I’ve been a giddy little actor this week. I had the extraordinary privilege of being invited by the Harold Green Jewish Theatre into a workshop of Kathy Kacer and Jake Epstein’s new play, Therefore Choose Life. Does it get any better than being asked to spend time in the wonderful company of Avery Saltzman, Trudy Weiss, Paula Wolfson, Kathy, Jake, and our brilliant director Jen Shuber, to talk, share, act, shed a few (good) tears, and explore a beautiful piece of writing together? The answer is no. It was truly a magical week.
I am so proud of Jake and Kathy for everything they achieved – the final product is tremendous. I can’t wait until they share it with all of you!
Happy New Year, Friends!
The past few months have been a complete, utter whirlwind, but there is much goodness to share. I recently returned from my first “grown up” trip to New York City. It was perfect. I finally saw my first Broadway show (and first OFF Broadway show too!). I even met one of my very favourite playwrights, sang Happy Birthday to him (along with, oh I dunno, David Hyde Pierce and Sigourney Weaver!!!!!) and told him straight to his face how much I love his work. I don’t think he saw when I ran under the stairwell after so I could cry from happiness (true story). Also, the bagels are so delicious in New York I might have a problem.
So, I <3 NY. I came home so inspired, refreshed, and ready to take ACTION. Nothing like a little trip to NY to get your blood flowing and heart racing and energy back in the game.
And here is the other BIG news:
I have recently launched an initiative that I have been quietly but passionately working on for many months now: The Actors Connective Toronto – http://www.actorsconnectivetoronto.com.
I am so excited about this. It is a VERY long story about how this came to be, but essentially I felt that us dear Toronto actors have been missing out on a supportive, collaborative (but also butt-kicking!) community for a very long time. After doing some research, I realized online communities like A.C.T. exists for actors in places like New York, LA, and Vancouver – but not here. So I decided to create one. I have been OVERWHELMED by how much positive support and help I’ve received so far. So many wonderful folks have volunteered their time and energy to help me produce articles, interviews, and blogs, and after receiving over 300 likes on our facebook page in the last two of weeks (and counting!) I can tell this is going to grow into something amazing. (Also, a very special thanks to Jen Ponton, Glenda Braganza, Ian Brown, Jeb Beach, Tzabia Siegel, and David Lester for being so instrumental in helping me get this off the ground).
Please check out the website and let me know what you think!
Stay warm & cozy…
Jess
