Total Pageviews

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Yearning to be a star

Sure, everyone has had dreams or fantasies of being a famous person. Whether it be an athlete, politician (goddess forbid) or an actor, dreams are there for a reason. To make us strive for excellence. To urge us on to better achievements and personal goals. For me, I've always wanted to be famous.

I love acting. Drama class was by far one of my favorite classes in high school and college. From playing Lady Macbeth (I'm sure every senior has played her by now) to playing a blind witch in the 3 act play The Witches. (where I won an award of excellence in acting). As I grew up, my urge for fame never wavered although the method of fame altered slightly. 

As my writing took off and became its own entity, I found that I yearned for fame of the written word. I wanted and still want to be on the New York Times Best Sellers List. I would love to win a Pulitzer Prize but reality sets in and I wake up to the realization that I'm a very small fish in a very vast ocean of writers.

The acting bug came back in a big way a couple years ago. I had the extreme pleasure of playing a fallen angel in the web series S.O.T.A (Soldiers of the Apocalypse) and a star crazed fan in a music video with the band Abandon Paris. These two 'extra' rolls have spurred my desire for more work in the industry. 

I know my back has other options for me, pain seems to cease all fun and enjoyment. I  also know that I would give up everything for my 5 minutes of fame. 

Cosplay has been a venue for me to gain some notoriety. I was interviewed by a few web shows and CBC news. I've been on television a few times now via news stories and have had several pieces of my writing published. 

Still that acting bug keeps biting. I'm seriously considering doing some 'head shots' and writing a resume up for more acting work.  Acting for free is fantastic for me but all things considered, a little bit of money would be cool too.

I had being a captive to my health issues. It is preventative of me having fun, working for a living, and possibly killing any chance of dream fulfillment.

Who knows what the goddess has in store for me. All I know is that fame is still calling my name and I want to answer it wholeheartedly!

EL CENTRO - Vancouver Fringe Festival Entry Review


EL CENTRO - Starring Chris Cope and Michael Dickson. Directed by Cecilia Davis, Assistant Director Brett Willis

Showcased at the quaint Firehall Arts Centre 280 E. Cordova Street - Vancouver.

The setting- post Central American Conflicts. A Drunkard Professor Cohen postulates the past and limited future wretched from the emotional toil of Civil War. Brilliantly portrayed by Michael Dickson (Black Mountain Side, S.O.T.A). Michael takes the human psyche on a rum filled trip down the 'rabbit hole'. Recalling the violence, trauma and terror that was the ongoing battles in Central America in the early 70's, 80's. Along this ride of P.T.S.D, with the Professor is Alex. A quirky A.D.D. adult who experienced living in Central America during the Civil War uprisings. His constant tweaking, jittery movements and paranoia gave a believable nuance to his character. Alex, played by Vancouver Actor Chris Cope (Boys in the Band). Chris and Michael create a dynamic chemistry on stage, that brings out the excellence in this play.

In one short hour, Michael and Chris take the audience on a psychotropic journey without using the drugs to get there. We the audience gain access into the traumatized minds of both Cohen and Alex. Cohen seems to cope with his memories via a bottle or two while Alex struggles outwardly. This play is methodical, intense and captivating. The audience's attention is drawn to simple yet poignant props (Alex's chair) and the endless bottles of Bacardi. Filled with imagery, this play drives you to the center of your human core. El Centro is contemplative, emotionally agonizing, and psychologically draining, simply put a Masterpiece for the mind.

This is the first Fringe Festival  appearance for both actors.

RAVENBRAN RATING ***** 4.5 CLAWS

Vancouver Fringe Festival ran from Sept 5th-14th.