I finally got a really good collection of the tales of the brothers Grimm. (By the by, how much do I love that we still refer to them, not as the Grimm brothers, but as the brothers Grimm?) I’ve been wanting to get a good collection for some time now–you know, where the prince in…
I suppose there’s always a little adventure or a unique moment to be had. But it seems we spend a good deal of time trying to avoid those spontaneous shake-em-ups. I know I can certainly be guilty of the pleasegoawayIjustwannagohome-type ignoring of the world that’s happening around me. But I also feel that my relationship…
I’m currently reading Katherine Hepburn’s autobiography. I’ve always been a fan of hers. So it’s a very interesting read. Last night, I came across this. I must say, I have to agree. “I was in the process of discovering the enormous generosity and enthusiasm of people in the theatre. Often one heard of jealousy. I…
There HAS to be a fantastic guy out there for me, right? Sometimes, I wonder….. Lord help me. I’m ’bout to blog about online dating. I am officially livin’ in the future. Where is my flying car? So, the online dating site that I’m on has this handy little system wherein one can answer questions. …
I love analogies. I love improv. Wait. Let me be more specific. Ahem. I love good analogies. I love good improv. Analogies are plopping out of my mouth all of the time. Sometimes, they’re kinda bad. (I have a horribly complicated one involving a locksmith and being inside and how it ‘brilliantly’ relates to a…
Today I was paging through my notes from directing and coaching improvisational theatre. Here are some phrases that stood out to me. Perhaps one could apply them to more than improv…. Stay Connected Be Affected trust that we can just be birds Be either off or on–not in between. Be REAL. If it doesn’t matter…
I arrived in Philly today (in town in plenty of time for my three fringe shows this weekend) and have been bopping around on my own exploring different areas of this cool city. Like anyone else who goes to see the Liberty Bell, my bags had to be checked. Of course, I came right from…
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 at the cycles of relationships and the myths that we tell ourselves about finding a soul mate…..using sock monkeys. Written and Performed by Amanda Rountree Directed by Jen Ellison There are three…
So, I happened upon this band a while ago. Kinda bluegrassy, kinda folksy, kinda country, kinda right-up-my-alley. Not only are they great musicians, they are doin’ it up all green and stuff. Gotta love that. Anyhoodles, here’s a new video of their stuff. Environmentally-conscious guys playin’ good music? Yes, please. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giFUwxrbiNs&fs=1&hl=en_US] Oh, and if you…
After taking it to the west coast and down to Texas, my most requested workshop, Keepin’ It Real is being offered in Chicago again! This three-hour workshop will help deepen your performance with the use of sincerity, emotional connection, and believability. Discover the real “first offers” of every scene, and make improv even more natural,…