"When one curtain closes, another one opens...."

The final performance of "The Liar" has wrapped today. Time to start rehearsing for Agatha Christie's "A Murder is Announced" tomorrow. This next show will be my third successive stage production this year. And by successive I mean, one show closes on a Sunday, and I start rehearsing the next one on Monday. Now that I would call busy! :)

Have a blessed new week all, and until next time,

Your happily blogging friend,

-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:54 PM  I   I  0 comments

"A Murder is Announced"

Tonight the news is official. I have been cast as Edmund Swettenham in the popular Agatha Christie stage production, "A Murder is Announced". The eighteen performances will be at Milwaukee's Sunset Playhouse, and run from October 21 - November 12, 2005.

This will be my third successive stage production this year.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:23 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Audition: Agatha Christie"

For years I've wanted to earn a part in an Agatha Christie stage production. For years the time was never right. Tonight, however, that time may have arrived. I auditioned for "A Murder is Announced" at one of Milwaukee's premier stage theatres, and was called back. Tomorrow I either earn a part, or I go home to await the next opportunity. We shall see....

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:33 PM  I   I  0 comments

"The Few, The Proud...."

Today is a notable day in the Baas family -- my younger brother, Ben, has joined the Marines. Today he reported to basic training in San Diego.

Now, not only do I have a sister serving as an Air Force officer down in Texas, but I also have a brother training for service on the front lines -- with the elite of our nation's armed forces. And you know what? I couldn't be prouder!

Here's to our brave men and women of the armed forces. Ben, Becca, and the thousands of you who defend the freedoms we all hold so dear... thank you for doing what you do.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 7:03 PM  I   I  0 comments

"The Liar Begins...."

Well, I think I can honestly say that this first weekend of performances for "The Liar" has gone very well. We, as a cast, have really come together, the show is witty and energetic, and the audiences have been quite receptive -- continually offering high praise. Not bad, considering my pre-performance concerns.

Opening night was also a great opportunity to bond with the cast -- at a local restaurant-- after the show. The food was excellent, and the company engaging (especially in regards to the theatre horror stories that were told!). I even discovered -- much to my surprise -- that one of my fellow cast members goes to the same Lutheran church as I do! How cool is that! I guess I'll just have to keep an eye open for her and her husband every Sunday, now, won't I? ... LOL.

That's one of the things I love so about theatre and acting -- the people you meet. You never know who you might end up working with. Some of my fellow cast mates I've worked with in the past; some I'll see again in the future. But, in one way or another, it's those bonds that make this thing called acting so enjoyable. And it's those bonds that make this career all the more worthwhile.

But, it's only been one weekend so far, so I really shouldn't offer a tearful summary just yet. With three stellar performances on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday behind us, it's time to look toward our closing weekend at the end of this week. We as a cast have Monday through Wednesday off -- which will be a nice break from the routine -- but then we're back for our final five shows starting Thursday. We close with a 3pm matinee on Sunday.

So, here's to a new week, a few days off, and a strong finish to wonderful theatrical run. If you haven't had the chance to see the show, and are still interested, feel free to drop me a line, or check out the theatre company's website for more details. Otherwise, have a blessed new week, stay tuned, and until next time....

Your happily blogging actor friend,
-Jon Baas
posted by Jon at 11:21 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Preview Performance"

Well, we had our preview performance for "The Liar" tonight and it went well. Not a very big audience, but I suppose that's to be expected on a Thursday. The thing to look forward to now, though, is a stellar opening night tomorrow. Here's hoping we can pull it off. Stay tuned, I'll tell you all about it! Until then....

Your happily blogging actor friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:37 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Katrina Photos"

For those of us not near the destroyed Gulf Goast, pictures tell us of the survivors, their rescuers, and the destruction left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The stories they tell are heart-wrenching. These Katrina photos, compiled by WWL-TV are no different.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:17 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Quote of the Day"

"Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:05 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Performance Space"

I was introduced to the theatre space in which we will be performing "The Liar" this evening. The theatre itself isn't bad, but the rest of the facility is a little weak. I guess that's to be expected, though. Concordia University no longer has either a major or a minor program in theatre, and the only real income for the department comes from the rental of the space by the company I'm performing "The Liar" with.

I even discovered that the theatre space here used to be the old gymnasium -- converted quite nicely of course. But backstage, the women's dressing room is a tiny old locker room, with the men's dressing room in the shower stall section (yes, we do dress INSIDE shower stalls!). The Greenroom was probably an old storage room, I didn't see any setshop facilities, and they just recently converted another small room into a make-up room.

Not quite the dedicated theatre spaces I've become used to lately.

But, other than the fact that the college itself is located well outside the city of Milwaukee -- and thus not all that favorable to attracting a city audience, and the fact that theatre seems to be an afterthought at this college, it is still nice to have a suitable stage to perform on. I suppose it fits with the minimalist theme of our 1700's play, but I shudder to think how efficient the facilities would be if anyone attempts to put on anything larger than a "high school" production.

But, critique aside, I am still excited about our present show. It should be an enjoyable one, and I am having fun with the interaction between our characters. Unfortunately, however, this may have to be my first and last performance with the Acacia Theatre Company -- at least for a while. Accessibility just isn't in my favor.

We'll have to see how well this show goes over, though. Here's hoping for a good run! If you do want to come out for the show, drop me an email and I'll send you the info. Otherwise, have a blessed new week, and until next time....

Your happily blogging actor friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:21 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Become"

Sculpting is the number one skill all stop-motion animators need to posess. Here's a little movie by Mack Productions that shows how it's done. It's magic.
posted by Jon at 9:35 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Long Weekend"

This is nice for a change... Today I had the day off from work AND rehearsal. So I spent it working on personal projects. I have rehearsal again on Monday -- despite the holiday -- but no work at the graphics company. In other words, I have a four day weekend from work, and a three day weekend from rehearsal. Not bad!

Of course, this is also the calm before the storm, because once Monday comes around, it's "Hell Week" for "The Liar". Long potentially stressful rehearsals to start the week, lots of necessary focus, a preview performance on Thursday, and then opening night on Friday. Plus work during the day. Yep. Loooooong week.

Here's hoping I can keep my sanity!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 8:21 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Don't ever grow old!"

Yep, tis that time of year again. School is back in session. Not for me, obviously, but for most of the youth in the area. While I was walking to work at the graphics company this morning, I smiled as I saw the kids outside for recess. I remember those days... getting up early in order to rush off to catch the bus. Spending my days among friends at school. Trying to hide my crush on a cute down-to-earth girl named Joy. Ah, yes. Grade school. Those were the days! :)

I may be an adult now, but seeing those kids at play every time I walk to work reminds me that growing older doesn't mean we have to give up the joy of playing, being young, or at least remembering the good times of our youth. Far too many people do these days.... And far too many people are unhappy as a result.

Youth is a blessing. We may lose the physical benefits over time, but the spirit never dies. Don't ever let it, because when you stop enjoying life... you stop living. And life, is the greatest blessing of all! Think young. Don't ever grow old!

Have a blessed Thursday, and until the morrow,

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 4:31 PM  I   I  0 comments