Review: A Tiny Piece of Land

From InsideToronto.com on Jan 07 2012, by Mark Andrew Lawrence

FRONT ROW CENTRE: Moving message in 'A Tiny Piece of Land'

We can always count on Ari Weisberg and his company Teatron to offer fascinating plays exploring Jewish life. A Tiny Piece of Land by Joni Browne-Walders and Mel Weiser is an absorbing mix of family drama and political propaganda that was first staged in Los Angeles in 2010. 

The drama centres on the reunion of long-estranged brothers Barry and Yosi. For several years, Yosi has lived with his wife, Aviva, and his daughter, Rachel, in a settlement on the Gaza Strip, where escalating violence and a government plan to move all of the homesteaders out of the area has made their lives unstable.

Barry arrives from Seattle, Washington with the news that his beloved wife was killed in vicious attack. Hoping to escape this violence, Barry soon finds that his brother and family are living in an area under constant threat of Palestinian attacks.

When Barry expresses his belief that the Israelis are as much to blame in this ongoing clash as the Palestinians, it riles his niece, Rachel, whose boyfriend is involved in the conflict. Barry's arguments with Rachel, as well as his talks with his brother, focus the play's political message. When Rachel insists that all the Jews really want is a "tiny piece of land" to call their own, it may sound simplistic, but after a missile attack devastates some of their friends, everyone begins praying for peace to be given a chance.

The play realistically shows this family (like many others in the area) trying to get on with their daily lives with a constant threat of violence hanging over their heads. Much of the time the family is setting the table or offering to pour each other coffee. The daily conversations give it a feeling of realism, but it soon becomes mundane.

The history of the area is woven into the political discussions as Yosi, Rachel and Aviva try to educate Barry (and the audience) as the show develops more and more into a message play.

There's nothing wrong with message plays, and the arguments put forth in A Tiny Piece of Land are provocative and well-reasoned. The audience very quickly becomes emotionally invested with these four characters, thanks to the sensitive direction by Weisberg and the beautifully detailed performances.

Nicole Marie McCafferty gives a particularly compelling performance as Rachel, with Tara Nicodemo in strong support at the patient, sometimes dour mother.

Geoff Kolomayz brings warmth and understanding to the role of the husband, father and brother trying to keep his family out of harm's way, and Bob Legare is model of repressed anguish as the grieving American brother.

The play is moving and frequently involving, and offers some interesting points of discussion, yet it can't help but focus a little too much on the message.

A Tiny Piece of Land plays until Jan. 15 in the studio theatre at the Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5050 Yonge St. Call the box office at 416-781-552 or visit the website at www.teatrontheatre.com

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FRONT ROW CENTRE: Moving message in 'A Tiny Piece of Land'.Geoff Kolomayz, left, Bob Legare and Tara Nicodemo appear in a scene from the play, 'A Tiny Piece of Land', being presented through Jan. 15 at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. Photo/KATHERINE VERENDIA

Welcome

Hello and welcome to the new site.

This is officially the first post on this new blog site.  It is my intention to do this regularly, but we will see what happens.  As you well know, being an artist of any nature has its ups and downs, it wet and dry moments.  Let me see if I can at keep the blogs going, a river of info.  HA HA.

Since the last post on the old site much has happened, keeping me away from posting.  First I was working on and trying to figure out how to get this site and the new website running. I am not very computer savvy so that took some time.

The other thing that was going on was my role in Teatron Theatre's A Tiny Piece of Land.  I had a wonderful time on this show.  As the lead it was a new experience.  Not to say I haven't played a lead before, as in my one man shows I am just that, and some time ago there was A Midsummer Night's Dream but there was something different about this one.  Having just come off of my gig in London, and watching other very talented professionals in leading roles during rehearsal lit the light bulb above my head.  I saw how they functioned, what they did to prepare.  All things I know and have used myself, but it was different to see it done and from that to translate it back to myself. So coming into this role I had a different perspective.  This perspective was also coupled with my work with Caroline Azar and the Archival Actor's Workshop, and Tom Todoroff Studios.  I feel the new perspective enriched my work.

With all that said in the next post I shall put up the reviews that came through.

Moving (2012-01-10)

Well everyone, the time has come for me to move on. Well not me literally, but me on the site. 

I am grateful that my good friend Dale designed and hosted me on this site for so many years; unfortunately, it is time for him to move on and close up shop for other wonderful ventures. As such the site will be shutting down soon. So before I go any further a big round of applause to Dale, for helping me out with this site and being one of the most amazing friends.

Now I hope that everyone who has read this will continue to read what I write. Bookmark my new sites as I aim to be more diligent and active with my posts. On the new site you will be able to reply to what I write and put up comments, making it more interactive. We shall see what comes. Hope to see you all on the other side.

Always 
Geoff

THE NEW SITES
www.geoffkolomayz.blogspot.com
http://geoffkolomayz.workbooklive.com

London Diaries - Closing Night (2011-11-05)

I can feel it in the air as I enter the theatre building, tonight is our last show. Something about the energy is different than it has been since day one. An excitement, a sadness, nostalgia, fear, happiness, so many mixed feelings all rolled into one ball called closing.

I am sure we all feel it and we, I believe, work to be in the moment which is this time. We shall enjoy our last show and keep our nostalgia to ourselves until we are done. Yes, until we are done. This world is different from ones I have known before. It is not high school, or a little show no one sees, or something insignificant (there are no small shows or parts only attitudes that make them small), where on closing night we can play for ourselves, joke around and do our thing. No this is professional and it is our job to bring life to characters and tell story for an audience who has never seen this and wants to know. So we play this show, as we have played each one before, keeping our emotions in check and letting the emotions of the characters and story surface.

At curtain call, we take our bow, and we are allowed as we walk off to let ourselves show. We are sad to see new friends part, sad to see our work complete, to not come here tomorrow, to break our routine. We are happy with our success, the friends we have made, the chance to move forward and begin fresh. We have fear and excitement for the unknown of what next. And we have this moment in which we will celebrate and toast our success.

We hug, we laugh, and we gather in the green room. We, as we have done so many times, break bread, open wine, tell stories, reminisce, we cry, we smile and we party. I step back to watch all of this, taking it in. I have never felt included at any party, but I am accepted and present. I as observe I am awed by what we created. It is not just a story which audiences have seen. It is a family. Some us will go on as great friends, other acquaintances, others just ships in the night, but it is a family. This family in particular has carried no ego, drama, or personal battles. We have got along and connected with each other. 

This rare privilege has been oh such a sweet treat. From that sweetness it has not only brought us close together but it has raised the caliber and the body of our work which was the Canadian Premiere of To Master The Art.

London Diaries - Relish and Writers (2011-11-02)

Between shows today I went for a massage. As I lay on the table, feeling a relaxed and a little tired, I thought "I can hardly wait to get home and relax tonight after the second show". Little bells rang inside when I said that. I stopped, and recalled what I said and thought about it for a few moments while I lay there.

One of the skills we develop as actors is the skill of living in the moment. Each time we say a line we have to dedicate our focus to saying it as if for the first time. Each time we listen to that long monologue, we must hear it with fresh ears, and so we learn to live in the moment of where we are. And here I was already racing through my day, it was only 430, to get to 1130. Seven hours skipped over in a moment of thought. I took it in and said "I can hardly wait for this moment and the next and the next to sink in." And so they did. 

I lay there and with greater appreciation took in the massage. As I left I smiled as the warm sun beat down on me, after a few cold days without it. I walked carefully and purposefully taking in the park as I passed, the overpass, the stores, and my surroundings as I walked to the dinner I had planned. 

I was seated by the hostess at Garlic's, a highly recommended fancy restaurant, beside the theatre. I looked over the menu, ordered myself a nice chardonnay, garlic frites, a half chicken on mashed potatoes with a side of maple roasted vegetables. When it arrived I chewed slowly and took in the moment I was living. The luxury of the food, the atmosphere, and I reminded myself to relish each moment.

So the night progressed and I did not make it home, as I previously thought for 1130. To our surprise, the writers of To Master the Art, had come in from Chicago to see our production and following the show they wanted to meet us. Out of the dressing room I came and the moment that I almost missed in my hurry to get home (in my thought earlier) was the very casual, impromptu party that happened in the green room. The moments of wonderful stories on how this show came to be, the research and the fun which brought it all together. But most of all, the human connection as we all shared another moment which remains as part of our consciousness.

London Diaries - Delis and stuff (2011-10-29)

I am a bit behind on my London experience but I have not forgotten all of my readers. Just been enjoying myself and having some late nights. Let me tell you about something that happened a few days back.

One of the magic aspects to live theatre is that it is live. It means that things happen, things change and as actors we roll with it and have fun, so does the audience.

I am on stage, an actor is saying his line and out comes, "he's going to open his own butcher, his dad likes delis and stuff!" Definitively not the line of "he's going to open his own deli, his dad's a butcher". To my left, I can hear the stifled laughter and feel the smirk of the other actor, in front of my I can see the attempt to hold in laughter from another actor, and for myself, I can feel the urge to let go a full bodied laugh. But we can't! The show is not for us but for the audience. For them the line is fine, we need not holler at its error. So as professionals we must keep it together and go on with our scene. A challenge but a fun one. 

Sometimes on stage things go "wrong" and we need to acknowledge them. Like when I said "which is another word for ....." and forgot the word cowardly. I stumbled repeated myself as if trying to find the word and once again found myself blank. From across the stage another actor in the scene says "cowardly?", as a question in character, and completes my line. To which I must respond to keep it real. "Exactly, thank you!". Not even in the script, but necessary to keep things truthful on stage. As a professional, I felt like a fool in front of my colleagues, as a professional, I accept it and carry on with the scene. Again, the moment is not for us, but for the audience.

London Diaries - Laughter and Gifts (2011-10-21)

It is the afternoon before we open. We have assembled in the theatre, in the late afternoon, for some final notes and tweaks. But a few hours work before dinner and then we open.

Our director does not take long. Twenty minutes, if that, are needed to relay the few things that need to be looked at, briefly. Along the way we all chuckle at the notes and the brief stories that come with why we did whatever to lead to that note. It truly is more fun than work. And then to the stage.

The leads are up refining a moment, shifting position slightly to open something up for better audience view; we are after all presenting the stage stuff for an audience. As they wait for something technical to get sorted out they chat, the chatter becomes a giggle and finally a laugh. I looked around, a number of various conversations, all smiles and laughter. There it is, right before me one of the elements that hold me in this great life. Laughter. I remember my cubicle job, years ago, and the silence that it held. The almost fear of frivolousness. No one laughed and the only talking happened in respect to the project or necessary change of information. I dreaded that place and have heard there are many more like it. But here, today, I am reminded that this theatre and many others around the world are regularly filled with laughter, it is a part of our work, and I get to revel in it daily. The time passes quickly, and we are done. I head to my dressing room to grab my dinner and there at my mirror are a small pile of gifts.

It is opening night, and as per the traditions, people exchange gifts, to congratulate, to commemorate, to remember, to share the experience we have been on. Nothing extravagant, and it does not need to be, just items to remind of and connect to this show. A wooden spoon, an ice cube tray, a flower, a card, some food and so on.

I smiled and laughed and thought to myself: laughter and gifts are what my job entails. Everyday in some way I am given these things and London has helped me to see them. Oh what a life!

London Diaries - Brilliant Lessons (2011-10-19)

Tonight we had our second of three previews. A good responsive audience. Such a nice thing to hear the audience react to the work. The humour of the show comes through, the audience laughs, the sorrow comes in and the audience goes silent. Up here you can hear them breathing, sighing with you; quite an amazing feeling

After the show we gather in the green room for notes. Still in previews so we discuss little tweaks, little changes, just to make it all right. But before we begin, we celebrate, a little. Another actor opens a bottle of champagne, and we each get a small sip. A few mouthfuls of joy before notes. A tangible moment with nine other people where we get to smile and appreciate the time and effort we have put into this. A moment to appreciate ourselves. 

We move from our celebration to notes, and I listen to them all. Nothing direct for me, but lots to pick up here. One actress, she is so gracious, after each note she simply says "Thank you". What a wonderful thing. She accepts it for what it is, a note, and takes it in. I know that she accesses it, decides on it and integrates. There is no justification for her action on stage, just a simple thank you so she can grow.

London Diaries-Theatre Day (2011-10-14)

Today was the company's first day in the theatre; our home for the next three weeks. Wow! It is truly all I can say. To step into this gorgeous theatre, this historic theatre, and see on stage the period set, all lit and standing there in its grandeur. It was an overwhelming feeling. 

Now I have a good career behind me. I have travelled to exotic places, done many shows and had a great time. What I have not done, is worked in an A house or a big house. It is a different world. Everything is there, nothing is to want. The theatre works to ensure that the production is world which the audience will immerse itself in. So today I stepped into Julia Child's apartment on the Roo de Loo in 1940's Paris. What a wonderful experience. I am grateful on a daily basis, far to many people to name and recognize here, for the support that has brought me to this place. I am a lucky man to live my dreams.

London Diaries - Break & Mecca (2011-10-13)

Today was the last day in rehearsal hall. The cast was mostly released at one o'clock as the director had to head to the theatre to begin the lighting. The cast was mostly released as we needed to make our hair appointments and quick change rehearsals. For me, hair appointment was not until five o'clock; thus, four hours to kill.

Now it is important to have this break because the next day we head into the theatre. The first day in the theatre is exciting but at the same time it begins a number of long days while we do cue to cue, run scenes with all the technical aspects and so on. The days run ten to twelve hours as we put all the elements together for the finals just before we go before an audience.

So what did I do? I wanted to decompress, the evening was dedicated to a cast dinner so I wanted some alone time. It was mid day so off to the movies I went to hide in darkness and anonymity. It was exactly what I wanted. A theatre of three people including me, a movie that was not bad, nor good, mostly mindless, and for all intents and purposes solitude. It was wonderful.

On the way back to the theatre I treaded down Dundas in a section of the street I had not seen. It is important to note that London Ontario in terms of names of places and streets is a replica, as far as I can tell, to London England. I visited England earlier this year and had one of my good friends as a guide. He had taken me to Fortnum and Mason, an elite and expensive department store, which for his sensibilities was "Mecca". Four glorious floors of luxuriousness, and today I found "Mecca" on Dundas in Ontario. All four floors of the Kingsmill department store were a reminder of F&M. I smiled for my guide in London England has also performed here at the Grand a number of times and had offered me before I left many places to check out. For all intents and purposes he has been my guide here also. I am sure he found "Mecca" here and I smiled as I browsed. What a great day.

London Diaries - Food Again (2011-10-11)

As you know I am doing a show about food, and it is of course very heavily on my mind. In addition to the show, this past weekend was Thanksgiving and well there was a lot of food.

On Sunday the Director hosted those of us in the cast who did not go home for the holiday. It was a wonderful gathering, of good conversation, shared food, shared drink and overall fun. I was glad to spend my evening with such a wonderful host and the great company of my fellow cast and friends.

I am fortunate that I have family here in town so on Monday my festivities continued. I headed over to my aunt's early in the day, spent time with my cousins, talked with my aunt and uncle and enjoyed a nice leisurely morning. In the afternoon the rest of the family arrived and the food was brought out. More drink, more food, more good company, and I was again blessed to spend time with great company and my family.

It seems London is becoming the city of food for me. It is wonderful. Today at lunch I headed over to the market, Covent Garden Market, to get my lunch. Had a wonderful roti, and sat outside on the benches to bask in the sun. As I finished my meal, a middle aged man approached asking for change. Now let me clear, I really don't like being asked for change, I am of the mindset that the individuals should take charge of their life and get themselves off the streets. At the same time I know some people are truly in need and are lost out there. Years ago, a good friend of mine, a priest, Father James, expressed the same sentiment. He followed it up with this, "If I have the money then I am willing to share by purchasing a meal for someone who needs it." In this way, he knew he was truly helping, and had also discovered that those who did not want change for food would turn away, their hopes dashed on the spare change which could go to other less savory means. It also meant that my friend did not help promote, from a removed place, any illegal markets, with his spare dollar. So today a stranger approached asking for change, that he may buy food.

I thought nothing of it, and looked up to him, "I have no change to spare, but could I buy you lunch?" He graciously accepted, and into the market we went to get Chris some food. I don't share my story for any form of credit, that is not my point. Today as I talked to Chris, I was fortunate to know that I had some abundance, and I had the fortune of not worrying about where my next meal was coming from. I had the appreciation that for the last few days I have had something which is essential to our survival in abundance. I had the clarity to be thankful for that abundance and from that I had the willingness to share with others. My point, no my hope, is that this simple blog will give my readers a moment's pause, a thought, and maybe over the next few days or weeks some other people who are hungry will have the chance to be thankful for something so basic.

If we cannot share our wealth then what good is it for?

London Diaries - Food Fun (2011-10-07)

Have been here now for just under two full weeks and I am having a blast. First there is rehearsal and everything that goes with working on a show. I have had wardrobe fittings, dialect class for my American accents, shoe fittings and of course the rehearsal itself. All fun. I also have more spare time with the smaller role, which I find useful in terms of studying the script and preparation time. So as far as the rehearsal and the work goes, no complaints; I'd be a fool to do so if I had any.

I have also had time to make it to the gym, get regular sleep and in general feel good about myself. More good.

But what makes this such an experience is getting to know people. First off, for any who don't know To Master the Art, is about Julia Child the famous cook. So day in and out there is a lot of talk about food. I in fact get to eat on stage; the food is actually prepared on stage and it is quite tasty. As a result of all this food talk in rehearsal food is on the cast's mind more than it may normally be; the results are marvelous.

Each day it seems someone brings in some sort of "nibbly" for the group; some cheese, fruit, honey, crackers... some light snacks. We have as a cast gone out for drinks and of course ordered food which we shared. We share our lunches (trade bits and bites) and last night we had a little pot luck dinner. 

We headed over to someone's house, everyone brought food and voila dinner was served. Sharing food is such a great experience. It is a place and time in which people are brought together, not only over a common need, but also over a common theme. It becomes a place to talk, to communicate, to get to know someone. Food is a social event filled with all the emotions the human soul can offer. I rue the days of being a child wanting to watch TV rather than enjoy dinner with my family. But here I am in London, sharing food, communing with others, and getting to know the people I work with. Making friends.

London Diaries - "Real" (2011-09-30)

Last night I went to see Footloose, the musical, at The Grand's high school project. Each year The Grand mentors a group of high school students with their High School out reach project. They audition students, and cast them in all elements and aspects for a show, and then the professionals of the theatre work with them to put on full production, which runs at the very top of the season. An excellent program, with great value for young artists.

The show was great. I went with a group from my own cast, we sat together and made an evening of it. We all enjoyed ourselves and were amazed at the talent on stage.

After the show I ran into the lead. I congratulated him, on his performance, and his cast mates. His reply "wow thanks, that means a lot coming from a real actor" surprised me. "Real Actor"? to me he was the "real" actor, having just finished a performance, (to a sold out crowd,one of many for this show I should add), having rehearsed, learned, evolved - he and his cast mates are all real actors to me. 

I ended up chatting with him and few of his cast mates and it started to sink in. They were asking questions about what it is like to pursue, how to do acting for a career - the next steps. I realized "real" is a perception, an idea of self. In their own eyes, those youths view themselves as students, and they view me as a working artist. "Real" being defined by not student. There was some awe associated to it. As I walked home I thought about perception and the value of it. How we see ourselves and what it can do for us. Any way we choose to look at ourselves has the potential to hinder or evolve us. This perception is very important, I believe, to the artist. Why? 

Perceive oneself as a struggling artist and that is all one will allow oneself to be. Perceive oneself as an artist and that is what one can be. An artist has potential to make a living being just that: an artist. Yes, philosophical, but I feel it is important, and it struck me last night. In many ways the youths on stage are more talented than I, some of their skill sets are not mine, they have just as much potential at making a living as "real" actors right now as I do. It just takes a mindset to pursue that point.

So as I sign off, I applaud, the very talented young cast of Footloose, who as far as I am concerned, are "real" actors. If it be there dream to pursue it as a career, I wish them all the best in their pursuits.

London Diaries - Exploring (2011-09-26)

Today was a the day off before rehearsals began. I had some errands to do: groceries and find an umbrella. Groceries done, umbrella not found but found one by loan through my fabulous billet Lesley.

So with errands as the excuse, with curiosity in my mind and a desire to explore I headed out for a long walk through London. I am short jaunt from downtown and the houses in this area are stunning. Old, historic, Victorian looking places, that remind me of a time long lost. Truly a beautiful place. I marvelled how I could not hear the cars on the major roads nearby. The city has a freshness to it that I am not use to. A peacefulness that invites me and I love it. 

I worked my way into the downtown core, to find the theatre and do some exploring (hopefully find an umbrella, with a week of rain forecasted). What a change. The boarded up stores, heavy layer of street life, students from the colleges, and a smattering of business folk completely beguile the serenity of the walk I left behind. It was almost hard to believe that it was the same city. And yet, this contrast makes the city all the more inviting.

To know that there is such a breadth of change in such a few streets brings intrigue and interest. Contrast to spice things up. I continued my exploration and by end of day I had come to St. Peter's Cathedral Basilica. This European structure took me back to my stay in London England. The beauty of it took my breath away. Stained glass, hard wood, and the brass on the huge pipe organ in the choir loft, wow. I stepped outside to experience a different edge of downtown. An area not so inhabited by the riff raff of the central core. A more inviting atmosphere flanked by the large Victoria Park.

A park which was originally a Garrison Reserve during the early 1800's. It appears the military had a great presence here for a long time with the war of 1812 and the threat from American Civil unrest. This old garrison area is now a gorgeous park. The day was wearing to a close and my tired feet were asking for a rest so I began the jaunt home

One last occurrence; I ran into the director of the show, Susan Ferley. A wonderful little coincidence. We spoke briefly, she told me how she was working out the details for cooking on the stage in her head, welcomed me to London and our rehearsal process which begins tomorrow. A wonderful way to cap off the day. I am meant to be here right now.

London Diaries (2011-09-25)

Today I arrived in London. Many have said, "London? England?" To which I smile, for I am in London, Ontario. Interestingly enough I visited London, England this past January so maybe it was a subtle pre cursor to what lies in front of me for the next six weeks. 

Six weeks; yes indeed, the length of time that I will be in this lovely Ontarian town. I am here for a contract at The Grand Theatre, which is in itself very exciting and I am sure that I will speak of that much; however, I would also like to document my stay here in town. It may be boring or mundane, yet it may be exciting or adventuresome. I can't imagine that groceries will be exciting but we will see. 

London (Ontario) has a special place in my heart. I have both family and friends here currently which is nice as I will spend some time with them. But for the history of my life I have always felt that London is a place for me, that London has been a part of me and my life. When I was young Rosie Duchuck lived here. She was the lady who took care of me, the "babysitter" as they were called then. I don't know the circumstances but I imagine her husband got a job transfer from Toronto and off they moved to London. The family was a friend of my mother's and so we came to visit them. I remember the long drives and rolling into Lambeth, seeing the lush green city which was magical to me. A place to visit old friends and have a good time. This was the beginning of the city's fondness to me.
I considered coming to school here; but, unfortunately they did not have a drama program at Western. Although my aunt came here, (she never left) and spoke highly of the town, without the field of study I wanted it would not win me over yet. I went to Waterloo, and my London aunt Ellen brought me my first case of beer. She came to visit often and on a few occasions I returned to London to spend time with my aunt. The magic stayed with me and I thought one day I would return and stay. 
As you know I am an actor and I think it was my first year of school, maybe my second, my lighting design class made a trip to London to see Dracula. It was a journey that would leave its impression on me forever. I cannot describe it fully, for it was in many ways no different than any other theatre show; but, something magical happened while here. We saw an amazing production, great acting, great sets, designs and lighting. Special effects, heavy fog I remember and all the elements of theatre in one show. Following we did a back stage tour, nothing new there, but for some reason on that night, the magic of the performance, combined with the technical of the back stage and I was struck with magic - theatre magic. I knew that this was the place I wanted to work - The Grand Theatre. And there it was another aspect that joined me inexplicably to London. 
Today I arrived in London to fulfill my dreams: to work at the theatre, to be part of the community, to experience the city. And what a welcome it was. I am billeted about twenty minutes walk away from the theatre in a beautiful old house with wide board hardwood floors. The owner is a wonderful open soul who has welcomed me graciously. Offered me a great snack for dinner and breakfast tomorrow to tide me over till I get groceries tomorrow. My room is large, with a small TV, a wonderful big double bed, a small work station, a beautiful antique looking dresser painted white. There is a well mannered dog in the house, a beautiful backyard and lots of books. 

So as I start my days here in London, ON my visions and dreams of what London was is becoming a reality.

Photography (2011-09-20)

Went in to see Pierre Gautreau today. We did an epic photo shoot; 250 photos over two and a half hours. He said he does not usually shoot that much. So I either looked bad or really good and he kept shooting either way. Regardless I had a lot of fun and I know that there are some awesome shots. New head shots, wow, so much change. And all of it makes me excited. I am looking forward to picking up the shots on Friday and going through them. They will come with me to London and I will take my time picking my faves so that on return to TO, my agent and I can find the ones we agree on. New beginnings.

On Progress (2011-09-02)

Today is the first day I don't feel overwhelmed in a number of weeks. While I was in Muskoka, working my Mirador summer, I was booked for a role in To Master the Art, the opening show for The Grand Theatre's (www.grandtheatre.com) 2012 season. I remember it well, standing in the booth of the Rene M. Caisse Theatre, getting video for our show, when the call came through. I screamed down to Steve and Marla "I booked the Grand!"

It seemed fitting to share it with them. Up in Muskoka, working on a dream with two other friends, doing it cause we love it, and because it is a way to keep our dream alive when the industry does not seem on our side. It just seemed right that my celebratory state was in that place, rather than some city coffee shop, or at a part time job. I got news that my dreams were coming true in a place where I was making my dreams come true with friends who share that dream. Sometimes I have to stop to appreciate how lucky I am.

I am without question excited that it is all going along. Naturally with any change things need to get done to prepare for it and that is what has caused the overwhelming feelings for the last bit. To add to it, we were discussing a December tour of Dubai for Mirador, and it looked promising (now more likely to be March), so that added to my list of things to do. I needed to clear up the MIFF accounts before going, Mirador accounts, learn a role for a government contract, meet my new agent, get new photos done, get a truck, get a storage unit, oh and pack, and... and ....and. 

They are wonderful things to be overwhelmed by. Fabulous things truly. So I made my list and began crossing things off one by one, adding when necessary and crossing off as I got those done. In the middle of this I received and accepted another offer for a Teatron Theatre's, A Tiny Piece of Land, to rehearse in December and play in January. And it hits me.

As I look at my list, with very few things left on it to do (I still have to pack), I realize I am packing in preparation to be living my dream, actually living it. Now, I have in the past worked contracts, gone on tour, shot film, commercials and all of that; it is part of my dream. What makes this different is that since mid June I have worked less part time and done more acting, that come September 15, thirteen days from now, I will only be acting, for the theatre which for me is my dream job. Following that I will return home and move into another theatre contract where again if I choose I won't need to maintain part time work. This is the longest stint of continual work as an actor I have ever had, the contracts are full union, I have an agent, I just shot a commercial, and I am living as a paid actor. My to do list is short enough, that I can take the time to do this blog and read a play. 

I am grateful to everyone who ever said I could do it, and to those who expressed doubt and fueled my fires. I know that as actors it is a "feast or famine" that there are "ups and downs" but in truth I aim to make this the longest meal ever. More to come, more to come, thank you universe for it all.

McDonalds/Hockey Night In Canada (2011-08-20)

Wednesday I was on set, shooting a commercial for McDonalds which will help promote Hockey Night in Canada. I worked with the announcers from Hockey Night in Canada, and Jay Yoo, another actor. It was a great day on set, a lot of fun. It was also well run, and tight knit. Half day shooting and I was done. 

What makes this great other than the obvious shooting a commercial? I only signed with my new agent, Teri Ritter at Hines on Friday. I did the audition on Friday, and Wednesday I shot. First audition, first booking, things are off to a great start.

Mirador 2011 (2011-08-13)

Well last weekend we closed another season of Mirador Theatre. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe went off very well.

How was this year different from the past years. We, as a company, got to enjoy ourselves, relax and play in the sun, in addition to all the fun of doing a show. Ironic, because at the beginning of this season we weren't sure if we were going to have a season. 

As the universe would take us, we were guided to/found what we needed to put up a show. Huntsville camps requested us and the new theatre company, New Actor's Theatre Colony, hired us to perform their youth programming, while they focussed on more summer stock farcical stuff for the adults. So we decided to remount LWW and see what happened.

Well what happened is that we see a clearer more efficient way to run. The new way results in all the fun, including the work fun, and really what more can we ask for.

I am excited for next season.

Sold Out (2011-07-17)

Today was a treat. The final Fringe Show of Mazel and Schlimazel. All week I have had audience members comment on how I engaged their children, how the show was loved etc. It is always nice to hear unsolicited comments from strangers. I act toToday was a treat. The final Fringe Show of Mazel and Schlimazel. All week I have had audience members comment on how I engaged their children, how the show was loved etc. It is always nice to hear unsolicited comments from strangers. I act to effect people and hearing those comments means I am effecting. It may have put a smile on someone's face, or a child might be a touch more thoughtful towards a sibling because of the show's moral message...whatever it is effect has occurred. It feels nice.

With that said, it felt like some buzz was happening and our houses, barring last Sunday were between 30 and 50 per cent. Good turn outs, not so great based on audience response. Today at 11:30 half hour before our doors opened, I was told Mazel and Schlimazel sold out. I was stunned. My first time performing to a sold out audience, (that I am able to remember). 
The work by all who made this show happen came to fruition in the one thing that can show it, people attending and enjoying themselves. Thank you universe and all those who attended, not just today, but all week. effect people and hearing those comments means I am effecting. It may have put a smile on someone's face, or a child might be a touch more thoughtful towards a sibling because of the show's moral message...whatever it is effect has occurred. It feels nice.

With that said, it felt like some buzz was happening and our houses, barring last Sunday were between 30 and 50 per cent. Good turn outs, not so great based on audience response. Today at 11:30 half hour before our doors opened, I was told Mazel and Schlimazel sold out. I was stunned. My first time performing to a sold out audience, (that I am able to remember). 

The work by all who made this show happen came to fruition in the one thing that can show it, people attending and enjoying themselves. Thank you universe and all those who attended, not just today, but all week.

Feed Back (2011-07-15)

So I keep talking about this amazing class through Caroline Azar and how it changed my acting, well here is a response I got from a recent audition

"We were really impressed with your audition....thank you so much for coming out. 

Although we didn't see you for that specific role ("Phil"), we do want to use you in the series. We are thinking about creating a special "guest star" role for you in an upcoming episode. We will keep you posted and get a script and shoot dates out to you asap!"

I keep saying, I am outside the box and I just need some casting people to look outside what they see for a role and I can do the job. I am outside because I don't conform to "hits" or "niches" I create my characters and my own "niches", specific to every role. Johnny who?

Reviews: Mazel & Schlimazel (2011-07-12)

Well a lot of hard work, and a lot of fun, Mooney came to review us and this is what was said

http://www.mooneyontheatre.com/2011/07/11/the-adventures-of-mazel-and-schlimazel-ldub-productions-co-presented-by-the-ashkenaz-foundation-2011-toronto-fringe-review/


As a theatre-loving parent of a toddler, I am so pleased – just on principle – with the existence of FringeKIDS. Even though children’s theatre can be hit-or-miss, just the experience of going has a lot to offer children. The Adventures of Mazel and Schlimazel, though, provided a good deal more.


Lorie Wolf‘s adaptation of the well-know Isaac Bashevis Singer tale is lively, lyrical, and well-told and acted by Geoff Kolomayz. The text and action is supported by a traditional klezmer band. Klezmer is a musical form sometimes referred to as “the Jewish jazz” for it’s highly improvisational style. I was surprised and really pleased to see a full klezmer quartet onstage and playing when we arrived at the Palmerston Library venue.

The Adventures of Mazel and Schlimazel is a story about luck (Mazel) and his nemesis Schlimazel, bringer of bad luck. They make a bet that Schlimazel can undo in one day what Mazel spends a year building for one lucky/unlucky soul. This performance is peppered with Yiddish words and phrases, which I understood and enjoyed. Nothing in the story is lost if you don’t understand the little asides, though.

Kolomayz plays all the parts in this version, which he does very well – he brings a full array of voices, physical postures, gestures and movement styles to the task. I appreciated his versatility and verve in his many roles, though I would also be interested to see this show staged with different actors playing the characters. As an example of theatrical storytelling, however, with few props and a great deal of craft, I give it full marks.

Regrettably, my son lasted only a bit less than half the show before his talkative nature - “Dancing!” “Hat!” “He ‘set? Crying?” – meant my husband had to take him out. I’d been assured that the FringeKIDS shows were more easygoing about kid behaviors in the venue, and maybe some were, but at 18 months he was by far the littlest kid there on Sunday – I’d say 3 and up was the rule.

Though the other parents were looking at us disapprovingly, Kolomayz onstage took it all in stride. He seemed especially suited for his task, speaking slowly and clearly, using his face and voice to communicate the story. He seemed as though he would be very difficult to distract or rattle, which I appreciated especially when my son started demanding a lap-switch, loudly.

We might go again, so he can see the second half. In my book, a return trip is all the praise a show could ever ask for.

The Adventures of Mazel and Schlimazel plays at Palmerston Library, 560 Palmerston Ave

The Reviews are Good (2011-07-10)

So I have spent my time talking about craft developing craft and being my chameleon. One man shows and characters are what drive me and this current show Mazel and Schlimazel has it all. I worked on five characters and worked to tell a clear story. The reviews are not necessary to carry on the way I do, but it is nice to have the positive feed back. Take a read.

Quoted from Mooney on Theatre
http://www.mooneyontheatre.com/2011/07/11/the-adventures-of-mazel-and-schlimazel-ldub-productions-co-presented-by-the-ashkenaz-foundation-2011-toronto-fringe-review/


The Adventures of Mazel and Schlimazel (Ldub Productions, co-presented by The Ashkenaz Foundation) 2011 Toronto Fringe Review

By S. Bear Bergman



As a theatre-loving parent of a toddler, I am so pleased – just on principle – with the existence of FringeKIDS. Even though children’s theatre can be hit-or-miss, just the experience of going has a lot to offer children. The Adventures of Mazel and Schlimazel, though, provided a good deal more.


Lorie Wolf‘s adaptation of the well-know Isaac Bashevis Singer tale is lively, lyrical, and well-told and acted by Geoff Kolomayz. The text and action is supported by a traditional klezmer band. Klezmer is a musical form sometimes referred to as “the Jewish jazz” for it’s highly improvisational style. I was surprised and really pleased to see a full klezmer quartet onstage and playing when we arrived at the Palmerston Library venue.

The Adventures of Mazel and Schlimazel is a story about luck (Mazel) and his nemesis Schlimazel, bringer of bad luck. They make a bet that Schlimazel can undo in one day what Mazel spends a year building for one lucky/unlucky soul. This performance is peppered with Yiddish words and phrases, which I understood and enjoyed. Nothing in the story is lost if you don’t understand the little asides, though.

Kolomayz plays all the parts in this version, which he does very well – he brings a full array of voices, physical postures, gestures and movement styles to the task. I appreciated his versatility and verve in his many roles, though I would also be interested to see this show staged with different actors playing the characters. As an example of theatrical storytelling, however, with few props and a great deal of craft, I give it full marks.

Regrettably, my son lasted only a bit less than half the show before his talkative nature - “Dancing!” “Hat!” “He ‘set? Crying?” – meant my husband had to take him out. I’d been assured that the FringeKIDS shows were more easygoing about kid behaviors in the venue, and maybe some were, but at 18 months he was by far the littlest kid there on Sunday – I’d say 3 and up was the rule.

Though the other parents were looking at us disapprovingly, Kolomayz onstage took it all in stride. He seemed especially suited for his task, speaking slowly and clearly, using his face and voice to communicate the story. He seemed as though he would be very difficult to distract or rattle, which I appreciated especially when my son started demanding a lap-switch, loudly.

We might go again, so he can see the second half. In my book, a return trip is all the praise a show could ever ask for.

Mazel & Schlimazel (2011-07-08)

Okay so I am bad at keeping this up to date. I just get so busy working on various projects that I don't have time for the updates. Bad I know, but at least I am busy.

What have I been doing for the past two months? Working on Mazel and Schlimazel. An original adaptation by Lorie Wolf, of the Yiddish Folk Tale by Iassac Bashevis Singer. 

This is a gem of mine. I get to play all the characters in this one man show. Why so much effort on this show? I love doing one man shows because they are to me the place where I can play to the chameleon qualities everyone says I have. I love creating distinct unique characters and bringing them to life, and here, in the one man format, I get to create five of them and play with them all at once. 

I spend my time developing them, making sure each walk is different, each gesture is unique, so that they all have a life of their own and the kids, did I mention it is geared for kids?, watching it will be engrossed with the characters and the story. They will laugh have fun and maybe pick up a moral or two.

What better a way to spend a day but playing on stage and helping young kids imaginations grow? What better way to practice my favorite aspect of acting, character creation, but to do it all in one show.

Ah glory glory. But the time and dedication that goes into this means few updates here. 

Come and see it. 
Specific show times www.fringetoronto.com

SteelTown Trilogy (2011-05-10)

For the past six months I have been working with Caroline Azar in a new class; Azarian Archival Acting. Caroline created this class, dedicated to developing character through personal archival history and collaborative improvisation, and invited me to participate in her pilot class. This has been the most informative and inspirational class of my life. I worked hard and the result will be a final workshop performance taking place in Oakville on June 3rd and then again in Toronto on June 6th. 

I will be playing the lead in my own show and all the supporting characters in my classmates'plays, (Susan Applewhaite & Edgar Nentwig). These talented actors will do the same with their shows. 

This class has been the start of the change for me. More news to follow soon.