Inundation on a local cable program in Long Beach. Normally, I would include information such as the name of the show, the channel on which it will air, the time... stuff like that. But all I know for sure is that we're supposed to be... somewhere... between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. on Friday. I think we can safely assume the show won't air before then. And my research seems to indicate that it will be on channel 65. Or 69. Unless it's on 95. So, my advice would be for everyone to move to Long Beach, subscribe to cable, hook up three TVs, and watch until we come on. You should probably begin preparations ASAP.

Saturday, May 03, 2008

Salomaybe? Salodefinitely.

Yesterday I had the privilege of attending a special screening of Salomaybe?, an amazing film about Oscar Wilde's Salome, but really about so much more. About 12 years ago, Al Pacino made an acclaimed documentary film called Looking for Richard, in which he attempted to analyze and illuminate Shakespeare's Richard III and make it more accessible and significant to a modern audience. In this film he gives a similar treatment to a lesser-known play by a lesser-known playwright (well, less known than Shakespeare, at any rate). But it's not just a movie about a play. To get to the heart of the work, Pacino turns the spotlight on its creator and unravels the threads of pride, passion, and shame that tie the author and the work together. Along the way we get fascinating looks at the art and the business of theater and cinema. Inevitably, it also becomes a study of Pacino himself as he clashes (good-naturedly, mostly) with his collaborators, including stage director Estelle Parsons and leading lady Jessica Chastain. Early in the film, Chastain expresses concern that she looks like she's being difficult as she argues in defense of her vision of the character and the play, and the maneuvers of these three artists sometimes create interesting parallels and contrasts with the relationships at the center of Salome. But it is all justified by Chastain's performance of the play's climactic monologue, which is one of the most shattering performances I've seen recently on stage or screen. I don't know if the Academy would ever give an acting award for a performance in a documentary, but it's something to consider. I could keep writing about this movie, but since it was a private screening of a work in progress I probably shouldn't go into too much detail. After the screening, Mr. Pacino said he'd see us all in six months for the next cut. It's a complex film, and I suppose it's inevitable that the released version will be simplified somewhat, but hopefully not too much. As it stands it's a rich, multi-layered reverie on a sometimes difficult and perplexing play by a sometimes difficult and perplexing man.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Don't Bathe Your Cell Phone in Dr. Pepper

First, last night I was in the best improv show I've ever been in. Thanks for inviting me into your club, Improvisation Inundation! We performed in "The Great Room" at Roderick's, and the turnout was larger than anybody expected, so the show was delayed while extra chairs and tables were brought in and the servers tried to catch up with everyone's food and drink orders. By the time we started, the early arrivals had had about an hour and a half to get liquored up, which may have increased the overall level of hilarity. But it was also a good show because everyone in the group was energetic, knew what they were doing, and worked as a member of a team instead of trying to be a star. I'd also like to thank my personal fan club for coming out to support me: My mother, my father, and Bart. OK, it's not a huge fan club, and Bart was actually coming to the group's performances before I joined so I'm not sure he counts, but hey, support is support.

Second, I want to warn everyone against trying to wash their phones with Dr. Pepper. Oh, sure, it's a delicious tonic that restores vim, vigor, and vitality, but it's not so good for integrated circuits.

I have a new Motorola Razor now, which means I'd be really cool if this were a year ago. But I've lost most of my contacts. If you want to keep in touch, please send me at least one phone number where you can be reached. You may also include alternate phone numbers and e-mail and postal addresses.

Otherwise, it was nice knowing you and have a nice life!

Cheers,
Keith

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

I'm Back! Who Cares?

For the first time since last time, I will be appearing in an improv troupe on an OC stage this weekend. As an added bonus, there will be full food and beverage service! The more you drink, the funnier I get.

I will be appearing as part of Improvisation Inundation at:

Roderick’s Restaurant
14131 Red Hill Ave., Tustin
(right off the 5 freeway at Redhill)

Saturday, April 19

Doors Open at 6 p.m. for Dinner & Drinks
Show Time: 7 p.m.

Admission is $10 at the door, but be one of the first 5 people to contact me ahead of time and I'll get you a $2 discount! (Limited time offer.)

My improv career began with a workshop and productions at the late, lamented Second Stage in Anaheim, where I met all kinds of wonderful people. (Hi, Bart, Caitlin, Cambria, Carolyn, Celeste, Dino, Jasper, Joey, Mary Margaret, Robert, Susyn, Theresa, Toni, and Vern, in alphabetical order), but my first really structured classes were at The Second City in LA. (Hey, Booter, Fairly, Megan, and Wendy.)

For about a year now I've been acting exclusively in shows with scripts, but the fine folks of Improvisation Inundation have convinced me to once again cast away the crutch and venture into the deep end without a net. Who knows what hilarity might ensue or what metaphors may be mixed?

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Stopping Traffic

Yesterday I worked on a short film addressing some of the issues surrounding human trafficking. It's being produced by members of a Korean-American Christian ministry for a film festival and DVD distribution. I'm pretty sure it's the first time I've been an active part of a Korean-American Christian ministry of any kind, but who knows what the future may hold.

Saturday, March 29, 2008

I Spent the Night Making Love in a Minivan

Doing it in a minivan can be awkward. Doing it in a minivan with a stranger, while another stranger crouches inches away evaluating your performance and giving you instructions, another films every move, another records every sound, and people outside the minivan shine bright lights at you and watch the proceedings on a video monitor, really kills some of the romance, and by hour 6, the thrill is largely gone. No, I am not doing porn. It was a short comedy film, with no nudity. The monkey business was implied. But it did require assuming and holding some rather awkward positions, and I'm more than a little sore this morning.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Nothing Personal

A couple of days ago I got this very personal e-mail on behalf of a local theater: “I wanted to let you know personally that we enjoyed your callback the other week. Even though we weren't able to cast you this time, I highly encourage you to come back and audition for future productions... To start working with us and give us the opportunity to get to know you better, click [link deleted] and tell us how you'd like to get involved.” In other words, we didn't cast you this time, but come work for us for free and we might consider casting you next time. Still, it was nice of someone to let me know personally that they enjoyed my callback. Except that it wasn't personal, it was sent to multiple recipients. Oh, and one other detail: I didn't have a callback at that theater.

Friday, March 07, 2008

Just Say Yes

The audition was going very well, I thought. I felt energetic, confident, and I had them smiling and laughing in all the right places. Then they asked me to sing. I guess I knew it was a musical when submitted myself for an audition, but the notice didn't say anything about preparing any music, so I thought they were just casting non-singing roles. But there I was being asked to sing, so I stood up tall and straight, threw back my head and belted out a rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday, Mr. President." So far, they haven't called, but at least I stepped up to the plate and took a swing. Today, I auditioned for an amusement-park commercial. They auditioned actors in pairs, and when they asked my partner if she would be OK riding roller coasters all day, she actually said, “Can I think about that a while?” Can you think about it? No, you can't think about it. If you have a medical condition that makes it unsafe for you to ride roller coasters, than there's nothing for you to think about. Otherwise, the correct answer is you bet! I told them they'd have to drag me off the roller coaster, and then we became a happy, loving couple having a great time at the amusement park. But as we left the audition room, I was thinking, I did the best I could, but they're never going to pick us as their couple. Can I think about it? What kind of answer is that? Just say yes!

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Strike News

Frank and Larry return, but this time Frank is a TV anchorman and Larry is a striking writer. Or is that the other way around? Oh just watch it your own damn self and see. Thank you.

I Will NOT Reject Myself, I Will NOT Reject Myself...

Going on a lot of auditions means opening yourself up to a lot of rejection, so it's tempting to beat the other guys to the punch and reject yourself first. It's really easy to come up with reasons you won't get the part before the audition ever starts: they'll go with someone taller, or younger, or better looking, or more closely related to the casting director, or something. On one recent audition, I was actually a little upset with my agent for sending me. The role: a retarded inbred hick. I mean, come on. I know my type, and that's not my type. What a total waste of time. So, naturally, I had a callback Tuesday. Apparently, retarded inbred hick is my type. Live and learn. Since the callback location was close by my agent's office, I decided to drop in, because I'm that important; OK, because I help out around the office once in a while. Anyway, while I'm there the call comes in for an audition that afternoon. This time, I'm supposed to be a businessman. Of course, I look like a hick. My agent reminds me that I should always have a suit in my car. I tell her that it's a very good idea that unfortunately is of no use to me today. But I do have a somewhat rumpled blazer from a previous job, so I rush to the casting office and give my best, although I'm sure my rumpled appearance is counting against me. But Wednesday morning, I get the callback for the afternoon. So I ran around like a crazy person getting my shoes and car keys — the poor dog was running after me, thinking we were going to go somewhere really exciting — and dashed out the door. Fortunately I didn't have to take time to change clothes — I was still wearing the outfit I had auditioned in. Yep, I had fallen asleep in my clothes. I was the only actor there who wasn't wearing a dark, pinstriped suit, but I didn't let that throw me. I just kept telling myself I was good enough to get the callback in my jeans, boots and blazer, so I should be good enough to get the job in my jeans, boots, and blazer. It would have been nice if I'd had time to wash my clothes, though, or least take a shower. Then again, it's television, not smell-o-vision.

Saturday, February 09, 2008

In Which I Almost Deliver a Pizza

My friend Summer, who previously tapped me for Caesar and Otto in the Summer Camp Massacre, asked me Thursday night if I would be interested in being in another project she was working on. It would be a bit part, delivering a pizza to the protagonist, but I enjoy any opportunity to practice my craft, I happened to be available, the production was about 10 minutes from my current residence, and there was the distinct possibility I'd get to eat some of the pizza when we wrapped. But soon after I arrived on location today, the director decided he could use me in a different role with a little more screen time and a couple more lines. Sweet! It was like ordering a pizza and having them throw in a side of wings! I even got to improv a little, and I ate three slices when we were done.

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Have Some Pie

I know a lot of people out there have been craving a sweet follow-up to the recently posted video, even though you're too shy to come right out and ask for it. (In fact, you're too shy to say anything.) But that's OK. Here's another course for you. Everybody loves pie.

Sunday, February 03, 2008

Short Subject

Here's a little something I worked on in December. Despite how it may look, I am not a little person. Not that there's anything wrong with that. The big guy and I were in a previous short film in which we basically provided annoying background noise for the principal characters. The director enjoyed our inane chatter so much that he came up with a project just for us. It's just two guys talking on a light-rail platform. Maybe I can use it as an audition reel for The Hobbit.

Friday, February 01, 2008

Whomp! Upside the Head

When you're auditioning with another actor, and the session runner has said,“Don't hurt each other,” it might be a good idea not to hurt the other actor. In fact, it might be a good idea even if no one actually says don't hurt the other actor. Just take it for granted that you aren't supposed to whomp the other guy upside the head. On the brighter said, I had two auditions today in which I did not get whomped upside the head, so I guess on average I did pretty well.

Thursday, January 31, 2008

At Least the Dog Likes Me


Here's a picture of me with Stetson. No, not the hat - you think I can afford Stetson hats? Stetson is the name of the Australian shepherd. At least, that's what he's rumored to be, although he's awfully tall for an Aussie and kind of rangy looking. I'm not too sure he's only 3 years old, either. He's awfully mellow for a 3-year-old Aussie. But hey, who hasn't fudged a little on a resume? Anyway, I think we complement each other nicely. Our hair is the same colors. And with all the auditions I've been going on lately, it's nice to interact with someone who won't reject me and whose needs are pretty easy to figure out. Walk me, feed me, pet me. That's about it. I wish casting directors were that easy.