Elizabeth Finkler's Blog (20)

Search Blog Posts

New gig!

Oh, boy, what have I gotten into? I've been hired as a "Fright Night" performer at the Winchester Mystery House. My family lived in a super-sized Victorian when I was in high school and college, so it should be fun.

Added by Elizabeth Finkler on August 13, 2011 at 3:35pm — No Comments

THE DROUGHT IS OVER!

I've been cast in a concert production of Stephen Sondheim's "Follies," going up in San Jose March 2011. Deo gratias.

Added by Elizabeth Finkler on July 6, 2010 at 7:42pm — 1 Comment

First audition in weeks....

Let's see, I used approximately 2 gallons gasoline @ $3.00/gallon, $8.30 for a BART ticket and three hours of time for a five-minute audition in San Francisco. Gotta be crazy to do this. Sigh.

Added by Elizabeth Finkler on April 19, 2010 at 11:29pm — 3 Comments

Need inspiration...

I'm currently rehearsing for a workshop production of an opera for a company I've worked with several times in the past. It's an original work. I've worked with the composer and LOVED the stuff I did before, but for some reason I feel as if I'm just going through the motions on this one. I should be practicing the music. Damn. I probably need a kick in the pants.

Added by Elizabeth Finkler on January 23, 2010 at 6:00pm — 2 Comments

On my way to movie stardom....

I auditioned for a video production company on Tuesday night, and got the call Friday night to play in a short film. They said they needed casual dress for afternoon/evening. So... I stuffed a duffel with several changes of clothes and hair things (so it could be up, down, back or sideways) and didn't put on any makeup, just brought it in my "Rosie the Riveter" lunch box.



The scene I'm in was shot in the director's living room. He told me that I looked just right as I was! So, I'll… Continue

Added by Elizabeth Finkler on December 6, 2009 at 8:56pm — 2 Comments

I guess I do need acting lessons

Last night, a friend told me something told to him by a local producer/director, that a) I don't audition well, and b) I could use some acting lessons. Nothing I didn't know already.



So, I'm thinking of looking seriously for a course. I have two issues, though:



1) The $$$ thing. I have a little bit of cash to play with, but I must work full time, which means no five-days-a-week intensive courses. I'm looking for something in the $150-$200 range, evenings or… Continue

Added by Elizabeth Finkler on October 17, 2009 at 5:56pm — 3 Comments

A wonderful "Midsummer Night's Dream" at Cal Shakes

Hey gang, if you're in the SF Bay Area check out A MIdsummer Night's Dream at Cal Shakes. I was keen on seeing it because it's directed by Aaron Posner, who put on an As You Like It in Philadelphia twenty years ago that just changed all the rules for Shakespeare. I wasn't disappointed. This "Dream" is a TRIUMPH, just full of life and wonder. It dances all over a gorgeous unit set that looks like a gigantic Gees Bend quilt. Go see it!

Added by Elizabeth Finkler on September 19, 2009 at 11:42pm — No Comments

More thanks but no thanks

Had a good audition yesterday, but got the word last night that I'm not being considered for the part. Tomorrow night, I go for the first rehearsal of a staged reading. The author has called four actresses, of which three will be used. Then Tuesday I'm looking at kicking out $9 for BART fares and 2 gallons gasoline to go to an audition in San Francisco (to which I was invited).

Something's got to turn up. But it's getting discouraging.

Added by Elizabeth Finkler on July 19, 2009 at 6:15pm — No Comments

Two gallons (approx.) of gasoline, $8.60 for BART fare, 90 minutes each way...

all for two minutes of glory at an audition in Berkeley. You don't have to be crazy to be in theater, but it sure as heck helps!

Added by Elizabeth Finkler on July 13, 2009 at 12:02am — No Comments

Goodbye and thanks for everything

Hate to think that Karl Malden might have gotten caught in the whole Hollywood deathwatch thing. He was a wonderful character actor. He was married for 70 years, impressive anywhere, but positively mind-blowing in La-La-Land. And he helped me get through five months of unemployment, via daily showings of "The Streets of San Francisco" on channel 20.

No speculation on cause of death yet. Probably died from being 97 years old.

Thank you for all those wonderful hours.

Added by Elizabeth Finkler on July 2, 2009 at 12:15am — No Comments

Maybe I can put on my OWN show!

Oh boy, now I know for sure that I'm off my meds. I've had an idea of staging my own show at a community theater nearby. Am thinking in terms of Charles Mee's Wintertime, or that fun opera version of 999999999 [sorry, that was my tabby Don Juan] The Bald Soprano that I was in a few years ago. Or, if I'm really demented, I'll write my own show.



A little history: Last year, I fell into the clutches of the most disorganized, most demented company I've ever encountered,… Continue

Added by Elizabeth Finkler on June 28, 2009 at 5:28pm — No Comments

I don't know why I do this...

...but I went to an audition for Oklahoma today. I shouldn't try to do a dance-heavy show. I've had some dance training, but you wouldn't know it. Takes me weeks to learn combinations, and I'm not patient with myself. Wrenching my ankle during one dance audition years ago didn't help. The injury healed long ago, but I'm still nervous about jumps and twirls.



Maybe I could take a class, and maybe I could find one that wasn't 15 Mary Lou Rettons and me, but that takes $… Continue

Added by Elizabeth Finkler on June 27, 2009 at 4:56pm — No Comments

"Lips Together, Teeth Apart" in Palo Alto

I just caught an excellent production of Terrence McNally's Lips Together, Teeth Apart in Palo Alto, presented by Theatre Q at Dragon Productions. This was the first time I'd seen it since catching the Philadelphia Theatre Company production in 1992. Still hits hard, especially in a small space, and the cast is first rate.



It runs one more weekend: http://theatreq.org/?page_id=8



Me, I'm still striking out right and left with auditions. Got two coming up.… Continue

Added by Elizabeth Finkler on June 21, 2009 at 7:06pm — No Comments

Bad audition. Bad, bad audition

I should have known that I would blow a high-stakes audition. A restaurant in Menlo Park is holding a competition for a six-month cabaret gig. Just the sort of gig I've dreamed of for years and years. I went there tonight, and didn't even get through the first round. As I said to my kitties when I got home, if I had a tail, it would be between my legs.



As far as theater work goes, this has been one stinky spring. A hundred "no's" and nary a "yes". At least I've got a "real job"… Continue

Added by Elizabeth Finkler on May 16, 2009 at 1:06am — 3 Comments

"Candide" at San Jose Children's Musical Theater

I've been in three Candides, and I was astonished by the performances given by the teens in this one! Apparently director Jacob Brent saw the 1974 Harold Prince revival as a 15-year-old. It makes innovative use of a rather difficult space in the Montgomery Theater, setting up two smaller stages on either side of the proscenium. There isn't much depth to the production (the lovers don't suffer all that much, really), but Ryan Vasquez makes a really sweet and childlike Candide, and Mimi… Continue

Added by Elizabeth Finkler on May 13, 2009 at 11:48pm — 1 Comment

My new hero is....

Susan Boyle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFP7fjcX16w What a voice! Britain certainly does have talent!

I was going to bitch and moan about going 0 for god-knows-how-many auditions this spring, but after watching that video, I think I can pick myself up and start all over again.

Added by Elizabeth Finkler on April 18, 2009 at 2:27am — No Comments

She swings, she misses... she's out

Three auditions, three turn-downs. Haven't heard from the other two. Sigh.

Added by Elizabeth Finkler on March 25, 2009 at 12:53am — No Comments

Well, my callback for "Doctor Faustus" went pretty well...

It's an unpaid gig, but I desperately need some structure in my life. Now I have to get my butt into bed so I can do the annual cattle call at San Jose Rep without falling on my face.



My beautiful tabby boy Don Juan is sitting next to me, wondering when I'll get back to paying attention to him.…



Continue

Added by Elizabeth Finkler on March 18, 2009 at 12:23am — No Comments

I need to get some work. NOW.

Either stage work or "real job." I desperately need structure in my life, and don't have it now. But, I have a callback for a production of Marlowe's Doctor Faustus Monday night, and might hear about a temp job on Monday, and might get a paid church singing job sometime. Too many "mights."

My unemployment check contained an extra $50 "stimulus payment." Sure stimulated me! Thank you, Mr. Obama.

Added by Elizabeth Finkler on March 14, 2009 at 12:48pm — 1 Comment

15 Random Theatre Facts About Me

1. My parents saw about a dozen shows on their honeymoon in New York City, including: Gwen Verdon in New Girl in Town (a musical based on Anna Christie would you believe) and Judy Holliday in Bells Are Ringing. I was born almost exactly nine months later. You do the math.

2. I've appeared in three productions of Leonard Bernstein's Candide, two in the "Scottish Opera" version (both times as The Old Lady) and one in the Royal National Theatre version. I own five… Continue

Added by Elizabeth Finkler on March 12, 2009 at 1:59pm — 2 Comments

Latest Blog Posts

Most Popular Blog Posts

Monthly Archives

2011

2010

2009

Theatreface is the networking site for professional, educational and community theatre brought to you by Stage Directions Magazine.

Groups

SD News

Elation Platinum Spot 35 Pro Shines on “Death for Five Voices”

J.R. Clancy Licenses Front-Loading Arbor from GWI

Tony Awards Release Nominations for 2016 Awards (We Added Sound Designers)

NEA Will Receive Tony Award

Guitar Center Pro Supports Broadway

Subscribe to Stage Directions

Start Your FREE Subscription to Stage Directions Today!

SD covers everything from backstage to box office--performance to production and is filled with practical tips and information you need to stay on top of theatre trends.

Start getting your own copy today!

© 2016   Created by Stage Directions.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service