Release spontaneity Connect with the power of your breath Move out of your head & into the present moment Discover the joy of your work Get yourself a new you and a better life in the deal.
"Actors are always looking at other actors and saying why can't I do that, they're so brilliant, and why can't I be like him or her. And actually, all you really have is yourself. And it's finding the truth of yourself that you have to present on stage and in the film." - Helen Mirren
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Welcome Back Gary Austin
Written by Kay LaVergne Jaz
Sunday, 11 July 2010 00:00
I was introduced to the magic world of improvisation through Gary Austin 14 years ago. My work and life have never been the same. I can walk into fear, take a risk, and surprise myself with yes! So I celebrated up here in Seattle while LA enjoyed a once in a lifetime treat!
Gary Austin, founder of The Groundlings, has multiple myeloma, a cancer of the blood. He is very open about it and his prognosis is good. He will undergo a stem cell transplant, a procedure that will lay him up for two months. This benefit in LA, produced by Steven Stockman and Robert Watzke, in association with The Groundling Theatre, will help offset his expenses as he recovers.
Paul Reubens, Helen Hunt, Lisa Kudrow, Lily Tomlin & Jane Wagner, John Paragon, Ed Begley, Jr. & Rachelle Carson, Robert David Hall, Mindy Sterling, Lynne Stewart, Helen Slater, Mark Dacascos, Melissa Manchester and Valerie Landsburg all signed up to sponsor the event --
Gary Austin began his career in San Francisco's famed improv company, The Committee, where he worked with Second City's Del Close. Leaving there he began to teach his own workshops which gave birth to The Groundlings and the rest is history.
If you have missed the opportunity of working with Gary, he will be back in Seattle Friday July 30th thru Sunday, August 1st to teach 3 workshops.
I'll be there, with bells on and celebrating life with Gary.
Come play with us!
Contact
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for more Seattle Gary Austin Workshop information
With showbiz tales and crooner tunes, "Tuxedo Man" tells the story of nightclub singer Nick Sands and his dreams, lost and found.
Show Run: Thurs, Friday, Sat - June 17th-26th 2010 Preview: Thursday June 17th 7:30-9pm Opening: Friday June 18th 7:30-9pm Location: Theater Theatre, Arena Stage 3430 SE Belmont St Portland 97214 Tickets:Brown Paper Tickets www.brownpapertickets.com Tickets $15.00 can also be bought at the door.
Voice talent, actor and improviser Zack Hoffman and producer Mary McDonald-Lewis worked together in the 80's. "Mary played, Lady J, a hero on GI Joe" says Hoffman of his producing partner. McDonald-Lewis adds "And Zack was, Zartan, one of the head villains!" The two, who still receive fan mail recently reunited, and staging Tuxedo Man is their newest quest.
"It doesn't matter that Nick's a part of a vanishing world," says McDonald-Lewis. "We see ourselves reflected in his stories, songs and wry sense of humor."
"It's really great to be working alongside my old nemesis" Hoffman says. "We have this amazing history, and now in addition to our incredible past, we're working on the future." McDonald-Lewis smiles, and responds with what fans know as the GI Joe call to arms. "Yo, Joe!"
For more information call 206-353-4044 or visit Zack's website.
Last Updated ( Thursday, 24 June 2010 18:10 )
Matt Smith's All My Children
Written by Kay LaVergne Jaz
Friday, 21 May 2010 00:00
A Matt Smith Solo show.
I saw the last one six years ago. I'm transfixed. He winds inside my mind and as I watch and listen. I find my laughter punctuates the woman's hair in front of me as each new character emerges. The talking dog, the superhero, the avenging angel, a boatload of Matt Smith and I'm happy. Seattle's happy.
I look forward to this next solo show Matt Smith has crafted. All My Children (man tracks down x-girlfriends children...)
Take a sneak peak above at minute 1:98 to 6:22 on Art Zone and Nancy Guppy's recent interview with Matt. A bit of what the new solo show entails. Sounds intriguing. See Matt in film (Outsourced, a must see) online in Cookus Interruptus and enjoy his participation in creations and family life in cyberspace. Yum recipes, by the way.
All My Children at Richard Hugo House - May 28th thru June 12th. Fri/Sat at 8pm.
Last Friday I was rivited. True to expectations Matt Smith delivered an intimate story that kept the audience surprised, challenged and laughing at Max Poth's pathos through his relationship with his five faux children. All shows have been selling out. Get your tickets soon.
Last Updated ( Monday, 07 June 2010 12:19 )
Black Panthers, David Hilliard, and Eve Crane
Written by Kay LaVergne Jaz
Friday, 21 May 2010 00:00
Last week David Hilliard, co-founder and Chief of Staff of the Black Panthers, spoke at A'kasha (a Beaverton OR gallery) surrounded by Eve Crane's 1967 & 1968 photographs. San Fransico Bay area provides the back drop for this photo journalist's compelling shots. Most of the photos have never been seen nor published.
Saturday, May 22nd Eve will be at A'kasha for those who might like to talk to talk or reminisce about those tumultuous times. The exhibit will be showing for 3 more weeks.
Eve Crane, born Evelyn Myrtle Ford, was always happiest in the city. Half her growing up years were on small farms in Oregon. Soon as she was able it was off to the bright lights.
Fast-forward 20 years to Long Island, NY, her photo taken before a night out on the town on the arm of her husband and TV star, Les Crane. It is the early '60's and Eve's life is filled with her 3 children, Broadway musicals, POP art openings and happenings, and a steady stream of dinner guests drawn from New York's brightest artists and actors. It is here Eve takes up photography.
Divorce drove her back to the west coast just two years in advance of the Summer of Love: 1967. Eve's specialty was being able to take photographs in the midst of an unfolding event. She freelanced for The Observer, a small bay area newspaper. The simplest of press credentials get her past the first layer of security at many events and headquarters. Her wit, smarts, beauty, and bravado get her past most everything else.
Early photo spreads of women exercising for Pageant Magazine quickly gave way to assignments and spec articles on the San Francisco Hell's Angels, The Black Panthers, Janis Joplin, John Wayne, SF Mayor Joe Alioto, the 1968 SF State student strike, and the Democratic Convention and police riot in Chicago.
Here's to you, Eve. You've come a long way, baby. I'm glad we're related.
Photograph by Jerry Jaz
Last Updated ( Saturday, 29 May 2010 23:14 )
Nick Sands the Tuxedo Man
Written by Kay LaVergne Jaz
Tuesday, 18 May 2010 00:00
He's back!
With showbiz tales and crooner tunes, "Tuxedo Man" tells the story of the nightclub singer Nick Sands and his dreams, lost and found.
Performed and written by Zack Hoffman who has lent his acting skills and voice talents to stage, film, cartoons and commercials for over 30 years. He has been seen in Untraceable and Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, and played Zartan on GI Joe. As an improvisational actor, Zack has performed with Jet City Improv, and is a founding member of Taproot Theatre Improv, The L.A. Connection, and Public Nuisance.
You will laugh, cry, sing and gasp.
Doors open at 6pm for cocktails.
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 19 May 2010 16:48 )
Moo, Oink, Cluck... Jimmy Crack Corn... I Do Care
Written by Kay LaVergne Jaz
Sunday, 09 May 2010 00:00
Food: 10 billion animals are killed every year in the US for our consumption. The majority are on factory farms that sometimes are unsafe to our food system and inhumane.
Oh, yeah? The government has protections in place!
Blow your mind by watching the documentary FOOD, INC.
See what's going on now and what you can do to keep the food you eat, healthy.
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 12 May 2010 08:03 )
A Tribute to Mom
Written by Kay LaVergne Jaz
Thursday, 29 April 2010 00:00
I'm not the woman I was in my 20's. The distance from there gives me perspective. Before she died, I purposed to say my peace with forgiveness and reconciliation as my goal.
Here's to you, mom. For doing your best as a single mother making sure we always had Heinz ketchup, Best Foods Mayonnaise, a smile and ironed underwear.
Hazelle Elaine Olson Rothweiler Harding Frickey 1918-2007. I miss you.
Last Updated ( Sunday, 09 May 2010 21:17 )
Interview with Tina Fey
Written by Kay LaVergne Jaz
Friday, 16 April 2010 00:00
The influence of Del Close reaches far. Tina Fey remembers him in classes. "If you were ever cute as opposed to truthful he would ream you...".
Hmmm. Sounds familiar.
Gary Austin sat under Del and learned it well. Before founding LA's The Groundlings in 1972, Gary was a member of The Committee in San Fransisco. It was the late 60's. To this day it is a wonderful experience to be improvising with his eyes on you. His ability to see what needs to done when an improvisation unfolds is uncanny. Gary doesn't use the word comedy. He doesn't care about funny. He just cares about truth-telling onstage which captivates an audience.
All the while having fun. Of course.
Last Friday night we were treated to an evening of original songs and stories with Gary Austin. He will return in the summer with more tales and tunes.
Last week 
