Blog Posts

"Here Lies The Nance of Assembled Newsies"

7/12/2013

Having just visited New York for five glorious days I thought it best to blog about my trip. It was my very first time flying Jet Blue and I have to say I was very impressed. It was my first time having a personal TV and plenty of leg room. I could not believe the yummy options of complimentary snacks! If you have never had the popcorn chips called "Popcorners" then stop reading and go get yourself some now! They are pretty great and they are gluten-free! Thankfully, I also had the pleasure of having a lovely woman sitting next to me that made the travel highly enjoyable. I landed in New York and met up with my sister, and while Popcorners were a fantastic snack, I was craving my first New York meal. We decided to meet my friend Mason at S'Mac which has some very yummy Mac and Cheese (I got the gluten-free one just to try it and couldn't tell the difference.)

We had some time to kill before meeting Nathaniel Claridad (a swing currently in the production of "Here Lies Love" at the Public,) my friend Caroline, and our friend Tania for dinner before seeing Nathaniel perform, so we got caught up over some yummy happy hour sangria. Once it was show time we filed into the space and were instantly inside a pulsing nightclub of Filipino history! It was a really awesome experience and of course I was bursting with pride to see a dear friend of mine living the dream, that was a very good feeling. Also it was great to see Jose Llana again. He had performed in a production of Dustin Lance Black's "8," (the play about Prop 8) in Chapel Hill last year. "Here Lies Love" was very interactive and forced the audience to be constantly aware of their environment which as a performer you can only hope will be the result of your performance. Well done to Alex Timbers, the director, I had never seen one of his shows but had heard of his fine work. It was great to finally experience the hype. "Here Lies Love" will run until July 28 at the Public Theater, so I recommend if you're in New York you go see it!!

The next day my sister and I had a lovely day at the theatre. We went to see Nathan Lane in "The Nance." It was a very touching story and an appropriately timed reflection on the past considering the current progress in gay rights. Nathan Lane was riveting. What an honor it was to see him perform.

Later that evening, after a nice bite, and a very random but lovely surprise run-in with my friend Margaret Burrus, who just happened to be working in the city over the summer, we got tickets to see Richard Greenberg's "The Assembled Parties." It was beautiful. Richard Greenberg is currently one of my favorite playwrights. I worked on his "Three Days of Rain" with Ground UP Productions and fell in love with his writing. (Check out Ground UP's current show "Rubber Ducks and Sunsets" on their site!) The set was also amazing. It was our second rotating set of the day after "The Nance." The set was an apartment and each new rotation invited into different rooms. Judith Light was very funny as "Faye" and Jessica Hecht as "Julie" just blew me away! I did not realize until intermission that Hecht was the girlfriend to "Ross'" ex-wife on "Friends!" She is an amazing actress and I would never have known if I didn't see this show. There is something so different about seeing an actress that you remember from TV on stage. It is more meaningful and you really get a better sense of their "essence." To say the least, I was very happy to have seen "The Assembled Parties."

Later in my trip I went to my very first Broadway audition! The call was for dancers for Disney's "Newsies." It was a very surreal experience to finally be in a room with all these other artists in New York City. I had a lot of fun and met some great people and of course (because this world is so tiny) ran into some friends. Later that night, because I was so hyped up on "Newsies," Nathaniel and I won the lottery to see the show (thanks to my amazing sister who won the tickets for us at the very last minute.) My former classmate from Elon University Adam Kaplan was playing "Morris Delancey" and is the 1st understudy to the role of "Jack Kelly." Adam blended in very nicely with the other Newsies boys but that is because he had the elegance and form of a trained dancer! I wish I could have seen him as "Jack!" The show was good fun, just as advertized!

After seeing four shows, attending a New York audition, and eating the good eats it was time for me to return to Charlotte for rehearsal of "Recent Tragic Events!" Yesterday was an incredible day because I finally signed the contract for the show, which means I am officially bound to perform for you September 12-October 12! I will continue to update the site on new information, so come on back and visit the site soon!

As of this weekend the Broadway / Off Broadway shows I have seen are:
Rent-2007
The Ling King-2007
Wicked-2008
Chicago-2008
Mary Poppins-2009
West Side Story-2009
Young Frankenstein-2010
Love, Loss, and What I Wore-2011
Avenue Q-2011
Hair-2011
Ghost-2012
Here Lies Love-2013
The Nance-2013
The Assembled Parties-2013
Newsies-2013

Until next time,
Jack

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Not So Tragic Recent Events

6/28/2013

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Those of you reading this are by now aware that our country's Supreme Court made some pretty fair and beautiful displays of justice yesterday on June 27, 2013! Declaring the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional and in the official words of the Huffington Post, "By a 5-4 vote, the justices held in Hollingsworth v. Perry that the traditional marriage activists who put Proposition 8 on the California ballots in 2008 did not have the constitutional authority, or standing, to defend the law in federal courts after the state refused to appeal its loss at trail." In other words, same sex marriage is back on in California! I am overjoyed at the large leap forward this decision is allowing for same sex couples who by their rights as US citizens should be able to receive the same benefits of marriage that heterosexual couples receive. Chad Griffin, President of the Human Rights Campaign, said in an interview, "We've taken two giant steps forward towards the American promise of equal justice under law, [we] celebrate today, and tomorrow we...fight like hell." I'm very much excited and proud to be a part of that fight.

Property of C.A.S.T.

In other non-tragic news: I have been cast at C.A.S.T. (Carolina Actors Studio Theatre) in the production of "Recent Tragic Events" written by Craig Wright. I will be playing the part of "Andrew," an airport bookstore manager who has been set up on a blind date with a beautiful girl the day after 9/11. It is a dark comedy that dives into some challenging topics and examines relationships and chance in a complex and fascinating way. I could not be more thrilled to take on my first professional production in Charlotte, NC and first production here since high school. I will be under the direction of the Artistic Director of C.A.S.T. Michael Simmons and sharing the stage with four phenomenal actors who I am already smitten with, having done a table read just last week with them. The cast include Devin Clark as "Stage Manager," Elizabeth Byland as "Waverly," Will Triplett as "Ron," and Emily Ussery as "Nancy." I will post updates about how you can see the show, including dates, ticket prices, and all that jazz in the coming months!

Until next time,
Jack

"Recent Tragic Events" opens Thursday September 12 and runs thru October 12. For now check out C.A.S.T.'s production of "Assassins" thru July 13!
Buy tickets HERE.

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The Carolina Way (Part 6)

6/6/2013

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Once I started rehearsals for "Cabaret" it was full speed ahead! I had the fine privilege of performing with with Lisa Brescia, Taylor Mac, Julie Fishell, Jeff Cornell, Ray Dooley, the amazing second and third year grad students (including my director of "Eurydice" Nathanial Claridad), and three undergrads Max Bitar, Mason Cordell, and Katie Chelena at Playmakers Repertory Company! Every night myself and other members of the company would be on stage in our "dressing rooms" while the guests filed into the house. I got to sit with Max Bitar and smoke from an electronic cigarette while my character "Herman" casually flirted with one of the cabaret girls "Frenchy," played by Michaela Morton. Then the band would start the drum role and we would find our places for the top of the show. Ever since I was a little boy attending the theater, my favorite part was when the band warms up right before they begin. It is a very exciting feeling to be on the other side of that.

Julie Fishell (Fraulein Schneider) and myself after the closing night performance.

Jeff Cornell (Herr Schultz) and myself (Herman) in our dressing room during "Cabaret."

Lisa Brescia (Sally Bowles) and myself after closing.

Dee Dee (Texas), Katie (Lulu), Taylor Mac (Emcee), and myself after closing.

During rehearsals for Cabaret I attended a Neo-Futurism workshop with Flor De Liz Perez of the New York Neo-Futurists with some of the cast of "30 Plays in 60 Minutes." It was a really amusing two plus hours of play. I appreciate the ease in which Neo-Futurism allows you to just be yourself. The workshop allowed us to get in touch with our playful selves as well as our secrets selves at one point by asking us to write down something you have never told anyone before and then choosing a phrase or entire sentence to read allowed out of context. That was something quite powerful. I hope to get to work more closely with Flor in the future or even go see some performances in New York by the Neo-Futurists!

Jessica Sorgi, Kevin Spellman, Zach Meicher-Buzzi, Kristi Stout, Margaret Burrus, Flor De Liz Perez and others!

Additionally, during the run I participated in "Broadway Twisted," a musical benefit concert to raise money for AIDS relief. It was an incredible evening filled with some pretty amazing talents and orchestrated by the humble overachiever Nathanial Claridad.

Jessica Sorgi, Natalie Pelletier, Me, Melanie Johnson, and Mason Cordell at the Local 506 for "Broadway Twisted!"

In the last few weeks I finished my job at 411 West, graduated from college, and moved to Charlotte, NC. I'm very excited to see what my next steps are, there is nothing guaranteed which can be scary to think about but that just makes me more excited to work and to keep after what I want. My next move will be to dive into the Charlotte theater scene. I have already been on several auditions and if something comes of them their will certainly be a blog about it. My time at UNC was really quite incredible and I am so thankful for every opportunity! I want to wish all the 2013 graduates luck on their next endeavors! And always remember Go Heels! and Go to hell DOOK!

Thanks for checking out the blog!

Until next time,
Jack

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The Carolina Way (Part 5)

6/3/2013

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The end of my junior year marked my first time working on a professional production while in college. I worked on deck crew for "Noises Off" with Playmakers Repertory Company as a course requirement for my major. It was such an unforgettable experience. John May worked as the PA for show, Melanie Johnson and Candyce Adkins were on wardrobe crew, Jessica Sorgi and Margaret Burrus were with me on deck, and the fabulous Chuck Bayang and Sarah Smiley stage managed. Working with Playmakers had always been a desire of mine and after working behind the scenes, I knew I wanted to be on that stage! I got to know some of my professors very well during "Noises Off." Scott Ripley was my Directing professor at the time and he played "Frederick," Jeff Cornell would be my Acting Shakespeare professor and I got to help make sure he was at places with the right props at the top of Act 2, and Ray Dooley, my Acting for TV and Film professor played the hilarious "Selsdon." In addition, I got to meet the fabulous Matt Schneck who played "Garry" and who I found out had performed this role once before opposite Ground Up's Kate Middleton! Lastly, I was introduced to the wonderful graduate students Kelsey Didion, Katie Paxton, and Brandon Garegnani (Two of which have graduated now and are pursuing a career in NYC! Best of wishes ladies!) It was such a fun show to be involved with and I am so thankful to have gotten a glimpse of what the professional theatre is like from behind the curtain.

Beginning of senior year with friends and the cast of "Almost Maine" in Chapel Hill.

Headed into senior year I wanted to utilize all of my resources and I auditioned for everything! The first show I went out for was "Eurydice" by Sarah Ruhl which was being directed by graduate student Nathanial Claridad! I had read the play over the summer and was excited at the prospect of working with a grad student. I auditioned and made the cast as "Big Stone" along side Mason Cordell and Izzy Francke! This was such a beautiful show to be a part of. The set, the sounds, the rehearsal process, Nathanial's vibrant style choices, "the Stones" learning to walk and talk and breathe as one. It was a role that did not have much background in the text and allowed for many weeks of play. If I had to choose work in college that I was genuinely proud of, "Eurydice" would be very high on the list.

Izzy, Mason, and myself as "Stones."

The "Stones" emerge.

Shameless make-up selfie.

Most of the cast and crew of "Eurydice."

At the same time, I auditioned and got cast in Broadway Abridged with Company Carolina, I would be playing Tom Winfield in "Glass Menagerie Abridged" and "Tony" in "West Side Story Abridged." It is here that I met some of the most incredible undergrads in my time here at UNC. I got to be in the same show with Melanie and Izzy even though we were not all in the same set.

Izzy, myself, and Melanie backstage of Hanes Art Center.

Oh the poses with the girls were the best. Fake cigarettes are the way to go.

Me and the cast of "Glass Menagerie Abridged."

Me and the cast of "West Side Story Abridged."

I also met Joseph Townsend, the biggest go-getter, most involved, and largest dreamer I've met at UNC. If he has an idea, it is never long before it is a reality. I've been so impressed with his work on a collaborative film series called "Project Bucket" that documents events one should partake in before graduating from UNC. Bryce Edwards, Sarah Playsk, Diana Castano, Flavia Crovesi, Matt Verner, Colin Wilson, Caroline Pittman, Carol Ardiles, your friendships have made me so happy. You are all incredible.

Joe, Bryce, and Myself hanging out on campus.

Sarah, Flavia, and myself enjoying the campus dinning hall.

Diana and myself at one of our many lunches.

The "epic brunch" with many of Carolina's finest.

My last show of my undergrad theatrical career was, appropriately, back where I began with Pauper Players, this time in Broadway Melodies 2013, in which I played "Robert Downey Jr" in the "Avengers Convention" musical. This little gem was directed by the talented performer, writer, and personal friend Alex Koceja. The show was a huge success and landed me the award for "Best Actor in Bway Melodies" at this years Penny Awards.

Alex and I at Dramatic Art Graduation on May 12, 2013

Margaret Burrus and I backstage of the Hanes Art Center.

Closing out my time with undergrad productions was a special time. My dream of working as an actor with Playmakers Repertory Company become a reality in late January 2013 when I was cast in "Cabaret." All of a sudden, it was time to begin my professional career as an actor!

To be continued...

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The Carolina Way (Part 4)

5/23/2013

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My next project was another one that almost didn’t happen. I was working a shift at 411 West and when I got off from work my phone had blown up with text messages from a friend Melanie Rio who was very intent on my auditioning for a little show called “Diary of a Somebody.” Now that the show is well past I know that I could not thank her more. I met some of the most wonderful people during that show. What a show it was too, my first role playing a homosexual, a real person from history, and my first Laboratory! show (which is a studio style performance in a classroom.) I had some of the most uncomfortable monologues to deliver, walls to get frisky with, and try to keep a sense of the chronological order of events of the show. I pulled it off but it got pretty comical in rehearsals when the order got screwed up. Also the English have such funny words for things... sigh. I met my best mate John May (one of those English-folk ;P ) who at the time was a foreign exchange student from Glasgow University in Scotland. John is one of the most fun-loving guys you'll ever meet and he is a brilliant playwright.

Me and John on set of "Diary of a Somebody."

Me and John at Linda's Bar and Grill in Chapel Hill, NC on his visit this year! He had just seen me as RDJ in the Avengers Musical!

The goofy and delightful Angel Giddens and Cary Simpson stage managed, and Izzy Francke… the hilarious, sweet, bold, and vibrant actress and dear friend shared the stage with me. John May became an instant campus celebrity among the drama crew and we were able to bring him back this year when his play "Baby Blue" premiered as part of the LAB! season! He is such a talented and caring individual and having him so far away all the time is truly a misfortune. But now that I will no longer be in school, the visits will hopefully be more frequent. John, Melanie, Izzy, Angel, myself, (and Nate) have something quite special, whether it is singing "Call Me Maybe" at the top of our lungs, eating Linda's cheese fries, hitting up Bada Wings, seeing Ingrid Michaelson concerts, or going spontaneously to the beach, we experienced moments I'll cherish forever.

The cast and crew of "Diary of a Somebody."

Nate, Mel, Izzy, Angel, John, and myself at Bada Wings in Carrboro, NC

The summer after my junior year I worked with Interactive Theatre Carolina and an amazing company of actors who participate in social-justice theatre which involves performing a scene and engaging in a dialogue with the audience while still in character. That was an enriching experience and allowed me to improv and work on staying in character after the scene was over. It was a heightened experience for sure! Getting to work with Will, Margaret, Paul, Amy, and Sarah was an honor.

Over the summer I visited New York twice!! Once to see my sister and have an incredible time seeing shows (Hair and Avenue Q) and eating the marvelous eats and then again to help out with Ground UP as props master, this time on "Almost Maine." It was a new experience for me working behind the scenes but I really loved the freedom to pop in and out of rehearsal and still be able to see the city. On my down time I was an extra in an independent film called "Shame the Devil." I was a college student and I just had to sit there and make friends with the other extras in between takes. It was a fun day in the city for sure! At the end of the shoot I got a picture with the main actress Juliette Bennett because who knows maybe "Shame the Devil" will be her breakout performance!

Me and Juliette Bennett

Me and the lovely Jessica Sorgi and Emily Marsland

The networking party with the wonderful host Allen and director Kate Middelton

The hilarious and incredibly talented Scott Vicari and Bryan Burton

Me and my amazing sister Lindsey out and about.

My sister and I got some really great quality time and we celebrated being in the city together by hitting up Scoutmob deals around New York. Wine bars, tapas, gelato, you name it! We had a blast and I utilized my Instagram perhaps a little too much.

Tapas at this yummy restaurant called "The Barrel"

Some of my favorite adventures had to be getting my first ice cream from the Big Gay Ice Cream Truck, walking High Line Park while eating Bark hotdogs, and seeing Ghost: The Musical twice on its closing weekend (once for free thanks to the outstanding Ghenet Pinderhughes and once by winning the lottery.)

Pretty yummy stuff!

It was an amazing time in the city, I got to work, spend time with the worlds best sister, and confirm my suspicions that NYC is the place for me. What a summer! And little did I know, I still had an incredibly successful senior year to look forward to!!!

To be continued...

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The Carolina Way (Part 3)

5/15/2013

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Over the summer after sophomore year, I moved into my first apartment and got a job as a camp counselor at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center working with K-1 kids on science related programs, and I got a job as a server at 411 West Italian Cafe. Morehead was a great program to be a part of because I got to interact and be silly with the coolest and most intelligent kids I’ve ever met. I also had the pleasure of being introduced to two amazing ladies Karen and Kristen! Karen was a coordinator of the summer camp and Kristen was the sensational materials manager! There was an instant connection between us all at once! Now Kristen is in Chicago teaching and Karen is headed off to Costa Rica! What exciting lives we lead! Thanks for helping to make Morehead a home!

The three of us Morehead staff at the Durham Bulls Baseball game!

Karen and I on my last day at Morehead.

I have been at 411 for almost two years now and I have truly loved the relationships I have formed both with fellow staff members and members of the Chapel Hill community. The management and staff have been very supportive of my artistic ventures. Alex, Vahid, Tmac, Lutz, Taylor, Jordan, Deborah, Abby,Trey, Claire, Andrea, Patrick, Brittany, and so many more, you have made my time incredibly memorable and I hope to one day be fortunate enough to find a similar establishment that brings me such joy. Not to mention, 411 West has a killer menu, it has been amazing to eat all of the wonderful dishes for the last two years! I could not have been more excited to have my graduation dinner there.

Me, Lutz, Vahid, and Tmac at the opening night gala for "Diary of a Somebody." Amazing people.

My junior year at UNC started on the highest of notes! I had auditioned at the end of my sophomore year for a New York based theatre company called “Ground UP Productions” which is run by Kate Middleton who is a well-accomplished actress, director, and artistic director. The group consists of a bunch of UNC Alumni and puts on shows as well as readings of new works and very often mounts them in NYC. I spent two weeks in NYC in Washington Square rehearsing Richard Greenberg’s “Three Days of Rain” with the amazing Kate Middleton, my best friend Melanie Johnson, and the wonderful Zac Moon.

The gang in Madison Square park moments away from enjoying my first "Shake Shack" experience!

A day of rehearsal in the city! Me, Mel, Kate, Catya, and Zach.

Stephanie Linas, Melanie Johnson, myself, and Ashley Gunsteen at the UNC Networking Party. Now all UNC Alumni!

Members of Ground UP, the cast, and some crew for "Three Days of Rain" at the UNC Networking Party!

The show was unlike anything I had ever done. It involved playing two different but related characters. If you don’t know Greenberg’s work go out and see something and read his plays, you will experience something profound. That production will always be so special to me because it formed my relationship with Melanie Johnson.

Melanie and I in line to hear Michelle Obama speak at Carmichael Arena in 2012.

Mel and I on graduation day walking to Kenan Stadium for the big event! May 12, 2013.

This girl is not only an incredible actress, and friend, but such a beautiful human. Her plans are sending her to LA after graduation and I could not wish her more success and happiness! All of the silly voices we put on, drag shows we attended, and dance floors we lit up have prepared us for this next step. I cannot wait till we share the stage or screen together again!

After the amazing time in New York, the shows, and the networking parties, we flew back to Chapel Hill and put on one hell of a show! And perhaps the most appropriate part of the whole Ground UP experience was that the show was right during a horrendous hurricane which detained several members of the artistic team. Regardless, we still had an incredible run and waited out the literal “three days of rain” in glorious celebration!

My thanks to the whole Ground Up team and Kate for opening their doors for undergrads and opening their hearts to us as friends. My love goes out to the entire company as we all recently lost the remarkable and irreplaceable Dan Wheeless. His work and his memory will live on in all of us who had the pleasure of knowing him. I dedicate this post to you Dan. Thank you for sharing your talents and your heart with us all.

Dan and I after the closing night performance of "Three Days of Rain."

To be continued...

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The Carolina Way (Part 2)

5/13/2013

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Me and my friend Tanya at the homecoming football game sophomore year with the real Ramsey!

My sophomore year was a wonderful transition from Elon, but it was made so wonderful because of my friendship with another transfer, the lovely and incredibly funny Meghan M. Megan and I had done theatre together in high school as well, so we knew each other very well. Having her on campus just made things so much easier and it also led me to many additional friendships such as her friend Tanya (who is pictured above.)

Me and Meghan dressing up for one of the many college theme parties!

I made her pose for so many photos. I like my pictures!

The friendships I have made at Carolina have been very fulfilling. I made most of my friends through doing what I love: performing!

All Shook Up was my first lead in a full scale musical at UNC so it will always have a special place in my heart. I got to perform in Historic Playmakers Theater which was newly renovated and incredibly tiny for our humongous show and cast! It was a tight fit but somehow we pulled off the spacing. Being in musicals is so thrilling. I always seem to forget how much fun I have singing and dancing! But Meleah Faucette's choreography was so funky and exciting that it was impossible to forget how much joy dancing brings!

Dancing away the evening with the cast of "All Shook Up"

The enchanting Lauren Josey who was my dance partner for the opening number!

Me as "Chad" posing backstage with his adoring fans!

Taking a break backstage of the Historic Playmakers Theater.

“All Shook Up” also introduced me to the lovely Natalie Pelletier who played opposite me. Over the years, Natalie and I have grown very close, I am so thankful to call her my friend and I am so excited to see where LA takes her after graduation!

Me and Natalie celebrating my 20th birthday after a night of rehearsal, 2011

Me and Natalie at the Dramatic Art graduation, May 12, 2013.

All Shook Up was my first and last full length musical with Pauper but it was not the end to my involvement. I was a double major at UNC and aside from my Dramatic Art degree I was also working on my Communications degree. I decided to try and blend my interests and applied and was accepted as Pauper’s videographer and have served as such for the past two years. Being able to share their impressive work with the community has been incredibly rewarding and putting together video promos reaffirmed my love for video editing.

Me and Haley backstage during Bway Melodies!

Me and Haley on the last day of class senior year sitting on the quad!

I met one of my best friends here at UNC during my time in “Bway Melodies” and in “All Shook Up”, Haley Scruggs, and I could not be prepared to miss her more after graduation. I could not be more thankful to Pauper Player’s for providing me with what I hope are some incredible life-long friendships. The Pauper bond is a special one and I’m going to miss all the fun, the drama, and the unexpected adventures. The end of my sophomore year was my first Pauper Players Penny Awards in which I was honored to take home "Best Debut Performance" for “Glee The Musical” and "Best Actor" for “All Shook Up.” What a year it had been.

Accepting my very first "Penny."

Me and my lovely dates for the "Penny Awards."

My first year also marked my first encounter with the lovely Kate Middleton from Ground UP Productions whose voice over workshop I attended after seeing their UNC collaboration show “Letter From Algeria.” From that point on Kate’s group was something I became very interested in being a part of.

Me and Kate Middleton at the Voiceover Workshop with Alumni Bryan Burton!

To be continued...

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The Carolina Way (Part 1)

5/10/2013

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Last night I gave my two weeks at the restaurant I work at in Chapel Hill. Nothing that has happened recently, such as the last day of class, my final exams, etc. has really given me a sense that college is over. But last night telling my boss that in two weeks I will be leaving Chapel Hill for good really hit me. My three years here (3 because I started college at Elon University) have really been full of the richest experiences that I could have hoped for.

Leaving the morning of move-in for UNC.

Me and the Chancellor Holden Thorp

Coming to UNC I jumped right into theatre and found the amazing LAB! theatre group which is completely student run. My first show at UNC was “From Up Here” by Liz Flahive and it was my first connection to the students and friends that would become a permanent fixture in my life while here. I got a chance to witness the talent that my program possessed and learned a lot about Viewpoints and various approaches to character work.

The cast of "From Up Here" at the opening night gala.

Sharing the stage with Nicola Vann and Chris McMahon

My next project was sort of a happy accident. Having been involved in musicals heavily in high school I was having withdrawal since I hadn’t been involved with one since my time at Elon. I found out about this musical theatre group on campus called Pauper Players and they were doing a show called “Broadway Melodies.” The show is three student written pop-culture based musicals that are paired with popular broadway musical numbers with changed lyrics to fit each shows context. That year they did “Mean Girls: The Musical”, “A Very Tarantino Musical”, and “Glee: The Musical.” I remember that I auditioned with “Something’s Coming” from “West Side Story" because at that time I had no idea what a musical theatre “book” was and I thought it was totally acceptable to make a cut of Bernstein and Sondheim. Alas I did make the cast as both “Aaron Samuels” in “Mean Girls” and “Will Shuster” in “Glee.”

Teaching Cady all about Calculus! With Devon Haas!

The final number in "Mean Girls"

Instructing the members of the Glee club!

Getting my flirt on with Emma (Emily Ellis).

I had such an incredible time during that two weeks of intense rehearsal and performance. At that time we still had our performance space called “The Cabaret” which unfortunately was torn down last year to make way for the campus Wendy’s. Truly a loss to the Pauper community. The Cabaret had been around since Pauper’s founding in 1989. To say the least, it is greatly missed.

Hanging out backstage with some of the greats! Devon Haas, Meredith Parks, and Haley Scruggs!

Closing night with cast members of various sets! Also my first introduction to the incredibly talented Jessica Sorgi!

During that same time, Olivia Myrick who co-directed “Mean Girls” and played “Rachel Berry” in “Glee” convinced me to audition for Pauper’s spring musical “All Shook Up.” We were in the middle of rehearsal for “Broadway Melodies” and she basically kicked me out and made me audition. I couldn’t have been happier to have received that kick because I was literally the last person to walk into the audition room (and sing “Something’s Coming” from “West Side Story” of course) and after a round of callbacks I had another role at UNC to look forward to!

The cast of "Mean Girls"

The cast of "Glee"

To be continued...

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Broadway Twisted = Success

4/29/2013

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Photo Credit: Nathaniel Claridad

On April 15, some of the most outstanding artists I have had the privilege to work with all performed on the same stage at the Local 506 for Broadway TWISTED!

The event was a HUGE success! I'm so thrilled I was able to be a part of it. Thank you so much to those who came out to see the show! We raised a lot amount of money for two great organizations and had an amazing time doing it.

The show was completely sold out and we even had to hold the show 30 minutes to allow everyone waiting outside in line to get it! That was almost my favorite part!

I really love the rush I get from helping to put something together with less than 24 hours of rehearsal! The fact that the event was such a success just blows my mind! It really made me understand the power of unity and group effort. Everyone held their own and the audience was going wild for more!

In the final tally we had 184 people in attendance! We raised approximately $1,280 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the NC AIDS Action Network.

The big rehearsal day! Photo Credit: Aisha Anwar

Photo Credit: Aisha Anwar

Rehearsing our songs with Mark Hartman Photo Credit: Nathaniel Claridad

Singing backup for "So Much Better" from Legally Blond the Musical. Photo Credit: Nathaniel Claridad

I was one of the featured artists at the event. I had the distinct pleasure of singing "I'm a Woman" from Smokey Joes Cafe with some of my incredibly talented classmates Kevin Spellman, Wesley Miller, and Will Hawkins! It was a completely fun and sexy number and I was told by several audience members that it stole the show! I really hope once I'm in New York that I get to be involved with stuff like this all of the time! It was a brilliant evening and we are all so incredibly proud of what we were able to accomplish! Hopefully this will not be the last Broadway Twisted the town of Chapel Hill experiences!

Until Next time,
Jack

Singing "I'm a Woman" Photo Credit: Nathaniel Claridad

Power stance from behind... All of us killing it! :) Photo Credit: Rachel Ivy

Click on the YouTube links to catch some of the group performances! Enjoy!

Trolley Song
I'm a Woman
So Much Better

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"Broadway Twisted"

4/9/2013

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    Cabaret had a very successful opening weekend and has been very well received, but of course like most theater-lovers we just cannot stop entertaining, even on our night off! This upcoming Monday April 15th myself and many UNC undergrads, graduate students, Playmakers faculty and "Cabaret" cast members including Taylor Mac, Lisa Brescia, and Nathaniel Claridad will be performing in a benefit concert for NC AIDS Action Network and Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS with Jeff Meanza as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening! The event entitled "Broadway Twisted" is in the style of "Broadway Backwards" which involves women singing men's songs and men singing women's songs. "Broadway Backwards" started in 2006 and featured twenty Broadway performers united for the purpose of raising awareness and funds for at-risk gay youth, HIV prevention, and several other related causes. It is a chance to hear many of beloved Broadway hits in a new light. For an example, take a look at the latest Broadway Backwards event here: Broadway Backwards 8

    Thanks to the hard work of UNC MFA Candidate Nathaniel Claridad, Wagon Wheel Arts founder Tim Scales and UNC senior Zach Miecher-Buzzi as producers, this event will be happening in Chapel Hill at the Local 506 at 8pm on Monday! A $10 donation is required and 100% of proceeds will be going to the cause!

    The event is presented by PlayMakers Repertory Company's production of CABARET and Manbites Dog Theater's production of THE HOMOSEXUALS and it is a MUST-SEE! Come see us on our night off :)

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE: LOCAL 506