So earlier this week, I was given two free tickets (er, I mean, press passes) to see Colin Quinn’s one-man show. I have to admit a few things up front. 1) I have no idea why they gave me press passes. (They must have put my email address in the wrong pile. But I’m not…
Of all the workshops I teach, Keepin’ It Real is the most requested. I can’t believe it’s been nearly a year since I offered it here in Chicago! “The Keepin’ It Real class I took from Amanda has been incredibly useful to me. The techniques Amanda taught in that class dramatically improved my ability to…
I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, “Summer has been great, but what I’m really worried about is that come November, I’ll have nothing to do on Thursdays other than eat pumpkin pie that one time.” Well, worry no more, dear reader. Worry no more. I just got the official word that my one-woman show…
There’s nothing sadder than someone trying really hard to be funny.
I’ve gotten this question a lot lately. Typically, if I go for a long time without performing, I get all antsy. It can happen in as few as 15 performance-less days in a row. But oddly and interestingly, I haven’t gotten too awfully antsy lately. This is definitely because a lot of my energy has…
This is not a poem. But it has words. The kind that are efficient in their sitting, pencil shading on the side in the 75% post-consumer recycled content sketchbook. Graphite words that I smudged with my hands–the smudges of honor still visible when I ordered tea at that place down the street with the quiet,…
hooooooooooooo boy Moving sucks. Everybody agrees. Not that I need to be validated by other people’s opinions (butitsureisnice). BUT I DIGRESS This post was intended to be half-full, not half-empty. 1/2 full <begin> My new home is wonderful! I am right by the lake, near a park by the lake, not a warehouse by the…
So if a Chicago winter is like being punched in the face, then a Chicago summer is like being pinched in the ass. Just last night as I waited for the train, shivering in my winter hat and scarf, Chicago was definitely punching me in the face. This Memorial Day, weather forecasters are predicting some…
So once again, I look down at the pages of my notebook–the one I use when I’m coaching improv, teaching improv, and directing shows–and I notice that a note I wrote for creating an engaging and sincere moment on stage applies to creating an engaging and sincere moment in life. It matters less what we…
The Good, the Bad, and the Monkey has four performances in April–two right here in Chicago, and two in Louisville, KY! Please come check out the show in a city near you! The Good, The Bad, and The Monkey Singlehood, Dating, and the Search for Something Real Amanda Rountree takes a hilarious–and at times, heartbreaking–look…