Showing posts with label casting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label casting. Show all posts
Friday, April 1, 2016
Oedipus | Antigone Casting!
I am excited to be invited to perform as a guest artist in the resident company production of Oedipus | Antigone at Archway Studio/Theatre.
I am reuniting with producing artistic director Steven Sabel for this
special adaptation of Sophocles' works. We previously worked together on
2 back-to-back season at the Redlands Shakespeare Festival, where I
play such roles as Viola (Twelfth Night), Arial (The Tempest), and Isabella (Measure for Measure).
I will be playing the Priestess (traditionally the Priest of Zeus) as
well as a central part of the Chorus. I am thrilled to be brushing up on
my Greek tragedy and dive into this classical text.
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Raised in Captivity Casting!
I am happy to announce that my first play of the new year will be Raised in Captivity at STAGEStheatre.
I will be playing the mordantly witty and scathing Bernadette Dixon in
this black comedy about guilt, self-punishment, and redemption. I am
excited to dive into this dysfunctional, warped, and insanely funny
family. I welcome this new challenge with open arms. What a great start
to 2016!
Friday, September 18, 2015
PLAY READING: Unrelenting Relaxation (as part of "Forgotten Faces: The Comfort Women of World War II")
The Fullerton Museum is proud to present the exhibit, “Forgotten Faces:
The Comfort Women of World War II,” starting September 5 through
November 1, 2015.
As part of the exhibition, I have been cast in a play reading of Unrelenting Relation, written and directed by Amanda DeMaio. In conjunction with STAGEStheatre, the Fullerton Museum Center will provide a one-time-only reading in the museum gallery on September 26th. Please visit my Events or the City of Fullerton Website for more details.
The subject matter of this project is very difficult, but it is important to give attention to the imaginable struggles of these women, forced into sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Army. I am honored to be a part of this project a give a voice to these women.
Play Reading: Unrelenting Relation ( as part of "Forgotten Faces: The Comfort Women of World War II")
Featuring Jamie Sowers as Jill in Unrelenting Relaxation!
Written & Directed by Amanda Tischer DeMaio
About:
Unrelenting Relaxation tells a brutally bold story of four European women who avoided the fate of a concentration camp only to be forced into prostitution and made to service military personnel under the Japanese regime during World War II. Produced through special arrangements with STAGEStheatre and Original Works Publishing. Please note there is adult content.
"...the most graceful and compelling anti-war piece I've ever seen" -- OC Weekly"
Where:
Fullerton Museum Gallery
301 N Pomona Ave.
Fullerton, CA 92832
When:
September 26, 2015 @ 7pm
Tickets:
$12 General Admission
$10 for Museum MembersFor more information on the exhibit, please call the Fullerton Museum Center at (714) 738-3331.
As part of the exhibition, I have been cast in a play reading of Unrelenting Relation, written and directed by Amanda DeMaio. In conjunction with STAGEStheatre, the Fullerton Museum Center will provide a one-time-only reading in the museum gallery on September 26th. Please visit my Events or the City of Fullerton Website for more details.
The subject matter of this project is very difficult, but it is important to give attention to the imaginable struggles of these women, forced into sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Army. I am honored to be a part of this project a give a voice to these women.
Play Reading: Unrelenting Relation ( as part of "Forgotten Faces: The Comfort Women of World War II")
Featuring Jamie Sowers as Jill in Unrelenting Relaxation!
Written & Directed by Amanda Tischer DeMaio
About:
Unrelenting Relaxation tells a brutally bold story of four European women who avoided the fate of a concentration camp only to be forced into prostitution and made to service military personnel under the Japanese regime during World War II. Produced through special arrangements with STAGEStheatre and Original Works Publishing. Please note there is adult content.
"...the most graceful and compelling anti-war piece I've ever seen" -- OC Weekly"
Where:
Fullerton Museum Gallery
301 N Pomona Ave.
Fullerton, CA 92832
When:
September 26, 2015 @ 7pm
Tickets:
$12 General Admission
$10 for Museum MembersFor more information on the exhibit, please call the Fullerton Museum Center at (714) 738-3331.
Friday, August 7, 2015
The 39 Steps Casting!
I have been cast in The 39 Steps, a hilarious slap-stick comedy
and whodunit thriller where 4 actors play dozens of roles. I am happy
to be back at Stages Theatre for this award winning play. I will be
portraying Annabella Schmidt (an exotic secret agent), Margaret (a mousy
farmer's wife with big dreams), and Pamela (a beautiful woman
unwillingly drawn into adventure by the dapper leading man). I am
excited to work with director Jill Johnson for the first time and meet
the cast next week at our first read-through. I can't wait to get
started!
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Together at Last!
Last night the entire cast of Murder on the Nile were
together at last! We have been slowly piecing together the show in
segments and out of order for the last 3 weeks. It feels a lot like
working on a film. It feels good to finally have everyone in the same
room at the same time. Thursday, November 13, 2014
Murder on the Nile Casting!
Saturday, November 1, 2014
"Spies Like Me" / DISCOVERIES: The Art of Being Someone Else Casting!
I was invited back to perform for the Orange County Playwrights Alliance!
On November 15th @ 2:30pm, we will present 3 new one-act plays written
by local playwrights. Stage Door Repertory will be hosting the event. I
have been asked to read the part of a European spy in the new comedy Spies Like Me
by John Lane. Director Philip Brickey will be taking the reins again
for this fantastical comedy. I can't wait to step into the world of
international espionage.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
The Lion in Winter Casting!
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
ACTORS, SAY YES TO EVERYTHING! (Bedroom Farce Casting)
Everything happens for a reason. When one door closes, another door
opens, and sometimes doors reopen when least expected. I will be taking
over the role of Kate in Bedroom Farce by Alan Ayckbourn at STAGEStheatre.
I have already been thrown into my first rehearsal and stumbled through
the blocking of the entire show. I have a lot of work to do before we
open in less than 4 weeks, but I am confident that it will all come
together. I can't wait to meet the entire cast tomorrow.
This turn of luck has made me realize how many times I have been fortunate enough to step into roles that I was not originally cast in. Well, I shouldn't call it luck or fortune really.... More like hard work and dedication.
I was 12 years old when I first started acting. I remember walking into the rehearsal space as a member of the ensemble in a youth production of Annie and feeling very small. The first words out the director's mouth were, "There are no small parts, only small actors. Each and every one of you is vital to this show." I took this to heart and I poured all of my efforts into Maid #1 ("Blue is her best color, no green I think!") and Ira (they cut all but two lines before rehearsals began). Ever since then I believed that the ensemble was just as important as the leads - and I still do.
When I was in high school I got high praise for my ensemble work from my teachers. I had given up on singing lessons by then and wanted to be considered a serious actress. I wanted to play William Shakespeare, Samuel Beckett, Sophocles, Arthur Miller, George Bernard Shaw, etc. When it came to the spring musical I had trouble getting cast as a lead. Although I had musical theatre experience, the choir students who lived and breathed music always seemed to outshine me in the audition room. However, directors were all to happy to cast me in the ensemble. I would pick up bit parts and one-liners along the way - creating a backstory for my "character". I remember vividly standing in a crowd scene, rehearsing for The Mystery of Edwin Drood. We were practicing moving in and out of the scene, repeating it over and over again. Finally the choreographer/assistant director stopped us. "You all look bored up there. You have no expressions on your faces and you are standing like statues," she said. This was followed by eye-rolls and sighs from the two dozen exhausted teenagers standing on stage. "Why can't you be more like Jamie? She is the only one in the moment. I can't take my eyes off of her." I remained serious even though I was smiling inside.
In my last year of college I had a big audition for The Redlands Shakespeare Festival. They were doing three show in repertory: Twelfth Night, Macbeth, and Antony and Cleopatra. I had never taken on a project that demanding before, but I knew what I wanted - Viola. I wanted Viola so bad I could taste it. I went into the audition prepared and confident. I rocked it in there! Then I got the call - "We have cast you as Olivia in Twelfth Night, Witch #3 in Macbeth, and ensemble in A&C." My heart sank for only a brief moment. Then I thought to myself, this is the biggest project you have ever taken on! Three shows in eight weeks of rehearsal! Maybe this is what you need. Maybe this is all you are ready for. So I said, "Yes." I fell in love with Olivia at the first read-through. I thought about her every moment of every day - for two days. Then I got the call: "Jamie, we had to let go of our Viola. There were too many scheduling conflicts. Would you be willing to step up into that role?" And I said, "YES!". But that is not where the story ends. Did you know that Witch #3 has all the best lines? Well, she does. In my opinion, Witch #3 is the best witch of them all. And then something wonderful happened with Antony and Cleopatra too! I was simply member of the ensemble, a woman foot-soldier awkwardly dressed as a man. Slowly the other foot-soldiers got too big for their britches. They didn't want to make the 1-2 commute to Redlands for a handful of lines. Three ensemble members dropped the show in a matter of days. So I started picking those up too. I was given the roles of Diomedes and every single messenger line in the play. I showed up the next day with my parts memorized. I got to be beaten by Cleopatra, learned fight choreography, and gingerly help carry Antony down a flight of stairs during the final moments of the play. I hardly left the stage. It was the best summer of my life. The following year, the director of Antony and Cleopatra cast me as the lead in Measure for Measure - the greatest role I have every played.
Now I am about to play a role in Bedroom Farce that I was not originally cast in. I was considered second best at the audition, but I am going to prove that everything happens for a reason. I am going to prove that I am the right choice after-all. All I had to do was say, YES.
This turn of luck has made me realize how many times I have been fortunate enough to step into roles that I was not originally cast in. Well, I shouldn't call it luck or fortune really.... More like hard work and dedication.
WHY YOU SHOULD YES TO EVERYTHING!
I was 12 years old when I first started acting. I remember walking into the rehearsal space as a member of the ensemble in a youth production of Annie and feeling very small. The first words out the director's mouth were, "There are no small parts, only small actors. Each and every one of you is vital to this show." I took this to heart and I poured all of my efforts into Maid #1 ("Blue is her best color, no green I think!") and Ira (they cut all but two lines before rehearsals began). Ever since then I believed that the ensemble was just as important as the leads - and I still do.
When I was in high school I got high praise for my ensemble work from my teachers. I had given up on singing lessons by then and wanted to be considered a serious actress. I wanted to play William Shakespeare, Samuel Beckett, Sophocles, Arthur Miller, George Bernard Shaw, etc. When it came to the spring musical I had trouble getting cast as a lead. Although I had musical theatre experience, the choir students who lived and breathed music always seemed to outshine me in the audition room. However, directors were all to happy to cast me in the ensemble. I would pick up bit parts and one-liners along the way - creating a backstory for my "character". I remember vividly standing in a crowd scene, rehearsing for The Mystery of Edwin Drood. We were practicing moving in and out of the scene, repeating it over and over again. Finally the choreographer/assistant director stopped us. "You all look bored up there. You have no expressions on your faces and you are standing like statues," she said. This was followed by eye-rolls and sighs from the two dozen exhausted teenagers standing on stage. "Why can't you be more like Jamie? She is the only one in the moment. I can't take my eyes off of her." I remained serious even though I was smiling inside.
In my last year of college I had a big audition for The Redlands Shakespeare Festival. They were doing three show in repertory: Twelfth Night, Macbeth, and Antony and Cleopatra. I had never taken on a project that demanding before, but I knew what I wanted - Viola. I wanted Viola so bad I could taste it. I went into the audition prepared and confident. I rocked it in there! Then I got the call - "We have cast you as Olivia in Twelfth Night, Witch #3 in Macbeth, and ensemble in A&C." My heart sank for only a brief moment. Then I thought to myself, this is the biggest project you have ever taken on! Three shows in eight weeks of rehearsal! Maybe this is what you need. Maybe this is all you are ready for. So I said, "Yes." I fell in love with Olivia at the first read-through. I thought about her every moment of every day - for two days. Then I got the call: "Jamie, we had to let go of our Viola. There were too many scheduling conflicts. Would you be willing to step up into that role?" And I said, "YES!". But that is not where the story ends. Did you know that Witch #3 has all the best lines? Well, she does. In my opinion, Witch #3 is the best witch of them all. And then something wonderful happened with Antony and Cleopatra too! I was simply member of the ensemble, a woman foot-soldier awkwardly dressed as a man. Slowly the other foot-soldiers got too big for their britches. They didn't want to make the 1-2 commute to Redlands for a handful of lines. Three ensemble members dropped the show in a matter of days. So I started picking those up too. I was given the roles of Diomedes and every single messenger line in the play. I showed up the next day with my parts memorized. I got to be beaten by Cleopatra, learned fight choreography, and gingerly help carry Antony down a flight of stairs during the final moments of the play. I hardly left the stage. It was the best summer of my life. The following year, the director of Antony and Cleopatra cast me as the lead in Measure for Measure - the greatest role I have every played.
Now I am about to play a role in Bedroom Farce that I was not originally cast in. I was considered second best at the audition, but I am going to prove that everything happens for a reason. I am going to prove that I am the right choice after-all. All I had to do was say, YES.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Americana Casting!
Well, it has been a while since I have been in a play written in the 21st century: 2 years to be exact. And after playing in Hamlet and Romeo & Juliet, it feels like an eternity since I have been in a comedy.
Today both these cycles have been broken. I have been cast in Americana, a series of 3 one-act plays written by David Macaray. I will be playing Sandra Larson, a hoarding consumerist, in “No Salesman Will Call”. This will be my first time working at the fabulous Stages Theatre in downtown Fullerton, CA and my third time working with director Phil Brickey. As Phil said earlier today, “It has been too long.”
The last time I worked with Phil was on a play reading of Transfigured Night, where I played the wife of the great composer Anton Webern. I think we have both grown as artists since then and I can't wait to get reacquainted with his work. Also joining the cast is Tracy C. Marquis, who played Webern in that production, and KC Marie Pandell, whom I trained with at FUHS and Chapman University. I am looking forward to meeting the rest of the cast for the first time on Tuesday.
Here's to a new adventure!
Today both these cycles have been broken. I have been cast in Americana, a series of 3 one-act plays written by David Macaray. I will be playing Sandra Larson, a hoarding consumerist, in “No Salesman Will Call”. This will be my first time working at the fabulous Stages Theatre in downtown Fullerton, CA and my third time working with director Phil Brickey. As Phil said earlier today, “It has been too long.”
The last time I worked with Phil was on a play reading of Transfigured Night, where I played the wife of the great composer Anton Webern. I think we have both grown as artists since then and I can't wait to get reacquainted with his work. Also joining the cast is Tracy C. Marquis, who played Webern in that production, and KC Marie Pandell, whom I trained with at FUHS and Chapman University. I am looking forward to meeting the rest of the cast for the first time on Tuesday.
Here's to a new adventure!
Monday, April 22, 2013
Romeo and Juliet Opening / Closing!
It is not often that I blog about the opening and closing of a show simultaneously, but with only two performances of Santa Fe Springs Playhouse’s production of Romeo & Juliet
it seems necessary. I am grateful for the opportunity to bring
Shakespeare to the community of Santa Fe Springs and perform the
beautiful venue of Heritage Park. I dedicated a lot of time and effort
into playing Mercutio, yet it feels as though I hardly know him.
This production has provided an incredible learning experience for me,
challenging my skills and bringing me out of my comfort zone. Who knew
that the straight-laced, feminine, little ol’ me would play a
pot-smoking version of one of Shakespeare’s greatest homoerotic male
characters? It was a challenge I was willing to face. I hope that during
this process I achieved the openness and relaxed portrayal of wit,
courage, loyalty, and intrigue that I see in Mercutio. With such a short
run, it is hard to say that I reached my full potential in this coveted
role, but I can say I had a great time playing with my cast-mates. Love
and Peace.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Romeo and Juliet Casting!
I am proud to announce that I will be reuniting with director Kaitlyn
Tice for another Shakespeare classic. Get ready for more bawdy jokes!
This little lady is putting her man pants back on to play Mercutio in Romeo & Juliet at the Santa Fe Springs Playhouse. There will be 2 performances only, with an option to relocate the production to the La Habra Depot for additional performances.
The first read-through is tonight. I am looking forward to beginning this journey. Let's get Queen Mab's chariot on the road! Zounds the Montague and Capulet groupies! - It's TEAM MERCUTIO all the way!
The first read-through is tonight. I am looking forward to beginning this journey. Let's get Queen Mab's chariot on the road! Zounds the Montague and Capulet groupies! - It's TEAM MERCUTIO all the way!
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Hamlet Casting! & Welcome Home!
Today I mark two mile stones; First, my return from England and my return to my blog. Second, a casting announcement.
This is my first blog post since my return to California after spending a beautiful year in England completing my MA at Birmingham University's Shakespeare Institute (To read about my travels please visit Shakespeare4Me). My hope is to return to this blog to post news about my theatre journeys, reviews, and anything else that inspires me.
Next I would like to announce my latest theatre project. I just booked my first role since my return to California. I have been cast as Gertrude in Hamlet at the La Habra Depot. Now I know what you are thinking: are you even old enough to play Gertrude? To this I reply: age is only a number. I am very excited to begin this project with some Chapman University Alums and some new faces as well. The talented Rudolph Niemann is playing the title role, Timothy Roscoe if playing opposite me as Claudius, and Kaitlyn Tice is directing. Who could ask for more? A talented cast and director, along with the words of William Shakespeare! I am truly blessed.
This is my first blog post since my return to California after spending a beautiful year in England completing my MA at Birmingham University's Shakespeare Institute (To read about my travels please visit Shakespeare4Me). My hope is to return to this blog to post news about my theatre journeys, reviews, and anything else that inspires me.
Next I would like to announce my latest theatre project. I just booked my first role since my return to California. I have been cast as Gertrude in Hamlet at the La Habra Depot. Now I know what you are thinking: are you even old enough to play Gertrude? To this I reply: age is only a number. I am very excited to begin this project with some Chapman University Alums and some new faces as well. The talented Rudolph Niemann is playing the title role, Timothy Roscoe if playing opposite me as Claudius, and Kaitlyn Tice is directing. Who could ask for more? A talented cast and director, along with the words of William Shakespeare! I am truly blessed.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Hit Man Casting!
I am proud to announce my second project with Write Act Repertory! I have been cast as Shelly, the sexy blonde bimbo in the new origional short play Hit Man by local playwright Bonnie Hallman. Once again, I will be working with director Michael Eiden.
I just finished my first reading of the script, a dark fast-moving comedy about a hitman, an affair and a murder. The show opens August 12th as part of a 5 play series. Let the crime begin!
I just finished my first reading of the script, a dark fast-moving comedy about a hitman, an affair and a murder. The show opens August 12th as part of a 5 play series. Let the crime begin!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Transfigured Night Casting!
I will officially be playing Wilhelmine (Minna) Webern in a staged reading of the new play Transfigured Night by Todd Rew. Blue Moon Theatre Company will host this event on June 4th at 2:00 PM. I am privileged to be included in the very first stage reading and to reunite with director Phil Brickey. Until our first meeting as a cast, it is time to listen to some surrealist music and invest in an Austrian/German pronunciation dictionary.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Chili Con Carnage Casting!
I am pleased to announce that I have been cast in a short play called Chili Con Carnage by Ann Gibbs at Write Act Repertory. I am reuniting with director Michael Eiden after being selected as 1 or 4 actors playing 19 love-struck characters in his WCT production of Almost, Maine last year.
In Chili Con Carnage, I will be playing RickiJean, a young woman who lives in a run down cabin west of Big Cabin, Oklahoma, who supports herself by selling questionably made chili to the local Black Cat Tavern. I just finished my first read of the script and I am truly excited to dive into this project head first!
So, keep your eyes and ears open! More information about this project is COMING SOON!
In Chili Con Carnage, I will be playing RickiJean, a young woman who lives in a run down cabin west of Big Cabin, Oklahoma, who supports herself by selling questionably made chili to the local Black Cat Tavern. I just finished my first read of the script and I am truly excited to dive into this project head first!
So, keep your eyes and ears open! More information about this project is COMING SOON!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Killjoy Casting!
I am pleased to announce that I will be playing Vicki in Newport Theatre Arts Center’s upcoming production of Killjoy by Jerry Mayer.
The audition process for this production was quite unusual. I originally responded to a casting call for Room Service, by John Murray. But as luck would have it Room Service was canceled abruptly and I was left with nothing on my schedule. I just got the call yesterday, that NTAC decided to replace their production of Room Service with Killjoy and before I knew it I received the role of Vicki.
Our first read-through is tomorrow, so I have very little time to prep for the role. I do not even think I will make it out to Samuel French in time to procure a copy before our table read. I can’t wait to get the ball rolling on this production!
The audition process for this production was quite unusual. I originally responded to a casting call for Room Service, by John Murray. But as luck would have it Room Service was canceled abruptly and I was left with nothing on my schedule. I just got the call yesterday, that NTAC decided to replace their production of Room Service with Killjoy and before I knew it I received the role of Vicki.
Our first read-through is tomorrow, so I have very little time to prep for the role. I do not even think I will make it out to Samuel French in time to procure a copy before our table read. I can’t wait to get the ball rolling on this production!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Edward II Casting!
On Saturday I attended an audition for Edward II at The Empire Theatre in Santa Ana. Sunday I was blessed with a callback, and to start my Monday morning off right, I received notice that I have been cast as Margaret. The joyfully pleasant Darcy Hogan called me Monday morning to announce my inclusion in Theatre Out’s adapted production of one of Marlowe’s greatest. In addition to playing the emotionally tragic role of Margaret, I will also be playing the messenger! I think the juxtaposition of these roles provide a worthy challenge for any actor. I am excited to begin this journey with this liberating theatre company. This play marks one year of back-to-back productions on my resume! We have our first read-thru this weekend. I am excited to meet the cast, make new friends and work on this fabulous piece of theatre!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Almost Maine Casting!
Yesterday evening I got news that I have been cast in Almost, Maine at the Whittier Center Theatre! I do not know which scenes I will be playing yet, but I am thrilled. I am excited to meet the other three cast members. I have a good feeling that this small cast will be a tight knit group, full of ambition and knowledge. We are being led by director Michael Eiden into the fictional town of Almost, Maine. Today at 7:30 PM we begin our travels!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
The Lutz Radio Hour Casting!
I have been cast in The Lutz Radio Hour at the Long Beach Playhouse! Last night I had the privilege of auditioning for Andrew Vonderschmitt, the artistic director of the LBPH. This show marks the beginning of a Christmas tradition he hopes to activate, bringing a holiday show to LBPH audiences every year. Not only will I be a part of this new, exciting tradition, but I will also appear in back to back productions in the main stage theatre. I start rehearsals during my run as “Wanda” in Enter Laughing. We have a very short time to rehearse this sketch-like comedy Christmas show of 1947. I am eager to begin the process.
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