Desdemona Casting!

I feel truly blessed to return to STAGEStheatre, which has become like a second home for me, for the second time this year. I am pleased to announce that I will be playing Desdemona in Paula Vogel's Desdemona: A Play About A Handkerchief at STAGEStheatre. I am thrilled to reunite with director Jill Johnson (The 39 Steps) for this comedic re-imagining of Shakespeare's Othello. This will also be a reunion for the Americana girls, as I will be playing alongside Amy Lauren Gettys and KC Marie Pandell. Please join me Oct. 8th - Nov. 5th, Saturdays & Sundays @ 5pm, for what I know will be a spectacular show! For more info. please visit my Events or stagesoc.org.

A Hill Too High Opening/Closing!

It is with great gratitude that I thank the team of Near Life Experiences. We had  a great run! The critics are called us "electric" and "compelling" (NoHoArtsDistrict.com), an "energetic collection" with a "wealth of talent" (Tolucan Times) - and I couldn't be more proud of the work we put on stage in such a short time. Special thanks to Susan C. Hunter (producer/playwright), Michael Eiden (producer/director), Jonathan Harrison (associate producer/SM), John Lant (executive producer), and my tremendous co-star in "A Hill Too High" Carla Valentine. The journey of bringing these original one-act plays to the stage in conjunction with Write Act Repertory and the mighty women playwrights of Los Angeles has been one to remember. This production marks my return to Write Act Rep after a five year hiatus, and what a return it has proved to be! I can't wait to get back on stage with this talented group in the future.

A Hill Too High Casting!

I'm happy to announce that I am once again working with director Michael Eiden and Write Act Repertory/LA. After a five year hiatus I'm back with one of my favorite directors and an old familiar family of artists. Award winning Write Act Repertory has recently taken up residence at The BrickHouse Theatre in the heart NoHo - and the timing couldn't be better!

This time around I am taking on the role of a distraught mother in A Hill Too High, written by Susan C. Hunter. This piece will be part of a one-act play festival entitled Near Life Experiences. I can't wait to get started!

Oedipus | Antigone Closing!

Tonight we said goodbye to ancient Greece. The reviews and feedback from the show have been fantastic. It has been great to work with a new group of artists dedicated to the classics. Although I have enjoyed the challenge and the process, I must say that I am ready to leave Oedipus | Antigone behind. I am emotionally and physically exhausted from night after night of high tragedy. It's been an experience worthy of Sophocles.

 

The fates have spoken! Read the reviews...

"The Archway Theatre went all out, the costumes were fabulous, the setting sparse, inventive and perfectly suited to the wild storyline and the passionate Greek characters. And the actors where so committed to the style and technique specific to Greek theatre that you could have heard a pin drop the audience was so entranced...

Each and every cast member was brilliant. The Greek chorus a dream, masks and all..."

- NoHoArtsDistrict.com (Full Review)

"Archway Theater's revamped productions of Sophocles' 'Oedipus-Antigone' demonstrates that though challenging to portray, the classics still have power and potential for the audience of today. Adapted and directed by Archway's Artistic Director Steven Sabel, this new production manages to rest on the foundations of the original Greek style, yet present it in a fashion relatable to the modern audience."

- Examiner.com (Full Review)

Raised in Captivity Closing!

Jamie Sowers & Robert Dean Nuñez

Yesterday the lights went out on Raised in Captivity at STAGEStheatre to a full house. This show has been challenging, maddening, exhausting - and highly fulfilling. I am so blessed to work with such talented artists. We were presented with one of the most difficult scripts I have worked on to date, and I believe that every one of us rose to the occasion. I am very proud of this show and the boldness of our work. Raised in Captivity had been emotionally grueling and demanding, but in the end I wouldn't have it any other way. I send thanks to our fearless leader, director Jack Millis, and the brilliant words of our playwright Nicky Silver. What a beautiful experience!

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.

Raised in Captivity Opening!

Raised in Captivity has been and continues to be one of the most challenging projects I have ever been a part of for many reasons. First, the playwright delves into serious subject matters with demanding language. Second, the range of emotions is startling. My character is a completely different person by the end of the play. On opening night, I was frankly afraid of taking the audience on this tumultuous journey. I try to practice my craft with a little fear as possible, but this experience required the element of fear and in the same breath demanded bravery. I am so proud of this show and the entire cast for their courageous performances this weekend. Here are just a few things the critics are saying:

"I admire the fearlessness of Silver’s plotting –his willingness to take the characters and the audience way, way out of their comfort zones.... All of the actors are superb.  Each of them have tough roles to play, and they rise to the occasion."

–The Orange Curtain Review (read the full article here)

"...Millis and company take moments to focus on the halting attempts at honesty and intimacy these insular, incredibly fucked-up people are yearning for. That gives this very dark and, at times, uncomfortable play moments of deep poignancy, and it makes the play's final image between two hopelessly flawed individuals resonate."

–OC Weekly (read the full article here)

"If the ideal “Captivity” cast exists, Millis has certainly created it."

–The Orange County Register (read the full article here)

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!

The Incarnation Premiere

Jamie Sowers & Julina Creamer

Tonight was the premiere party for The Incarnation. This is the first time I have seen one of my projects on the big screen and I have to say that it was very special. 

It was great to reunite with creator and actress Julina Creamer on the red carpet (pictured).

I am looking forward to promoting the film during the festival season. Check back soon for more details!

The 39 Steps Closing

There is nothing I will miss more than the fabulous cast and crew of this show. In performance, we just clicked. I am so very proud of our show and the audience appreciation we received during our run. Our closing weekend was oversold. The laughter from the audience filled my heart and soul. Although we were not critically reviewed outside of the local community newspaper, we were well received by our patrons - and that is all that really matter to me. After the final performance, we cleared the space with record speed and I left the theatre without grandeur, but still feeling a great sense of accomplishment. Sometimes the greatest learning experiences come from the humblest of places. Thank you for a magical ride.

The Incarnation Official Trailer!

Here it is at last! A first look at The Incarnation! I am so grateful to have been a part of this film by the talented Julina Creamer! Be sure to watch in HD and like it on YouTube. Information on the premiere coming soon! For more details Click Here.

Play Reading: Unrelenting Relaxation

I had a wonderful experience last Saturday evening. During the play reading of Unrelenting Relaxation at the Fullerton Museum I was overcome with emotion. I am so grateful to the playwright, Amanda DeMaio, and to STAGEStheatre for entrusting me with this beautiful and poignant piece of theatre. I feel blessed to work with such talented artists.

We had a very good turnout for the show. Sitting the the museum gallery among all the stunning photographs of comfort women looking down on us made things more real to me. It is important that we tell their story. There were many crimes against humanity committed during World War II, and it is important that we remember and continue to learn from the mistakes of the past.

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.

Dialects for Actors - French Accent

I am currently rehearsing for a play that requires a French dialect. I have never been one to pick up dialects easily by ear. In fact, there are only 2 dialects (other than my native Californian) that I consider myself convincing in: Standard British and Southern. So when faced with French I had a bit of a panic attack. I envisioned Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast. How on earth was I going to be THAT French?! Upon further reflection I realized that there are variations and subtleties to the dialect. We don't always have to be a caricature on stage, unless it is desired for some type of effect. As actors we need to foremost be understood. The question then became, where do I begin?

Step 1: Listen to Native French Speakers

If you have a friend, family member, or acquaintance that belongs to the country you are trying to imitate, have them pronounce some words or sentences for you. For example, I have a friend from London that assists me with my English dialect all the time. We often Skype and compare pronunciations and read scripts to each other. Just be careful to put your own spin on things. Don't get stuck in a repetition, reading the same line over and over again the same way. Be creative!

If the above suggestion is not an option, try a Youtube search or watch movies with your favorite French characters. You may make some discoveries there.

I began my exploration by listening to native French speakers on the International Dialect of English Archive.

Step 2: Find the Place of Resonance

For the French dialect, the resonance is located in the back of the mouth and at the bottom of the uvula (the fleshy extension at the back of the soft palate that hangs above the throat). Vowels that are near "m," "n," and "ng" become very nasal. Visualize the point of resonance and adding vibration to the nasal cavity will do wonders for your French dialect.

I had great success finding the place of residence by listening to the vocal coaching and instructional exercises by David Alan Stern, ph.D. You can purchase Acting with an Accent (French) at Samuel French or visit Dialect Accent Specialists, Inc.

I also find that it helps to anchor your tongue behind your bottom teeth. This is how the French are taught to speak. You may be surprised how authentic your accent sounds simply by following these guidelines!

Step 3: Be Aware of Sound Changes - Vowel and Consonant Substitutions

Making adjustments to the vowel sounds in a dialect can be monumental. For example, in the French dialect the short "i" (as in "finish") becomes a long "ee" (as in "feet").

There are also consonant substitutions that make all the difference. For instance, the voiced "th" sound (as in "this" and "that") becomes a "z" or "dz" sound, while the unvoiced "th" (as in "thin") becomes an "s" sound.

I found the following website very helpful with great FREE examples, complete with audio files! Click Here!

Step 4: Rhythm, Pitch, and Stresses 

French is a musical language and typically gives the stress to the last syllable in multi-syllable words. Ivan Borodin has a very good Youtube video on this topic (see below). You may also want to check out his other accent tutorials.



Step 5: Practice, Practice, Practice!

Stay away from your script for a little while. Don't practice the same lines over and over again until you have a good handle on the accent. I recommend reading aloud and improving dialog until it becomes second nature. Then apply your new found skills to your script! I even wrote out all of my lines phonetically per the dialect's sound changes and wrote accent marks above the words or syllables I wanted to highlight. The more work you put in, the better your accent will get. Now get out there and have fun!

Whittier Center Theatre's 32nd Annual Hunter Awards!

Last night local theatre enthusiasts and members of the Whittier Center Theatre gathered for the 32nd Annual Hunter Awards. It was a lovely night reliving the past season and previewing what is to come next season.

I was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for Alais in The Lion in Winter. Although I did not take home an award last night, I was in very good company. I am most proud to say that our Eleanor, Candace (Candy) Beck took home Best Actress. I am so very happy for her and she deserves every success for her efforts. I could not have done my job without her. She is simply the best to work with and a really hard worker. Congratulations to Candy and all the winners!

 

And the award goes to....
 
Oh My God Award: Andy Kresowski

Techie Award: Don Yeomans (not pictured)

Special Recognition Award (for services over the past seven years as outgoing WCT President): Richard De Vicariis

Special Recognition Award ("Best Performance by an Attorney in a Supporting Role"): Lewis Crouse

Best Set: Suzanne Frederickson - Rumors

Best Performance by an Actor/Actress in a Minor Role: Jonathan Tupanjanin - The Lion in Winter
 
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role: Cleta Cohen - Rumors
 
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role: Richard De Vicariis - Rumors
 
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role: Candy Beck - The Lion in Winter
 
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role: Jason Falske - Rumors

Best Director: Justin Patrick Murphy - Rumors
 
Best Show: Rumors

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!

Best Supporting Actress Nomination - The Lion in Winter

I have been nominated for Best Supporting Actress for The Lion in Winter at Whittier's 32nd Annual Hunter Awards. I am so incredibly proud of this show and all the people involved. The Lion in Winter is nominated in EVERY category! It is also my hope that we win best production of the season. A huge congratulations to all the talented nominees!

The Incarnation - Post Production

The Incarnation is currently in post production and will be completed shortly. It will be submitted to festivals for the 2015/2016 Season. I am so excited to see the finished product.

For information on the cast, crew, and future updates check out The Website of Julina Creamer.

The Incarnation - It's a wrap!

Last Saturday I wrapped my role in The Incarnation, and today the filming is complete. It felt so good to step back onto a film set (It has been too long!). Shooting this project has made me realize that how many possibilities I have on my doorstep. I met the most amazing cast and crew this weekend. The energy on set energized me and gave me a renewed sense of purpose. I cannot wait to see the final project.  Here is a sneak peek...

The Incarnation Casting!

I just received word that I have been cast in a short film, The Incarnation. I will be playing a supporting role along side the beautiful and talented Julina Creamer. I can't wait to get on set.

Learn more about The Incarnation here.

More info. coming soon....