The Rain Cloud of 2010

As I look back on 2010, I am reminded of the many challenges, heartbreak, and loss that has followed me through the year. I hope to leave behind the pain and disappointment of 2010 in order to better myself in the coming New Year.

I suppose 2010 began as an ordinary year for me, working at an ordinary day job, living in an ordinary apartment with an ordinary roommate in an ordinary town. I thought 2010 would be a year of change for me – A year to develop into something greater then my former self – A year to validate my life choices.

2010 began with the building blocks of success. I booked a magical play in early months of 2010. The play, though simple and light-hearted in nature, taught me a lot about myself. During the rehearsal process I took a trip to Detroit, Michigan, to make my first attempt at booking the graduate school of my choice. Perhaps this was the beginning of the end of 2010 – A graduate school rejection that cost me my confidence as an actor.

In 2010 I lost myself. I lost my ability to believe in my craft. Failed audition after failed audition made be question the validity of my talent. A family health scare jolted me awake to the mortality of those closest to me. I lost my best friend and though we are beginning to reconcile it will never be the same. I lost my apartment, which it turns out wasn’t as ordinary as I thought, but seems quite beautiful to me now that it is gone. I lost my cousin to a sudden heart attack. I lost 2 fellow actors to sudden illness. A long-time friend of mine went off his rocker and committed a heinous crime (which is like death since he is no longer the person I had grown to “know”). I lost the prospect of graduate school last summer. I lost my general sense of happiness.

But I also look back on 2010 and see all my blessings. I was blessed to work on Almost, Maine at the WTC. I was blessed to work on Edward II at Theatre Out, a show on which I made several strong friendships. I was blessed to direct “A Bridge to Something” as part of BRIEFS: A Festival of Short Plays at Theatre Out. I was blessed to find a new apartment that I could afford on my own. I am blessed to have a stable career to support my theatre antics. I am blessed to have my mother and my father in my life to love and support me. Yes, as it turns out, I am blessed in so many ways.

As I stand on the threshold of 2011, I commit myself to seeing the potential in everything I do. I commit myself to keeping the faith. I hope to make 2011 a year of positive change. I look forward to opening myself to new possibilities, to breaking away from routine, to obtaining a great wealth of knowledge. I pray that the universe will allow me to reach my full potential. 2011 will be my year of empowerment!

Killjoy closes with the playwright by its side

This afternoon marked the closing performance of Killjoy at the Newport Theatre Arts Center. After a 5 week run I am ready to bid farewell to the murder and mayhem.

I am happy to boast that we entertained the playwright himself, Jerry Mayer and his lovely wife Emily. “You guys did a great job,” he said as we greeting him at the stage door. As a former television writer-turned playwright – Mr. Mayer wrote for such shows as M*A*S*H, The Facts of Life, and Bewitched.

I found Jerry to be a jovial and kind-hearted man. He joked that many of the lines in the show were actually things he had said in conversation – using his own phrases such as “I want to live as long as my taste buds are working,” as dialog.

His wife and producer, Emily stood by with an elegant amusement as we discussed the show. It was truly an honor to perform Killjoy for the Mayers.

As I take a brief break for the holiday season, I look forward to a new year of theatre projects. Let’s make 2011 a year to remember!

[From Lef to Right: Mark Kaufman, Alex DesCombes, Jamie Sowers, Andrea Pacquin, Andrea LaVela, Jerry Mayer, Emily Mayer, Brian Page]

In Memory of Jerad Callen

I saddened to learn of the sudden death of friend and fellow actor, Jerad Callen. I hear that he passed away in bed of pancreatitis on Monday morning December 6th, 2010. As an active member of the Orange County/ Los Angeles theatre community and a kind hearted gentleman, Jerad will be deeply missed.

I first met Jerad in the Fall of 2007 at the La Habra Depot theatre, where a mutual friend was directing a production of Rehearsal for Murder. Jerad played the lead, Alex Dennison, a playwright and self-proclaimed detective investigating the mysterious death of his fiancé, Monica Welles. I played Monica in a series of flashbacks. While Jerad and I had some conflicting ideas regarding our approach to the work, it was clear to me that his dedication was immeasurable and his work soulful in nature. He lived and breathed the theatre. He was a quirky character in his real life drama. One that had a fascination for nickels (known as the Nickel King to his family and close friends), enjoyed a stiff drink and a smoke after the show, boasted a plethora of pop culture knowledge and almost always had a joke to tell and a smile on his face.

When we opened Rehearsal for Murder in January of 2008, it was clear to anyone watching that Jerad was a veteran of the stage. He had appeared in over 30 productions including the part of Billy in Behold a Pale Bronco for which he was given an acting award by the American Association of Community Theaters. Jared’s family also had a long history in Fullerton, California, where his grandparents purchased their first home in 1947 on Fern Drive.

When Rehearsal for Murder closed, we urged our director to start a new project in which we could all be involved. It was our vision that he should direct Hamilton Deane’s adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Drucula. Jerad had coveted the role of R.M. Renfield – and we could think of no one else more fitted to play the role. Unfortunately we never had the opportunity to work together again.

My deepest condolences to Jerad’s family and close friends – I only had a glimpse into his short life, but I know he will be missed.

(Jerad Callen and Jamie Sowers in Rehearsal for Murder presented at the La Habra Depot)

Celebrate Jerad Memorial:
Monday December 13, 2010 at 1:00 p.m.
Craigs Regional Park, 3300 State College Blvd, Fullerton Ca.

Follow the signs to the Lake - Sports fields. We will be in Shelter 13 on a point overlooking the lake. Sandwich makings and beverages will be available.

This will not be a structure formal service. Come ...whenever you can and stay as long as you like. Come prepared with stories, songs, skits or whatever you wish to share memories, tears, and laughter. Let's CELEBRATE having had Jerad in our lives.