The Austin American Statesman (the major daily here in Austin) is posting entries on each of the cast and crew involved in the Mother of Invention production of “Romeo & Juliet”. Today is my turn! I am entry #7. See it here: http://motherofinvention.statesmanblogs.com/

Yesterday we spent several hours working on choreographing our swordfights for Romeo and Juliet. James Brownlee, who plays my nemesis Capulet, was tremendous in scripting our duels as well as covering safety issues. So many people on stage with so many swords can get a little stabby at times. I am drilling on my duel daily, committing the moves to muscle memory. As James points out, there is no room in stage combat for improvisation. If we start winging anything people are going to get hurt.

I’ve got a few aches today from the rehearsal, but they aren’t from the swordplay. I stood in for Balthazar while James choreographed a riot of wrestling and tumbling among the servants. I don’t know how many times we kicked, grappled and fell during the day, but I’m feeling it now, but it’s a good kind of hurt. I can’t wait to get on stage and do this in front of an audience.

Last night was my first acting class of 2007. Monday nights for the next 10 weeks I’ll be at Two Chairs Studio with Van Brooks. I won’t disclose what we do in class, but I spent most of 2006 working with Van and enjoyed some breakthroughs. I’ve missed my fellow students/actors and can’t wait to get back to work with them. I also signed up for a 10 week “Samurai” workshop at… are you ready for this… 7:00 – 9:00 am on Wednesdays! This is also held at Two Chairs and is a program developed by Dan Fauci. It’s been very influential so far and I like being pushed out of my comfort zone and being accountable for getting things done. It feels great to get back in the classroom after the holiday break.

Soon you will see these posted around town. It’s a beauty. Click on the thumbnail to see a larger version. (300k) We will be showing February 8th – 11th and 14th – 18th at the City Theatre. For ticket information see the previous post!

Tickets for my next show, opening in February, are going on sale now. Buy early and get a discount.

Tickets for Mother of Invention Productions, LLC’s first production of the 2007 Season, Romeo and Juliet, are now available for purchase on-line through our website and PayPal! For all who may be interested, please go to www.motherofinventionproductions.com. There is a $5 per-ticket discount for all purchases made before January 22. No other discounts can be used with this on-line discount. All information regarding the dates and times can be found on the website. Tickets will go back to regular price on January 22. ACoT members and Students can reserve tickets at their discounted rates of $10.00 by emailing to tickets@motherofinventionproductions.com, or by calling 512-289-8888. February’s production of Romeo and Juliet will be performed at The City Theatre - www.citytheatreaustin.org.