From the Inside Out

Tonight we filmed the video sketches for Saturday Night Life. We managed to get all of the shots we needed, and I’m really happy with the footage we captured. It was a productive evening — oh, and we managed to have a bit of fun too.

Now it’s on to the editing stage where Chad will work his magic, creating a Director’s cut for us to review. Expectations are high since last year’s show was so well received. I think we’re up for the challenge though — no fear!

The opening cast video will be similar to the one we did last year. It was shot “SNL style” with the camera moving quickly through the church until it locates cast members who happen

to be doing a few funny, and dare I say “uncharacteristic”, things along the way. I think we’ll have some genuine laugh out loud moments during that one, but I can’t give anything away so you’ll just have to wait for the show to see what I’m talking about.

I can tell you that we are bringing back Newt McNewsy, our roaming news reporter, for a couple of special interviews. Newt always seems to find the most interesting people, and he will travel anywhere, anytime to “bring the news to you.”

The Roxbury guys are also back — and this time they have a new friend. We captured some really funny stuff with these guys. And Chris, the “new guy”, was a good sport even when he was forced into dark, hot and cramped quarters that most people would complain about. It’s so nice to work with such a good natured group of actors. That makes my life SO much easier.

A few of our costumes for the live sketches came in today, so we also had a quick impromptu fitting. More pics are below…enjoy and don’t forget to mark your calendars for the live show on October 3 and 4 at 7:30 pm. It’s going to be great!

Saturday Night Life is off to a running start!

We held auditions tonight. It was a closed casting call since we didn’t have a huge number of parts to cast. Also, we have an abbreviated rehearsal schedule this time so we felt it was important to cast skilled actors who can develop characters quickly with minimal supervision.

Most of our main drama players from Pirates are returning. We have a great group of talented people so not only will it be a fabulous production, it will also be lots of fun!

I’ll be reprising my role as Arianna (the cheerleader) and the Weekend Update news anchor. I’ll also be involved in a couple of new sketches. Rehearsals start next week so here we go…again.

“I love acting. It is so much more real than life.” Oscar Wilde

The cast and crew from Pirates of Patmos reconvened tonight for one last event, the cast party. Now that it’s over, we can officially close the door on Pirates. It was a fun ride and part of me will miss it, but I have some great memories that will follow me forever.

One of the great things about our cast parties is that we hold a special advance screening of the DVD. It allows us to re-live some of our most enjoyable moments from the play, and it’s the first time that the actors get to see their performances. Watching the DVD with the cast is lots of fun, but there’s a bit of humiliation mingled in there too as we poke fun at ourselves. I especially liked the fact that Amy said it was the only time she saw me act girly. I’m still not sure if that’s a compliment or an insult. The “non-girly” side of me is taking it as a compliment.

Now that the final act is over, we can focus completely on the next show, Saturday Night Life. The creative team has been writing for a few weeks now. We have our final list of sketches in place (although a couple are still pending approval…gotta make sure they aren’t too controversial). Casting requirements are almost complete, and auditions will be held next Monday night. Rehearsals begin the first week of August.

I’m sad to see Pirates go, but I’m already looking forward to SNL. We’ve got a great line-up of sketches, and it’s going to be a blast. I can’t wait!