Audition: Verizon @ Ross Lacy

I've been into this office a number of times, but haven't had any hits yet. Again today, I felt I had a very strong audition and the role was a perfect fit. The Fall football tie-ins are beginning which is good news for me!

Audition: Cisco @ Megan Foley/Chuck Marra

Another new office for me. I think this was more of an in-house/demo project than a commercial. It was tough for the guy in the other role. Mine was mostly reactions to the zany things he was doing. My scene partner and I were the first ones up, which isn't ideal when the audition involves a lot of physicality like that. Over the course of the day, the CD's get a better idea of how to set up the wacky stuff within the confines of the audition.

I had two workshops last week. One is a three-weeker with Christal Karge of Liberman/Patton casting, and the other was just a one-time thing with Will Stewart of Linda Lowy Casting. Both went great.

Seattle

We spent last weekend in Washington for the reunion and had a lot of fun. It was also exhausting and HOT. Apparently, the area was experiencing a bit of an unusual heat wave with temperatures in the 100's for the wine country area where the reunion actually took place. Last Wednesday, we flew into Seattle where my friend picked us up from the airport. The Seattle skyline is beautiful at night, and the view of Mt. Rainier on the flight in was also amazing. We stayed with him and his wife at their place in Everett before picking up Corrin's brother and grandma for the drive down to Yakima on Thursday. Since we had no set time to arrive, we took the scenic route through the national forest near Mt. Rainier. The drive was fantastic. Along the way, we saw a sign in Auburn, WA which read, "If it goes up or blows up, it's illegal in Auburn." Within a mile or so of this sign, we must've left Auburn, because we drove by a huge cluster of fireworks stalls scattered around a large lot. The lot itself was absolutely covered with debris from spent fireworks. Apparently when the hunger to light up the sky overwhelms them, the Auburnites can simply walk next door and Roman candle, crackle, shell, and rocket to their hearts content.

We stopped off in the park at a picturesque stream with views of Rainier, the forest and valley below, and a little snow right there by the road. The closer we got to our destination, the more signs popped up advertising FRUIT! of all kinds, various ciders, shakes and delights, and then, my personal favorite, Walla Walla Sweet Onions. I don't appreciate the onions themselves, but I like to read signs exactly as they are written. Somehow, this one came out with a bit of a robotic voice and the result was a funny bit that lasts and lasts. From Walla Walla Sweet Onions, I branched out into Walla Walla anything. One other favorite sign "Fruit Antiques". Maybe you had to be there.

On Friday, we took a leisurely float down the Yakima River with Corrin's parents and bro. The outfitter who rented us the raft had zero sense of humor, sarcasm or wit. She probably thought we were jerks or insane city-folk. That night, the reunion started with a dinner and showings of old home movies and photos. Saturday was a wine-tasting tour. Overall, I was unimpressed by the offerings of Washington wine. There were decent options at Bonair (very entertaining owner), Silver Lake and Sagelands (the best overall experience of the bunch and the site of our brunch on Sunday). The reunion ended Sunday, and we drove back to Everett to have dinner with our friends. We spent the night in Seattle and headed back to Burbank early Monday morning, then went straight to work.

Stay tuned

Acting-wise, not much has transpired in the last couple of weeks. I participated in a workshop with casting director Scott David. Due to some administrative issues, I didn't find out I was "in" until that morning while I was working. As a result, I didn't have a chance to work on the sides until just before the workshop started. Neither of the character choices really fit me, but I picked the scene with a cop since that's something I could definitely play on "Criminal Minds". The performance went well. He redirected me and complimented me on my versatility in taking the adjustment. You never know when the workshops will pay off. It could be a while before you get called, but I feel good about the work I've done in these so far.

Corrin and I went to see "Wicked" for her birthday. It was a good show. The witches in particular were excellent performers. The show itself didn't have as many memorable songs, and some of the tie-ins to "The Wizard of Oz" didn't make sense. We had dinner beforehand at The Smokehouse in Burbank. It had an old Hollywood flavor and the food was tasty too. Overall, it was a great night out. We leave for Seattle in a couple of days for a family reunion (Corrin's side). I've never been to Washington state, so I'm looking forward to it.