Tourin' the Schools and still time to audition

Hello everyone!  It's cold out.  Too cold for this time of year..or so I would like to believe.  But it's spring and sometimes it snows in the early spring time. I suppose that's acceptable.  Save for when I have to be up at 6:30 headed to a school to perform Shakespeare.  But I'm glad to report, even this cold weather can't get me down right now.

This tour has been amazing so far and more fun than I thought.  I realized why a little earlier today talking to Sarah.  I'm not doing children's theater which tends to be overly pedantic and more often than not talks down to kids.  No.  I'm doing Shakespeare for audiences who just happen to be younger.  We're not pulling any punches, we're not converting the language to something easier for them to understand.  We're doing Mother F^*#(&' Macbeth, bloody daggers and severed head and all.

And on top of that, this is a true tour.  We're going to schools all throughout the 5 burroughs.  It's not just one performance in one location..that my friends is not a tour. (I've seen people call it that. It's not.  For real)  And Its, dare I say it, easy.  I mean we've already done the work.  We know the fight choreography, we know the show.  It's just a matter of adjusting it for each space.  I know there are some actors out there who fear any kind of change or wrench thrown into their worlds, but to me it's an adventure to see how we're going to deal with less-then-adequate spaces.  So far there have only been minor issues.  No front light, no back stage crosses.  The curtains wont close all the way.  I know soon we're going to have shows that are not even in a proper performance space.  That will be the true test.  But so far, so good.  And tomorrow we start back up again after a few days off.  Am I excited?  You bet.  This is my job right now and I'm more than pleased.  Talking to another friend who runs Shakespeare Anywhere earlier today I realized, I'm doing what we all are trying to do.  I'm getting paid to do something I love and you better believe I know how lucky I am.

One of the best things about this gig is that I'm usually home by 11 in the afternoon.  Which leaves me so much time to continue working on acting.  I've gotten more accomplished this past week than I feel I have in the past few months.  Maybe it's the energy carrying over from the performances.  I've managed to get my reel together:

This was put together by the amazingly talented Pamela Ralat who is a close friend and I like to consider my personal editor.  She is starting to offer her services as a Reel editor to fellow actors when she's not working as an...you guessed it...editor.  She's allowed me to share with my readers who might be looking for something affordable and of amazing quality.  So if you are looking for a reel, let me know and I'll make sure she knows you found her through me.

I've also managed to secure several auditions this past week, one for a music video..yes, you may laugh.  But it could be fun, no?  And another for Connecticut Free Shakespeare.  Which I'm VERY eagerly awaiting word back.  That was one of those auditions when I felt I nailed it but wasn't expecting to.  Does that make any sense at all?  I went it with a monologue of Trinculo's because I figured they're doing the Three Musketeers.  Comedy.  And a comedy of words more than actions.  My gamble worked and they gave me a few sides, the King and ...D'artagnen.  And than another for D'artagnen.  I'm optimistic.  I know it's a long shot, but who knows.  This is a dream play of mine.  And how much longer could I play the youngest of the four musketeers?  Please anyone reading, fingers crossed!

On top of all this, I've been working on several websites...to be live soonish.  But I feel like that saying, "work begets work" is true.  More so, "creative work begets creative work."  Or at least gets those creative juices rolling.  So that's my week.  And now entering week two of the American Globe tour with great anticipation.  Tomorrow there is a van taking us to our destination school.  I'm excited to sleep on the way there.  

Road Trip!

Last minute audition wacki-ness

The audition!

So i get there...its in the weirdest place. An apartment, I think. You enter through the kitchen and holding is in the same room as they're filming, which I THINK is the bedroom.  So of course we're all as quiet as can be. Did I mention that we're surrounded by gaudy art and sculptures and lady gaga-esque sun glassses? weird.  I feel like we're in some "collectors" trophy room.

Oh and, we're being recorded.  If they use us we get paid..whatever. Really nice crew and director.  It smells scammish, but it's not.

As i'm sitting there watching everyone go before me and of course making mental notes of what not to do, I noticed that everyone who went...everyone save for the cute but not too bright little girl who couldn't read...had an accent.

I spend the next 20 minutes or so listening very carefully and trying to see if they really have accents or if they're putting them on.

I realize...they're doing accents. They don't really have them. Of course in my head i'm thinking..."fuck! I didn't read the notice carefully!"  Something not at all unheard of, but something I try to avoid.  I do my best to read everything carefully...nudity?  No thanks, Crazy accent?  Never mind. Shave 1/2 my head? Mmm, I'll pass.

Now, some of them look the part but are not able to sound like they come from their mother land. Annoying.  What were the accents?...you ask

Middle eastern? Some third world country? I don't really know. They all sounded like charicatures of immigrants.  Finally I ask, obviously concerned and I'm told..."it doesn't matter, we like your look."  Well, that's a plus at least.  But clearly you wanted people with bizarre fake-o accents.  And then they clarify...you're in the non-accent group. The NON-ACCENT group!

whew

Looking back at the notice now I see there were "caucasian men" and "ethnic men" whom they were looking for.

again. whew

So I finally go up and read the sides which was through a teleprompter. Now, we had the sides before hand via email. and when we got there we were given the sides. And on top of that..teleprompter!!!  Yet, still people were screwing up. What gives? So I'm slightly nervous. Maybe its an evil teleprompter...nope. They're just not good readers. So, I read. They don't call me one take patrick for nothing.  It's a great thing when as an actor at an audition you can safely proclaim..Nailed it!

...Nailed it!

When I'm done the director looks at me and says, 'would you mind looking over this other side? we're casting another commercial too.' He says, 'just look over this for 5 seconds and jump into it.' I say..'done! let's go.'

Bam! I rocked the first one and was asked to audition for another piece right then and there. How freakin cool!

So there, that was the tail end of a great weekend.  It was a last minute audition I agreed to go to and hopefully they'll use me.  Or call me in for the second commercial.  Either way, it was a great adventure with NY acting craziness.

Rainy Fall Days but still motivated

It's a chilly rainy fall. And I don't really mind. Something about this weather sits right with me. So i'm just enjoying not sweating during the day, or at night, warm cups of coffee, and I supposed it's the weather...but I'm inspired to write more. So it's back to the tablet I've gone scribbling away and fleshing out ideas that have been rattling around in my head for far too long.

I have started auditioning again, it's amazing how that never ends. Show just ended? who cares...back into the auditioning/submitting game again. Managed to get an audition with the York Shakespeare Co. A company I've been wanting to work with for a while. A few friends have worked with them and based on their experiences and the reputation

of the company? Yeah I want to walk their floorboards. So if you're reading this SD, I'm waiting for a call.

Or email. I'm easy.

So auditioning, tiring, but I get so angry at myself when I don't audition. Along with looking up auditions. I feel like I've wasted a day if I don't do at leas

t one thing in support of my career. Sure time can be taken off, but I just get so annoyed. Like it's another missed opportunity. Crazy, I know. But it helps to keep me motivated.

I also got postcards. Finally. Why I never had these before I do not know. Here is a mock up of what they look like:

Something like that. Reproductions. Didn't do too bad of a job. And I'm going to force myself to stay on top of these and send them out often to everyone I meet with. (WB already sent) Now my only issue...Is with Reproductions themselves. I love them. I do. We all use them. For sake of ease I used the online ordering option. Very easy to use. BUT I never got an email saying they were ready for review at reproductions. So I wait a few days, email them, and I get a snarky email back from their cust. service. Not actually answering my question, they just repeated what I ordered and prefaced it all with...as you can see you ordered.....

Thanks for treating me like an idiot. Whatever. I went in, they were great. I checked the spelling over and over again because my name is easy to mess up. Even for me. But in the end Success! I'm hoping the postcard follow up is something that truly will help. Any little thing we can do, right?

And this week I picked up two more web design clients. Nothing too crazy, just some adjustments to existing websites and some consultations. I can do that. So I'm keeping myself busy, that's for sure. Haha.

And now I'm off to go over lines for a radio show I'm voicing. I'll get some samples as soon as I can. should be interesting.

And thus ends this meandering entry. Hope you made it through to the end. Pretty directionless.

Fringe Encores and other such interesting goings ons

So i have been neglecting this poor little blog this summer, and I am sorry. I feel like I've been super busy but at the same time, I've had some much needed time off before encores starts. And now that we're getting down to the wire, I wish I had more time off. We re-open on Tuesday. Yeah, Tuesday!

I'm excited as hell, don't get me wrong. Another chance to step into the shoes of this character? Any time, anywhere. And I'm pretty sure I've said it before, but I haven't had this much fun on stage in a long time. So many things about this festival have been so overwhelmingly amazing and positive. We've been chosen for Encores...pretty sure that falls under the category of amazing. We've been dubbed "the little show that could" by who, I don't know, but it seems we are that indeed. We've gotten amazing..there that word is again, reviews. Which I am so very thankful for. It's actually quite humbling to hear people say how much they enjoyed your work. I can't explain it but I guess it gives you a feeling of.."well crap, what did I do again? And i better not screw up the next one." It's like the pressure is on. Big time.

I didn't write about this before, but someone from the WB (yes Warner Brothers themselves) saw the show and invited me in to audition for them. Just a general audition, but still, thats a big freakin deal. I mean I know people see these shows, but someone from a studio?

see here: picture of me at the wb (geek moment there)

And now that Encores has started I've tried to see shows I wasn't able to see during the festival proper due to time/laziness/laziness. Our playwright and I were outside a theater yesterday evening waiting to see one of the other shows in Encores and what happened is something I don't think i could ever get used to. We were recognized. For serious. Don't get me wrong, it's cool to have someone come up to you and congratulate you on your work, but to be recognized? Which then caused other people to come up to us and compliment us on our work. Still, sooo weird. And I just felt very awkward. Thankful, but awkward.

And now we're in the final brush up rehearsals in preparation for the extension. I hope this show moves on. I feel it has a life beyond fringe. Of course I feel that way, but I really hope we continue on.

At the same time, actors never rest or sleep. I can feel the end of this ride approaching so I'm trying to line up auditions and gigs for the months to come. I know in October I'll be voicing a character in a radio sci-fi-action/adventure-comedy-drama show..thing. But on top of that I've finally landed an audition with York Shakespeare. A company some friends have worked with and I have been interested in working with for a while. So on Thursday if anyone has a spare second...just send good energy my way.

Somewhere in all this there was a crazy storm that was just a lot of wind and rain for me. I love this kind of weather. I don't know why, but give me a storm any day. Granted I'm happy the tornado(s?) didn't come near me.

Oh yeah, this might sound totally lame on my part, but it's pumpkin weather. Pumpkin flavored everything. And I love it.

FringeNYC news and new video!

So some good news from the past few weeks. First off, and sadly, the NY Fringe Fest is over. It was a crazy 2 weeks and I thank you all for coming out and seeing the show, supporting, laughing. Drinking afterwards. It was a great time.

But guess what? While the festival is over, it doesn't mean we are. Why is that? you're asking yourself...We've been extended!! Thats right! Getting Even With Shakespeare is officially part of the Fringe Encore season. The encore season? again you ask yourself. Well, it's basically the 'best of the best' of the fringe. Audience favorites, shows that did well ticket wise, and audience buzz-wise (if that's a word).

Now we're all in this for the art and for the chance to tell a story, or entertain, but Encores is a huge deal. Who knows what producer will show up, or what house will say 'we want you.' So it's a bit freakin deal. Of all fringe shows I've done, THIS show always had the potential to go on. So hooray! I mean, a lot of productions go in hoping to get noticed enough to even be considered. And we're in! And in good company too, there are some amazing shows that are a part of this year's encore. Check them out, but see ours first. All the info can be found here.

The press we've gotten, as you've seen since I shared some of it, has been so positive that it hurt to think after the festival is over we wouldn't get to do the show again. Hooray for extensions. And I have to say, this is some of the most fun I've ever had on stage. Very few exceptions. Playing Harry Houdini will always be a hilight, but this farce makes me want to laugh on stage every single night.

Buy tickets!!!! See it before we're off-broadway! Haha.

And in other news. A few months ago I shot a commercial for the website My Music Portfolio, which is a lot like kickstarter, but for bands. It allows people to invest in small bands and eventually someday see a return on their money. And of course help launch a career or two. The commercial is short and sweet but very pretty.

I shall share it with you now:

My Music Porfolio Commercial from Patrick Pizzolorusso on Vimeo.

It's good for a laugh. Really well done though. Something that was shot in 2 days with no rehearsal. We just jumped into it. Who knew I could play the drums. And notice my go-to army jacket. It's everywhere!

Reviews abound!

The first few reviews for Getting Even With Shakespeare as part of the 2010 FringeNYC are in and so far so good. I mean how can it be anything but, right? Right?!?!

Anyway. To say I'm in shock is an understatement. The kind words and general praises I've been getting have totally gone to my head. So of course I'm writing this from my trailer as I dictate this to my personal assistant....or not. Actually I'm a little nervous now. We have a wonderful show. It's solid. I'm damn proud of my cast and crew and everyone on board. Like there should be in any cast, there is a lot of love. And there are so many moments of just pure joy onstage. There are moments I wish I were in the audience watching....and then the laughs come and, well, you know. Can't explain that feeling. But I admit I'm a little nervous after such a high.

So we opened this past Saturday to a sold out house at the Player's Theatre. It was an amazing afternoon. We were sold out and sold out to a lovely and gracious audience who was with us the entire journey. Some members of the audience more so than others...I could pick out specific laughs of friends. The reaction from the audience was overwhelmingly positive. We know we have a good show that we're all proud of, but hearing it from others is just...another thing in theater that's difficult to put into words. Not that we don't like the praise. Please...keep it coming.

So tomorrow is show number two. Yes I'm nervous, but I'm excited to get back in the theater. I'm excited to play with my friends again. And I'm excited to see some other Fringe shows that I've been neglecting this week. But before that, here are two reviews that say lovely things about the show and of course, since this blog is about me...they say very nice things about me!

"Macbeth [is] played with spiky aplomb by Patrick Pizzolorusso"

The first one is from theatermania.com: and the full review can be read by clicking on the link back there.

and now this:

"And Macbeth, oh Macbeth. It doesn't hurt that Patrick Pizzolorusso has been in numerous Shakespeare productions prior to his performance as Macbeth in Getting Even.., but I'll just say it: he's fantastic. He made Macbeth, a character I had no interest in previous to this, the most interesting and wonderful person up on that stage."

This is from the blog happen to like NY..click HERE for the full review

Amazing right? Thank you so much for such wonderful feedback and I look forward to playing some more tomorrow!

Acting adventure Updates! Videos! FringeNYC!

Fringe is slowly creeping up. We're 6 days away! By the time many of you read this we'll be 5 or 4 days away. Ticket sales are going REALLY well. It helps that the first run of this was sold out, extended, and received an amazing review!!

Also think it helps that we had a GREAT preview performance with NYC's summer streets and Fringe's outdoor teasers. We met a few other shows and I was able to perform Macbeth's wonderful speech about playing paintball against girlscouts. Yes. Now you know you want to see this show.

The teaser went really well and the audience reacted wonderfully to the text..and of course my amazing performance.

It's been a long week of straight rehearsals as well as tech all day Sat. But we're in damn good shape. Tomorrow is our tech in the space itself. I'm looking forward to playing IN the Player's Theatre. Its always nice to finally get on the stage you'll be performing on. As opposed to rehearsal spaces.

So non fringe related----

Wednesday of this past week I received a call from an unknown number. So I of course didn't answer it. I make it a habit not to answer numbers I don't know. No message. Oh well. Not important.

Well, Thursday I get a call again and a message. Well done. Apparently I've been 'cast' in something. And I write cast like that because of the details behind it. Some student film. Not that thats a bad thing. But the director/producer/whoever apparently cast his film. Tuesday night the actor dropped out. So he hired another actor who on Wednesday dropped out. So he's now calling me. First of all, I'm aware I'm at least 3rd pick. Why would you tell someone...we had 2 other people lined up but they fell through, so we're going with you instead? Really? Tact my friend, Tact.

No I didn't do his project. Perhaps had he approached me in a better way I would have considered it. But seeing as how I was at least 3rd choice and they were filming that day...I was honestly busy with rehearsal. It's glamorous being an actor, no?

So back to Fringe. Here are some more videos for you all to enjoy. There are a few. I'll post 'em all here. There will be more coming shortly. But enjoy these PSA's and confessionals.

And lastly, a little bit from the protest we staged at the Last performance of Merchant of Venice at the Public theater. Where else would one find a pile of Shakespeare fans?

Man! So much media. Gotta love it. So enjoy the last few weeks worth of video and the last week or so's progress. I'm off to get ready for Tech tomorrow. Some people hate tech. it can be long and boring. And I've been in some HORRID tech rehearsals. But this has been so organized that we're actually getting work done. Very excited to be able to get into the space tomorrow. Bring it, Players!

BroadwayWorld.com Article about Getting Even with Shakespeare

So we were lucky enough to be written up in Broadway World. It's just a quick press article, but all the exposure and advertising we can get is good, right? So here is the ARTICLE. My last name is mispelled the second time it's mentioned when talking about the producing company, but I suppose that's ok.

After reading that...in other news...finally landed an audition this Friday with the American Globe. I am a huge fan of their work and have been trying to work with them for years. Seriously, years. So an initial audition is by all means a good thing. Send good vibes this friday and I'll be sure to let you all know how it goes.

Getting Even with Shakespeare: DATES!!!

The dates are here people. Yeah, thats woohoo-worthy. Fringe has assigned us out times and to be honest, they're damn shiny. Sure we have a friday at noon, but it's fringe. They'll come. All the rest of the dates? Perfect for show goers to come over, watch, then head to the bar to discuss the show over pint after pint after pint (buy the cast some)

So here they are:

Saturday 8/14 @ 2:15 pm

Friday 8/20 @ noon

Tuesday 8/24 @ 6:45 pm

Wednesday 8/25 @ 7:30 pm

Friday 8/27 @ 7:00 pm

We're performing at the Player's Theatre @ 110 MacDougal Street.

Map:

View Larger Map

And click here for more information. Tickets do not go on sale until July 23, but you can still bookmark this like good little theatergoers and check back often for updates? yeah?

The Art of Auditioning...together.

Today I've decided to talk a little about auditioning. Scarey I know.

Disclaimer: I by no means claim to be an expert as an actor. I think it's dangerous for anyone to make that claim. That being said, this is what I've found works for me.

I know, I set this entry up to sound like my advice on a good audition. Well, sorry to disappoint. I'm not going to do that. I don't know what makes a good audition. I know when I'm on and when I'm off. But everyone is looking for something different. Some people want eye contact, some don't. Some give you sides, some want prepared material. That stuff is not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about actually getting there. Managing to drag yourself to the audition in the first place. Sometimes that's harder than actually preparing.

Typical me. If I actually wakeup with plenty of time to get down to Equity, or Ripley-Grier, or where ever the audition is being held (Chelsea Studios I didn't forget about you), I have this battle in my head. To sleep or not to sleep. Seriously that's the freakin question. I love sleep. Who doesn't. And really who wants to wake up and then stand in line for a few hours when there is a perfectly good bed right here!

So depending how that battle goes in my head I might be sleeping till 10 or so. But if i manage to get motived and don't fall back to sleep I'm there and excited and on line...waiting..waiting. but i'm there damnit. The hardest thing is making yourself get up and head to the centers. Here is where my advice comes and what I have found that works. You all probably know this and will say, "Patrick, what the hell, I knew that." Much like my reaction after reading Respect for Acting. (I'm pretty sure I threw that book across the room for insulting me) So here it is..

The buddy system!

Its really the best motivation. I'll let myself down. Repeatedly. But I feel horrible If I let someone else down. Which is why, Sarah, I've offered my buddy services to you. It's so much easier to roll over and go back to bed, or skip an audition altogether when you just have to talk yourself out of it. But when someone is planning on meeting you It's a completely different story. Going to the audition is obviously the most important part. You can have a good or bad audition, but without even showing up you can't have either. So obviously, important.

Grab a buddy. You will force each other to get out there and stand in that ever-so-exciting line. (Which looks like a very well dressed version of depression era workers) And really, the only time anyone should be going to Times Square is in the freakishly early hours when no one is there. And by no one, I mean tourists. It's "quiet" and calmish and easy to cross the street. Its the only time I like Times Square the most. Which is still not at all.

So I say this to any and all people who are reading this. If you got this far and didn't look at it and go "damnit wrong site, back, back, back!" drop me a line, comment, anything. I'm in the market for more audition buddies.

Trailers and Auditions and Shakespeare Bare..Oh my!

This week has been jam packed with action. That's right. Action. There are so many shows auditioning right now with Fringe, summer Shakespeare Festivals and pieces for this fall, it's a busy time. Not to mention commercials and student films. Celluloid aside, It's been a good week of auditions and such for a stage actor. It started, well, a week ago. Sunday to Sunday.

Maybe I should think about doing a weekly re-cap as a blog entry. Cause I know you're all hungry for more words strung together by me. I'll think about it.

Anyway. Last Sunday I started out by filming my section for the trailer for Getting Even with Shakespeare. Which is here if you'd like to take a gander. And then spread it among all your friends. Enjoy!!!!

Nice, no? It was really easy and fast right in my Neighborhood. Hopefully the outtakes will be up soon. I quite enjoy the side story, 'Macbeth buys blueberries.'

After that it was off downtown for two auditions. Both of which I was pretty sure I blew. As in, when I came in and said hello I could tell they had no intention of calling me back. Well apparently I sucked way less than I thought I did. One called me in to read a monologue from the piece as well as read a scene with another actor auditioning. To the best of my knowledge not everyone was asked to read scenes. Now Fringe will conflict with the rehearsals of this piece. Even though we don't know the dates yet, I know we're going to conflict which I'm pretty sure puts me at the bottom of that headshot pile, but who cares. They called me back!

Aside from callbacks, the initial auditions for Getting Even with Shakespeare were this past weekend. I am so curious to see how it goes and who will be joining this cast. That's right. Anyone who has found this blog looking to see a cast list, I have no say in the casting. But you're welcome to send gifts anyway.

Moving on...This evening I spent downtown at Fontana's Bar with the wonderful family of actors all somehow connected to BareShakespeare for another one of their rumbles. Last one was Hamlet, this one Macbeth! Just in time for the summer...or something like that. It's a great opportunity to just play. Take it seriously, or not. Try a character. Whatever, just play and have fun. And drink a beer or two. The plays get read and heard and on their feet, and you get to play multiple characters. So far they have both been big successes and a lot of fun. As we get closer to the next I'll be sure to advertise more. I think I dropped the ball this last time. Oops.

And now tomorrow I'm going to be working on a reading of a friend's play. A play where there are two characters written with me in mind. I love my family. I really do. My extended family. So talented and just awe inspiring.

And as a side note, I saw a production of Taming of the Shrew this weekend which...was barely funny. This is the second piece I've seen with this company and I think they're goal is to pull the funny from Shakespeare. I just don't get it. There were a few saving graces, but on a whole, poor concept. I'm not going to mention names or details because I'm not a reviewer. Just an actor with observations.

And thus ends the re-cap. Tomorrow we read and patiently await casting decisions.

--Soundtrack for this entry:

--The Night Chicago Died by Paper Lace

--Cause you wanted to know

Sunday Funday auditions

So today was nice action packed day of being a working actor. Or being an actor in NY at least. First up was filming my section of the soon-to-be vrial sensation, Getting Even With Shakespeare trailer. That's right kids, a trailer for theater. If the big guys can do it, why can't we, eh? And in the spirit of the show it's smart, funny, and plays with the beloved characters of the cannon. Should be a rollicking good 2 to 3 minutes. My stuff was easy and took at most 20 minutes to film and then it was off to prepare for not one but two auditions this afternoon/evening.

Both pieces are new works being performed this fall and were asking for something dramatic and a little on the darker side. So ya both got the same monologue. Lucky you. In hindsight I think it's time to work on new contemporary monologues, but I'm still happy with mine. I am always confident that no one else ever does mine. Yeah, they're that obscure.

So two auditions. One in the village and the other in times square area. I was a little nervous being late for theatter one but thanks..I think to the rain. I really think the rain kinda put me In a little funk and I'm pretty sure I won't be being called back.

For either of them.

The second one I was kinda put off because the place was double booked so we were all sitting in a hallway auditioning. Lovely. Shouldn't let me effect me but it did.

Also thinking that fringe might conflict with both rehearsal schedules, but it's still better to audition than not. Keeps you in practice. On your toes.

And now I'm avoiding the tony's. Just not a fan of awards shows. Until I get one I'm sure.

Some more Fringe Press

I'm more and more impressed everyday that we keep getting little mentions. Is it the name? Getting Even with Shakespeare? I mean it's catchy. Is it the writer? Probably not. Surely it must be the talent? Could it be that the first run was sold out and extended 3 times? Whatever it is...we're getting noticed as these publications flip through the 200 or so shows participating in Fringe this year. So whatever the reasons...thank you!

So here are two new links. First up is a quick little article in BackStage mentioning a few shows. Us included: BackStage Article. They only mention a few shows and somehow we got picked? nice.

And the second one is from playbill. Also just basically mentioning some trends in this years fringe, Shakespeare among them. So here is the playbill article.

So I guess no pressure, right? I hope that something comes of all this. It's a great show. A great group of people. And soo much fun. I could easily see this being my job every day..(hint hint all you broadway producers reading my blog)

It's sadly not often that you're truly proud of all the work you do in a show. That's the sad truth of independent downtown theater. It's mostly being proud of moments. or being proud you survived. But this is very different. It's a piece I'm proud to be in and work on. And I feel probably the best fringe show I've done to date. Come on Shakespeare!

Aside from all this, I have a ton of little projects up in the air. 25 Cents for Love has a final edit and a composer! So details to come soon. There is a teaser trailer somewhere on this blog. I think on the right hand side. Scroll down. I just changed the lay out and this is new to me.

Fringe Website

Oh yeah. One more thing....

FringeyNYC here we come!

So this wonderful new comedy I was a part of in January of aught 10 has been accepted to the NY International Fringe Festival. Yes! I'm pretty sure I've mentioned that in passing on here. We're slowly getting underway. It is deffinitely a "get in and get your hands dirty" kinda venture. I'm a fan of raising the child with the entire village. So hopefully this will get us somewhere.

I wish I had more info to give to you but I can send you some links. Sadly we don't know much more than we're doin' a show! Our dates/times/venue wont be announced for some time yet. So because of that this is going to be a minor update. Link wise, here is the FaceBook Page. Go there. Like it. Help us get a buzz going.

As well as good ole FB...come on twitterverse, follow the production via twitter. It should be entertaining. Right? I hope?

As well as ways you can support us, here we are given a quick little nod at Broadwayworld.

And Lastly, on Fringe's facebook page, we're called out due to our producer's sarcastic facebook comment...

"Broadway world notes some trends at FringeNYC 2010! (And yes, GETTING EVEN WITH SHAKESPEARE, you're mentioned!) Perhaps the world IS ready for anti-Bardism! (And Bardism, of course, we've got that, too!"

You can't beat that. It's great to know that the people at Fringe have a sense of humor and are willing to play just as much as we are. This was in response to us not being mentioned in another article. I'm definitely pumped for this summer. It's great to be in Fringe again and It's great to be doing such a fun show. This one definitely has potential.

A Slice of Life

I have been SO slack in keeping up with this little blog. My apologies dear (non)readers. I have been busy though. I assure you. This has been a good month for auditions and projects on the Horizon.

Getting Even With Shakespeare is underway and I'm awaiting re-writes. We go back into rehearsals within the month and it should be one hell of a time. The official blurb for the NY Fringe: "Five tragic heroes walk into a bar...and they're pissed. When not dying nightly, Macbeth plays paintball, Juliet deals ecstasy and Lear (unsuccessfully) avoids storms. Enter a lawyer who proves the play is the thing to catch the Playwright King."

Most recently though A Slice of Life is finally finished and the final copy is in my greedy little hands. It's a cute short (20 minutes) about love and pizza. Filmed for NYFA by Louis Levy. Overall I'm really proud of my work in it. Although you can see some moments of me "acting." And I invite you all to point and laugh with me. But it's a really cute little story and great fodder for my reel.

The short took about a week to film with a few extra days for reshoots. We filmed in Oct and to be honest, I'm impressed with this turn around. Usually we're left waiting forever for copy, if we even receive one at all. So thank you Mr. Levy.

So I wont ramble too much, I know you're all anxiously anticipating. So here ya go...Enjoy!

A Slice of Life from Patrick Pizzolorusso on Vimeo.

Starring:
Patrick Pizzolorusso
Michele McNally
Massimo Di Giovanna
Neil Levin

Directed by Louis Levy

A story about Love and Pizza.

Auditions: The Acting Company

Mail outs Mail outs Mail outs!

They're so crucial but if you're like me you get so lazy that you dismiss anything that can't be submitted to online. Or you'll spend all day compiling a list of shows and people to send your info to and then one by one dismiss the likelihood of being cast in any of these projects.

I am forcing myself to stop that thinking. It's going to get me no where. So after some crazy times the past month or 2 I'm back in the swing of things. This is just to show you all proof that I am compiling mailouts. Sonnet Rep...CALL ME IN. Just saying.

Along with Mail outs, I've been keeping a close watch on the equity call list. I mean, I have my EMC card. I need to use it right? It doesn't mean I'll get an audition, but it's a foot in the door. (Just tell that to the Anne Frank audition last week)

Today however I am happy to say I woke up as early as I could and trudged down to equity for..no not the my fair lady audition. The Acting Company's audition. They're doing R&J and I believe the Tempest this season. I do love me some Shakespeare. I should have known it would go well. I bumped into fellow blogger/actor Sarah on the train downtown. And on line outside the building I bumped into a few other friends. Made some in the waiting room. By 10:40 I was done. Sure I was up at 6:30, but it's better than waiting around all freakin day.

The casting crew were very kind and asked for another piece. Always a good sign. It's as if they're thinking...."ok, we liked that, but what else can he do." So like all things...now we wait and see. I just hope I impressed them enough to call me in for a call back.

In other news Getting Even with Shakespeare is coming back! It's been accepted to the Fringe. I'll post more info as I get it. But upwards, eh? Ever Upwards. It's been a good week so far.

Back to the Grind

So I've been away for a little over a week and completely in la la land. I'm still catching up on sleep and trying to come down from a pretty good time away with friends and loved ones. So obviously I've not done much in the way of acting or updating this poor little blog here.

But I'm back.

And when I say I'm back..boy am I ever. This life never ends. Never stops. Taking time off you forget how truly on the go you always are in this field.

So I land back in NYC last Tuesday and sift through whatever emails i tagged for "important" while I was away. Right away I've been invited to the callbacks for Hudson Warehouse. A company I worked with this past summer on the West side. Out door summer theater under the stars. Gotta love it. I've worked with several companies similar to the Warehouse and they are the most organized not to mention their location is amazing. The Soldiers' and Sailors' monument on 89th and Riverside. Beautiful home for this company.

So I was called back for Mercutio and a part in Cyrano. Both I would give anything to be a part of. The chance to work on my sword play some more is a huge draw. In cyrano you know there is plenty of fighting. And Mercutio would just be a dream. I'd prefer him over Romeo. I think he is more interesting. But thats just my opinion. Both reads went really well. I know I got some good reactions from the gentlemen I was auditioning for. So now we play the waiting game and see what happens.

Along with callbacks, this weekend was also the first weekend of filming for a feature I've been cast in. Both Sat and Sunday were evening/night shoots. But nothing too late in the evening. My scene partner is wonderful. It's always a tricky thing when you meet the person thats supposed to be your girlfriend. It can be very awkward. But thankfully she is funny and talented and able to find the humor in the situation. And the rest of the cast is also very entertaining. Seriously, look out Friends, we're coming for you.

We basically used the script as an outline and improved our way through a dinner scene. I know in our heads it looked great. We'll see how it comes out on the screen. But so far so good.

And now I am back to the waiting game. Waiting on the Warehouse. Waiting for the next shooting schedule. And waiting on the next few auditions to show up.

Gotta love this life, eh?

Measure for Measure for Measure..

Thanks to the advice from many friends all over (including Sarah) I went ahead and auditioned yesterday. I wasn't sure if I should do it seeing as it conflicts with something else that is in the may/may not happen pile. But in the end it's always good to audition. It keeps your options open and it's great practice.

So the audition was for another production of Measure for Measure. This time up in Maine. And at a really nice space, paid. Who could ask for more? They are looking to stage it with an air of American Gothic, Tennessee Williams. I had just seen the Glass Menagerie and so the cadence was in my head. And of course I can't help but picture Kevin Spacey from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

So I go in and do a little puck. There is nothing like hearing "My mistress with a monster is in love" in that condescending southern accented attitude. Laughs right off the bat. I didn't get far till the director asked me to stop with plenty of compliments and gave me adjustments.

Did that adjustment just fine..here comes another. Perfect. Then the singing. We were asked to sing 16 bars of anything. I chose "Bring me Sunshine" By Willy Nelson. Yup...I listen to him. Then they asked for something more folky...Alice's restaurant. Which by the end the director had chimed in and finished off the chorus.

All in all it was a great audition! If i get it, great. If not oh well. It's one of those that you walk away knowing that you nailed it and if you don't get it, who cares. Just means I didn't fit the look. But damn I did good.

Now of course if IF i were to get cast there would be some decision making going on real fast. But we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

In other news, one of my auctions on ebay sold. Yay supplemental income.

Audition Thoughts, Dilema

So I have an audition tomorrow. Which is great. Yeah yeah, it's just an open call, but still. It's an audition. Should be fun. For a production of Measure for Measure up in Maine. Apparently thats the show of 2010. I just finished a small workshop production and a few dear friends of mine just ended a full fledged production. On top of the fact and I'm seeing little notices here and there.

I supposed it makes sense. It's got a lot of Shakespeare's top comedy and it's very relevant to today. Just interesting that one of his "lesser" plays is popping up all over lately.

So here is my Dilema. The audition tomorrow looks like a fun and new way of looking at the piece. Pays...woohoo. But it would conflict with another piece i have coming up that is near and dear to me. The piece coming up is not a definite. (But i don't see it not happening)

I just don't know if I should audition in the first place. Both are gambles of course. Now do I audition just to keep my skills sharp? See what happens? Make a decision later? Or do I not and bank on this other piece happening.

Anyone else ever encounter this? I'm sure there are a lot of stories like this. I left a production of Shrew 1/2 way because of a better gig. It was all arranged before hand and we all knew I couldn't do the whole run so we found a replacement. But still. ARG!