The Carolina Way (Part 4)

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...